Shifting the Paradigm of How We Show Up in Community
Photo Credit: Arik Cardenas
Greetings Kula 👽✌🏼,
I realized I’ve been sharing in the newsletters a lot about what’s happening at Kula lately but not enough about what’s happening beneath it. The heart. The purpose. The WHYYY. So snuggle up, grab a cozy cup of tea, or simply peruse the next (max) 5 min story time :).
As a basic starting point, "Kula" is a Sanskrit term used to refer to many things depending on the lineage, but mainly a "sense of belonging." In Hawaiian (part of my non-physically visible heritage lol), it refers to a "source" or "school." Both languages offer fitting interpretations for this precious creation.
The blossoming of Kula began with some heavy reflection on what it truly means to feel belonging and operate within community--to show up for one another out of reciprocity, not transaction. I can't help but feel compassion for those of us--arguably, most of us--who were raised in a hyper individualistic society and, as a result, understandably don't know what it means to "be in community"--myself very much included in that camp.
Society encourages us to live in silos, to protect and produce rather than connect and contribute. It takes courage to show up vulnerably, learn from mistakes (which are inevitable with interpersonal interaction), and move forward with compassion and the intention to reconnect to our INTERdependence.
I’m no expert in this work--only a student, honored to learn and grow alongside all of you. I extend specific gratitude toward @NikeAurea, @Christabelmintahgalloway, and @ConnectWithOumou. (Also, spoiler! Nike will be offering a virtual workshop in November to teach us stuff! WOHOO!!).
The truth is, connection requires a level of vulnerability, self awareness, and self reflection that can spark discomfort, even fear. Being in community requires us to be seen, to soften, to risk misunderstanding. However, it’s in that brave space that genuine connection begins to form. Hit up Brene Brown for more on that, of course, and reply to this email if you have other favorite researchers on the topic of shame, vulnerability, or the like!
"Kula," as well as the comprehensive practice of Yoga, is an experiment in remembering. Yoga is about many things, again, depending on the path or school of thought, but mainly it's a practice of returning back to our innate, unified, state of connection. Within and beyond the ~Kulasphere~, my intention is to challenge the culture of separation and create one where support isn’t earned or questioned--it’s instinctive. Where we honor each other’s boundaries while being honest with ourselves about when distance is actually avoidance.
Seeing as how this is a newsletter and not an exhaustive analysis of community and human behavior, I'll just note that there's plenty of nuanced discussion we could (and hopefully will!) have about the role mental health, cultural and familial influence, and more contribute to our ability to clarify the balance between reinforcing boundaries while still offering mutual support, even when it's slightly inconvenient.
While we’re still just a baby of a community, I constantly envision Kula alive with laughter, meaningful conversations, and genuine care--a space where showing up for one another feels natural, not novel. I imagine people saving a mat for a friend running late, offering rides home, taking walks together after class, lending a book that inspired them, sharing playlists or recipes, showing up for each other's celebrations and struggles, or simply saying hello to someone new.
This can be a community where generosity of time, energy, and spirit feels automatic and where support is second nature.
We just need ✨YOU✨ to join us!
with all the love & hope i can muster,
emily
