Should Yoga Teachers Speak Out About Politics?
Yoga teachers are human. We are not holier-than-though beings that are immune to catastrophies, tragedies and injustices. We can share about yoga philosophy, spiritual wisdom and inspirational quotes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t express our opinions or protest, especially when we see something which actually goes against the yoga ethos we follow.
Ask this:
- Are you judging yoga teachers because you hold them at a higher standard?
- Do you expect yoga teachers to be neutral, and keep their political views to themselves?
- Are you putting yoga teachers on a pedestal, expecting them to know better and maybe looking to them to decide what words or actions to take yourself?
I remember one time I was rushing to teach and cut off a car behind me. Of course, the driver showed up in my yoga class. I ended up incorporating the incident into my teaching that day. About practicing satya, truthfulness, and integrity by calling myself out and apologizing publicly. I shared the incident acknowledging my embarrassment, by starting “I have a story that just happened right before class. i’m embarrassed to say, I was rushing and cut off a car behind me, and that driver is in class today. So, today’s theme is about integrity and satya, truthfulness.” Through the class I incorporated about forgiveness and moving on after clearing up any consequential residue or harm. And, after the incident is resolved, move on, don’t beat yourself up. Every regretful moment can be turned into a lesson learned. We’re all human. So many students said they related to the theme and appreciated how real I was with my story and being accountable and apologizing for my behavior.
I share this example to highlight that we as teachers have an opportunity to turn any life event into a lesson or a dharma talk. To me, an exception is talking about politics. Not in the classroom. Create a space that is safe, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
My quick answer to “Should yoga teachers talk about politics?” is “It depends.” (Continue reading to see my suggestions on what to say or not to say about politics.) I’ve personally struggled with this, then I connected to my inner wisdom, paying attention to my highest self, and received the message that my truth can serve a higher good, depending on how and when I present it. “When you see something, say something.” That’s what we teach our kids when they witness bullying or anything or anyone being harmed. In my opinion, what I have been perceiving and observing is that there is bullying happening in the United States, and many of the bullies hold leadership positions in the White House or work for those leaders.
“Yoga was never meant to help us escape the world.
It was meant to help us meet the world with clarity, steadiness, and compassion.”
History of Yoga Political Activists
Throughout history and into modern times, many spiritual and yoga leaders have stepped into social and political spaces not to promote parties or candidates, but to address human suffering, injustice, and collective well-being. Mahatma Gandhi grounded his activism in yogic principles like ahimsa (nonviolence) and satya (truth), demonstrating how spiritual ethics can guide societal change. Thich Nhat Hanh modeled what he called “engaged spirituality,” speaking out against war and advocating for peace while teaching mindfulness as a path toward collective healing. In the modern yoga world, Seane Corn has encouraged teachers and students to see service and social awareness as extensions of practice, while Susanna Barkataki has advocated for honoring yoga’s cultural roots and addressing inequity within the global yoga industry. Together, these leaders illustrate that for some practitioners, yoga is not separate from the world’s challenges — it is a framework for how to meet them with clarity, compassion, and responsibility.
What to Say and Not to Say in Yoga Class?
During class:
- Say nothing.
- In my opinion, when a student is attending a group or private yoga session, there is an expectation of arriving to a safe space to just be. It is a place where students rely on the teacher to embody peace and an energy which helps regulate nervous systems.
- When teaching yoga it is not the place to be triggering. Politics, especially today, is triggering and polarizing.
- HOWEVER…if there is a catastrophic event I might say “I know the world might feel extra heavy today. Fortunately, we are here to practice equanimity and connect to your inner peace in the present.” So, acknowledging “something” without being specific.
- AND, I do have students which will share their political view with me and feel like they can talk to me because what I have posted on social media. In that case, I take it out of the studio and continue chatting if it feels appropriate. Mostly, I listen with an empathetic, compassionate ear
Outside of class:
Personal
- Feel free to express your opinions on your public personal pages. Speak your truth and also ask if your words or behavior are causing harm.
- Instead of just complaining, consider it an opportunity for svadhyaya, self-inquiry. Turn it into a lesson:
- “What can be learned from this.”
- “How can I honor my rage AND respond in a way which maintains my inner peace and equanimity.”
- Outside of class:
- Or, choose to share your unfiltered opinions, swear, scream, express your rage. AND, know that you may have students witnessing the behavior of their yoga teacher, who they look up for inspiration and peace. AND, at the same time, you may be giving others permission to express themselves freely. Bottom line: make the choice and accept whatever responses or consequences arise.
- Behind closed doors, with your closest confidantes: let it rip!
Business
- On your yoga business pages, consider tying your opinions to yoga principle. Teach about “ahimsa” which asks us to do no harm. Express your disagreement about a circumstance which appears to be doing harm to others, or to the planet, etc.
- When expressing your opinion, refrain from attacking the person. Instead, call out the behavior which you disagree with and what you perceive as doing harm.
- As destructive or even evil someone appears, do your best to remember they are sentient beings. I know this can really be tough. That doesn’t mean excusing their behavior. It means that EVERYONE was born from love and light. In this lifetime they are working out their samskaras which affects their karma.
- Your response may demonstrate how you can channel your rage from shakti energy. Let your anger fuel mindful words and actions, with an intention to align with a highest good.
What am I learning?
- That I am being put to the test, to apply my yoga teachings into my life off the mat.
- To be mindful about how I am representing myself, and if my words or actions are aligned with encouraging inner peace, or encouraging hateful, harmful responses.
- I’ve been sitting in reflection before I express myself. Pausing longer than typical to be more mindful and careful with my communication.
- My reiki master, Carl John, reminded me this morning “…our hope has to be light prevailing.” I’m keeping this in mind before I respond.
- I also felt compelled to create private groups, virtual and in-person, for women to express themselves freely, confidentially, and as a group discuss how we can respond in productive way, while aligning with our highest selves, and without causing harm to sentient beings. With the intention to create a safe space knowing we are not alone in this, and come up with action items. When we turn our rage into action, it calms our nervous system.
- And, my personal opinion, Pam Bondi’s behavior has been abhorrent. I’ve been calling representatives asking them to impeach Pam Bondi. Use the 5calls.org website. If you have any issue you want to express, this free site walks you through the steps with ease.
What do you think?
I’d love to read your comments sharing your thought on this topic. Or, use the contact page on my site to send me a private message.
May our hope be light prevailing,
Amelia Andaleon
https://SpirituallyFitYoga.com
