Using Yoga and Awareness to Practice Equity

There is so much happening in the world right now that sometimes it feels like I live in a dystopian society. The oppression, violence, and injustice I see globally can feel overwhelming and even helpless. I believe in taking action in multiple ways to challenge systemic barriers and one simple but powerful tool is questioning the “norms” we are taught.

A professor I had in college gave us tools to critique society, opening our minds to systems that harm people and communities. That curiosity and questioning mindset has stayed with me, shaping my personal practices.

Learning from the Land

Recently, I attended a free library class where I got to design my own t-shirt. The quote I added is from Cole Arthur Riley:

“The land I live on is not mine to have, but mine to nurture.”

This reminds me that wherever I live, I have a responsibility to care for the land and the people around me. I believe everyone on this planet deserves a safe place to live.

Practicing Asteya: Non-Stealing Beyond Material Possessions

This ties closely to the yoga principle of Asteya, or “non-stealing.” Asteya is about practicing equity for all people and future generations. Yes, this includes addressing the harm caused by those who accumulate obscene wealth at the expense of others. It calls attention to systems that hoard wealth, exploit resources, and create harm.

Some questions I reflect on regarding Asteya and the land include: How am I sharing resources? How am I supporting efforts to combat climate change? How am I respecting the native peoples who are the original inhabitants of the land I currently reside on? I also challenge myself to consider where I spend my money and whether my choices perpetuate harmful cycles. There are countless ways to practice Asteya, and I invite you to reflect on how you can integrate it into your own life.

Yoga as Grounding and Resistance

I’ve included a picture of Rosa Parks practicing yoga asana. This serves as a reminder that yoga is not for pacification or unhealthy escape. It's a practice for grounding ourselves, resisting systemic oppression, and cultivating equity on this land for everybody. 

See Rosa Parks practicing yoga

Resources:

https://www.museumofindianculture.org/copy-of-museum-resources

https://www.firstnations.org

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Larissa is the founder of Evergroundz. She began Evergroundz for individuals to cultivate their inner wisdom through yoga, meditation, and wellness practices, while navigating life experiences with compassion.