Response to Metoo

I can't look away, I can't stay silent and I don't know what to say.

I deeply respect and admire those who are courageously sharing their story. Yes, it is forward movement towards healing on the individual level. Acknowledgement, awareness is where it begins. 

The cultural shadow of sexual abuse, assault and harassment that is hidden, suppressed, fed and continues to grow is beyond disturbing and frustrating. It triggers me. It breaks my heart into a million pieces. Not necessarily because of any personal story. It triggers me because of the power that is stripped of an individual and degree of suffering that is left to be endured. And because its just wrong. It triggers me because somewhere in my soul I took a vow. A vow to be a voice for change (I am still sorting this out with my embodied self), to speak truth and in some cases stand up for injustice.

So, when I would rather turn off my news feed and bliss out with my yoga, some chocolate and wine. I don't, I keep reading. When I would rather disengage and pretend I am separate from the ones speaking up, and who are hurting. I don't. I keep feeling it. When I would rather stay silent, because I don't know what to say. I don't. I keep listening for the words to come.

Being engaged in the difficult conversation and dialogue is where the healing can move forward and beyond acknowledgement and awareness. I am not going to pretend that I am an expert or even well versed on this complicated and tragic subject, or that I have any answers, or that I can begin to understand the pain and suffering that some have gone through.

I will share my thoughts and perspective in the most sensitive way I can.

All stories are valid and personal. And sharing is important in the healing process. The healing process can and most often does involve expressing anger, blame, rage, sadness, and more. The healing process will look differently for each individual based on his or her experience. How these stories unfold and are received will be different. I don't see that grouping all the stories into one hashtag or meme, will help us to heal on a cultural and/or systemic level.  Posting "me too", whether conscious or unconscious of the dynamic between victim (mostly women) and perpetrator (mostly men) that is being played out, is inadvertently blaming and shaming a whole population of people, men in this case; and may be contributing to an already huge divide between men and women.

As I said earlier, it can be healing and empowering to be able to have a platform to share and speak up. Perhaps, social media is not the best place for this? Yet at the same time, this is where we have the potential to create a movement, because there is mass collective attention there.

If we truly want to create change from the inside out we need to be careful not to perpetuate separation in the process. Change begins with each individual. Each one of us must do the inner work of self-compassion and forgiveness so we can rise up and out of blame, shame and guilt (victim consciousness) in order to make a difference on the collective level. And it requires everyone doing the work.  

We are not free until ALL are free. When we do our work to heal our personal traumas, we have greater capacity to take action, and serve where we need to from a place of compassion, forgiveness and understanding.

My hope is that in sharing this offers perspective and is in no way blaming anyone. This is a systemic cultural problem and there is no easy solution. Engaging in the conversation and listening to each individual story is a start.

Yoga Retreat in Sayulita Mexico

Yoga Retreat

Sayulita Mexico

January 15-20, 2018

with Marcy Midnight ERYT

The first time I went to Sayulita was back in 2003. We arrived with our newly shaped surfboards and landed there for a month. Sayulita was a small quiet fishing village nestled within the coastal jungle hills overlooking the Pacific ocean. The surf wave breaks on sand just off shore and was the perfect wave for us. We could literally roll out of bed and check the conditions. It was perfect. The town of Sayulita was very quaint and relaxed. We fell in love with the place.

We have continued to return to Sayulita over the years. In fact, Guy proposed to me there! When I had started my yoga teaching journey I had always imagined leading a yoga retreat there. I'd be in the ocean waiting for waves and I'd look up over to the big palapas on the hillside (Villa Amor) and would envision a yoga retreat there.

Nearly 15 years later, since our first visit to Sayulita, we return again for over a month to escape the January winter, to surf, to yoga, to chill. Sayulita has grown for sure. However, the town still holds its magical beauty and laid back atmosphere.

And I will lead a yoga retreat at Villa Amor!

This retreat will be about YOU and taking time out your daily routine, daily living to reflect, restore, and revive. And of course to escape January in Boise. I have intentionally left plenty of unscheduled time to rest, play, and explore. The town of Sayulita has many great shops, restaurants, there are nearby beaches to explore, surfing and paddleboarding!

About Villa Amor

Villa Amor is nestled at the southern end of Sayulita’s picturesque bay. It is only a 45 minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), but a world away from the all-inclusive hotels, hi-rises, and cacophonous crowds.

Whimsical… Rustic… Eclectic… Magical. Villa Amor… A rhythm of organic architecture and natural beauty set within the most exquisite scenery Sayulita has to offer.

Villa Amor is an inspired collection of 26 oceanfront villas, each uniquely designed and individually decorated – a wondrous fusion of creativity and old world charm. Most villas boast stunning views of the ocean and coastline, lush jungle hillsides, and the surfing / fishing village down the road. You will never want to leave – but if you do it’s only a few steps to gold-sand beaches and a flat 10-minute walk to town.
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EARLY BIRD! (before Aug 15)
$890- $1025 Double Occupancy
$1330- $1630 Single Occupancy

After Aug 15 $1015- $1150 Double Occupancy $1455- $1755 Single Occupancy After October 15 $1140- $1275 Double Occupancy $1580- $1880 Single Occupancy
Price varies based on villa/room. See details below for more information about the individual villas/accommodations. What's included:

