How do you navigate that line in your own life? You write about cultural appropriation versus appreciation. Those experiences become doorways for the reader to cultivate what Stanley calls “the yoga of every day,” or the way we can apply poses and postures to our daily experience.
She shares her triumphs, her failures, and the ways she’s still unfolding. Stanley examines herself as searingly as she explores capitalism, cultural appropriation, white guilt, and cannabis consumption. We also witness a human being (a “Virgo rising”) who is learning to accept herself just like the rest of us. In Yoke ($14, Amazon), we encounter Jessamyn Stanley, the widely read author, committed yogi, and respected teacher. This opening anecdote sets the tone for the entire book. “I needed a close encounter with my imposter syndrome,” Stanley tells SELF, adding that examination is an ongoing process. Then she got on her yoga mat and let herself feel everything that cropped up. Stanley freaked out, contemplated calling her publisher, and considered writing to the reader. And it makes space for us to let go and move forward from white supremacy, sexism, ageism, ableism, transphobia, et cetera.What happened next? Exactly what you might expect. It allows for us to be compassionate for ourselves, for the world around us, for the people around us. And I think that when we consider the impact of collective yoga practice, it doesn't mean that we all need to meditate together or even be conscious of meditation or breath work at all, but to acknowledge that every human being is on the path of accepting themselves. But acknowledging that I am doing this work of looking within myself and accepting every piece of myself, and the person next to me is doing the same thing, and the person next to them, and so on, we're able to do the work of healing really deep, systemic problems in our world. You don't even ever have to actually meet any of the other people. It doesn't mean all going to the same yoga studio or all having the same outfit - it's not about material possessions at all. The Underbelly has really helped me understand the work that we do as a collective, by taking care of ourselves in community.
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