Yoga Journal Blog: Samadhi in the City

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New York: Fearless in the City

Fearless08.jpgFearless. What does that mean, exactly, in a city where fear is a kind of sixth sense that helps us navigate? Even though it sometimes seems vital, with the help of yoga and meditation, I'm working on trading fear for a relaxed readiness.

We can all re-think our fear systems at Omega Institute's annual Being Fearless conference next month.

On April 11, 12, and 13 at a midtown hotel, an array of spiritual luminaries will assemble for our collective enlightenment. In years past, this conference has had keynote speakers like Al Gore and Malcolm Gladwell. This year's teacher roster is even more eclectic than usual, including: Rev. Michael Beckwith of "The Secret," yogic rockstar Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, author Anne Lamott, politician Robert Kennedy, Jr., Mia Farrow (yeah, I know), Valerie Plame Wilson (!), and the amazing Iyanla Vanzant.

I'm not sure I've dropped much fear in my last three years attending, but I have danced with Gabrielle Roth, heard Malclom Gladwell pumped for spiritual advice, had my aura photographed, and took a nap on something called a "Biomat" that's supposed to align every last chakra with its crystal essence. Or something. Last year after a heart-opening workshop I even thanked a favorite, beloved author for changing my life. She didn't miss a beat, immediately asking me for a bathroom. Ouch. NYC armor: re-activate.

Painful lessons aside, it's always weird and lovely to dip into the waters of yoga and soul and step out into midtown. Kind of like leaving a single yoga class times 100. I highly recommend checking it out, even if only for the pupu platter appeal of tasting a little spiritual-yogic something from a lot of fascinating someones.

It sold out last year. Click here for more.

Have you been to the conference? What did you think?


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