12/03/2024
Greetings and some reflection for those of you who are interested in the softer part of The Yoga Tree - Chiang Mai. It is still operating as a sole proprietorship as it has always been.
Since we let go of our beloved physical space (the old Arak Road garden in 2019, and the Blossom Studio by The Yoga Tree in town in 2022). I continue my commitment to carry on with the 'Yoga The Yoga Tree - Chiang Mai operation by providing wellness events, retreats, and training. The pandemic has slowed everything down a bit. But yoga tree/dance mandala new and old connections continue to deepen through meet-ups that we have been having in selected locations around Chiang Mai. And soon in Europe, starting in England this July 2024. DANCEmandala by the DANCEmandala School for Moving Stillness Meditation has been a blessing, offering inspiration, motivation, and virtual community space. It has become a main modality that keeps many of us growing and thriving together.
I remember so many occasions when the yoga tree experiences were being facilitated and supported by a small number of people behind the scenes, in meetings, emailing, telephoning, in cafes, among the coming and going, before everything was delivered. I remember every ‘working with’ people who helped create the experiences. All hands and all hearts. If you are reading this, know that I celebrate you. Always.
This Bodhi tree was growing in a small plant pot in the Arak Road garden. The seed was probably dropped in there by a bird or a pigeon. What I saw growing and glowing was the spirit of the sacred land, Mother Earth. In 2015 I brought it home when the seedling was about 50 cm tall. I planted the little tree in the ground in the garden of my house, the home that is for me the home of the humbled heart and spirit of the Yoga Tree-Chiang Mai.
In these past couple of years, I have begun to gently open this home space to those who are real and unconditional. Reciprocal and with gladness, I saw more than a few yoga tree true friends. Their friendship remains available and with me no matter where I am and whether I have a studio space for them to participate in or run their workshops or not. If you are reading this. I celebrate you!
Reflecting on the success of the Yoga Tree, a lot of what had happened under the name of the Yoga Tree at Arak Road and Blossom Studio had happened at the mandala room in my house at Hang D**g. There, I experienced the flow of deep love, silence, generous creativity, rejuvenating rest, and clarity that provided me with the energy and the ability for conscious leadership, community spirit, and heart-based organization. Of course, not everything was perfect. Many ego(s) wasn’t served and entertained. But certainly, Yoga Tree was a whole-hearted Program and Operation. I thank all the challenges for the strength, fierceness, and learnings.
The Yoga Tree-Chiang Mai lives on in many hearts. Under its formal name ‘Yoga Tree or ‘โยคะทรี’. It is growing, changing, and maturing just like a living being like this Bodhi tree and the door of its’ true home opens for friends when the time is right. If you read this and find your heart blossoming! I celebrate it with you. Thank you for your presence and being🙏🏾✨🍀
~ Areeradh
