I admit it. At the West Seattle Democratic Women's breakfast to watch the inauguration of Barack Obama, I was looking for one of the many Kleenex boxes floating around the room.
Obama has not only inspired a nation, but the world. It was estimated that 5 billion people watched this moment through satellite. If I recall correctly, only three other events have caused that kind of stir -- the first man on the moon, the death of Princess Diana, and the explosion of the space shuttle. Ooh, maybe this Maddoff scandal also rates high. But nothing has united us, given us as much hope, and make the bleakness of this recession a little less... bleak.
Obama has rightly asked people to consider service. Why service? It is a platform for change that you can visibly see, and usually immediately.
Yoga is another vehicle for change. The practice of Yoga makes you see things differently, reframing your perspective, even as you hang upside down in Downward facing dog, balance on your hands in Crow, or look up towards the sky in Warrior I. The practice of the Yamas and Niyamas (restraints and practices) help work out your character, preparing it for change. Ever notice how some of the most hip and progressive people are older people with a practice such as meditation and yoga (namely, H.H. Dalai Lama)? How do you think HE prepares for the inevitability of change? Yes, even the HH has a physical practice.
We have to go beyond wanting change. We must now BE the change. If you don't know what that is, get with some people who do, who understand that mind and body shifts from moment to moment. Chances are, you'll find those people in a yoga class.
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