ELEVATE: Witness + Spark Change
At Soul Yoga, we often say that our community extends beyond the mat, and hosting Elevate: Books + Banter on the Mat is one of the ways we put that belief into practice. We gather not just to read but to listen—to understand and uplift voices that challenge us to look at the world differently.
As someone who has the privilege of leading these discussions, I’ve found that the simple act of bearing witness to another’s story has the power to shift our perspectives and, eventually, our communities.
Our next book, A Guide to Gender by Sam Killerman, leads us to discuss gender, identity and social justice. Nothing new, right? Except there’s always something new to learn/unlearn.
Our focus is on creating an open space to explore these topics, and for this session we are graciously supported by two individuals whose journeys are as profound as they are inspiring. Mati Barker and Robin Greene, both are transgender, each with their own unique story and experiences that they’ve generously chosen to share with us. As we dive into these conversations, I can’t help but reflect on the lessons they’ve taught me about what it means to listen, learn, unlearn—and ultimately be transformed by someone else’s story.
The Power of Witnessing
Witnessing someone’s story can be unexpectedly transformative. I’ve learned from Mati and Robin that sharing openly, even when it’s difficult, has the power to reshape communities by fostering empathy and understanding.
To create a truly inclusive space takes more than just the words everyone is welcome. It’s one thing to say “I love you no matter what,” but it’s something entirely different to truly see someone, to understand their experiences on their terms. Mati and Robin both reminded me that acceptance isn’t just a passive state; it’s active. It requires showing up, listening deeply and letting go of preconceived ideas.
Creating Lasting Change
As we gather for our next book club session, we all have the ability to take something powerful from these stories—something that nudges us toward a more compassionate, inclusive community. Elevate isn’t just about exploring gender or reading a book. It’s about learning how we can all show up more fully for each other, about becoming active participants in creating a world where everyone feels seen, respected and valued.
Because witnessing isn’t passive—it’s the first step toward action. When we truly hear each other’s stories, we start to see the world a little differently, and from there, we have the potential to change it. This book club is just one small way Soul Yoga is working to bring these conversations to the forefront, and I invite everyone to join us, to listen, to learn, and to take those lessons with you into our shared world.
December 13, 2024
6-8p
Meet Mati
Mati Barker is a transgender woman who came out as an adult with a spouse and two children. Growing up in rural Georgia, where gender norms were rigid and unwavering, Mati always knew she felt different but kept her true self hidden for many years. She describes carrying a “trunk” throughout her life, filled with secret items that represented who she truly was but couldn’t yet be. Coming out was both freeing and challenging, especially as she navigated the dynamics within her family and the responses of friends.
Mati’s journey has been one of self-acceptance and strength. Far from expressing pity or regret about her experience, she shared with me a sense of pride—not just in being able to live as a woman but in her identity as a trans woman.
Meet Robin
Robin’s journey of self-awareness began in childhood, even though he didn’t come out until later. Even as a kindergartener, he sensed that he felt different.
He recalls a pivotal moment when, as a child, he heard a story on NPR about a transgender person and thought, “Wow, you can do that?” This sparked a sense of possibility and understanding that would stay with him, eventually guiding him to come out to his best friend and then his mom in ninth grade.
His mom responded with immediate support, taking steps to help him find comfort in his transition, and the first public sign of his journey was cutting his hair—a simple but powerful step toward self-alignment.
One of the most powerful things Robin shared in our conversation was his reflection on transition: “All trans people struggle with the idea that people are faced with accepting this new version of them—like this is who they are now. But the reality is, it’s who they’ve always been.” This insight stopped me in my tracks.
Robin’s courage to embrace and live his truth reminds me that authenticity is something we can all strive for, and that being our true selves is a gift, not a burden.
