These guys are known as Turf Feinz (Oakland, CA) – a neighborhood group trying to make a difference in their area. We all know the scene: They’re surrounded by varieties of difficulties that can plague inner city life. Yet here, instead of giving in or giving up, they are out to make a difference by expressing their creative light that shines within – and they are sharing that with all…
The significance of this particular video is that this street corner is the site where one of their friends was killed in a car accident. They wanted to honor his memory.
Here is what they say about themselves on their Facebook page:
We organize dance battles to organize young people, provide a safe space for entertainment and continue the advancement of turf dancing as a street culture and a recognized art form.
Yesterday was our Live Sitar and Yoga program – we had a full house (23 participants) – thanks to all who came!
Anthony Malatesta played the sitar beautifully and via those soothing & mystical sounds, we ventured into yoga’s more meditative side. Yes we did a range of physical poses, but more than that we explored sadhana practices like yoga nidra (deep relaxation), svarshastra (science of breath control), pranayama (specific breathing techniques), and more.
Sometimes all were lying down with their pillows and eye pillows gazing within, and other moments striking a pose of challenge. Mostly though it was about the meditative approach.
As a teacher, it was a sweet joy to be part of this collective as everyone delved deep into the introversial flow – i.e. exploring within.
Diane Burr of the Chesapeake Current was also on hand and she plans to do an article in the near future about the program. Please watch for it.
All in all, the program went well and everyone reached a state of peace and realization. All got what they wanted – except for one. A faithful & long-standing member of the Tuesday morning abs class asked if from now on the 20 min abs intensive could incorporate the relaxation elements of the yoga-sitar program – the answer was a firm “no”. We have our standards after all!!
The live sitar and yoga is a special gathering and we certainly hope you will consider coming out for the next one!!
In the above video, the world famous sitar player Ravi Shankar (born 7 April 1920 in Varanasi, India) performs on the Dick Cavett show a few decades ago.
He is accompanied by tabla player Alla Rakha (left). By the way, that is George Harrison of the Beatles sitting on the couch at the beginning of the clip.
On Sunday July 11, we will have our own live sitar & yoga seminar at Galesville Hall. Click here to register.
