It seems like my country is on fire over racial injustice this week. The police brutality, unrest, and murder is terrifying and particularly deadly for innocent people of color. I am sad for the pain people are feeling, but inspired by the action and response of caring folks.  I makes proud to see citizens are standing up against discrimination and violence.

As we move into Gay Pride Month, we are reminded of the demonstration-turned-riot at the Stonewall Inn that is credited with catalyzing the gay rights movement of the ‘70’s and beyond and to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and for intersectional racial, gender, and class equality.

I had been thinking of a nice message for my yoga sessions and teaching this week involving late spring and Pride and moving into my birthday month, which I will indeed be celebrating, but today I feel called to speak to the inherent value and dignity of every person.

In the classic text of yoga philosophy the Bhagavad Gita, verse 5:18-19, it states:

“Those who have realized the Self see that same self equally in a humble scholar, a cow, a dog or a dog-eater. When you see the stainless unity of God (Brahman) everywhere, you become established in Brahman and rise above the constant changes of this world.” (5:19, p. 75)

Many faiths share this sentiment, and Satchidananda's commentary continues, “This explains the Biblical commandment, [In Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, and Mark 12:31]  ‘Love your neighbor as your self.’ It doesn’t say, ‘Love only your good neighbor as yourself,’ or ‘Love your neighbor who has the same label. [...] And who is your neighbor? The one sitting next to you now, or in the next room, the next house, or the next town. Everyone close to you is your neighbor.” (The Living Gita) 

I would argue in our global society, EVERYONE is your neighbor.

Satchidananda goes on to state that, “True harmony can be experienced only by realizing the Spirit and seeing that spirit in everybody.” (p. 75)

Even from the distance of another continent, the news from the US comes through, and though it’s clear that our world is in pain, I am comforted to hear compassionate voices responding in solidarity. If we can see one another as worthy and equal, we will indeed change the world. May the compassionate consequences be felt in communities across the globe.

This week I am sharing resources for supporting Black Lives Matter and other Social Justice causes and organizations are up on the A Blythe Coach Facebook Page.

A Blythe Coach: Blythe Stephens

Dance Education & Coaching to move through life with balance, grace, & power

YouTube: A Blythe Coach

Facebook Page: A Blythe Coach

Instagram: blythely

PayPal: PayPal.Me/ablythecoach