Ukraine. Putin. Trump. Biden. Vac. Anti-vac. The ways we divide and polarize go on and on. What are we to do? Doesn’t it almost feel like getting past our political, national, racial, and religious tribalism is the only way we’re going to survive and thrive? For me, an essential key in growing into greater wellness and flourishing has been loving my enemies—those who’ve hurt people I love, as well as those on the opposing sides of how I align with life and love. Truth is, if I’m honest, that was “just” the starting point. Growing into viewing everyone as family, has and does bring profound wellbeing—like plugging my heart into the Divine’s Heart.
Science and religion agree we all come from the same Source, we are all interconnected and interdependent. What is more, the more I look inside and “dig” deeply within myself, the more I realize what I hate in a person, president, group, etc., is first and foremost a part of myself I hate! Do you know what I mean?
While Jesus invites us to love everyone, even going the extra “mile” for our enemies, yoga reminds us the beliefs and categories that polarize and put us at odds are no more real than illusions, as the truth is we’re one human family strung together by the web of life. Which, it’s important to note, is not to say we don’t fight injustice and oppose evil, as we also do that—while recognizing it’s a spirit of evil we’re opposing, not people themselves.
You know how we become what we repeat? After nearly every yoga class I teach, I close with a favorite prayer/mantra: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu. These Sanskrit words echo Jesus’ prayer for unity and oneness between/within humanity and Divinity in John 17. While I’ve heard/read a number of different translations of this, they all revolve around the theme of: May all people—at all times and places—be joyous, free from suffering, and united with one another and the Divine. And may my thoughts, words, and deeds help this prayer come true.
Repeating that, the Lovingkindness Meditation, and the words of Jesus over and over again has, and continues, to deeply form me into a lover of all. While growing the “circle” of our love is much like strengthening a muscle—requiring intention, effort, and time—it is SO worth it! Who wants to join me?
Hugs & Love,
Lang
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