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Reflecting on the news from the U.S. Supreme Court 

June 24th, 2022

Dear Community,

By now, you have likely heard about the United States Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which recognized a Constitutional right to an abortion in the U.S., nearly half a century ago.

This note isn’t meant to move the needle on anyone’s perspective about this issue today. However, we are certain the implications it has on American women’s ability to shape their own lives—particularly for women of color, those in marginalized communities, or women facing poverty—are immediate, direct, and severe. As an association whose U.S.-based membership is largely female, we also know our members, and, by extension, their businesses, and their communities, will be the ones to bear the weight of those impacts.

This news also comes on the heels of many other recent tragedies and incidents, which we have spoken out about. Some have wondered why this is, and we wanted to address that here.

Yoga guides us to ever-deepening self-awareness. It shows a responsibility to move through our shared world with intention, mindful of the impacts we each make that ripple across the collective. These recent historical moments and many others have threatened or eroded individuals’ safety, health, and peace of mind.

To put it simply—we must say something in the name of yoga and our organizational values, including unity, integrity, and equity.

This moment is particularly frustrating because it seems there is no clear call to action. Instead, we know a realistic solution to today’s new inequities will be complex and take time. Fortunately, yoga prepares us for long roads like this, giving us the tools to weather storms that require patience, great empathy, and intense bravery. For those who could benefit from immediate mental health support, our Eka Well-Being Services program can help.

So, tonight, I encourage you to rest. Return to your mat; reach out to your friends and colleagues; refill your well.

 

In yoga,

Shannon

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