ECO FEMINISM & YOGA

Ecofeminism is an invitation to explore the relationship between ecology and feminism.

Ecofeminism asks us to weave links between the various societal and environmental problems, to understand their origin.

This way of looking at the world made me realize that violence against women, ethnic and gender minorities comes from the same source as violence against plants and animals.

The dominance of women and ethnic and gender minorities, and the dominance of nature stem from the same system: the liberal economic model, patriarchy.

This model of domination was built on the idea that men are superior to animals and plants, and that we can therefore exploit them. The earth and the beings that inhabit it are seen as a resource that humans can use without worrying about the consequences.

A common source

I believe that that human beings suffer from having lost their connection to the source of life which makes all existence possible on earth. Pollution and climate change are the signs of this disharmony.

In the same way, gender inequalities and violence against women and minorities are the symptoms of a society that has been built according to the belief in the superiority of the masculine over the feminine, in the superiority of humans over nature.

Ecofeminism invites us to go back to the source of these problems, to have a holistic approach to societal and environmental unbalances. This approach enables us to think outside of the box, and find answers in a more creative way, using a variety of different tools and concepts.

And yoga in all this?

Enlightened by the concepts of ecofeminism, I felt supported in my personal and spiritual journey.

I believe that we are part of a living organism, together with all living beings, plants and animals that exist on this planet. This conviction resonates and echoes with the way ecofeminism understands and explains the relationships between all living beings of Earth. It's a broader way of thinking.

Indeed, this approach invites us to open up to different visions of the world and to question the perceptions and conceptions we received from our Western conditioning. It is about looking for answers elsewhere, in different schools of thoughts outside of our comfort zone.

The practice of yoga and its philosophy fit perfectly when we want to rethink the world, question our relationship to others and to nature. Together we can unite, co-create and make this world a better place.

The importance of the body.

Our body is our most direct, most tangible connection with nature, with others, with the world around us.

Through the practice of yoga, the different breathing techniques and movements, I feel my body more consciously, I feel how my emotions translate into physical sensations and vice versa.

Through this practice, I learned to weave links: between my body and my intellect, between myself and the nature that surrounds me, between myself and others. For instance, I realize that the oxygen we inhale is produced by the plants around us, which breathe in the CO2 we produce. This inter-dependency becomes tangible when I practice, when I connect with my body.

Yoga also helps me to feel my limits and teaches me to understand them, accept them, respect them with kindness and patience. Thanks to this experience, I am able to understand and consider others with respect and tolerance. These values are essential to change our relationships.

I believe that our body is an incredible tool for whoever wants to embody ecofeminists values. Indeed, we are the source of any societal transformation, it all starts with ourselves.