We Gotta Root to Rise: Cultivating Resilience in a Shaken World
Did you see the remarkable way Americans, and people around the world, stood up to authoritarianism and oligarchy in the last month? Were you one of the millions who joined the global protests?
As uplifting as it was to be part of such a concerned and passionate crowd, I couldn’t shake the weight of our current reality and the grave danger we face as a country. I’m not going to lie, the uncertainty and harm we’re experiencing are incredibly stressful.
I don’t need to remind you that stress is bad for the body. While it fills me with hope to see everyone coming together and caring for our future, our health must never take a backseat. As concerned citizens, we all need to find ways to care for ourselves amid all this pushback.
Back in 2012, I was part of a community that experienced major upheaval when our founder had a fall from grace. As a result, the yoga teachers in the community lost their livelihoods and careers, along with tens of thousands of dollars invested in their education. In one word, the experience was destabilizing.
I watched in dismay as this destabilization sent some in our community into mental breakdowns and complete loss of footing. With this administration’s divisive influence and terror stirring even greater chaos both nationally and globally, I fear we may soon see more people experiencing mental breakdowns —underscoring the urgent need for yoga as a grounding practice in these turbulent times.
My practice has taught me that stepping onto the mat, even for just a moment, offers a powerful opportunity to pause, breathe, and regain a sense of ease.
Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, consider carving out a few minutes each day for some stillness, a gentle flow, a restorative practice, or simply a few deep breaths. This time for yourself is not only an act of self-care but also a vital investment in your mental health and overall well-being.
Another important aspect of maintaining balance is staying connected to your community. Attending yoga classes and events reinforces your sense of belonging, reminds you that you’re not alone, and provides an uplifting space to be reminded of the good people in this world! In small groups we can swap reliable information, spot disinformation, and strategize practical solutions. A community network becomes a living fact-check and think tank, helping everyone respond more thoughtfully than they could alone.
Authoritarian crackdowns often target the most vulnerable first. When neighbors know each other’s needs - food, childcare, medication - they can pool resources, share safe spaces, and offer rapid aid if someone is harassed or detained.
Feeling seen and supported by others recalibrates your stress response, boosts resilience, and prevents the burnout that isolation breeds. These shared experiences not only enhance your yoga practice but also build a supportive network during challenging times.
In addition, protests, letter-writing campaigns and legal support are far more effective when people act in unison. Community ties accelerate coordination, amplify each voice, and turn individual outrage into collective leverage.
Finally, gathering around yoga, meditation, music, dance or meaningful conversation keeps alive the joy and creativity that authoritarianism seeks to squash. These shared moments reinforce our commitment to freedom, diversity, and critical thinking.
Let’s remember that by caring for ourselves and connecting with others in person, we become better equipped to handle whatever life brings our way. Stay grounded, stay aware, and take good care of yourself.
