 Inspired by Gandhi’s teachings, let us be the change we want to see in this world. As I settle in to write this, ominous clouds fill the sky so big and dark that the light from the sun is hidden. I think many of us are feeling the chaos and uncertainty of a changing world. The very world we have known, lived, and grown in for decades seems to be at a precipice. A world where truth, freedom, peace and liberty are our birthright, yet seem to be in question. No matter how hard I try, I cannot make sense of it. In these times when darkness seems to gather, I find myself returning to the very foundation of yoga, not merely the physical postures, but the ethical guidelines that inform its heart. The Yamas (yoga sutras) offer us a compass for navigating life's storms. And the first of these, Ahimsa (nonviolence) feels particularly relevant today. Ahimsa – Complete compassion toward all living things, including ourselves – reminds us that beneath the clouds of confusion and conflict lies our shared humanity. Inner peace leaves no room for violence. When we truly understand that hurting another is hurting ourselves, we discover a pathway through the darkness. The practice of yoga looks different for each of us – for me it has always been much more than asana, stretching, twisting, bending and strengthening. In its essence yoga becomes an exploration, peeling back the layers of our true essence, opening us to our inner truth and wisdom. The ancient texts focus very little on the physical postures, rather on the yoga sutras. You might think of the sutras as a guide to living your best life and how to advance on a spiritual path. The sutras are not written to tell us how to live, rather suggestions to observe, practice and ask the important questions. The sutras invite us to reflect deeply on our choices: What are the thoughts I chose, the thoughts I chose to let go of, the words I chose to speak, and how I speak them? Are my actions kind towards others even when we disagree? Am I kind to myself, nourishing body, mind and spirit? Here's a short meditation you can do to cultivate Ahimsa in the world: Step 1: Take a moment today to sit quietly. Step 2: As you breathe deeply, imagine peace flowing from your heart outward, touching everything around you. Step 3: Imagine how might this simple practice transform your experience of our changing world. Step 4: Sit in gratitude for all that you have in your life and give thanks. Every single day is another opportunity to practice peace within and without. And so dear friend, let's stand together, especially beneath dark clouds... "Peace is not something you wish for. It is something you make, Something you are, Something you do, and Something you give away." – Robert Fulghum Comments are closed.
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