What?!
I promptly submitted a workshop proposal. I had crafted "Awaken the Muse: Yoga to Unleash Creativity" a short time before. I'd offered it at yoga studios, but never to writers, and never at a conference. I felt like an absolute fraud, but I also feel like people will make opportunities for you if you express interest.
And they did. My proposal was accepted.
Crap.
I re-worked, re-developed, and fine-tuned the workshop. I cut it down to fit the allotted 90 minutes. In a moment of panic, I completely reworked the physical movement, when it was pointed out that there might be a huge range of mobility and people likely wouldn't wear yoga clothes.
And then I considered backing out.
Instead, last Friday I drove out to Pendle Hill and participated in the opening ceremonies. My friend, Taina Asili and her partner, Gaetano Vaccaro, were there to perform. I don't get to see those two frequently, so it was great to hang out and soak up their cherubic two-year old daughter. I still felt nervous but I also felt resigned. It will be what it will be.
Yesterday, I gave my workshop. The participants were so present and warm and wonderful. The response was overwhelmingly positive. All of the sudden, I felt known but also close to all these dynamic people. I learned about participants teaching poetry at Hunter College to nurses. I met a woman who offers creative healing to veterans returning from war. I met Poet Laureates and activists and writers. And they were all so crazy vulnerable and humble. We talked about how hard it is to do the work you feel drawn to and make a living. I learned about letting everything I do be a story.
Today, I'm saturated. But I'm also inspired. I truly encourage you, reader, to attend next year's conference. And to do something scary. And to be vulnerable.
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