049. Reflections on COVID and Collective Care

In episode 49,  Amber and Jivana reflect on how constantly changing circumstances surrounding COVID are shaping their personal and professional lives. We’ll discuss how we are each navigating the burnout and hopelessness that many of us are feeling, as well as ways we are responding. We discuss strengthening community bonds, practical tools for navigating anxiety and uncertainty, and Jivana leads us in a simple breath awareness meditation that can be done while wearing a mask. 
In this episode:

Amber & Jivana check in and catch up
We discuss the parallels Jivana is noticing between the government’s response to the current pandemic and the AIDS epidemic 
We explore our current thoughts around individual responsibility and collective care, including how we are interpreting the yoga teachings in this moment
We discuss how ableism is continuing to show up in the pandemic and how that connects to yoga
How we are navigating constantly changing circumstances with our work
How we are coping with our own anxiety in this moment
How mask wearing brings awareness to breath
Jivana leads us in a short breath awareness meditation that you can do while wearing a mask

 
Resources:
Quotes from this episode:

Desmond Tutu “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
“I am often struck by the dangerous narcissism fostered by spiritual rhetoric that pays so much attention to individual self-improvement and so little to the practice of love within the context of community.” - bell hooks
Elie Wiesel,”We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

Links

Wolf Terry yoga journal article, “Getting Vaxed Was My Act of Ahimsa”: https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/philosophy/covid-vaccine/
Jivana’s new book, Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion