September Newsletter
How do Yoga and Social Justice intersect?
People often ask me why I've chosen to illuminate and take a stand on issues of social justice on behalf of FLY YOGA.
This is not a typical "best practice" of modern yoga studios - and I debate this decision in my head on the regular - because it can be incredibly delicate and potentially alienate people who may not agree with the causes or side of issues we support.
I strongly believe in true bodily autonomy for all, true equal rights for all, and, generally speaking, a world where no one human feels oppressed.
I also understand that these concepts can be complex.
Bottom line: My overarching mission will now and forever be an inclusive space for all.
The last thing I ever want to do is make someone feel uncomfortable or, worse yet, unsafe just by believing what they believe. And yes, this includes simply wanting to escape the insanity of politics by coming to a yoga class.
I want to offer the practice of yoga to all, period.
So how can I marry this overarching vision, my personal convictions, and the yogic principle of speaking out while simultaneously not offending people in what is, arguably, the most volatile cultural climate of all time?
The answer honestly is - I don't know.
I'll try to explain using the words of Susanna Barkataki. She is an Indian yoga practitioner known for her work in decolonizing, addressing cultural appropriation, and embracing the roots of yoga.
“There is no yoga without justice. There is no peace without yoga. No justice, no peace.”
- Susanna Barkataki, Embrace Yoga’s Roots
....
"In my bones and soul. It rings for me as a conditional statement - we need justice, to feel peace. And as a promise. We won't stop speaking, writing, interrupting, disrupting, until justice is served.
Whether the phrase is meant conditionally, (i.e. if no justice, then no peace) or conjunctively (i.e. if there is no justice and no peace), it's clear that many feel their peace is dependent upon justice being served. Or that without justice, they will not remain calm, but protest until justice is delivered or created.
Under British Colonization, when nonviolent Indian freedom fighters threw off the oppression of the British, they were practicing yogic tools of swaraj, self-rule. Yoga is a path of sovereignty. And this sovereignty is personal and political. These practices of self-rule influenced MLK Jr., and the civil rights methods of SNCC - the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the US. And even have touched seeds into today’s most critical civil rights movement: Black Lives Matter. Yoga is a practice, everywhere."
(Excerpt from : What is the Connection Between Yoga and Social Justice?)
What do you think? Let's talk about it!
Email me at jenna@flyyogastl.com or talk to me after class in the studio. I'm here for the conversation. Always.
While we all continue our pursuit of enlightenment and justice for all (whatever that means to you), I want to remind you all of how grateful I am for YOU. Your presence, your energy, and your continued contributions to our community.Love,
Jenna
(Jenna is FLY's founder! She teaches IGNITE on Thursdays @ 6:30pm & Saturdays at 10:30am)Work for Classes
We are looking for someone to join our work/trade cleaning crew to help keep the studio sparkling! Each cleaning crew member covers one shift per week and is paid in class credits added to your account. Respond to this email (it goes to Roxie, our studio manager) for more information.
Sept 8. THE CAUSE
Join us for a pop-up community yoga class benefiting Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the ballot campaign to end Missouri's abortion ban. This effort is being led by a coalition of Missouri-based organizations, including Abortion Action Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, ACLU of Missouri, Action St. Louis, and others. 100% of donations will go directly to the campaign via ActBlue.
Sunday, 9/8 at 1 pm
$40 per person
Cindy Marich, RYT 500, will lead an all levels one-hour yoga class. Stay after class for refreshments, community, and opportunities for future action.
