The past two weeks have shaken us as we know they have you. Though our mission is to amplify and celebrate diversity in wellness, and though we study systematic racism, we have been profoundly impacted by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Our hearts are broken. The injustices toward people of color are undeniable and unacceptable and must be fought against until there is real and lasting change.

It is fitting that the word yoga is interpreted as “union.” We can fight systemic racism, and be active anti-racists by becoming united – united with our black brothers and sisters and united with all people of color. Yoga is centered on the foundation of support – support from the outer environment, support from our inner bodies, and support from others. Gaining support would not be possible without having the proper resources, whether it be the earth, air, water, food, teachers, family members, friends, or community members.

This is a time to support the black community, and there are a multitude of resources available in which we can do that. Just as the meaning of yoga is never changing, and the principle of support will forever stand, we as allies must continue to educate, listen, support, and stand in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters. Not just now, but always. We can carry the lifestyle and wisdom of yoga and wellness throughout our lives to forge ahead to create change, stand up against systemic racism, and become united.

The SOULFest team has compiled resources, including reading material, people to follow, and actions that you can take to create change. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight our black teachers that are a part of the SOULFest family: Bre Scullark, Sara Clark, Jessamyn Stanley, Ahmed TheYogiman, Jarrick Browner, William Marshall, and Faith Hunter. We support you, and we stand with you.

In Light,
Team SOULFest