Where Is Lulemon’s Point?
Lululemon Athletica has come under scrutiny for “emblazoning” the phrase “Who is John Galt?” on the side of their yoga bags, promoting Ayn Rand’s objectivist policy as laid out in her book Atlas Shrugged. Objectivism, embraced by libertarians and Tea Partyists, seems to many to be an antithesis of yoga’s “vibe,” whose roots in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy teaches the interconnectivity of all things. Contrarily, Rand is decidedly an individualist.
But is objectivism really so different than yoga’s teachings?
In practicing yoga we draw our awareness inward to meet our divine nature, seeking ultimate freedom. It is an activity that is, no judgment here, really quite self-absorbed. However, we realize that we are all connected, no matter what political system we have, and this influences our actions in the world.
In yoga, our goals and rewards cannot come through the use of force.
Yoga-mat psychologist and Crohn's disease warrior, Nina-Lois Turtledove is deeply interested in philosophy, analytic and somatic psychology, peace studies, nutrition, tradition, and progress. This is her public journal where she spills her thoughts, and records her dreams, rants, and reflections.