These are times of hard truths surfacing for all to see – the recent tragic events in the USA are just one more eruption of the insidious and profound injustice that poisons communities every day. The global pandemic is a consequence of countless predatory and barbaric choices humanity has perpetrated against the ecosystem – and ultimately against itself.
Lately these timeless truths are staring us down mercilessly. None of us alone has the power to implement "the" solution to the challenges facing us, but we can each contribute to specific solutions. We can listen, learn, speak up, cultivate change from our inner seat of empathy, courage and right relationship. We can reward honesty, and support ethical and moral stances. We can do it in so many creative ways, from praying to marching, writing poetry to supporting the homeless, treating everyone with respect, voting, the list is very long. There is no lack of opportunities.
In nature, the Summer Solstice is a time of expansion that promises abundance. Our soul and heart wish to follow nature’s lead and look outside, towards peak experiences of fullness, maturity, hope, and growth. How interesting it is to look at the global situation of this year through the lenses of the Solstice. I find myself in a time warp, where the Summer external expansion into fullness is colliding with the Winter call for retreat into contemplation. It is a time of polarizing contradictions. Heartwarming examples of clarity, generosity, beauty and creativity abound in the news and social media. On the other hand, exploitation, injustice, greed, and unbridled racism rage and devour.
More than ever, we must be mindful and selective in allocating our resources of time and effort for impact, and take good care of our body, soul and psyche because we need all the balance we can muster. Inspiring others is not necessarily about teaching, preaching or lecturing. It is not about being perfect, saintly, or "right". It is about humbly "being", being human, being our best self, and that carries tremendous power. It ignites what is “right” within others: their own initiative, self-value, thoughtfulness, and creativity catch on fire.
I invite you to explore this question I proposed to my yoga students last week.
"Who do I need to become to create the world in which I want to live in?"
The power of compassion can help us to embrace the challenge, let go of what's necessary, and move forward in our quest for personal and social justice, through the eyes of open-ness and tolerance, allowing us to meet conflict with equanimity, calm and a broad heart.
THIS FRIDAY JUNE 26, I will guide you in expanding your heart’s capacity for true compassion through Pangu Yoga, meditation and contemplation. Pangu Yoga is a powerful tool to help us live and act in ways that dissolve barriers to bring a feeling of oneness with all of creation, a deeper respect for Great Nature, and to move forward as one human race.
Love for the journey,
Anisha