Levity During Heavy Times
Or... life lessons from Chumbawamba
Light Work
I’m gonna keep it light today.
Because the world is filled with heaviness and
my steadiness requires some balance, and
a boundary.
I’m gonna keep it light today.
In a way that emerges from the dense underbelly
of darkness that I’ve been through, I go through.
I’ll feel the fear and smile;
not to distract, or to soothe. I’ll smile to
make the dark worthwhile- a glimmer of hope to hold in
turbulent times.
I’ll get knocked down and get up again;
singing along to Chumbawamba;
not in spite, but in solidarity. Not to win, but
to participate.
Because participating fully through seasons of struggle
bears fruit; and this is how my spirit yearns
to converge
with this body that works
and this body of werk
I call life.
A light work.
It’s been a while since I’ve shared poetry. It emerges from a part of me that knows creativity to be healing. If it’s new for you to read poetry from me- welcome. If it’s not so new- welcome back (and thanks for hanging around for over a decade!)
Before written traditions (or instagram), poetry and song were the primary ways to pass on teachings in Chinese medical lineages and indigenous communities across the globe. When writing did develop in the East, it was and continues to be image-based: evoking a word, but also a feeling.
In a global culture that is very attached to intellectual answers, I hope that moments of creativity, joy, and connection can flourish alongside heavy realities to offer you space for curiosity. As I continue to question how colonization and imperialism have filtered the global culture’s world views (and my own), I can sense something very honest:
As much as my mind craves answers, it is a great question - sometimes provoked by a great work of art - that will more often support long-term integrity + sustainability.
So, I’ll keep the statements minimal today and leave you with a question that has been sobering and playful for me to sit with the last few days… it is a koan:
If I am not what I do, who am I?
I wonder what might come up if you sit with the question for a moment, a week, a month, a year…
May your life be light work.
And a (t)werk of art.
With care,
Kevin
Upcoming Gatherings…
Ethereal Matters - Last day of registration Feb 6!
Feb 9-Mar 20
You’ll explore the demons of the 7 chakras: attachment, illusion, lies, grief, shame, guilt, fear… and how to work with them supportively through asana (physical practice), mantra (mythology and vocal liberation), and meditation (accessing the superconscious).
Liberate thriving relationships between emotion, energy, ether, and matter to support big dreams in your physical being.
This course includes:
An opening circle live on zoom* Feb 10 at 7-8:15am Pacific Time
Daily 20-minute practice (pre-recorded)
A weekly live zoom practice* (Tuesdays Feb 17-Mar 17 at 7-8:15am Pacific Time)
A closing circle live on zoom* Mar 20 at 7-8:15am Pacific Time
Practice buddy/small group connection for support + accountability
*All zooms will be recorded for playback later.
You will have access to all videos for 1 year minimum
It is highly encouraged that you attend all zoom practice session live, to create maximum benefit for you and the group. You are not expected to have “perfect” attendance (life happens), but there is a strong intention to be present for live zoom sessions.
🗓️ Feb 9 – Mar 20 (preparing for the Lunar New Year and the Energetic New Year
📍 Virtual on Somawell
🎖️ Certified for 18-hrs of continuing education under Yoga Alliance
Tuition: $158
Community Acupuncture + Medicine Songs
Feb 27, 5:30-7:30pm at ALL Studio, Vancouver
with Malina Dawn
This community circle is a sweet way to rest in the teachings of Cree and Chinese lineages. Ceremony merges the depth of body + spirit with a progression of ear acupuncture, medicine songs, and connection with community. We’re at a beautiful new location - ALL Studios - but space is limited, and it often fills quickly. Save your spot today to join us for an evening of care.
Dynamics of Qigong
March 7 at Land Studio, Chilliwack
March 8 at ALL Studio, Vancouver
Dynamics of Qigong: your 3-hour intro to medical qigong returns this year with options in Chilliwack or Vancouver.
If you are....
navigating chronic pain or disease
in recovery (physically, mentally, emotionally)
curious about the healing intersections of movement + Chinese medicine
a Novice to qigong that want to know why something so simple feels so good
an advanced yoga or qigong practitioner that is ready to work smarter, not harder
…this is for you.
Discover your subtle energy body. Discern the root cause(s) of what you are experiencing, and embody qi (energy) dynamics in a way that is helpful + healing… for any body. Feel all of this through slow-paced, highly intentional movement that gives you space to cultivate healthful momentum + ease around the stickiest of stuck spots. Feel liberated in your body, and your life, on + off the mat.
(Email studio@aplaceto.land to save your spot in Chilliwack)
Bali Pilgrimage (3 spots remain)
March 22-29
Retreat North of Ubud, Bali
Walking with Spirit
Don’t miss your chance to join this heart-opening pilgrimage!
Somatic Summer Camp: Authentic Expression in Tumultuous Times
August 31 - September 5, Hollyhock on Cortes Island
with Rachel Athey + Winchester Victor
This retreat is a trauma-informed, embodied practitioner’s dream! Set on the wild and vibrant lands of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, and Homalco Nations, aka Cortes Island, you’ll be supported by a team of compassionate practitioners through a somatic journey that nourishes inner truth and invites you to radiate: lovingly, fiercely, authentically.
A summer camp for you healing warriors that deserve to be cared for the way you care for others.
