Love What You Can't Hold

In Emergent Strategy Adrienne Maree Brown writes: "Love leads us to observe in a much deeper way than any other emotion." On this near-Summer evening we hope you'll join us in the presencing practices of listening, observing, sensing, feeling, and letting go as we walk with the birds of Sauvie Island and contemplate the question: in the landscape of impermanance, how do I love what I cannot hold? 

With the beautiful lands of Wapato Island Farm, through the lens of the ephemeral, we'll bear witness to the lives of the birds we encounter and trace the unseen pathway back into our own interiors and the ephemeral within us. 

We'll begin with guided grounding and a grief share, led by Laura Green. Then we'll strike out with Han Lyons to meet the birds and land. Following our walk we will practice a long savasana , guided by Cary Spaeth, under the nightening sky; an offering to our own lives, the lives of those who have already left their bodies, and to the body of the earth. We'll conclude our time together in the ceremony of sharing food, with a plate reserved for those who are no longer in body, whomever they be. Your beloved dead are welcome to join us.  

Please bring something to lie down on (blanket, towel, yoga mat, etc), binoculars if you have them, a notebook and writing utensil if you'd like to keep a record of your experience, a dish to share, and layers should the incoming evening bring cooler temperatures.

Recommended Donation - $25

If you can afford more - we'll gratefully pass your generocity along to fellow grievers. If you need to pay less, we'll feel grateful to you for allow ing your community to support you.

About Cary:

I have been a dedicated practitioner of Yoga for more than half my life, and have been teaching for a little more than a decade. I came to Shadow Yoga after the death of my father when I was in my early 30s, having felt the instinctual/intuitive pull to an established, strong container that I understood to be authentic in its approach, and have been on that particular path ever since. The elegance of this practice informs the facilitation I offer, and supports my life in every other way.

In another life I was the steward of North Portland Yoga, and that was an honor in the highest. I attempt to be a humble guest on this path and bow deeply to the lands whence it comes. I hold that Yoga cannot capitulate to capitalism, and we have to learn that radical wisdom in our bodies so that we may continue imagining and shaping a livable world for all beings.

I have recently embarked upon the path of deathwork, having participated in the training retreat with Alua Arthur and Going With Grace. I am currently enrolled in the course and plan to become a nationally certified death doula. I am so very honored to be in this practice and in this life with you.

(More info about Cary at: caryluna.com)

About Han:

I am the founder and host of a weekly women and queer birding club - Birdhers. Birdhers is a free space for womin, Queer, Trans and non-binary people to build community by walking together, being present in nature, observing flora and fauna , sharing knowledge and curiosity about the world around us. 

Through the lens of bird watching, we strive to create a safe, accessible space in nature for people outside of the white cis-hetero patriarchy that has historically dominated this practice.

(More info about Han at: birdherspdx.com