In Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar writes of our connection to all things. He says "Whilst performing the asanas the yogi's body assumes many forms resembling a variety of creatures. His mind is trained not to despise any creature, for he knows that throughout the whole gamut of creation, from the lowliest insect to the most perfect sage, there breathes the same Universal Spirit, which assumes innumerable forms ... He finds unity in universality."

I recently read a book called Four Seasons North, A Journal of Life in the Alaskan Wilderness. The author, Billie Wright, writes of life in a 12 by 12 ft. cabin in Northern Alaska. To keep warm in the -40-70 degree winter they have to shoot and kill animals, relying on caribou meat, fat, and fur to survive and keep warm. It would seem that this woman and yoga have little in common, and yet she too recognizes our need for interconnectedness. In her case that awareness is important to her survival in the harshest of conditions. She states: "To live in harmony with others including spruce, willow, grass, water, cloud, wind, sun , rock, the birds, animals, is essential, and still possible here if not elsewhere." She describes the effect of the wilderness on visiting friends: "Quieter inside themselves, perhaps they've learned to hear a little more of the abundant sound of the universe around them. They have learned, perhaps, to take the time, the necessary time, to look, to sense, to feel and to be, a little more."

It might seem ironic that I write of a woman using a gun to survive after writing in my summer brochure about Columbine and the need for gun control. In Billie Wright's case, she honored the sacrifice of those animals that fed her. Every part of the animal was used and needed, and nothing that wasn't needed was taken. In that environment and that situation, that's living in harmony. There is nothing harmonious about assault weapons or hand guns, and, in this country, they are killing our children at truly alarming rates. As unpleasant a topic as it is, I'm determined to continue to speak up until there is change. Living in harmony must include a social conscience and effort to do what we can to create a more peaceful world.

It can start with our yoga practice. In our practice we can take that necessary time that Billie Wright wrote of "to look, sense, feel, and be", to find as Mr. Iyengar states, Our "unity in universality." From there we find the strength to build community based on those principles.

The yoga Community showed its true heart and generosity in the benefit for Linda Clark. This dedicated Iyengar teacher lost her leg nine years ago and until this year had no prosthesis that worked. With new technology that has changed. Over $6,500.00 was raised so she wouldn't have to make payments for the right to walk like many of us make payments to drive a decent car. The outpouring of generosity showed not just compassion for Linda's situation but the depth of love and respect with which she is held by this community, and the inspiration she provides all of us with her courage and grace. A deeply felt thank you to all of you who contributed.

Namasté