"If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

― Lilla Watson

One of the more wonderful aspects of this modern wellness movement is the deep desire that many practitioners have to be of service. A recent study on the behaviors of the American yoga community found that yoga teachers are twice as likely to donate their time to their community as the average U.S. adult. About 54% of them do.

With all of this positive intention, it is sometimes easy to be unconscious of the importance of approaching community engagement with real self-reflection and social awareness. Often, teachers with wonderful hearts and great intentions, rush into communities that they don't share life experiences with, and are not representative of. This approach to being of service can neglect both the power dynamics that are simply part of the structure of our society, and the careful self-reflection on whether we are the right fit for the parts of the community we are trying to connect with.

In this Amala Foundation facilitated workshop, we will explore the meaning of conscious service together through group activities, listening circles, and honest conversation. This session is limited to 30 participants that will break into circles of 10, where each circle will be led by a facilitator.

This event is free and open to the public with a SXSW Guest Pass.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.