THE PLACES WE ARE BROKEN
Propelled by the Black Lives Matter movement, there’s been a necessary call to action within the Australian yoga community to take a good hard look at ourselves and the issues of bias, accessibility and cultural appropriation that are entrenched in the broader wellness coterie.
While we cannot change the past, we can consider how to use language, policy and engaged spirituality to move towards a better version of today. I’m hopeful we can work together to heal what poet Padraig O Tauma calls “the places where we have broken ourselves and broken each other.”
As a white yoga teacher and studio owner, I find myself firmly positioned on the “need to do more” square on the board. I have a responsibility to bear witness to the cultural roots of the yoga tradition, as well as the traditional owners of this land. I’m terrified of making a mistake, of not doing enough or saying the wrong thing but I also know that looking the other way is the ultimate cop out.
Some people may question if issues of social justice belong in our yoga studios, our newsletters or our IG feeds. To have the freedom to even ask that question is a privilege not afforded to those who suffer discrimination in every square inch of their lives. The practice of yoga asks us to pay attention. If we really are paying attention, our hearts will be called to respond.
One quote…
In our relationships, in our community, on this earth, we may not live to see the results of our efforts. Still, we can turn towards the world and plant seeds for a more compassionate future.
Jack Kornfield
One question…
Where should I begin?
Sent with love,
Melissa x