EYI 2012: Going Into the Fire
Empowered Youth Initiative Day 6 I’m sitting here trying to calm myself down – trying to settle my thoughts after what I can only describe as the most transformational week of my life. Today was the last day of the Empowered Youth Initiative training with Off the Mat into the World. This week has already felt like such a rebirth – a new way of looking at and relating to the world around me. On our final day we drove to The Wright Ranch to partake in a sweat lodge ceremony. Our Leader, Miguel Rivera, explains the sweat lodge as an [...]
EYI 2012: My Community
Empowered Youth Initiative Day 5 I am the 1%. Well, not really- but I come from it. It is my community. And let me tell you; that is a scary thing to admit to these days, especially in the work I am currently being drawn towards. I know that there is a lot of anger towards my community- some justified, some not. I feel shame for the actions of my community; actions that have, knowingly and often unknowingly, contributed to the systems that have led to so much inequality and suffering. I feel shame for the selfish and short-sighted ways [...]
EYI 2012: Espiritu
Empowered Youth Initiative Day 4 Homeboy Industries ~ ‘Father G is a saint, the strongest man I know.” This is how our gracious guide described Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest youth intervention agency in the country. There is a building in downtown Los Angeles filled with rival gang members who are given a community where they can “learn to wake up in the morning and go to work.” HBI offers numerous services such as GED classes, Anger Management classes, Parenting classes, NA & AA Meetings onsite, Computer classes, Tattoo Removal, Legal and Immigration Services, Case Management and Mental Health services……..this community of mostly [...]
EYI 2012: Language, Expression and Culture
Empowered Youth Initiative Day 3 I’m reflecting on my 3 days here in LA with 3 of the most actively and socially conscious yogis in the West. Seane, Hala and Suzanne – Holy Trifecta of Social & Mindful Movement Batman! I’m with such an incredible and talented group of women who want to make a difference in their environment, its so inspiring… After making it to the EYI house just in time for opening circle, and the next day opening with Yoga w/Hala and Seane – we were delightfully immersed with lectures, conversation (and snacks) with Susan Phelps, who brought [...]
EYI 2012: Setting Down Roots for Conscious Activism
Empowered Youth Initiative: Day 2 I came to Los Angeles this week to learn about the challenges facing so-called “at-risk youth” and immerse myself in the organizations and individuals that are working to empower these kids. I expected to be tested and humbled. Gang culture sits decidedly outside of my life experience and, admittedly, outside of my comfort zone. What I didn’t expect was the inspiration I would draw from seeing my own image reflected back at me in the faces of some of the most passionate kids I’ve ever met. These four kids–high school students and recent graduates from [...]
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