Berkshire Yoga Festival 2024

Part 1 of 2:  Broadening the view of addiction
When we mistakenly look outward for what lies within, believing that happiness and fulfillment reside in external factors like people, places, things, education, behaviors, substances, or experiences, we are led down a path that ultimately results in darkness and disconnection. This detachment from our true selves, often due to trauma or unfulfilled needs, is not just a catalyst for addiction, eating disorders, and co-dependent behavior, but according to ancient yoga and Vedanta texts, it's also the fundamental cause of all suffering, including societal issues like racism, sexism, and gender-based discrimination. However, we don't need to endure or inflict suffering. We have the power to rediscover and embrace our authentic selves. This journey of self-reclamation involves returning to and embracing the aspects of ourselves that we have long neglected or hidden, with the goal of restoring the innate love, acceptance, and sense of belonging that is our inherent right. Lecture, Discussion, Embodiment practices.