LILA LUE YOGA
I feel so grateful to live in Peterborough, traditionally known as Nogojiwanong (meaning place at the end of the rapids). One of my favourite places to spend time on this land (well really water!) is the Otonabee rivier where it splits off and snakes around Beavermead Park, providing an amazingly peaceful place for a paddle.
Land Acknowledgement
It is important to my heart to recognize the land on which my offerings take place. Please see below for the land acknowledgement provided and approved by Curve Lake First Nation:
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I respectfully acknowledge that Lila Lue Yoga is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.
Lila Lue Yoga respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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I would also like to add that I recognize my responsibility as a descendant of white settlers to continue to learn the truth of this country's history and take action towards reconciliation and decolonization. For me, this has included reading books and watching documentaries, attending indigenous led events, donating to organizations working towards reconciliation and seeking out opportunities to integrate indigenous ways of knowing into my work through consultation and collaboration with local knowledge keepers. I recognize the ongoing nature of this work and commit to continuing to deepen my learning and engagement to move forward in a good way.
Acknowledgement of the yoga tradtion
I feel it important to also acknowledge the roots of the yoga tradition which a originate in the Sarasvati Indus valley in what is now India. A few thousand years ago, a group of people, known originally as sramanas (which translates as strivers) dedicated their lives to seeking out a kind of "living liberation". They developed a set of practices and principles that eventually became know as yoga, and those who practiced, yogis*. There are still those today who live a life entirely dedicated to living by the principles of yoga. The term yogi is one that should be reserved for these practitioners.
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In the West, the practice of yoga has too often been reduced to simply a form of exercise. Even worse, it has too often become an elitist form of exercise that is practiced by mostly by people of a certain gender, with a certain body type, wearing certain clothes, in a certain environment.
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As a white yoga teacher in the West, I feel I have a responsibility to dismantle this kind of white-washing that has taken place in the ways that I am able. For me that has included welcoming all bodies to my classes and teaching beyond the poses by integrating the wisdom of yoga. I acknowledge that I am sharing a tradition that does not come from my ancestors and am dedicated to participating in lifelong learning so that I may honour the yoga tradition as both a practitioner and a guide. I welcome suggestions and perspective from those who have more knowledge about, experience with, and connection to the yoga tradition.
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*Source: The Wisdom of Yoga by Stephen Cope