Today, the 10th of September 2021, is Ganesha Chathurthi or Ganesha's birthday. Till today vedic astrologers are able to calculate the exact date in the vedic calendar. This birthday is celebrated all over India with a lot of excitement. The food that is Ganesha’s favourite is made, like kozhukattai (as it is called in south India) and modhak (as called in the north). His symbolism is seen in the picture above and below is an Ode to Ganesha.
Read MoreSPIRITUAL BYPASSING - 108- “Do not play the victim”
PLATITUDES PLATED FOR A PRICE
A platitude is a dull or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh and profound. It gives the false impression of wisdom when it actually is propagating irrelevant ideas, falsehood and in certain cases causes damage. So if you find someone serving you stale or saccharine sweet spiritual smoothy, go elsewhere. Or better still, drink from your own cup.
Read MoreCULTURAL APPROPRIATION IS NOT LIMITED TO JUST YOGA - CULTURAL GENOCIDE OF THE FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE NEEDS MORE AWARENESS
Photo from a Facebook post by Maskwasis Boysis telling the story of her father’s experiences in residential schools in Canada.
So far we have been looking at cultural appropriation specific to yoga culture. However the stark abuses, atrocities and genocide of the first nations people in Canada and the U.S needs to be spoken of.
The last week was heavy due to the discovery of 215 first nations children, some as young as 3 who were buried behind the Kamloops residential school after being physically, sexually, emotionally and spiritually abused by priests, nuns and the government. I was not surprised yet shaken.
I had read up and spoken to elders about residential schools so I was aware to an extent. I also have first nations students, so I know of their missing sisters, lack of facilities and marginalization that still happens today.
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