Yoga for Peace and Peace in Yoga

Excerpt from letter I sent recently to world leaders:
"Peace comes from within. Otherwise we search for it in others and elsewhere where it is harder to find and we have less control. It is hard to have an argument with someone who doesn’t argue back, who listens and feels at peace no matter what you say.

We can’t force someone else to be at peace but we can discipline ourselves to find it within. The discipline begins with stilling the mind and resting in silence even for a moment or two. There are many techniques for doing this – yoga and meditation are two I find most effective. The key is knowing and believing that it is possible and necessary to find peace within and come to others in peace in order to find peace with others in the world. 

I hope it doesn’t sound simplistic and unrealistic to think that searching for peace within might affect events in the world, but the deep belief that it can, brings limitless possibilities over the long term. It is especially challenging when confronting acts of violence against innocent citizens. The need to react to situations of violence need not prevent one’s engagement in this lifelong practice."

In honour of my friends, family, yoga students and like-minded organizations, who are passionately concerned with the future of the planet, I am inspired to offer 1% of every yoga dollar I earn to local and international projects aimed at people in need and in areas of war and deprivation.

I see this as a way for individuals like you and I to keep those in need around the globe in our hearts and minds.

If you and I come together in this dedication of the fruit of our labour to something greater than ourselves-a vision of peace in the world, we are more likely to make it happen and see it happen in our lifetimes.

Hope you are inspired to join in.  Perhaps we can create circles of peace-for yoga and meditation practice, study, discussion and prayer. I'd love to hear from you.

Peace in our hearts brings peace in the world.

Linda