With the passing of Nelson Mandela, I can’t help but think how some people throughout history have been willing to risk their very lives for what they believe. I know that I am not alone in being touched by the countless stories and memories of Mandela’s life. For me, a difference exists between self-righteousness and injustice. Strapping a bomb to your chest as an act of martyrdom pales in comparison to simply standing up for what you believe to be injustice against humanity. My own personal mission is to end violence against women and I find myself often wondering to what extent I would personally go to see this happen.
What strikes me about Nelson Mandela’s journey was not only the incredible impact that one human being can make but also his willingness to forgive. Enduring 27 years of incarceration he created by necessity a life of discipline and self study so that upon his release, he could be a symbol of unity rather than division. It is said that Nelson Mandela had many different prison guards guarding him who he managed to befriend disarming their ability for brutality. Even behind bars and spending long hours in solitude, he had the gift of connecting to others.
And how does this relate to yoga? This story is a reflection of setting intention, trusting your inner voice, committing to a disciplined way of being with the goal of evolving your own self. In doing so, the individual impacts those around them, perhaps bringing them along into questioning their own way of being and respecting humanity.
By stepping on our yoga mat, we embark on a journey of transformation. What may begin as a physical practice has the potential to impact more than our body, more than our own individual self. As we begin to expand our own awareness, the sense of what we do, how we act and carry ourselves in the world begins to expose that all is connected and that we are not our own island. Each being on this planet has actions that affect something else. When we begin to walk the talk, live a life of service, of self-discovery and consciousness, it can’t help but leak out of us. How we are influences others.
Imagine if your intention was so determined to right acts of injustice, that every day your life was focused on this intention, what the impact could be. Great social changers of the past 100 years have done just that…Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela are prime examples of living their intention and walking in the face of adversity and conflict. Their life’s work was a reflection of their convictions and it did make a difference, not just to me, but to millions.
To that, I am inspired and bow my head to say thank you and Namasté.
