So Hum: Self Expression through Yoga

Cityscape

Photography by Faern, Faernworks.com

Writing by Erica Rodefer

Model: Regina Franco

“Yoga reminds me that we, as humanity, are ONE—that our fears, desires and dreams are all actually the same. So when I see the world, I see a reflection of myself and yoga reminds me to approach all of my human interactions and relationships whether it’s romantic, friendship, familial, professional or casual from a place of loving compassion. We need one another. We need to lift each other up as we truly are better together than we are apart.” – Regina Franco

It’s funny that in a place like San Francisco, you could walk through the streets naked, singing at the top of your lungs, and people will barely even look up at you as you walk past. The city mentality is that the actions of others are none of your business… but yoga teaches us that the truth is, our combined actions impact each other and the world as a whole in a profound way.

A thriving cityscape is the perfect illustration of how we’re all inter-connected. I love this shot of Regina in San Francisco’s Union Square because it’s a beautiful reminder of just how connected we are.

It takes all kinds of people, with various passions, to make a city work. The CEO in a fancy business suit depends on the MUNI bus driver to get to his appointments on time. The San Francisco storeowner depends on the tourists from Nebraska to make a living. The pigeons, walking all bobble-headed on the sidewalk, depend on the crumbs left for them by the people. We might think we’re someone’s complete opposite, but if you look closely, we’re all just looking for love and acceptance… doing the best we can with what we’ve got.

In a city, a smile from a stranger on the sidewalk can brighten your mood and put a smile on your face. If one happy, smiling person passes 100 people on the way to work, just imagine the impact it can have! It’s a comfort to know that when you’re kind to yourself, you’re kind to others and when you’re kind to others you’re kind to yourself. That’s what the practice of yoga is really all about.

Faern is a yoga practitioner and photographer in San Francisco. Visit her website, follow her on Twitter, or like her on Facebook.

Erica Rodefer is a writer and yoga enthusiast in Charleston, SC. Visit her blog, Spoiledyogi.com, follow her on Twitter, or like her on Facebook.

Would you like to take part in this project as a model? Please be in touch by emailing this address sohum.selfexpression@gmail.com and we’ll send more information. If you are not in the Bay Area or planning a visit, do not worry, there are travel plans afoot, subscribe to the blogs  http://www.faern-in-the-works.com  and http://spoiledyogi.blogspot.com/  to keep in touch and get updates on travel plans”