2020 A Year of Clear Vision: Yoga & Social Justice

As the new year rang in, I sent out an IG post saying that 2020 was the year of clear vision (with the pun intended). However, 2020 has actually opened our eyes to seeing things clearly — the good, the bad and the ugly. Our world is a mess — oppression, blame, anger, disease, and so much hate. We need step out of our comfort zone and examine the ways we need to change — yes, we all need to change — so that we can do better. 

Change is already happening and it’s up to us whether to ride its wave, sink, or learn how to swim. Change forces us to take action. Change is the slap in the face that wakes us up. Change forces us to face our weaknesses. Change is synchronised perfectly, yet ironically, into our lives — just when we thought all was well, change happens. 

What action can we take? Which habits do we need to change to build momentum towards a new way of living? What force can we set in motion to truly turn the tide? 

Coming to terms with my own prejudice

Most of us can never admit the prejudices that lie inside of us. We are prone to denying our privilege. In the past, I never really considered myself a woman of colour. Denied it. Felt ashamed of it at times, despite loving the richness of the culture and heritage in which I was raised.  

I come from privilege — and I spent a lot of my time being battling with that privilege. Maybe because it brought out the ugly side of me, developing an air of “I’m better than you.” At other times, I was ashamed of being called a “rich bitch” in school. I wanted to be white. I acted like II was, but of course put in my place by those who commented on how hairy and ugly I was.

Yet with all of this, I never considered myself a woman of colour — just a person who had every right to be here like everyone else. Maybe because of the privilege I came from, I had the confidence to stake my claim. I would joke back at people who tried to cut me down — and believe me there were many. I was so naive, and blind to the harsh reality that many women of colour face.

Moving away from status quo

Fear is what prevents me from embracing change. I’m non-confrontational. (I quit martial arts because it required me to punch someone.) Yet, I know I have a great sense of courage inside of me. What holds me back? What holds us all back? Most of the time, we are attached to our comforts of the status quo. We show we care by posting inspirational photos and quotes on social media, but is that enough? 

In the name of Yoga, I am committed to spiritual growth, which means healing the wounds inside me, clearing myself from confusion and taking action. I know too clearly that the yoga I have been taught has never been about standing on my head. 

I have been given a voice and a platform to express my truth, so here goes: I stand in solidarity with the calls for justice ringing out across the US, Hong Kong and across the world. We need to reflect on our choices and heal the divides within all our communities, no matter our race, religion, political views, class, gender identify, sexual orientation, body shape or size, ability or disabilty. Yoga is to see the unity in the diversity of our humanity. If for once we see “better than” or “worse than” we have missed the point. 

Now, I can look at myself, proud to be a woman of colour, and grateful for my education and upbringing because the resources that I have been blessed with can now be used to share with those who don’t have resources. It’s a commitment that I am making for the rest of my life. I call  upon all of you to call me out when you see me acting out of this commitment. 

I am sending my deep and heartfelt prayers to all who are experiencing the hardest times; for all of you who have lost families, friends, homes, livelihoods, I pray for your strength and courage to cope with the challenges that lie ahead.