Yoga contributing to social change.
Yoga as a tool for social change.
A revolution beginning in the heart…
A revolution expanding into communities and beyond…
For many years I have been tumbling these thoughts around my mind, rounding out the edges of ideas, massaging the questions, and observing…
The west continues to tighten its grip on ‘yoga’ – stretching the imagination of classical Yogi’s in India. The practice reaches across a broad spectrum of possibilities in present day culture. Many people are drawn to yoga for a diverse spectrum of reasons…and westerners continue to flock to studios to catch the craze! All generations are exploring the practice, from little people experimenting with their flexible young bodies, to the elderly aiming to soften the edges of aging. The practice is not limited to any one ethnicity or cultural background.
The invitation is out for anyone who is curious to move, breath and observe…or embrace the stillness – all qualities of the natural order of life. The dharma.
Prisoners are practicing. Seniors. Under-served youth. Veterans. Survivors of life threatening illnesses. Injured bodies. Those with damaged minds. Those with hurt hearts. Those wanting to participate in life…and so many more…
All this being said – if we look to the beginning of the eight-limbed path of Patanjali’s yoga, we return to the restraints and observances…the ethics and morals possible to integrate into everyday life.
So what could be possible if those named above or those who went to simply stretch, get fit, exercise, socialize, move, breath…invited a curiosity investigate – why yoga?
What if their practice deepened into an inquiry of their expressions, postures, breath – into the layers of restraints and observances…compassion, truth, and integrity that reside within?
AND –
What if the looking inward at all the layers of gifts, manifested outward into community and daily life?
Could yoga contribute to social change?
Could yoga be a tool for social change?
Could yoga start a revolution beginning in the heart?
Could this revolution expand into communities and beyond…?
With the practice touching so many lives and integrating into western culture – anything is possible! Right!?
Strive for the impossible, for what was once impossible is now possible!
I like the idea of practice leading to inward inquiry… the discipline and routine of that practice allows time to reflect – I like it!
Thanks for your response! The interesting thing is the layers to the practice – it supports an inward journey which allows time for watching what comes up…a next layer of exploration in practice is what does participating in the world look like with more space to be a witness?…lots of life to explore!