yoga etc. #14 (in defense of hope)
yoga etc. #14
It was when I stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself I found there were no roots more intimate than those between a mind and body that have decided to be whole
- Rupi Kaur
I won’t lie—I’ve made a couple of bets on the U.S. presidential election. Each one was an impromptu wager between friends, and we bet a bottle of wine. I’m not a gambler—most people who know me know that. I like to play the game, but I prefer to play it safe, and I know when to cut my losses. However, in these instances, I felt compelled not to bet on my preferred candidate but to stand up in defense of hope.
Through these conversations—with Brits and Americans alike—there was a sense of superstition and cynicism, of playing it safe by accepting defeat. There was also a fear of hope—for when there is hope, there might be shattered dreams, pain, or disappointment. As much as I don’t want to jinx anything by hoping and praying and crossing my fingers and toes and arms and legs, I just can’t get down with not hoping for a positive outcome.
This defiance of cynicism goes beyond the U.S. election. It extends across borders—the pandemic, the economy, the climate. I cannot accept the things that we can change, and I will always look for a silver lining.
But the goal isn’t to hope the suffering away. It’s not to think positive about a bad situation and hope for the best. It’s to be realistic. To understand that there is danger, we need to prepare for it, and there are steps that we can take to turn our hope into reality.
So many of us feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, but remember, it’s all happened before. In times of crisis, humanity has shown it is capable of inflicting pain, but it is also capable of extraordinary kindness. We are stronger than we think. Our voice is louder than we realize.
So speak up. Wear a mask. Vote (not just in the U.S. presidential election but locally where you live). Support Black Lives Matter. Support science. Check-in on your family. FaceTime your friends. Share a piece of good news with someone who is isolating. Take time to rest. Practice yoga. Count your breaths. Turn off the TV. Spend time in nature. Use less plastic. Eat more vegetables. Vote. Do whatever you need to do to turn your hope into reality. It’s the light shining the way towards a brighter future. ✨
Have a great week. Hope to see you on the (virtual) mat!
Let's flow together—but apart
Morning birds 60
A love letter to my early risers; those getting their move on before the 9-5 grind.
Tuesdays + Thursdays at 7.30am BST
Foundations 45
A nod to the curious; those who have never tried yoga before and want to know more.
Wednesdays at 12:30pm + 5:30pm BST
Sunday soul 75
An oldie with a twist; 60 minutes of powerful vinyasa and a hint of yin to close out the week.
Sundays at 5pm BST
Weekly writing prompt
You were driving by a body of water with the music turned all the way up (10 minutes)
Other musings
Megan Thee Stallion: “Protect Black women” should not be controversial
You can’t have news without a value system
The kids are alright (after quarantine)
A tribute to Chinese American history through egg foo young
Fall feels: Persimmon spiced butter
Politics, negativity, and powerlessness: how wellbeing falls every time we watch the news
Join me (if you're in London) for a Diwali Supper Club
On repeat: 13 minutes of beauty, pain, and soul-soothing by Nick Mulvey
i love you xx
LBC
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