Statement on Current Events 1.31.26

From the earliest writings, yoga has always been referred to as a science. It is a prescription for how to attain inner peace and, in so doing, to experience freedom in this life. 

There are eight limbs of yoga. The first limb is called the Yamas. The Yamas are a list of specific behaviors that need to be restrained in order to reduce suffering. The first three yamas: 

Just from looking at these first aspects of yoga (there are so many more!), we can see that the current behavior of the United States government breaks the first three yamas. The Salty Blossom cannot condone or support this behavior. On the contrary, I support the rule of law but even moreso, I support fair, equitable, and compassionate treatment of all humans. 

Many people have spoken out against the actions of the administration, and the question remains: How do we move forward? There is a lot of anger circulating on all sides, looking for the next step on the path. While there are many more knowledgeable, more experienced, and more insightful than I, I would like to offer the following guidance as we strive to regain our equanimity.   

Be mindful of the source of your actions. Acting from a place of anger is an example of violence. Feel your anger, but then look deeper. If you do so, you will find that anger is not your motivating emotion. The first emotion you felt was love. As your love was betrayed, you became heartbroken, and anger was the emotion that took over. 

How I feel about Keith Porter, Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and others: love & compassion 

How I feel about the agents’ behaviors towards them: anger & frustration. However, I would not feel anger if I had not first felt love.  

If we are not careful, we will allow the anger to take a permanent hold, we will forget our capacity for love, and our actions become violent.  

Showing up at a protest out of anger and a desire to destroy our enemies: violence. 

Showing up at a protest out of love for our community and a desire to connect, to support, and to rise above: non-violence. 

The same actions will have different consequences depending on how you enter into them. In this confusing and upsetting time, reconnect with your true intention. Find your source of love for the situation and act from there.  

I do not know what comes next or even what to expect, but I do know that in order to adhere to the science of yoga – in particular ahimsa, satya, and asteya – we must move from a place of love. Same actions, different intentions. 

I will end with a quotation from Swami Satchidananda’s commentary of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: 

“We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and be free as a bird. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious... We should plague everyone with our joy.” 

This level of serenity is only achieved through a well-trained mind and so, we show up on our mats and we practice. Again and again. I’ll see you there.