The Bridge

Today I watched as Inner IDEA Conference attendees allowed their separate journeys to flow into one collective, rhythmic stream of consciousness. Yesterday it seemed as though everyone stepped a timid foot into the circle, unsure of where the labyrinth's path would take them. Nevertheless, they committed themselves to a path. Along the way they are finding what their practice will be or how their practice will transform. A joyful adjunct: the sense of community and support.

In almost every session I attended today I noticed the web that had started forming on Thursday had now stretched its gossamer intentions to include an even greater piece of the Inner IDEA sphere. People are not isolating themselves. They are not obsessed with serving the ego. Rather, attendees are helping each other in ways I have never seen before. It's more than idea-sharing. This is good old-fashioned service to others. And it bodes well for the bigger wellness industry picture.

I have seen no competition in the yoga classes. Attendees seem to not only be willing to accept their own limitations; they are also reaching out to each other to help correct anatomical positions. They are sharing business secrets openly and without regard to potential financial consequences (real or imagined). Older wellness professionals are seeking out the younger ones and sharing sacred pearls, starting new strands of wisdom. Attendees are feeling safe enough to allow emotions to surface during sessions; and the community understands, uplifts and holds the space.

This new sense of community and openness was well represented in the session "Nia® -- The Five Sensations of Feeling Fitness," presented by Carlos Rosas and Debbie Rosas. This class was a microcosmic orbit of knowing, feeling and being. A cross-section of individuals-old, young, male, female-shed their inhibitions and hang ups at the front door and really, really, allowed their inner beings to manifest in movement. I witnessed people trade in old gazes for new ones, unlock their pelvic girdles and allow language to flow through their hands. I realized this unguarded moment where people were allowing themselves to be themselves was the bridge ... to the path ... to the practice.