Yoga & The Occupy Movements

Initially, I had wanted to start an ongoing exploration of the chakras on my blog – as I’m doing with my asana classes. And I will.

Instead, what I find myself mulling over is the relationship between yoga, being a yoga practitioner and teacher, and the occupy movements, inspired by conversations with my partner Ann Iwashita.  I, like perhaps many of you – or few of you, had mostly dismissed them from my daily life after the initial couple of weeks. They bunkered down for the long haul, and I went back to my regular schedule. My subway rides, my soy lattes, my classes, my expanded investment in the yoga world as not only a teacher but studio manager as well, my family, my soon-to-be niece, my fluctuating bank account, my studio apartment, the dogs I dogsit, my life.

Then I went to Montreal for the weekend, where it was very cold. The cold that makes it difficult to speak properly after walking for about 5 blocks. If one were to walk the right 5 blocks, one would walk by the Occupy Montreal encampment. They have forgone their lattes, apartments, and lives – put all of it on hold – in the cold – for us.  Because what I started to realize was just that – they were out there for me. For a lot of people I care about actually. They believe a lot of things we all believe, that in some way life can be better for us, and have decided to stop the regular schedule of their lives, to sit out in the cold, to take on all manner of risks and potential atrocities– for us.

So I will go see for myself this Saturday night for the meditation at Zuccotti Park. I invite you to see for yourself as well – or rather, experience for yourself. And see if through the experience, an understanding of the relationship emerges. Because in the end that’s where yoga arises – in direct experience and personal integration – yoga is not something that can just be read about.

Dao 53 – Stephen Mitchel Version

The great Way is easy,
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao.

When rich speculators prosper
while farmers lose their land;
when government officials spend money
on weapons instead of cures;
when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible
while the poor have nowhere to turn –
all this is robbery and chaos.
It is not in keeping with the Tao.