How Growing Up in a Commune Shaped My Approach to Wellness
From birth, I was raised in a intentional community. This particular variety of intention community was an authentic hippy commune, created in 1969 by a group of young people living in the San Francisco Bay Area of California who were looking to live an alternative, experimental lifestyle. It was founded on a philosophy that you are perfect the way you are – not broken, wrong, or needing to be fixed. This was, and still is, a radical idea that has been around for millennia and is also a key pillar yogic philosophies. So, when I was a young teen, being introduced to modern, western postural yoga by some of the community members, it was an amazing embodiment of the philosophy I had been taught for years.
Now, as a Yoga Therapist, I take this same philosophy of perfection with me every time I teach a class or work with a private client. Yogic philosophy, as well as the More philosophy from the Morehouse commune I grew up in, offers a unique perspective on perfection, which differs significantly from conventional notions of flawlessness. Purnatva, as it is named in Sanskrit, describes the inherent perfection and fullness that exists in all things, rooted in the belief that Spirit is completely perfect.
This super-important concept explains that:
You are "imperfectly perfect" just as you are.
There is nothing lacking in any moment, even during challenges or discomfort.
Life is full and complete as it is, with no accidents or mistakes.
As I guide my clients through their challenges, whether in group teachings or individual conversations, I help them cultivate this foundational belief. As a yoga teacher, I am not here to fix you or tell you what you should do. I am a guide for you to discover your true nature as a perfect being, connect with your deeper self and realize your inherent wholeness.
The yogic understanding of perfection offers a refreshing and liberating perspective that challenges our conventional notions of flawlessness and achievement. In our modern society, we often equate perfection with an end state – a final, polished version of ourselves or our lives that we strive to attain. This misconception can lead to constant dissatisfaction, stress, and a feeling of never quite measuring up. However, the yogic and More philosophies presents a more nuanced and holistic view of perfection that aligns beautifully with the natural ebb and flow of life.
This understanding doesn't negate personal growth or change. Instead, it reframes our approach to self-improvement. Instead, it emphasizes that:
Expansion and contraction are always happening, and you are a work in progress. We can view them as natural, ongoing aspects of our journey.
The present moment, regardless of its nature, is exactly as it's meant to be. This invites us to fully accept and engage with our current reality, understanding that it holds valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
Perfection is an "inside job," emanating from within rather than being defined by external achievements or appearances. It encourages us to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness, rather than constantly seeking validation from the outside world.
The Morehouse commune is still thriving 56 years later due to the passion of it’s members to create long-term, sustainable and pleasurable relationships with the guiding framework of the More philosophy.
I lived in the commune for eight years as after college, giving me a deeper understanding of the lifestyle as an adult. I bring my deep-seeded value of community and interpersonal connection into my approach to wellness. We all need community support. In yoga this is called our Sangha, or spiritual community. It brings me great joy to bring people together for spiritual and personal growth, offering a supportive community for practitioners on their journey. Being in community is not just nice idea, it is necessary for awakening. The collective energy of a sangha can be powerful, helping individuals stay committed to their spiritual goals.
Here are some key benefits of being part of a sangha that motivate my practice of yoga-focused community building and leadership:
Support and Encouragement: A sangha is crucial for spiritual and personal growth, offering a supportive community for practitioners on their journey. It provides a nurturing environment where like-minded individuals come together to practice and grow, serving as a source of motivation and inspiration.
Collective Wisdom: Diverse experiences and perspectives converge, creating a rich tapestry of wisdom. Members learn from each other's insights and challenges, gaining new perspectives and deeper understanding of spiritual teachings. I sure learned a lot about diverse perspectives on life while living in a house with 21 people!
Accountability and Discipline: Acts as a supportive structure that reinforces accountability and discipline, helping individuals stay aligned with their values and aspirations.
Self-Reflection and Growth: Serves as a mirror for self-reflection, allowing practitioners to recognize their faults and areas for growth through interactions with others.
Safe Space for Authentic Expression: Offers a safe space where individuals can share experiences and doubts without judgment, fostering authentic expression and personal growth.
Energetic Support: The collective energy of the sangha supports and enhances individual practice, often providing strength that surpasses what individuals can generate alone.
By participating in a spiritually-minded community, we enrich own spiritual practice and contribute to the flourishing of a community bound by a shared commitment to awakening and growth. I am grateful for my communal upbringing and being introduced to yoga as a embodiment of love for myself and others.