Most credit Mahatma Gandhi with the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. Part of the passage actually written by Gandhi in a 1913 article for Indian Opinion: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” Often not included with the abbreviated quote, is credit to a Brooklyn school teacher, Ms. Arlene Lorrence who created the Love Project in 1970. (Read HERE) Part of what Ms. Lorrence wrote: “Be the change you wish to see happen.” In both cases, change happened from self-discovery and self-awareness within community.
As a Yoga practitioner, teacher, and activist, I find continuous insight from Gandhi’s journey. Gandhi’s commitment to ahimsa, a Sanskrit word meaning non-violence, does not mean passivity. Ahimsa requires a vigorous shift in word, thought, and deed that manifests in all efforts towards peace. And this only is possible when we change from our divided mind of ‘us vs them’, and do the difficult, sometimes painful but rewarding work of acknowledging our self-seeking tendencies and habitual patterns that can transform and lead us to sustain a direct mission for greater equity, compassion, and love. Yoga is much more than postures on a Yoga mat. It’s the way to change ourselves so that the world we co-create is a more just, kind, and caring world.
A major concept that Gandhi developed is known as Satyagraha. “There are three basic precepts essential to Satyagraha: Truth, Non-violence and self-suffering. These are called the pillars of Satyagraha. Failure to grasp them is a handicap to the understanding of Gandhi’s non-violence.” (read more at mkgandhi.org)
While daily news rattles our nervous systems, there is also more and more deep heartbreak at the ongoing crimes against humanity. If we can have the wherewithal to continue to keep our eyes on Gaza alone, we will know that things have become their worst since the start of this genocide. But as with most, the tolerance to know how to manage a horror that claims no end, is unbearable and political leaders know that. Their lust for power is endless and fuels them with an endurance that makes most turn away. To counter that, we can support our mind/body with principles Gandhi gave us.
On this Independence Day weekend AND an emerging holiday, Interdependence Day celebrated today on July 5th, may we remember the importance of honoring our strengths and weaknesses, may we review our moments of personal battle and collective triumph. We can be the change. In a USA article from 2021, Peter T. Coleman wrote, “A national holiday will not heal our more selfish instincts or deeper divisions, but it could offer a symbol and a catalyst to set us off down a better path together.”
Image credit: Homemade sign from anonymous attendee of the Trans Rally and March in Dolores Park on Friday, June 27, 2025
Let’s stay connected,
Marc
