Because of my ongoing decolonial studies and healings, I’m seeing, more clearly, a pattern in Indians or ‘South Asians’ who are born in the West (like me), embodying ‘whyteness’ and neo-colonial narratives to fit in to ‘modern’ toxic ‘yoga’ cultures. I feel a sadness in their actions of abandoning what is true and authentic in order to participate in the ‘influencer’ ideal — the wish to be seen ‘like them’, a cry for validation, a pandering to the ego. It is painful, for example, to hear a butchered form of Sanskrit, in mantras and songs not sung or taught by indigenous stewards — stewards who are being and have always been silenced.
For us ‘Hindus’, and inheritors of Vedic traditions, our lived experience is of cultural erasure and ethnocide. It is being continued in whyte yoga spaces, where those of us from the culture are selling out by copying the model of yoga which has been narcissistically taken apart from its roots and sold in the watered down versions. I understand why. Racism affects what teachers are hired in the studios — that is part of it. This increases the shadow need to ‘belong’ and be ‘accepted’ by the dominant culture.
This week I’m interested in the topic of conformity, because what I see, in these yoga spaces is the need to belong at the cost of one’s true self, voice and expression. The consequence of not listening to the ancestral voice is a passing down of misguided teachings, teachings which have been polished over a millennia.
I actually found it very painful to see someone like me, embody a neo-colonial expression — there is harm being done here. Colonialism and narcissism are one and the same.
No doubt conformity takes a piece of your soul, regardless of the context in which I’m talking. This applies universally.
What is the cost of imitating others? Of playing small to avoid backlash and uninvited opinions (real or imagined)? The cost of working for someone else’s dream that likely lacks meaning, purpose and impact for you?
What you truly desire, whether it is safety, stability, joy and pleasure, in work, home or relationships will not always arrive in the fullest and authentic way, until you yourself attempt to embody that wholeness and authenticity.
Be a fucking rebel. Own the difference that you feel. Sensitivity gifts us with a deep knowing to do what is right. This is the impetus behind dharma — living one’s true path that in right relationship with ṛta, nature’s sacred law — the cosmic order.
Conformity to systems of harm, and even the 9–5 working-life structure kills us slowly. Not listening to nature’s rhythms and cycles and patterning our gentle bodies on it, kills us slowly. Gatekeeping the status quo and all that is wrong with it, kills us slowly. Not listening to our ancestral and indigenous wisdom, kills us slowly.
INTENTIONS:
Celebrate your difference, your divine sensitivity and supranatural gifts. Own the rebel that you are and allow your true voice to be heard!
We have a solar eclipse this week (June 10th). Follow nature!
Cut away avidya, the shadow of incorrect and ignorant knowledge, false perceptions and illusions. Move towards the luminescence and wisdom of your soul’s authentic expression.
JOURNAL THIS:
⫸ Where am I conforming to the thoughts and opinions of others?
⫸ How is this showing up in life?
⫸ What is the current cost of my conformity?
⫸ How shall I embody my authenticity this week?
(Feel free to share your thoughts in our Facebook community.)
Further guidance shared in the energy oracle message below.
Rise Up, Warrior.
Payal
Tejas
Subtle essence of intelligence and courage; radiant and glowing.
Tejas refers to the element that is derived from ‘Agni’ the primordial fire mentioned in the Rig Veda. Tejas itself is first mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita:
|| OM Namah Shivaya Gurave Sacchidananda-Murtaye Nisprapancaya Santaya Niralambaya Tejase ||
‘Salutations to Lord Shiva who is the supreme guide and who is the embodiment of truth, tranquility and bliss. He is independent, full of peace and is full of spiritual light known as tejas.’
Shiva, the first yogi, is an embodiment of this luminescence. Tejas is what is created through the transformation of our own ignorance, it is a burning light, an effulgence derived from the heat of internal practice. This brightness is attained through courage — the warrior spirit — which can be used to fight, defend or protect.
To receive this oracle energy indicates a readiness to transform and purify karma — old patterns and inner darkness — to receive the true light and radiance of knowledge. You carry a spark of energy that uplifts those around you and are a natural-born leader. As a warrior of love, you are committed to raising the vibration of this planet, even if it sparks controversy.
By being your highest self and committing to your truth, you encourage others to do the same. Continue sharing your spark with others who have lost theirs.
In the sutras, Patanjali exclaims that those with tejas advance the fastest towards yoga and warns not to abandon the yamas and niyamas in order to respect the integrity and wholeness of this process of inner discovery. Conserve your energy wisely and choose your battles well — elect the path that leads you to fulfill your highest vision.
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