How to confront injustice with clarity, compassion, and resilience.

As today is President’s Day we are moved to talk about how this current presidency and what he represents has felt like an attack on humanity to Black people, women, immigrants and the transgender communities in this country with executive orders, limited excess to resources, education and deportation measures just to mention a few. These actions have fostered fear, division, and inequality, undermining the principles of justice and freedom that should define our country. Today, we reflect on the resilience of these communities and recommit to standing in solidarity for a future rooted in equity, dignity, and respect.

Let’s talk about guidance and support during this time.

It’s a natural reaction to want to be reactive, defensive and prove ourselves against injustices. But our yoga practices teach us to be responsive and be prepared, stand up to protect and support one another. 

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self—but it is in community that we truly grow, heal, and connect.

Your Inner Yogi was founded on being a place for anyone that has ever felt “othered” as we reject society’s conditioning and norms. We stand outside the box in community living our yoga on and off the mat. 

And although our country’s leader may try to erase our excess to our history and national holidays celebrating it, like Black History Month, we know that Black history isn’t confined to a single month —we are making history every day. As the first Black-owned yoga studio in the city, we make our ancestors proud, creating space for healing, movement, and community. And we will continue to thrive in our existence. Together, we honor the past, stand in our power, and build a future where our voices, stories, and presence cannot be erased. As we move through this season, we are reminded that healing happens best in community. This is a time to ground ourselves, reconnect with our practice, and support one another on our journeys.

We don’t compete, we collaborate- we don’t hide, we Stand Up. These aren’t just words but since 2015 if you are with us, know us or see us in our personal lives or teachings—You don’t just feel it but it welcomes you with a full heart. 

Here’s Yoga principles that can help guide how to confront injustice with clarity, compassion, and resilience. These principles, rooted in the ancient philosophy of the Yoga Sutras, can empower both personal and collective action.

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)

• How It Helps: Ahimsa is about practicing non-violence in thought, word, and action. It encourages addressing injustice with compassion and empathy rather than hatred or aggression.

• How To Live It: Stand firm in your convictions, but strive to confront injustice without perpetuating harm.

2. Satya (Truthfulness)

• How It Helps: Satya emphasizes living and speaking your truth authentically. It also means not tolerating false narratives or misinformation.

• How To Live It: Raise awareness of injustice by amplifying truth and fighting disinformation.

3. Tapas (Discipline/Determined Effort)

• How It Helps: Tapas refers to self-discipline and inner strength to continue efforts even in the face of resistance.

• How To Live It: Stay committed to justice work, even when progress is slow or setbacks occur.

4. Svadhyaya (Self-Study)

• How It Helps: Svadhyaya is about self-reflection and understanding your biases, privileges, or blind spots.

• How To Live It: Constantly educate yourself on issues of injustice and reflect on your role in the system to become a more effective ally.

5. Brahmacharya (Moderation)

• How It Helps: This principle encourages balance to avoid burnout, especially when involved in activism.

• How To Live It: Maintain balance between action and rest to ensure long-term engagement in justice work.

6. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)

• How It Helps: Aparigraha involves letting go of attachment to outcomes.

• How To Live It: Work for justice without being paralyzed by a need for immediate results or control over every situation.

7. Santosha (Contentment)

• How It Helps: Santosha is about cultivating inner peace even in the midst of challenges.

• How To Live It: While fighting injustice, find peace in knowing that you are doing your best with integrity and intention.

8. Dhyana (Meditation)

• How It Helps: Meditation can calm the mind and increase mental clarity, helping to make thoughtful decisions and avoid reactive behavior.

• How To Live It: Use mindfulness or meditation practices to stay grounded and centered in times of stress or conflict.

Incorporating these principles can help sustain energy and guide ethical action in the ongoing fight for justice.

Join us as we have big plans for our community this and next year. Coming soon is our A place for Mindfulness Feb 20- April 12th series we will be reading No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh learning the art of transferring suffering, meditating and journaling in a supportive and inclusive environment. You’re always welcomed to check out our upcoming classes to be seen, heard, and supported.