I was recently at a weekend retreat in upstate NY with 65 high-energy creative thinkers and entrepreneurs. Everyone was invited to bring a "talent or gift" to the group and it ranged from teaching yoga, to playing an instrument, to performing a chakra clearing, or leading a lecture.
One person led a small group discussion on The Meaning of Life. We joked this was a light topic for the weekend. 15 people gathered in a yurt and the speaker explained it has been a fascination since he wrote a paper on human evolution in college years ago. Technology is rapidly advancing and many wonder -- what is going to become of the human race? And how can we sustain happiness and human connection? He listed a few well-known theories and suggested a few of his own. Then he opened up the floor for our thoughts. The conversation quickly grew intense, especially surrounding "technology taking over." I grew incredibly sad for a moment wondering what the world would look like in 20 years.
The speaker said, "Scary shit, right?" We laughed. "But rather than feeling overwhelmed and helpless, I propose the question: what can we as individuals do about it? What's our bigger role as human beings in the grand scheme of things, in the Universe?" We all spoke to things we could do to help, large and small. I was inspired most by the simplest idea -- random acts of kindness, even just a genuine smile at a stranger on the street, is a reminder of human connection and can have a powerful pay-it-forward effect. Small acts make a big difference.
We did not solve the world's problems that day in the yurt but every person left inspired. We helped each other get out of our comfort zones to speak about esoteric, controversial topics of the meaning of life and human consciousness. As a group we became motivated to do our part in the bigger whole of the Universe.
In yoga, some might call this a satsang: a group of likeminded individuals who come together to find truth and a higher purpose. These gatherings are mind opening and heart lifting. It can be as simple as a group of friends discussing what is most meaningful to them in life. Carving out time for this, outside of day-to-day conversation, is always satisfying and well worth it.
PRACTICE
Create an opportunity to have a satsang with a few friends. Ignite meaningful conversation about seeking the truth. Dare to be out of your comfort zone. Feel the group high that builds from elevated discussion about life.
NEW VOCAB
Satsang [Sanskrit]: company of the True. The practice of gathering likeminded people who are seeking truth and an understanding of life through uplifting, inspired conversation. This is different than an ordinary social gathering; there is no small talk, only elevating speech. The mood of high-vibration discussion becomes infectious and motivating.
Circle up --
Chiyoko