#TheDividedStatesOfAmerica

How can it be that there is so much division? It is hard for me to believe when every day I feel such a deep sense of connection and community in my life. I watch the news to stay informed and as we get closer to the elections it just keeps getting uglier and uglier and feels as though the divide is running deeper and deeper... I know that being surrounded daily by the yoga community creates a bubble as well as living in suburban South Florida, but that does not remove me or our local community from witnessing what is happening and wanting to help heal the divide.

I have spent a good portion of 2018 taking a deep dive into how humanity is different from decade to decade and from region to region and the state of things today actually hurts my heart. I have grown up believing in our freedom and this amazing democracy that we are so blessed to live in. I travel all over the world and love to experience the many different cultures, people, food, nature and history in order to have an education of life. The more I travel the more I realize the privilege we live with here in America. This has always filled me with tremendous pride and gratitude to be an American.

In the past few years my eyes have been opened to some harsh realities. Things that were taught in school when I was a kid are not necessarily true. I am having an awakening to the reality of our history and to the marginalization of so many communities. I truly believe with every part of my soul that we are human, and we are created equal.

When I teach yoga and I witness the transformation that is possible, it isn't related to the color of the students skin, or gender or how much money is in their bank account. It is about the journey of self-realization. Teaching yoga, especially in large groups, I am often humbled by the moments at the end of the practice. When we are all laying on our backs, with our feet bare and we are experiencing complete stillness together. It is a vision of all of us, all ages, all levels of ability, all shapes and sizes, all races, those with addiction, trauma and also those with privilege and all of us are the same. This is how I see humanity, but it doesn't match the reality of what is happening every day in the world. People all over the planet in bigger numbers than ever are practicing yoga in order to awaken. More people are turning to meditation and other mindfulness practices to manage their stress and be healthier. So how can it be that we are feeling less connected to each other? What is the result of all these people getting on the mat? Are we clearer about what we believe in? Have we gotten back to what really matters in life? Have our priorities shifted? Is humanity evolving... I am not sure...

With the elections right around the corner I think each of us should become really clear about what matters most to us at our core. The soul’s journey is different for each one of us so I cannot impose my beliefs on anyone. I will not take a side, but I will declare that we each have a responsibility to vote. Our Democracy matters...it is not to be taken for granted. To vote is a privilege. Don't pay attention to the disgusting game of negative advertising on TV. Read the ballot and get informed. Speak to people that you trust and bounce your ideas around. Take time to listen to the other side and then make your choices based on what is best for you and your soul.

If there is one thing we can all agree upon it is that we still get to have a say and we cannot give that right away. It is easy to get complacent, turn away and not get involved, but this is not the time. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD on November 6th. Protect what you believe in. Put your yoga to work. This is the way to heal the soul of America and it is up to us!

Love & Light,
Leslie