CONSCIENTIOUS LIFE
INDYoga Votes Taking Yoga off the Mat , into the Voting Booth
By Lauren Kay Roberts
If you ’ ve ever stepped into a yoga studio , you may have heard a teacher talk about taking the practice “ off the mat .” As we awaken to our true , interconnected nature on the mat , we find ourselves a little less judgmental , a little more patient , and generally more aware of how our actions impact those around us .
INDYoga Votes — a nonpartisan organization I cofounded with Shannon Brasovan ( Practice Indie ), Candy Irven ( Tree House ), and Josh Driver ( Open for Service ) last year — takes this “ off the mat " concept a step further . Our movement empowers yogis to extend their values into civic life by registering to vote and turning out on Election Day . We believe the higher consciousness community has a responsibility to raise our voices in the current political conversation ; by participating in the process , we hope to transform a political culture that seems more toxic than ever .
During 2014 ’ s midterm elections , Indiana had historically ( read : depressingly ) low voter turnout . We want to change that in 2016 , especially as we see unprecedented energy from all parties around issues like equality , health , education , the environment , campaign finance , and national security . If you aren ’ t in love with any of the candidates , don ’ t be discouraged , and don ’ t just sit on the sidelines . Get informed and support those who most closely align with your values .
As INDYoga Votes prepares for a busy summer of registering voters , leading community yoga classes , and planning an outdoor yoga celebration in September ( stay tuned !), we asked local yogis about voting , their personal practice , and how the two intersect . Here ’ s what they had to say :
“ It is an honor to work for elected officials [,] but it often demands putting your job before your own needs and taking work with you wherever you go . When I ' m on my mat I ' m able to set an intention for myself that ultimately makes me feel more confident and grounded in the way I do my job .”
“ Yoga attempts to lift the veil of unconsciousness . It is my effort to do this in my own community by voting in a more conscious , informed way .”
“ My practice helps me to vote , but to also practice not judging others on their values [ and ] to be grateful [ that ] we are all expressing our rights .”
“ Yoga teaches us oneness … There are candidates I support [ who ] also believe that [,] so I will be voting for them .”
“ As yogis , it is our duty to attempt to wake ourselves up and [ inspire ] others to do so as well .”
“ Yoga brings more open-mindedness to the world . I am glad [ that ] this election has gotten so much attention , but it is the non-presidential years that we need to be paying more attention to if we really want the revolution [ that ] everyone ( on both sides ) seems to be so interested in this year .”
“ Yogis are some of the most caring , cause-driven , and community-minded people I know , yet so often I hear fellow yogis dismiss politics and participating in elections because they ‘ just can ' t take the contention ’ or they ‘ don ' t have space for that kind of negativity ’ in their lives . You wouldn ’ t quit your whole practice because pigeon pose is really uncomfortable and totally un-fun ( personal opinion here ), would you ? Just as in your yoga practice , find your soft edge and participate in your government . You will learn , grow , and be better for it .”
Thank you to the yogis who participated in our questionnaire for this piece . Do you take your practice off the mat and into civic life ? Does voting matter to you ? Share your feedback with INDYoga Votes on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter , and find us at Monumental Yoga ! ■
LAUREN KAY ROBERTS Lauren Kay Roberts is a freelance communication optimizer , yoga teacher , and ritualist based in Indianapolis . Learn more about her # freelancemystic work at www . laurenkayroberts . com .
30 INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE I