Activism


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Matthew meditating on the floor with sun on his body
Yoga’s core principle of ahimsa (non-harming) calls for peace, not only within but in the world around us. As violence and hate-driven rhetoric surge, especially against marginalized communities, the teachings of yoga challenge us to act with compassion and integrity. True peace goes beyond personal tranquility; it requires standing up against injustice, supporting those who are oppressed, and fostering a more compassionate society. In moments of grief and uncertainty, yoga invites us to pause, reflect, and find ways to turn our inner healing into meaningful action. Peace isn't passive—it's a call to engage, to show up, and to live in alignment with our values.
Matthew, Kira, and Nathan in bike clothing at 2002 Heartland AIDS Ride

In 2001, I rode 500 miles with my sister from Minneapolis to Chicago in the Heartland AIDS Ride. At the time, HIV/AIDS was an abstract issue for me. But on that ride, as I met people whose lives had been devastated by the virus, it became deeply personal. I could no longer sit idly by. The struggle became my struggle. That moment transformed me and led me into AIDS activism. It was the spark that shifted my path and gave me a new mission.

Today, once again, I find myself asking, “How will I meet this moment?”