Passionate Compassion.... Compassion is a deep feeling of empathic sorrow for the sorrow of another or the self. It is usually accompanied by a strong feeling or need to assist in the alleviation of that suffering. Compassion is that flood of energy that makes us feel connected, linked and seamless as beings. We feel compassion when we have exercised our own compassion muscles toward ourselves that we can now feel the muscles contract and expand toward others. Our own personal facility with entering into the dark places and compassionately loving ourselves in our ruined and seemingly deteriorated situations strengthens the muscles to then bring this about from within. We experience mercy and grace toward ourselves; we experience mercy and grace toward others. When a person or collective experiences compassion at a deep level, they have accessed the creative power of the universe. This story for example, from the book ‘Hope’ by Andrew Harvey, clearly illustrates the inherent power of compassion both individually and collectively. 
This is a "Pulitzer Prize" winning photo taken in 1994 during the Sudan Famine by Kevin Carter. The picture depicts a stricken child crawling towards a United Nations food camp located a kilometer away. This story is taken from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, a body organized after apartheid to both bring the violence forward as well as give victims and perpetrators a chance to be heard. The Commission brought an elderly black woman face to face with the white man, Mr. Van de Boerk, who had confessed to the savage torture and murder of her son and husband a few years earlier. The old woman had witnessed her husband’s death. The last words her husband spoke were "Father, forgive them". One of the members of the Commission turned to her and asked, "How do you believe justice should be done to this man who has inflicted such suffering on you and so brutally destroyed your family?" The old woman replied, "I want three things. I want first to be taken to the place where my husband’s body was burned so that I can gather up the dust and give his remains a decent burial." She stopped, collected herself, and then went on. "My husband and son were my only family. I want, secondly, therefore, for Mr. Van de Boerk to become my son. I would like for him to come twice a month to the ghetto and spend a day with me so that I can pour out to him whatever love I have still remaining with me. And finally, I want a third thing. I would like Mr. Van de Boerk to know that I offer him my forgiveness because Jesus Christ died to forgive. This was also the wish of my husband. And so, I would kindly ask someone to come to my side and lead me across the courtroom so I can take Mr. Van de Boerk in my arms, embrace him, and let him know that he is truly forgiven. The assistants came to help the old black woman across the room. Mr. Van de Boerk, overwhelmed by what he had just heard, fainted. And as he did, those in the courtroom - friends, family, neighbors, all victims of decades of oppression and injustice - began to sing ‘Amazing Grace’. If pain and sorrow are truly our teachers, may we all experience the compassion to flow though it. ANNOUNCEMENTS Two weeks unlimited for $30! New to Lion's Breath? Sign up for a Two Week Unlimited Pass for $30*. Hidden Gems Event—Body. Mind. Spirit Health Therapies Special! Enjoy 20% off all in house health therapies when you are a new client to Lion's Breath or first time visiting one of our practitioners! Spring is here...time to commit to health, wellness and a new start. Kshatriya Teacher Training Fall 2010 dates coming soon! (September through December) Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/lionsbreath and Twitter www.twitter.com/lionsbreath for news and updates! UPCOMING WORKSHOPS |
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Kettle Bell Workshop for Women |
Kettle Bell Workshop for Men |
What is a Kettlebell? Best described as a "cannonball with a handle", this piece of exercise equipment was first used by athletes over 2000 years ago in Greece, where the kettlebell is thought to have originated. Since then, it has been used by athletes, trainers, and ‘strongmen’ in many cultures and countries. Currently, the kettlebell is used by people of varying fitness levels from the raw beginner to pro-athletes. The kettlebell is by far one of the most versatile and simple to use training tools on the market today. |
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Berg Lake Hike & Yoga |
August Partner Yoga Workshop |
More information online at www.lionsbreath.ca/workshops. KSHATRIYA TEACHER TRAINING Kshatriya Yoga Year Long Program 2011 Kshatriya is designed for those wishing to teach yoga and those wishing to deepen their study of yoga. However, the emphasis of our program is direct, hands on experience as a teacher and finding your own authentic style. Students will have ample opportunity to implement their newfound knowledge into practical application in a class room setting. Upon full completion of the program, the student will be a 200 hour certified teacher through Yoga Alliance, the biggest, best and most highly recognized teacher training program in the world. You will be able to teach in Europe, South America and North America. More information online at www.lionsbreath.ca/teachertraining. |
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