The Power of Touch
Tonight, I assisted teaching a yoga class for homeless people. The program was started by my fellow student Marty Fleetwood in association with Piedmont Yoga Studio. The classes are held in a community center in downtown Oakland.
There were about 12 students. The average age around 45-50. Their bodies - stiff, their minds - restless. When instructed, they readily moved their limbs but the movements were so tight and jerky. We used a lot of props - chairs, blankets, blocks - purchased by Marty's organization specifically for this program.
The main revelation for me was the importance of human touch. Living in a harsh and urban street environment, these people have very hard time relaxing. But when I touched them with care and compassion striking their shoulder blades down the back, I could feel their bodies softening right under my hands. And not just the area of touch. The whole body. The expression of their faces. Calming and soothing.
"The idea that you gain happiness by giving things away doesn't come automatically... But with practice you find that it's true. After all, when you give, you put yourself in a position of wealth. The gift is proof that you have more than enough." (Thanissaro Bhikkhu)
There were about 12 students. The average age around 45-50. Their bodies - stiff, their minds - restless. When instructed, they readily moved their limbs but the movements were so tight and jerky. We used a lot of props - chairs, blankets, blocks - purchased by Marty's organization specifically for this program.
The main revelation for me was the importance of human touch. Living in a harsh and urban street environment, these people have very hard time relaxing. But when I touched them with care and compassion striking their shoulder blades down the back, I could feel their bodies softening right under my hands. And not just the area of touch. The whole body. The expression of their faces. Calming and soothing.
"The idea that you gain happiness by giving things away doesn't come automatically... But with practice you find that it's true. After all, when you give, you put yourself in a position of wealth. The gift is proof that you have more than enough." (Thanissaro Bhikkhu)