Voting is part of our Yogic duty. The time to take your Yoga off the mat and into the world.

It may seem strange because much of the time our Yoga seems like solely an inward journey … a journey to expand and enlighten our own body, mind, and spirit. After all, when we step on the mat — it is just your two feet planting, your two arms reaching, your one heart beating, your one spirit shining.

But, as we respect and foster our own inward growth through Yoga, we must also remember — as the word Namasté reminds us — that we are all one.

Our actions, our efforts, our Yoga are for the “all one” … not the “just me”.

And, so, we must respect and honor … and take responsibility for … our journey as a society.

Yoga is not about isolating ourselves from the world. It is about non-attachment to the things of the world, true. But, that’s something altogether different.

We seek our inner growth as a means not only to help ourselves, but also to be of benefit to others.

Voting is a very easy way to do that. It shows your support and concern for the wellbeing of your neighbors, friends, and your community. It shows that on your Yoga journey you seek the highest good for all.

It shows that you care.

How lucky we are to have some say in how our society operates.

I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by all the political anger in this election season — less from the candidates themselves, but from friends and others who think that by raising their voices, by shaking their fists, by being loud and rude, they will force me to their way of thinking. And, I’ve heard it on both sides.

I’m so tired of, and disappointed by, the mean-spirited links and “likes” that my Facebook community has been forwarding. I’ve kept quiet. Because anger, mean-spiritedness, sarcasm, and yelling will accomplish nothing — no matter who wins on Tuesday.

Voting is not about disagreeing and being angry.

Democracy is about working together. Compromising. And, making a difference in our community, our country, and our world.

And, as always, there is someone who says it far better than I ever could. Dorothy Day, a Catholic leader and social activist of the early 20th century, has inspired me in so many ways. She once said:

“No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There’s too much work to do.”

The work begins on Tuesday. Vote.

Let your Yoga light serve us all.

Namasté