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How far can yoga heal “a deeply troubled society”? When Carol Horton published these words in 2012, she was optimistic, becoming immersed in “yoga service”. But her experiences have left her more sceptical.

As we explore in this wide-ranging chat, yoga can still be a helpful resource, but the extent to which it changes us depends on intentions – including an interest in seeing past blind spots. It’s also shaped by cultural context, so broader social and political trends sometimes get in the way of perceiving clearly.

Carol is the author of two Substack newsletters – one about politics, which looks at the problem of authoritarian “post-liberal progressivism”, and the other about yoga and related practices, sharing “inspiration for resilience, growth and renewal.”

If you’d like to discuss how yoga relates to worldly life, I’m running a retreat at the end of the month that explores this in depth – you can find out more here. And for online courses, visit truthofyoga.com.

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