Why I’m Politically Active This Election Season as a Yogi
Yoga isn’t about how far you can fold forward or how deeply you can twist — though, that stuff is pretty cool. It’s about how you show up in the world. It’s about being someone who’s engaged with what’s happening and taking responsibility for the things that actually matter to you.
And right now, what matters to me is that women are losing control over their fertility, their right to end a pregnancy, and their access to basic care.
In a podcast interview, Gloria Steinem said, “Controlling our own physical selves, especially for women, is the first step in any democracy. Either we decide what happens to our bodies [...] or there is no democracy after that.”
I don’t know about you, but I feel that deep in my gut.
It makes me want to cut some bangs, throw on a metallic bustier, and storm the streets for change — like a Xena Warrior Princess of Policy.
For me, this is what makes the upcoming election so critical. It’s why I’m canvassing neighborhoods in Chestnut Hill, recruiting volunteers for the PA Dems office in Manayunk, and registering new voters on college campuses.
I’m no policy expert, and I definitely don’t claim to understand the ins and outs of government — but I do know that Pennsylvania, as a swing state, will play a pivotal role in the 2024 election. What happens here could determine the outcome. A few votes could influence the results — or at least that’s what I tell myself after an entire day at St. Joseph’s University with only 10 newly registered voters.
I often encounter the phrase “love and light” as a sign-off in newsletters from the yoga and wellness community. Don’t get me wrong — the sentiment is lovely, and I’m all for alliteration (you’ve seen my Instagram handle: @meghanmarshallmysore). But sometimes, it feels like a way to avoid action. Love and light alone aren’t enough when fundamental rights are at stake.
As a yogi, you’re not called to sit back and watch passively.
You’re called to fight, to get your hands dirty, and to push back against forces that would harm us.
There are so many ways you can engage and make a difference. And you don’t have to burn yourself out by becoming a full-time activist. As my Grandma Lou used to say, "Nobody likes a martyr!" Just like in your asana practice, you need balance — get fired up, but sustainably so.
So, push the needle toward the greater good with your vote, your efforts, your voice, your money. This election is high stakes. If you’re ready to take action, I have contacts at the PA Dems office and with NextGen America, or you can volunteer with organizations like Vote Save America and Field Team 6—whether it’s door-knocking, phone banking, or text banking.
