The inauguration is fast approaching. The festivities, the pomp, the circumstance... Frankly, it all feels a bit overwhelming to me, an artist from San Francisco. Living in and around Washington, D.C., we are saturated with a constant stream of news, crises, fundraisers, events, scandals, obligations and stressors of all kinds, and we rarely give ourselves a moment to be present in the moment, clear our minds, and appreciate something so simple and vital as setting good intentions. And having fun.

More and more, great contemporary thinkers are remembering that silence, introspection, and consciousness are vitally important for us to be able to thrive as individuals and as a society, hence the resurgence of interest in practicing yoga, meditation, mindful eating, and other calming and healthful practices. It is a lovely trend to watch developing, and in which to participate. I have always been a pretty trendy person myself - cutting edge, you know.

As trends go, I am devoting a lot of thought and energy (are they really two different things after all?) to building a community where people can come together and join in peaceful, healthy, explorative activities, without being too serious. There is no need to sacrifice fun and excitement when pursuing health and self-realization, as far as I can tell. I don't see the reason we have to separate personal practices like meditation from social events, or why every party has to follow the same tired formula. Why can't we have a fabulous party commemorating the Inauguration, but let it be a vegan yoga party? Or better yet, a yoga ball.

Ok, since you asked, we will have a yoga ball. How does Sunday at 4 p.m. sound? Perfect.

The DC area yoga community has gotten together with Off the Mat Into the World and Yoga Votes, and brought on amazing local collaborators from DC Central Kitchen and Capital Kombucha and area musician Wynne Paris, Gaura Vani, Angela Blueskies, Gita Krista Zember, and Christy Freer, to put on an Inaugural Ball like no DC event that I have ever heard of.

I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. First, practicing yoga with the wonderful Faith Hunter and 150 positive-minded yogis from all over DC, Maryland, and Virginia, followed by a delicious vegan meal and fresh draught kombucha, and finished with guided meditation and kirtan, with various multi-talented musicians providing a soundtrack for the whole evening. And, fittingly, all of this will be taking place in a gorgeous stone Franciscan monastery, complete with an actual disco ball.

Yes, a disco ball. At Yoga Ball.

The goal of the Ball is to bring together all of us folks who want to acknowledge the importance of our elected officials, and create a wave of positive vibrations to enjoy for ourselves and direct toward them and each other. And, at least for me, have the perfect reason to avoid all of the stodgy, expensive, joyless institutional events going on this weekend. But that's just me- you can bring your tux and get downtown by 8 o'clock, no sweat, if you're into that sortof thing. And if you do, when everyone sees your beatific expression and relaxed posture and exclaims, "What's your secret??" you can say, "Oh, I was just having a ball... A Yoga Ball!"

And you will probably think it is hilarious, and they might be a bit confused, but that's ok- it's more fun that way.

Info? Tickets? http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/315644