Meditation and Prayer in Dark Times

When the world is burning, does meditation or prayer make any difference? Or should we disregard those things in place of more material actions?

I think it’s important to note that meditation does not equal separation from reality, and that prayer to a higher power does not assume ignorance from what is happening on the ground. To be spiritual is not to bypass, and to be faithful is not to dismiss.

At the same time, it’s a privilege to sit in meditation while people on the other side of the world lose their livelihood. It’s a privilege to only be aware of the catastrophes that news outlets and influencers deem worthy enough to publicize. It’s a privilege to share our opinions on the internet while we wait for our Doordash order to arrive at our front door.

We do the best we can while we can. In the end, I’m always hopeful for a reality which contains the liberation of all beings, in all forms, without exception. Yoga is the process of peace through the process of presence; your presence is healing for the erath and all of its inhabitants. Keep going, and don’t forget to breathe along the way.

Much love,

Ben