As a bedrock value of how I live out my life, It’s my intention to engage as an ally to marginalized persons and populations, both publicly & privately. This includes being involved in increasing resource access, practicing a deep, humble listening paired with a willingness to learn (even where that may feel hard or uncomfortable); and to actively seeking out diverse perspectives.
Said in another way: I stand with my BIPOC brothers and sisters, I stand with my LGBTQ brothers and sisters, I stand with my differently abled brothers and sisters, I stand with my sisters, I stand with my neuro-atypical brother and sisters, I stand with my brothers and sisters of all faiths and of no faiths, I stand with my brothers and sisters with differing body types, I stand with my brothers and sisters of all ages, I stand with my brothers and sisters bearing differing burdens such as those living with addiction, challenging diagnosis, those who are lonely and those who are survivors of traumatic experience, I STand with those who identify as other than a brother or a sister.
I commit to act as a witness to and participant in a movement for powerful systemic change. I recognize my privilege and within that I recognize my power to effect this needed change. May I, and may we all, work toward the eradication of all forms of “othering” and “othering violence”.
The foundational teaching of Yoga is non-violence. I hold that the patriarchy is inherently violent and thus antithetical to Yoga. In my capacity as a yogi I commit to upholding a transformational egalitarian possibility with the fullness of my heart.
Thus it follows and for the avoidance of doubt: Living Now Yoga stands as an ally.
as an americaN born, non-indigenous person, i also wish to acknowledge the First Nation people of this land. i wish to acknowledgE the painful history of genocide, forced removals from home territories and numerous other atrocities; both historical and ongoing. at the time of this writing I live in unceded lenape territory. I honor the generations of stewards and pay my respects to the many diverse indigenous peoples connected to this land.
I know (and it is right) that I will be judged by the sincerity and consistency of my actions and not by this mere statement.
The entire world is family.
Namaste,
Juliana
My thanks to Northeastern University & TO the Wild Woman Project for their issued statements of solidarity, & to the public theater for their published land statement. as their words are often borrowed here &/or inspired much of the language in this expression.