#MeToo

#MeToo means so many things right now...and, although I empathize in so many ways, I wonder where the #MeToo energy is really coming from.  

As a white male, growing up in the US, I am certain that I have been on every side of #MeToo. I am almost 45 years old, I am sure that I have been violated, and I have violated another, and I am so sorry. I am certain that others have violated and been violated in deeper ways than I have at either end of the spectrum. I share this because I am here to change the game in so many ways!

Given the patriarchal history of yoga and society, the predominance of women in yoga classes and the marketing efforts to entice men is not only profoundly ironic but indicative of changing gender dynamics. As universal concepts continue to be teased out of the dogmas, we are challenged to let go of deeply ingrained modes of communicating. While both men and women need to play a role in restoring mutuality, it behooves men to bear the greater burden.

I am nonetheless a white privileged male who has assumed a position of authority.

I thought pluralism and the diversity of ideas were good things.  But maybe I’m on the wrong planet. 

I’ve certainly had some experiences recently that suggest I’m on the wrong planet.

Since this is a sensitive subject, let’s set the ground rules: