Holding Truths

Satya-Truth, the second of our ethics (yamas) in the yogic tradition defines truth as one’s words and actions being in relationship to fact. Edwin Bryant, in his commentary on the Yoga sutras, speaks of truth being the transference of knowledge that lacks deceit or manipulation and exists for the benefit of all.

Truth, in the yogic tradition, is subservient to nonviolence (ahimsa). Truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, speaks to injustice and challenges the status quo.

Yoga philosophy, in particular ahimsa (nonviolence) and Gandhi’s application of Satyagraha (truth force) influenced Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in his struggle for civil rights, and anti war and anti colonialism stances.

This idea that we seek truth and remove causes of harm as well as seek to embody truth in one’s thoughts, words and actions is Yoga.

Removing the causes of harm isn’t the endgame. If we truly seek liberatory, abolitional ways of being, we show up fierce-and loving. Holding space with self honoring boundaries and accountability AND fierce love.

An Incomplete List of Facts:

• In 2024, 77,303, 573 Americans elected Donald Trump to the office of the Presidency.
• In 2024, a jury convicted Trump of 34 felony charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn star.
• In 2023 and upheld in a federal appeals court in 2024, a jury found Trump guilty of sexual assault. Dozens of women, dating back to the 1970’s, have accused Trump of sexual misconduct.

Hard Truths:

• Many people know and believe these facts and yet voted for Trump.
• On Monday, January 20th, 2025 on the federal holiday that honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Trump, an adjudicated sexual offender and convicted felon will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.

What Else is True: Another Incomplete List of Truths.

• The late spiritual teacher Ram Dass stated, “No matter if it is the beginning of the Golden Era or the Apocalypse, our work remains the same. To show up, love and ease the suffering of one another.” (My paraphrase)
• The Work Remains the Same No Matter What– What Truth(s) do you commit to live? I am a commitment to: Integrity. Compassion. Accountability (my own). Community. Creativity. Joy. Rest. Grief Tending. This commitment, not contingent on external happenings such as a Presidential election, comes from the ongoing practice of seeking embodied truth.
• We, you and I, don’t have to exist in constant outrage to be living truth.
• Find what nourishes and nurtures you, the communities that witness your struggles with compassion and celebrate big and small joys with you.
• Your grief for the planet, for those suffering, for this country, for all Beings exists in the most sacred part of you, your caring heart. Tracing grief back to love, anger to passion, fear to courage, despair to possibility, guides us to the path of peace-building, deep listening and community. Let’s meet here with snacks, comfy blankets and with our tears and our songs.