The Connection Between Equity and Yoga

“Seekers who believe they must practice yoga only in the meditation room are under a great illusion. They must practice in society as well.”—Swami Kripalu

Lead Kripalu faculty Edi Pasalis has been learning, growing, and serving through yoga for more than 25 years. Prior to becoming a Lead Faculty member at Kripalu, Edi spent a decade on the Kripalu Leadership team.

The great yogis, knowing all things are interconnected, have always applied the wisdom of yoga to the world around them. As yoga teaches us, leaning into discomfort is an opportunity for growth and healing, being present with ourselves—and the reality that surrounds us—is the first step toward regeneration.

Yoga opens our eyes to harm, softens our hearts to suffering, and makes it increasingly clear moment by moment what is ours to do to make the world a better place. Practicing yoga in society is not only about using our calming breaths and mindfulness to make it through a stressful day. Increasing our resilience helps us do less harm to ourselves and others, and yet, this does not represent the fullness Swami Kripalu had in mind as he refers to the practice in society.

At Kripalu, yoga is seen not just as a series of practices but as a path of will, self-observation, and surrender that creates a transformative journey of growing up and waking up, so we have no choice but to show up.

Edi Pasalis has been learning, growing, and serving through yoga for over 25 years. Prior to becoming a lead faculty member at Kripalu, Edi spent a decade on the Kripalu Leadership team which helped birth RISE™.

Full Bio and Programs