Cameron.Dabney.Kindness.head

I can barely remember a time when I didn’t know Kindness Yoga’s Cameron Dabney. Rarely have I been more proud of her than I was today, though.

“On Monday, the goddess Kali rained,” Dabney began her noon class at Kindness’ South Broadway location. “Emotions were many and varied, from anger to confusion to fear. The emotion that most resonated with me was empathy. Empathy reminds us that we’re all united.”

Alluding to the Boston Marathon tragedy by invoking the Hindu deity of destruction struck a definite chord with Dabney’s students. She continued to develop the insight as she guided yogis through poses.

“When a part of the body is injured, white blood cells join forces to support the healing process. The same thing that happens on that microcosmic level happens on a macro one with the human race. We are the planet’s white blood cells.”

The metaphor galvanized the group. “We are one breath, one mind, one body. Can we forgive our shortfalls? Can we heal? Through empathy, we can heal. Through energy, we can heal.”

Camel pose, a heart opener, was utilized by Dabney toward the hour’s end to channel Kindness’ collective compassion for those affected by Monday’s blasts. I wanted to participate but, even more than that, I wanted to manifest a pen to transcribe my (positively radiant) longtime friend’s inspired words.

George Peele enjoys strapping on height enhancers and aurally ambushing strangers. He is Music Editor for 303 Magazine. Follow Peele on Twitter: @Orangepeelmoses. Avatar image courtesy Jonathan Shoup.