Greetings Reader -

Free DC is a movement dedicated to protecting our city’s “Home Rule” — our governmental autonomy in view of the fact that Washington D.C. is not a state (yet). I’m an active participant and, this weekend, I’m taking Free DC's advanced training intensive on the key skills of effective non-cooperation.

Part of the training includes learning how other movements, usually in countries where people have more experience standing up to authoritarianism than we do here in the United States, have used non-cooperation tactics effectively.

A recurring theme has been how long it takes for resistance movements to succeed.

The fact that resistance to authoritarianism requires a sustained effort over a long period of time reminded me of the same principle in yoga:

Consistent effort, grounded in devotion, creates the foundation for transformation. Just as the fluctuations of the mind are stilled by steady practice, authoritarian governments are undermined, and ultimately overthrown, by relentless resistance sustained over a long period of time.

This can be challenging for people who have grown up in a culture of instant everything. Even the most inspired beginnings can quickly fade without patience and perseverance. As in yoga, so too in resistance: a paradigm shift is required, from expecting a quick fix to making a long-term commitment.

The yoga wisdom tradition provides us with some good role models. One is Dhruva, a five-year old boy who went off to the forest to practice an exceedingly difficult form of yoga and an exceptionally intense form of meditation. He absorbed himself in his practice without cessation, continually intensifying his practice for five months.

Dhruva's goal seemed unattainable, but the intensity of his meditation was so powerful that it altered the cosmic balance of the universe to the point where the demigods, unable to contain the disruption caused by Dhruva's meditation, appealed to Vishnu to satisfy Dhruva’s desire.

Pleased with Dhruva's unshakeable resolve, Vishnu personally appeared before him and granted Dhruva a permanent place in the heavens at the center of the universe (the Pole Star).

History shows us the same pattern in struggles for justice. Gandhi’s satyāgraha movement in India, Solidarity in Poland’s fight against Communist rule, and South Africa’s long resistance to apartheid all succeeded not through sudden bursts of energy but through sustained effort over a long period of time.

In each case, people refused to cooperate with injustice, even when the odds against them seemed overwhelming.

Yoga also teaches non-cooperation—not with governments, but with māyā, the illusory energy that deceives us into thinking of our true selves as our temporary mind and body, and entangles us in a world that isn’t what it appears to be.

Every time we refuse to be drawn into divisions that arise from the illusion that we are our bodies and remember the true spiritual nature of the self—and our spiritual kinship with all other beings, we weaken illusion’s grip.

In the same way, every time we refuse to let authoritarian leaders get away with twisting the truth, we weaken their power.

Success, whether in yoga or in resistance to tyranny, is never instant; it’s the fruit of many small, steady acts: showing up on our mats and meditation cushions, showing up for each other, and refusing to forget what is real.

In both inner practice and outer action, patience and persistence are the keys to success.

Wishing you all good fortune,

- Hari-k

P.S.: Beginning this October, I'm offering one-on-one mentorships for yoga teachers that can help you expand your knowledge, elevate your skills, stand out from the crowd, and grow into your full potential as a teacher. These mentorships are based on a structured framework that can be customized to fit your specific objectives. We can work together virtualy or, if you're in the D.C. area, in person at my home studio. CLICK HERE for complete information.

P.P. S.: Schedule Change - Now Starting Sunday, October 12th, I will be leading a once-a-month in-person Yoga Nidra / Sleep Training class at Luneh Yoga in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. These 60-minute classes will be offered on the second Sunday of each month at 5:45 pm. If you're in the D.C. area (or even if you're not), CLICK HERE for complete information and registration.

P.P.P.S: CLICK HERE for learn more about Free DC, get up to speed on how the rights of people living in our nation's capital are being threatened, and find out how you help.