(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding
So where are the strong, and who are the trusted?
If you're anything like me—you know, a sentient being who sometimes reads the paper and has been known to doomscroll at three a.m.—the world can feel…like a lot. I’ve heard it said that teachers teach what they most need to learn. In these moments (especially in these moments), I try to practice what I preach on the mat. I come back to my breath, elongating my exhales in an attempt to bring my parasympathetic rest-and-digest nervous system response back online so that my sympathetic fight-or-flight response doesn’t wind up running the show. Some days, it’s all about making my way back to a state of emotional regulation, and emotional regulation is vital in these times because it allows us to respond versus react.
But just sitting and breathing doesn’t solve the problems of the day, does it? Change requires a little more grit from us. More tenacity, more tapas—and no, tapas in yoga isn't about tiny snacks (if only it were about tiny snacks). Tapas is about discipline, self-control, and the burning desire to purify and transform ourselves. How do we create the change that we want to see in the world? In this climate, how do we stay engaged while also trying to embody something like ahimsa, the yogic principle of non-harm?
I think there’s a sentiment out there that ahimsa is something akin to rolling over and showing the world our soft underbellies. But ahimsa isn't about being a human-shaped doormat, or pretending everything's all sunshine and chakras! when the world outside feels like a dumpster fire. It's about consciously choosing not to inflict harm, whether through our words, our deeds, or even our thoughts. When the political and social winds are whipping, it's tempting to lash out, to dehumanize, to dig in our heels and throw some good, old-fashioned shade. And trust me, I'm right there with you. My finger hovers over the 'unfollow' button more often than I care to admit, and sometimes, despite all the breathwork and mindfulness, react still wins. (My snark reflex? Yeah, that’s still impressively strong.)
Yet, our practice calls us higher. And it is a yoga practice, not a yoga perfect. Ahimsa in this climate means finding ways to engage, to speak truth to power, to advocate for what's right, without turning into the very thing we're fighting against. It means holding space, even when your tender heart feels like it's being squeezed. It means listening, even when every fiber of your being wants to plug your ears and hum. (Which reminds me, I’ll be teaching Bhramari Pranayama this month. Channel your inner pollinator and come to class!) It also crucially means channeling that righteous fire into constructive action—volunteering, supporting causes, or having those excruciatingly difficult but respectful conversations—instead of just screaming anonymously into the echo chamber of the internet.
Yoga means “to yoke,” to unite, to draw together. With division being as pervasive as it is, with marginalized communities under fire and the most vulnerable of us living in fear, it is up to us to be good allies and work to build bridges (Happy Pride to all who celebrate!). So, on the days when checking Instagram feels like a direct assault on your inner peace: take a breath, you tender-hearted warriors. You absolutely can be active. You can be passionate. You can fight for justice. And you can do it all while keeping that beautiful heart of yours open, your mind clear, and your commitment to kindness unwavering. It's messy, it's challenging, and sometimes it feels like trying to find tree pose in a tornado. But you're stronger than you think. Now go forth and spread some light (and maybe some well-placed snark, but try to do it in the aim of the highest good). I believe in you.
Q. What’s Ahimsa?
A. Ahimsa (non-harming, non-violence) is one of the five Yamas (ethical restraints or moral codes). The Yamas comprise one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Hop into the Bookclub - Free to Participate!
Suleika Jaouad’s The Book of Alchemy
I thought it might be fun to explore some non-fiction offerings pertaining to yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and creative practices here on Substack. (I know that not everyone who reads this lives in NYC, and this is just a fun way to broaden our practice off the mat.) I’ll be touching base via the chat feature on the platform every week (one week per chapter) with some thoughts on the book, questions, etc. Since it’s online, there’s no pressure to show up at a certain time - just check in as you’re able. The Book of Alchemy has 10 chapters, so that should take us into August.
This is very much a book about cultivating a journaling practice. Journaling is a great way to not only explore creativity and work through our citta vritti (a/k/a our “mind stuff” in Sanskrit), but also to practice mindfulness, gratitude, contemplation, and it brings us back to center. You can do all of the journaling prompts, or some of them, or none of them. As I tell my yoga students, you have options! That said, I recommend finding a journal and a pen that you can use in addition to obtaining a copy of the book itself. If you’d rather respond to Jaouad’s prompts using a computer (or even voice-to-text, if that feels easier), go for it. I say use what works for you.
If you live in northern Manhattan, the book is currently on the shelves at The Fountain Bookshop and you should be able to order from Word Up Books. Support your local booksellers! Also check your friend and mine, The New York Public Library. And if reading isn’t easy for you these days for whatever reason, there’s an audiobook! You can listen on Audible.
Speaking of Journaling…
The good folks over at
are running a six-week reflection/course experience called The Hope Portal starting this week via Substack + podcast. Check it out if you get a chance.
Practice with Me In-Person - Group Classes
Heights Meditation & Yoga
Tuesday 12-1pm ET Slow Flow
Saturday 9:15-10:15am ET Foundations of Yoga (L1)
Saturday 11:45am-12:45pm ET Restorative & Reiki (through June 7)
Sunday 4-5pm ET Slow Flow
Sunday 5:15-6:15pm ET Yin & Restorative
Interested in Private Yoga?
If you’re a Manhattan resident looking to build and/or deepen your yoga practice in the comfort and privacy of your own home, I offer 5- and 10-class packs. All cards expire at the end of the year.
5-pack of 60-minute, in-home private classes = $450
10-pack of 60-minute, in-home private classes = $900
If you’re interested in private yoga classes, reach out. Venmo, Zelle and Paypal accepted. Class cards expire at the end of 2025.
If you’re already a Private Yoga client of mine with an active class card and are looking to book a time to practice, I keep my TidyCal updated:
The Future of This Substack 🧘🏻♀️
It’s my full intention to keep this Substack mostly free and open to anyone who would like to read it. That said, I’ve been convinced to add some paid subscriber content for those who want it. The levels are:
Free. You get access to my bloggery thoughts on yogic philosophy in modern times, access to the bookclub chat, plus any and all schedule updates posted here.
A paid Subscriber level. You get the above, plus access to one yoga practice each month that you can stream at your leisure via private YouTube link.
A Founders level. This includes the level above + an additional 60-minute private YouTube link offering each season (solstices & equinoxes) which would feature yoga and/or yoga nidra, meditation, distance reiki, and a tarot pull for the season.
It’s your practice. Choose the level which resonates best for you. No level is better than another.
In the Meantime…
If you’re unfamiliar with Elvis Costello’s version of “(What’s so Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” I leave you with this. Be good to yourselves, y’all.
AL