Juneteenth is a chance to consider how we can use our practices–yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or the way we engage in the world around us–to be of service to the liberation of all beings and alleviate suffering in the wider world, not just for ourselves.

This is day about all the days that justice, right and common decency have won out over racism, greed, hatred and ignorance. This day is about so many things, I support my friends of colour and bias in their direction so that a reconciliation might move us all in a higher direction. I have felt the bias of many including my own gender against me as a mother, grand-mother, indigenous and white human. This day invites us to explore the vast chasm that still exists between what equal rights looks like on paper and the lived experience.

I am inspired to write about this day in time by others who have suffered and who continue to suffer. May we be united in the decision to wake up joyful despite what our detractors might project upon us. May we be happy, may we be healthy, may we forgive those who know what they have done and those who know-not.
As yoga teachers and yoga practitioners let this be a day to explore what freedom means for us and what we are doing with this precious freedom that so many have fought for our right to have. How can we honour our ancestors, the teachers who have come before us and those who will come after us?

Let’s take time, a moment of reflection, moments to read and listen to the words of those who think deep and hard about days like Juneteenth and stand together shoulder to shoulder, yoga mat to yoga mat and declare our solidarity in action. Practice yoga, meditation, mindfulness and right action in all aspects of life in the service of liberation of self, and others, get free through the practice and hold space for others to do the same. Be an instrument of peace in this day and every day and rest in the knowledge that you are part of the revolution.