It can feel like we’re constantly bombarded with news of injustice, both near and far. It can also be easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems we face, and to lose sight of our own power to make a difference. However, it’s important to remember that we can’t help others if we are not first able to care for ourselves.
Yoga is a powerful tool that can help us to find inner peace and balance, even in the midst of chaos. By connecting our bodies, minds, and spirits, yoga helps us to cultivate both a deeper and broader sense of compassion, empathy, and understanding. When we’re grounded in ourselves, we are better able to respond to the world with clarity and action.
How Yoga Can Help Us to Stay Centred and Actively Engaged
There are many ways that yoga can help us to stay centred and actively engaged in the fight for justice. Here are just a few:
- Yoga helps us to connect with our bodies and breath: this can help us to feel more grounded and present in the moment; when we’re not caught up in our own thoughts and emotions, we’re better able to see the world around us with clarity
- Yoga teaches us to be mindful: mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgment; this can help us to be more aware of our own thoughts and feelings, as well as the thoughts and feelings of others
- Yoga cultivates compassion and empathy: compassion is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others; empathy is the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Both compassion and empathy are essential for effective activism
- Yoga teaches us to be nonviolent: nonviolence (ahiṃsā in Sáṃskṛta) is the principle of using peaceful means to achieve justice; yoga can help us to cultivate the inner strength and resilience needed to practice ahiṃsā in the face of adversity.
Yoga and Activism
Yoga isn’t just about finding inner peace; it’ s also about taking action in the world. Many yoga practitioners are also activists, working to create a more just and equitable world. Yoga can provide us with the tools we need to stay centred and grounded, even in the face of challenges. It can also help us to connect with others who share our values, and to build the strength and resilience we need to make a difference.
In Conclusion
Yoga is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to find peace in our world of injustice. By connecting our bodies, minds, and spirits, yoga can help us to cultivate compassion, empathy, and understanding. When we’re grounded in ourselves, we’re better able to respond to the world with clarity and action. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in the world, I encourage you to try yoga, it may just be the change you are looking for.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.