Yoga, Liberation, and the Radical Power of Rest
Black History Month is here—whether the government acknowledges it or not. The recent decision to suspend all federal celebrations of Black History Month is yet another attempt to erase truth, to suppress history, and to control the narrative.
But history cannot be erased.
We must know our history so that we do not repeat it.
Yoga Is Inherently Anti-Fascist
Yoga is more than a physical practice—it is a path to liberation. It calls us to self-inquiry, non-harm (Ahimsa), and social responsibility. At its core, Yoga and fascism cannot coexist.
Fascism thrives on control, fear, and suppression of truth.
Yoga is a practice of freedom, awareness, and justice.
To practice Yoga is to practice activism. It is to recognize that we are inextricably linked—that when the most vulnerable suffer, we all suffer. True Yoga requires us to dismantle systems of harm, examine our own privilege, and create more inclusive, equitable spaces.
And that? That is a choice we must make every single day.
Rest Is Resistance: Why Rest is a Revolutionary Act
Right now, the world feels overwhelming. Executive orders attacking marginalized communities, the rise of book bans, and the suppression of historical truth are all strategies to keep us exhausted, overwhelmed, and disengaged.
That is not by accident.
Authoritarianism thrives on chaos and burnout. It wants us to give up. Rest disrupts that system.
This is something Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, has been teaching for years. She reminds folks:
Rest is resistance.
Rest is reparations.
Rest is a refusal to participate in a system that exploits us.
Rest is not a luxury—it is necessary for liberation.
In a world that demands constant productivity, choosing to rest is a radical act. It allows us to show up clearer, stronger, and more prepared to challenge oppressive systems.
If you need permission to slow down, this is it.
Yoga as a Practice of Justice
Yoga is not just movement—it is a commitment to action.
Dianne Bondy, a leader in inclusive Yoga and social justice, has long spoken about the lack of diversity and accessibility in wellness spaces. She challenges the industry to break down barriers, making sure that people of all races, genders, body types, and abilities know they belong in Yoga.
Because if Yoga isn’t accessible, it isn’t Yoga.
At LiveWell Camas, we believe in this vision. We believe that coming to our mats isn’t just about personal self-care—it’s about building resilience, deepening awareness, and stepping into our power.
When we practice Yoga, we learn to:
🧘🏾♀️ Stand firm in our values.
🧘🏾♀️ Stay present, even in discomfort.
🧘🏾♀️ Breathe through difficult moments instead of reacting.
🧘🏾♀️ Move through the world with integrity and awareness.
We breathe. We move. We connect. We resist.
We Choose Liberation—Together
Every single day, we make the choice to stand for liberation. Not just for ourselves. Not just for those who look, love, and live like us.
For everyone.
We rest when needed so that we can rise when it matters most.
Take Action: Get Involved
🔹 Volunteer with Us! We are currently seeking volunteers for our 2025 Pride Planning Committee and our brand-new Youth Council. If you’d like to get involved, reach out—we’d love to have you.
🔹 Join the Conversation. Share this post, engage with these teachings, and follow leaders like Tricia Hersey and Dianne Bondy to learn more about rest as resistance and Yoga as activism.
🔹 Practice with Us. Our studio is an inclusive, community-driven non-profit space. Whether on your mat, in community discussions, or through volunteering, your presence here matters.
We will keep showing up. We will keep standing strong. And we will keep choosing liberation—together.
With love, strength, and solidarity,
Jacquie Michelle
Executive Director, LiveWell Camas
