MOVIE REVIEW: FIERCE LIGHT, WHEN SPIRIT MEETS ACTION
What does Yoga and Activism have in common? COMMUNITY!
Last night I watched the ground breaking documentary, “Fierce Light, When Spirit Meets Action” an in-depth look at the power that is released when our spirituality/belief and activism meet.
Sparked by the movements of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Mandela, by igniting a global movement of positive, compassionate action. It is a global journey of social change motivated by love, and the necessity to save our world through ethical action.
When asked by students what my message is, I say I am an Activist for Compassion, thus my message is to be an activist for compassion.
It is here, where we see a direct correlation between Yoga and Activism; both deeply rooted in community. The growing popularity of yoga at this time of global transformation and shift of inward search for our own humanity is not a coincidence.
If we look at the definition of a Yogi it is someone who strives to live in harmony with the earth, our environment and embracing the connection with another; which is at the heart of belonging.
A yogi seeks self-realization through the practice of action to become a more centered and rounded partner of society. By living in an other-centered way rather than a self-centered way, the yogi lives harmoniously with the earth, with all beings and things, and ultimately with oneself. This is the very way of life that is reflected in our leaders who have taken compassionate action towards a better world.
The practice of yoga on the mat can provide us with very practical skills to enable us to dismantle our present negative culture, a culture of dis-ease, based upon the exploitation of the earth and injustice of our fellow human and to act with non-violence to shift the paradigm towards social change.
So the next time you are on your mat, think about how you can transfer the loving, compassionate traits evoked from your practice and take them off the mat. Imagine individuals and organizations connected by a shared commitment to compassionate, positive action….that’s most definitely Fierce Action!
Transform. Inspire. Enable