• 5 nights lodging at the gorgeous Villa Amor (includes paddleboards/boogie board rentals, beach towels, daily maid service, daily refill of coffee amenities, drinking water, swimming pool, awesome views, walking distance into town)
• transportation to and from PVR airport
• breakfast each morning  (I intentionally left lunch and dinner open because Sayulita is so fun to explore! However, there is a on-site restaurant at the villas)
• 10- 2 HR yoga sessions in the yoga palapa with Marcy Midnight
• plenty of time to relax, lay on the beach, surf, paddleboard and explore the town of Sayulita! 

~~~

The Villas

(Click each Villa link to view additional photos and info)

Flores- SOLD OUT
138 stairs, ocean view, private pool, 2 bedrooms with king bed or two twins

Before Aug 15
$1025 Double (4)
$1600 Single (2)

After Aug 15
$1150 Double
$1725 Single

After Oct 15
$1275 Double
$1850 Single




Mar Vida - SOLD OUT
108 stairs, partial ocean view, shared studio space king bed or two twins.

Before Aug 15
$910   double occupancy (2)
$1400 single occupancy (1)

After Aug 15
$1035 double
$1525 single

After Oct 15
$1160 double 
$1650 single


Buena Vida -SOLD OUT
108 stairs, no view, shared studio space, king bed or two twins

Before Aug 15
$890 double occupancy (2)
$1330 single occupancy (1)

After Aug 15
$1015 double
$1455 single

After Oct 15

-->$1140 double

-->$1580 single

Linda
Ideal for a couple, your own private studio, king bed, no stairs, partial ocean view

Before Aug 15

-->$1630
After Aug 15

-->$1755
After Oct 15

-->$1880



Del Sol- SOLD OUT
23 stairs, private jacuzzi, ocean view, 2 bedrooms with king bed or two twins

Before Aug 15

-->$960   double occupancy
-->$1470 single occupancy
After Aug 15
$1085 double
$1595 single

After Oct 15
$1210 Double
$1720 Single


Mar y Sol
14 stairs, ocean view, 2 bedrooms with king bed
or two twins

Before Aug 15
$1006 Double
$1562 Single

After Aug 15
$1131 Double
$1687 Single

After Oct 15
$1256 Double
$1812 Single

Register Now!
or contact Marcy directly
208-484-6646   
marcy.midnight@gmail.com


Payment and Cancellation policies
Payment is due in full according to dates above. 

If payment is paid in full before August 15 cancellation 90 days in advance (before or on October 15) you are eligible for 90% full refund. If you cancel after October 15 and before December 15, you are eligible for 50% refund. Cancellation after December 15, no refund is available. 

If payment is paid in full after August 15, cancellation 90 days in advance (before or on October 15) you are eligible for 50% full refund. Cancellation after October 15, no refund is available.

What NOW?

Monday I couldn't get a good breath and was full of anxiety. Tuesday I ran it out, grounded it out. Wednesday I was confused. Thursday I was outraged. Today nauseous. Tomorrow...We shall see.

I cannot lie to save my soul. I am attracted to truth, honesty and authenticity. I have a radar for truth and untruth. The challenge is when truth bubbles up inside me, it can get stuck in the throat. Fear blocks truth, because sometimes the risk of being criticized, disliked or outcast is too much. It requires a lot of courage to unleash it. It takes courage to share personal truths and words that may seem controversially charged. It takes courage to speak truth from the heart.

The truth is, not everybody will like me. And I don't have to like everyone. And that's okay. Paying attention only to dislikes, the fear of not being liked, and the pain it incurs, will keep me trapped in the belief of never being enough. Paying attention only to likes and pleasurable experiences will keep me turning away from uncomfortable truths, that at the time may be asking for attention.

I have decided that the very best I can do right now is practice presence with what is arising. As ugly as truth might be, I will not turn away. And I will do what I need to do to stay grounded in the experience, to move it through, to process and most importantly listen. And I will do more than stand by and witness. I will take action, big or small, within my capacity to do so. At the same time, I acknowledge my limitations, because one person can only do so much.

Those of us, who are paying attention, we are being triggered by the inhumanity and the outright oppressive forces that occupy the airwaves. Especially as yogis and spiritual practitioners, we understand compassion and recognize our shared humanity. We want to do something about it because our hearts are screaming out for each other, for our children, the planet, and for the basic right to love and be loved. At the same time, it is not always so simple as "be the light, and spread love."

Its confusing to know what to do. To know what will actually make a difference.

This teaching from Seane Corn, master yogini and spiritual activist, has helped me to remember that is starts with myself. How can I be present and hold space for others with compassion if I cannot do the same for myself? She so artfully teaches within the space of the paradox of separation and oneness.  She consistently asks "how am I complicit in separation?"

I am complicit when I choose to be silent rather than risk conflict and dislike by speaking truth.

I am likely complicit because I send my daughter to a private liberal school (yet at the same time within the confines of her private school she is learning about decency and respect for other human beings, how to be in community, how to think independently and how to stay curious...all things that are lacking in our culture). I am complicit when I don't listen and look for a quick fix to pain and suffering. I am complicit when I feel jealous and envious of my peers and friends; when I judge the rich and assume they are heartless; when I place judgement on anyone; when I tell myself I am not enough and will never be enough. 

Recognition of my own limitations lightens the "not enough" load.  However, my limitations are not excuses to not take action when necessary, its just about finding the right action within my capacity to do so. Right now, for me its about speaking up even when it is difficult and confrontation. I feel genuinely scared. But I know in my heart that is what I am being asked to do. And at the same time be ready and willing to listen to others who voices need to be heard.

Truth wants to be realized. Truth will always find a way.