What is Freedom?

Written by Aviva Tulasi

Happy Independence Day! We are fortunate to be living in a democratic country where we have the freedom to voice our opinions. I am proud to be a citizen of The United States of America. Americans have the honor to possess Freedom as defined by the The Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, agency to choose Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness appears to only apply to those who fit into the social norm of white educated men.

Despite the political strife plaguing democracy in the United States of America. We are fortunate to be Free. Freedom can be defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. In terms of yogic philosophy, Freedom is simple. Freedom is being true to who you are, without any pretenses or walls you might have put up. Everyone is Free. We experience Freedom when actions, thoughts and beliefs are all aligned. 

No matter who you are and where you live you have freedom to move your body. You have freedom to have your actions aligned to your morals. You have freedom to choose your belief system. You have the freedom to question what your truest desires are. It is through introspection that you can find Freedom to ensure that your actions are aligned to your heart’s truest desires. You have the Freedom to follow your heart. 

Everyone is “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. When we hold these unalienable rights in our hearts, it is easier to notice injustice. We can let go of perceived expectations and do what is in our capacity to lead with nonviolence. And even if the outcome is not what we expect, at least our actions will be aligned to our heart. Then we will be Free.

Join us for a yoga class. You can practice live or with our video library. You can purchase a Green Subscription to get unlimited access to our video library that contains a wide selection of pre-recorded videos allowing you to keep up with your yoga practice at times convenient for you. A Platinum Subscription and a Gold Subscription also include access to the video library.

The teaching team at Dogwood Studios will be taking advantage of summer travel. You will notice we will have many different subs in June and July as Sam, Aviva and Ainslee take time for themselves. 

  • We will be celebrating July 4th with family so there won’t be Mindful Movement and Yoga on July 4th.

  • In Person Mindful Movement and Yoga returns to The Parlour July 6th! 

  • Dogwood Studios will not have regular In Person options at Yoga Shala in July or August.

Dogwood Studios is committed to learning and growing! We strive for everyone to feel respected and supported, to be treated equally, and to be celebrated for who they are. We are very excited about our ongoing endeavor to make Dogwood Studios a refuge and beacon of compassionate practice by including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). 

Aviva Chaye Tulasi is a team member at Dogwood Studios. She is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT). She applies the teachings of classical yoga to reduce the effects of negative stress and to balance the nervous system. Aviva is available for private sessions. Email Aviva at yogawithtulasi@gmail.com with any questions.

SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.