Becoming a Force for Good in the World

It’s easy to lose hope for the future when all you see in the news is conflict, violence, anger, fear and suffering. Instead of feeling helpless, learn how you can become someone who can bring about positive change and be a force for good. With knowledge and wisdom, all of us can help to make the world a better, more compassionate place.

One of the most divisive issues facing the world today is bigotry and racism. Race riots, shootings, bullying and discrimination are becoming increasingly common. What does the wisdom of yoga have to teach us about the things that divide us? Are we destined to be forever divided by race, ethnicity, religion, etc. or can we end racism and bigotry and bring about peace and harmony?

Do you feel dissatisfied  when you compare your life to other people’s lives? Instagram feeds are famously full of the shiny, happy pictures of other people’s perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect life... and not to mention their perfectly executed yoga poses in exotic locations. When we compare ourselves to people with more money, fame, beauty, talent, personality, luck, and so on, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with feelings of discontent or envy. But this tendency to compare ourselves with others is incredibly destructive and keeps us from experiencing inner peace and happiness.

Not a day passes without  another news headline informing us of dire global environmental and economic crises. Our concern about climate change, deadly air pollution and rapid deforestation conflicts with the increasing demand for fuel, resources and space for farming and housing. Too often it seems that environmental and the economic issues are in direct opposition to each other. How can we walk the path between ensuring that everyone has access to adequate resources while protecting and conserving the natural environment which sustains us?