When All’s Not Right in the World
As a yoga therapist, I have the pleasure of working with some very conscientious, caring people. And while I really believe that it’s a gift to be able to care deeply about the welfare of others, I’ve noticed that being down about “the state of the world” causes depression, anxiety, fear, and guilt- the very things from which my clients are seeking relief. A client once asked me, “How can I enjoy my life when there are people suffering needlessly all over the world?” My response to them was, “How does your suffering improve life for others?” I’m not saying we should care less- having heartfelt concern for others indicates our connectedness, which is a beautiful part of being human. However, being stuck in the dense energy of the emotions I mentioned above creates a cascade of inflammation, illness, and pain that can be hard to shake off. But Yoga gives us insights that can help shift this energy into self empowerment, and feel good about feeling good.
When we hear the news, it’s usually bad news. Following current events, we receive the message that the world is falling apart- that there’s no safety. As we take that in, we can be weighed down by a sense of inescapable doom and dread. If that’s not enough, we also receive the message constantly that it’s our fault! In the case of famine, natural disasters, and war, we think we should be doing something about it, but our influence over these things is microscopic. We fall into a sticky trap that goes around in circles, magnifying our sense of powerlessness. In the case of climate change, I think sometimes people take on the weight of the entire problem for themselves, though it’s a collective problem caused by systematic abuse of the environment where the average person has been hijacked into participation. Foreign catastrophes and climate change are things I care deeply about, but recently what’s really been heaviest on my heart are the race tensions in my country. Unity is the way to real, lasting prosperity for our nation. We need each other, and racial inequality in America harms us all.
Yes, with the state of the world it’s easy to see why so many of us feel fed up, depressed, powerless, and guilty. This emotional pain manifests in the body and its tissues as physical pain. Beyond that, it increases inflammation, especially if we are hard on ourselves. Think about it, your body is constantly listening to the brain and its thoughts. Brain chemistry changes body chemistry. If your body receives the message that “I’m the problem,” it starts attacking itself the same way you do with your thoughts. From another perspective, inflammation is your body’s first response for healing wounds. In a chronic state of distress due to the state of the world, your body is searching for a wound to heal. What can the body do if it doesn't find the site of injury, but it keeps receiving danger signals? Inflammation is at the root of all illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Wouldn't you prefer to do everything in your power to reduce your risk of chronic illness?
Enter the wisdom of yoga, which points us towards holding awareness of opposites that exist together in the same space and the same time. Even in the same body and mind! If you have a body part that is painful, chances are good that you also have a body part that feels perfectly fine- perhaps even pleasurable. Have you ever felt sadness and joy in the same moment? As a mother of teenagers, I notice all the time that my children are not quite children anymore. But they’re still not really adults- they have qualities of both. I look forward to watching them grow more independent and building their own lives, but it also makes me sad that one day soon they might not be in the house anymore.
If it’s important to care about the suffering of others, it’s equally important to be joyful for the good things you have. After all, what a waste it would be for you to have the good things if you didn’t appreciate them. It kind of makes the situation look even worse. Acknowledging opposing truths can be a juggling act, and it feels awkward. In my opinion, that’s how you know you’re doing a good job. Occasionally, you’ll be more touched than usual by the plight of your fellow humans. Can you feel that for a while, and then come back to a state of gratitude? After all, the hallmark of a healthy nervous system is the ability to transition from safety to stress and back again. The most starkly opposed truths are this: there are people on this planet who struggle for the basic things that they should be entitled to, and there are people on this planet who don’t. Of course it isn’t fair, but right now it’s a reality which can’t be changed…for now.
In studying the ways that people heal from trauma, including me, I’ve observed that having a sense of control can really affect the way we move forward. It’s a sense of complete powerlessness that leaves lasting marks on the heart. By focusing on the areas where we do have choice and agency, we can remain intact through the worst situations. So do what you can do. If you have money, donate. If you have time, volunteer. Change your buying habits to consume less stuff and try to use your car less. Fretting over what you can’t control will put you in a hole. Everyone on this planet deserves to be happy- including you.
Something I find to be very helpful is prayer- and you don’t have to be religious to pray. It’s something that will increase your sense of connectedness to Spirit and humanity, it’s free, and it is a nice addition to whatever other efforts you’re involved in. I choose to pray before each meal, as a beautiful pause where I give thanks for the abundance in my life, acknowledge the suffering of others, and pray for lasting peace and justice. Below is an example of my prayer. I know it’s long, but I view this as a deliberate pause in my day for a specific purpose. Many times, I cry from the emotion that this prayer evokes from my heart.
Divine One,(substitute your higher power here)
I’m in awe of the abundance you shower upon me.
Thank you for always providing me and my family with what we need to thrive.
I pray that all people have access to the things they’re entitled to:
Clean water
Nutritious food
Adequate shelter
Medical care
Education
Safety.
Please let all people enjoy the good things that are so abundant for me.
Please be with all people who are suffering war, famine, disasters, and genocide. (Here you can be specific.)
Please be in the hearts of those who wage war, for they need you the most.
Please bring lasting peace and justice to the entire planet.
Please let all beings everywhere be happy and peaceful and free from the causes of their suffering, including me and the people I love.
Please let my words, thoughts, and actions contribute to the happiness of all beings everywhere.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti (peace, peace, peace)
Thank you, dear reader, for your time and attention. It’s my desire that you should be happy, enjoy your life, and serve in the ways that you can. The light in me bows to the light in you, for they are the same. Namaste! 🙏🏽
Coming in 2025…
My online class, Somatic Yoga Evolution, will be available in 2025. I’ve been pouring my love into this class for a long time, and I’m so happy I will soon be able to share it with you. In Somatic Yoga Evolution you will:
Learn how your nervous system works, and why your reactions are not your fault!
Finally feel comfortable being present in your own body.
Use multiple techniques to regulate your nervous system.
Release stored emotions.
Customize your somatic yoga practice to fit your needs.
Free access to the course for one year.
