Gathering to celebrate, acknowledge and recognize the gift that is Yoga.
24 hours before the 21st of June, the Consul General of India in Cape Town arranges one of the most radical celebrations of International Day of Yoga to date; on the summit of Table Mountain. Two years ago this time, we arranged a flashmob in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront…
A phone call to the Flowing Nomads early on 20th June 2018 from the Consul General of India in Cape Town, Abhishek Shukla; gave way to making several rearrangements to be able to attend a site inspection of the top of Table Mountain for a possible gathering of 50 Yogi’s and Yogini’s to practice Yoga according to the Government of India’s Common Yoga Protocol, to celebrate, acknowledge and recognize the gift that is Yoga.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway was incredibly welcoming to the suggestion by the Consul General, and went out of their way to accommodate so many people.
With a special appearance by Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe and the backward point legend of South Africa, Mr Jonty Rhodes; we joined millions around the world working through breath, through movement, with a bitter South Easter wind winding its way up the mountain and into our bones. We grouped together closely around the ‘Big World Map’ in circles, with our very own Hunter PravAha, guiding the protocol. Hunter is the first teacher to graduate through the Flowing Nomads School of Yoga, and how very proud we can be at his efforts to help spread the love of Yoga. With the watchful eye of his teacher, Lauren Mensikovas, nearby to make sure all was safe and sound; students enjoyed themselves as history was made.
The cold aside, having an uninterrupted view of the bluest winter sky gave way to an emotional Yoga practice. Feedback was along the lines of ‘incredible’, ‘life-changing’, ‘amazing’ and ‘unbelievable’ – we take that as a good show. We are hoping to make this an annual event – although with a limit of fifty-odd, we will need to make sure nature comes first.
A massive thank you to Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for their open minds and hearts; it is people companies like you who help spread the love and power of Yoga. To Consul General Abhishek Shukla, for his imagination and spirit to make something so incredible happen in such a short space of time. Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe and Mr Jonty Rhodes for their interest in the arts. And our photographic guru, Darryl Gouws. To each and every soul that participated or witnessed this event – sending you love and respect, keep practicing.
See you on the mat.
