This is one of those unrepeatable, only-at-Wanderlust kind of experiences, wherein a personality who you might recognize from one area of expertise (in this case, intelligent arena rock) reveals their deep grasp of yogic philosophy and shares how their own creative process is influenced by their understanding and practice of yoga and meditation.
So, what does a Grammy-winning rock star have to tell you about meditation practice? Sarah Neufeld, who began playing violin at the age of three and now tours the world with Arcade Fire, is, in fact, a very knowledgable yogi and meditation practitioner, being a co-owner and yoga teacher at Moksha (now Modo) Studio in New York City.
“When I began my meditation practice, I realized that I was tapping into this feeling that I also knew deeply from improvisation: this really open, expansive, awareness. And that was exciting for me because on the rare instance that I was able to sit and watch my breath, I came into that similar headspace that I knew from improvising. And I knew that from improvising that if you’re busy caught up in yourself, or thinking about where you want this to go, or how you want it to turn out, you’re totally not improvising and you’re not listening.
I had an ‘aha’ moment where I realized that - even though I had had so much more experience with improvisation than meditation - that this was the same thing.”
Once you’ve absorbed Sarah’s wise words, you could to bookmark this video and skip ahead to the 20-minute mark to make her open-hearted playing and the rolling Oms of this dedicated Wanderlust Speakeasy audience part of a totally delicious meditation practice. And then tell your friends you jammed — and meditated — with a Grammy-winner.
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Sarah Neufeld (Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre) lives the life of a touring musician, composer and improviser, yoga practitioner and teacher. Follow her on Twitter at @sarahkneufeld and check her website out at sarahneufeldmusic.com.
Wanderlust is grateful to our Speakeasy Vermont partners, Omega. Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 195 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world. eOmega.org
Speakeasy Stratton Series Realized in co-operation with Omega
Speakeasy Video Production by C3 Presents & Greenheart Creative
Speakeasy Series produced by Karina Mackenzie
Music in introduction by MC Yogi "Sita Ram"
Motion Graphics by Victoria Nece