YOGA, RACE AND CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
The history and practice of yoga in the western world has roots in colonialism, white supremacy and cultural appropriation. This contrasts with the central moral tenants of yoga, known as the Yamas, which guide our relationships with our world, our society, our practice and ourselves:
Ahimsa (non-violence and compassion)
Satya (honesty and truthfulness)
Asteya (non-stealing/ not taking that which is not freely offered)
Brahmacharya (moderation)
Aparigraha (non-greed/ possessiveness)
We live in a deeply unequal society, and these inequalities perpetuate every aspect of our lives. It is therefore important to accompany our yoga practice with an on-going exploration of the power dynamics of race, gender, power and culture in ourselves, our lives, and our yoga practice as a daily and life-long investigation. Below are some great resources to get started.