A Year Has Passed...

I feel at a loss, so much to say but then also feeling like it's not my place to say anything because I don't know enough, and the unfolding of the devastation runs deep through history, oppression, genocide, colonialism and loss. Over a year ago, I wrote a blog post and hosted a fundraiser online. Since then I have been involved in fundraising events with a wonderful friend and inspirational activist and teacher Josie. Together we raised awareness and money.

This is probably going to be my most nerve-wracking blog post to date, but you know, I don't care. Sometimes things are bigger than us and bigger than trying to stay small and quiet in order to stay liked.

But maybe, I don't need to know it all. I know this subject turns a lot of people off, you might not even make it to the second paragraph. But I feel my values deep within me, which were forged and made stronger through the learning and teaching of yoga. We get to make choices in this life, difficult ones, brilliant ones and we often forget the strength of our own voice and power(and so lucky to have a certain amount of choice still).

So, here are some thoughts, ideas, helpful links and points of focus, ahead of our online meditation/yoga nidra event on Wednesday(RSVP here). I've utilised the New Moon In Cancer to be our focus, at its roots it calls for love, community, connection and hope. All the things we need right now.

Knowing when to engage and when to take breaks.

We all have different levels of capacity. Each of us is on a path, and depending on what we are carrying, can affect how we can digest the news, the horrors and the reality of conflict in the world. I will share with you, honestly, that recently I've gone through a significant break-up, I'm in the depths of grief, and managing the sudden change of my future and plans. I share this not to gain pity, but for perspective. How is my capacity? Quite low, but I can choose to engage with the world in a way that fits me and how I am.

Last weekend, I was on my knees, I was following the 'march for Gaza', feeling so much hope and inspiration for the thousands who tried to break the blockade, but when they didn't make it through, I felt such sadness. And maybe that's ok, maybe it's ok to shed tears over a genocide that we are watching in real time. However, I cannot do this every day, or every week. I am no use to myself, or to my community if I am a wreck... plus my own heart needs some healing in real time. I can't contain it all.

So, it's about checking in, noticing how you feel and maybe acknowledging what you can witness or read, or hold each day. Each day is different.

I have also been grappling with the guilt I feel when I take time off, and this might be controversial(I mean this whole blog post feels controversial so never mind) but I think it's imperative, to take time off, to do the things you love, to go to yoga, laugh with your friends, dance in the sunshine and dunk yourself into the sea.

It's about the recharging, and also acknowledging that in our own personal lives, we are having to navigate a lot. Sometimes we can't hold it all.

But we can still donate and sign petitions, pray, and focus our minds on others. Traditionally in yoga, our sankulpa(intention) was often set for others, for those in need, our literal energy of the practice was for others, that's what kept us in a balance or able to hold a posture, was the dedication to the collective, not just the self.

Lastly, it's knowing that you have a choice in what you digest and how, knowing your mind and heart. I've found some valuable resources in reporting outside of mainstream media that are still verified and legitimate. I want to know what's happening, so I do not look away, but being highly sensitive, some images and things I cannot bear, they are left in me and cause me more harm than I can manage, I know that I do not need to see these images to feel galvanised, some other people do, the shock reminding us to donate, is also of value.

But notice what leaves you broken, for then you cannot show up for your close community with love, and stay connected with the story but in a way you can hold.

And as a side note, I also follow platforms and news that is good news, full of hope, joy and belief, you need both otherwise all hope can get lost.

Desensitisation and Habituation:

• Definition:

  Habituation is a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure. In essence, the brain learns to filter out repetitive or predictable stimuli, including horrific events, as it becomes familiar with them.

• How it works:

  Initially, a horrific event triggers a strong emotional and physiological response (e.g., fear, anxiety, increased heart rate). However, with repeated exposure, the brain's stress response diminishes, and the person may start to perceive the situation as less threatening.

It's sad but a normal response, we become disconnected, that's possibly why when I started fundraising for Gaza, when it first happened there was so much more engagement. We do have a filter, whether it be biased or a product of overwhelm. Brown lives are just as important as white, but the world doesn't react the same.

Maybe notice, if you are feeling burnt out by the longevity of the situation, the same images become like a far-off story, that reality doesn't feel tangible.

And maybe, take a breath, and know that you can do something. Reach out, talk with a friend, find an organisation you trust and send them £5 instead of getting a coffee... We can't all be superheroes. It's ok if you are doing a small bit, better small actions than nothing at all.

Hope, Love and Creativity.

Some of the best art, music, dance, poetry, music and novels were born from war and times of hardship. As humans, the pain often needs to morph into something; the energy of it finds an outlet, if you are called to create something during these difficult times, then do it!

It might sound flippant, brash, and useless, but we must remain in love, your heart is so powerful, and you can create change simply by remaining in love, kindness and hope.

