In November 2019, I took “Skill in Action” with Michelle C. Johnson. Skill in Action is a yoga teacher training designed for activists, allies, and agents of change. It was powerful and profound. There was so much to process that my body didn’t know its left from its right when it was time to go home. I opened my car door and proceeded to enter with my left foot first. The rest of my body sort of tumbled in and eventually landed in a heap in the driver’s seat.

In many ways, I feel like that today; like I’m learning to walk again. As my psyche awakens from the pandemic slumber of safety, I am learning to navigate through a world that is a heated and intense political kaleidoscope, with many lenses. I feel called to re-examine my inner dialogue of what it means to be a non-white woman and from a home of conflicting cultures. How do I want to show up on the world? I am now working my way through Michelle’s book “Skill In Action”. Each chapter follows with an exercise. Here I share practice #1, based on George Ella Lyon’s poem “Where I’m From.”

Where I’m From

I am from dolls and home made avena.

I am from mud, grass and a sea of unlimited possibilities around the the playhouse.

I am from a Yulan Magnolia tree where I birthed dreams and read, cradled in its hearty trunk.

I am from three languages and a kitchen table that was the center of the world, from Conception and Manuel.

I am from stubbornness and humor, from Shhh! and you’re too loud.

I am from a strong faith and the ability to choose my own religious path.

I am from Southern California’s sunshine and Connie’s spiritual curiosity, from Carmen’s belief in the power of prayer and love served in delicious meals.

I am from the dust on the dance floor, photographs now stamped in the cloud, and trust in the ability to heal and be re-birthed anew.

I am from the fight of being a non-white woman, from a voice shouting in and to the world and from love blossoming of the Self.