I love the word Hope, I probably live quite a lot of my life nestled closely to this word. If you look closely, there is hope in every dark corner, seeing people stand up for what they believe is beautiful, the marches, the songs, the push for what's right. We can feel alone or isolated in these modern times, but really we do have each other and connection. Art creates connection, a dance class, a painting workshop, a mums group, and school fundraiser. Keep on looking for the hope, it will full up your heart and keep you strong.

So, for me, my creative space is currently movement, voice and sound. I am trying to do my bit, where I can. The hope lies in my clients who show up, donate what they can and connect with their community, whether online or in person. I know not everyone can, and that's ok too. As I said before, we are all on a path and everyone's capacity is different week by week.

So, what can you do?

Send an open letter to Keir Starmer. https://act.chooselove.org/page/171967/action/1

This is so quick and easy to do.

Join over 400 people, including Dua Lipa, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judi Dench, Malala, Gary Lineker, Nicola Coughlan calling on the Prime Minister to end the UK's complicity in the horrors of Gaza.

Fill out your details to email Keir Starmer and let him know you're adding your voice to the urgent call to:

• Immediately suspend all UK arms sales and licences to Israel 

• Use all available means to ensure full humanitarian access across Gaza for experienced aid organisations without military interference 

• Make a commitment to the children of Gaza that you will broker an immediate and permanent ceasefire and stop the starvation

Write to your MP.

Again, this will take 5 minutes out of your day.

Here is the template letter. Download it here.

Use this link to find your local MP and councillors. https://www.writetothem.com/

Donate what you can.

I am suggesting you donate to an organisation that feels right for you, but here are some suggestions:

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.

We provide immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system.  https://www.map.org.uk/

Choose Love:

People in Gaza are facing bombardment, starvation, hypothermia and disease. It is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. In the West Bank, violence is escalating, with more people forced to leave their homes than at any time since 1967.

Our partners in the region are providing displaced Palestinians with as much support as they can. But they need your help. Donate today.

https://donate.chooselove.org/campaigns/all-eyes-on-Gaza/?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Homepage&utm_campaign=Gaza&utm_id=AEOG

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - most of them hired locally. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.https://www.msf.org/ 

So, If you made it this far thank you. I don't know why this subject makes me so nervous, it's so loaded, weighty and difficult. But it shouldn't be really. Children are dying and getting injured beyond words. Thousands are starving. I know this post isn't like the usual wellness blogs, but maybe there can be space for it all. For example, I hope we can rejoice in the beauty of the Solstice but also show up for each other and for those in need.

I'm sure some of my writing is clumsy, poorly scrabbled together. I don't want to sound preachy or pushy. I am just trying to remain authentic and do what I can, so we can keep the pressure on and try our very best to keep fighting the good fight. Keep believing in hope, do not despair, keep raising your vibrational energy and keep loving.

If you are feeling drained or burnt out, join us on Wednesday at 7pm for 40 minutes of guided meditation, a deep yoga nidra to fuel the heart and mind and to raise money. To attend, I suggest you donate to one of the organisations linked above.

I'd love to see you there.

Take care of yourselves, all my love

Josephine x

https://www.echoyogaandsound.com/event-details/new-moon-hope-love-liberation-online-fundraiser

Rest in the quiet space of the New Moon in Cancer. This moon is feeling, longing, safety, the tides of our unseen world. Cancer is memory, intuition, the sacred and history. It holds the blueprint of belonging – cyclical, non-linear, tending. It invites us to heal our relationship with feeling, to protect what matters, and to create a sacred sanctuary of home within ourselves and for others. So a perfect time to come together to raise money.

A 45 minute practice to come together during these difficult times. You will be guided through a mindfulness RAIN meditation, find HOPE & LOVE, we will cultivate energy to keep us able to fight for justice, we will light a candle each and be held by sound.

I will send out helpful resources. in times when we feel like we have no voice, there is always an action or a way to help.

This is for my community to come together and stay connected. If you cannot attend but want to donate, RSVP anyway, and I'll be able to send you the recording of the session.

I am suggesting you donate to an organisation that sits right for you, but here are some suggestions:

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.

We provide immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system.  https://www.map.org.uk/

Choose Love:

People in Gaza are facing bombardment, starvation, hypothermia and disease. It is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. In the West Bank, violence is escalating, with more people forced to leave their homes than at any time since 1967.

Our partners in the region are providing displaced Palestinians with as much support as they can. But they need your help. Donate today.

https://donate.chooselove.org/campaigns/all-eyes-on-Gaza/?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Homepage&utm_campaign=Gaza&utm_id=AEOG

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistic and administrative staff - most of them hired locally. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.https://www.msf.org/