Social Justice
Since we created Tula Yoga & Wellness in 2011, we stayed true to our mission of making yoga accessible both physically & financially, and to honor the timeless traditional and values of yoga. We have become more geographically accessible to all since we moved onto virtual platforms. This is true even more so today as we navigate the changes necessary to thrive and support others to live into their best opportunities and selves. We thank the yoga community for the continued support to fulfill our mission and hope that as you join us in study, we will learn together what is both needed and possible for our synergistic development.
We acknowledge and give thanks for our placement in the world in many ways.
Our mission, since the creation of Tula Yoga & Wellness, is to make yoga accessible to all. We opened as a donation-based studio and continue to offer that flexibility. We specialize in therapeutic yoga (SomaYoga) that empowers individuals to listen to and honor their bodies, train their mind to allow connection to their true Self.
We honor the indeginous people who historically lived here and are mindful that we borrow this place from the generations to come. Please make a point to honor the land and the people as you embark on your practices and study.
We honor the lineages, teaching and teachers who have come before us. Much of what we share comes from the Vedic traditions such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Samkhya, and Vedanta. In addition we share work from more contemporary teachers, scientists, and explorers of human spirit. It is with a sense of reverence that we continue to explore and refine our understanding of these great traditions. Please honor the lineages, teachings, and teachers as you embark on your studies.
It is our mission to create a community and a container for learning that respects and upholds the differences of individual beings and experience while striving to find the common ground and the non-dual nature of our core beings as Atman/purusha. Swami Rama reminds us to, “Love All, Exclude None”. This is the mission of Tula Yoga Wellness. We are making the teachings available to all regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, age, religious or spiritual affiliation, politics, physical or mental status, size, or familial background. We also will strive to be true ally’s by recognizing our privilege, committing to personal growth (including discomfort) for social change and supporting the voices and platforms of the under-heard, marginalized, and/or abused in our society.
We stand with the #blacklivesmatter movement. We invite you to visit our resources below to learn more, raise awareness, and find ways to take action against racism.
This work in ongoing and requires humility and vulnerability. We’re only beginning. Please join us.
RESOURCES
Confronting the White Elephant: White Privilege in Social Services (Brittany Alfarano, MSW)
What is White Supremacy? (Elizabeth ‘Betita’ Martinez)
HumanKind Foundation’s Awakening Project: Anti-Racism
Turning the Lense (Podcast from Scene on Radio, 16 min)
Color blind or color brave (TED talk with Mellody Hobson, 14 min)
DOJ: Yale Discriminates Against Asian American and White Applicants In Admissions
Miss Buchanan’s Period of Adjustment (Podcast, 34 min)
Revisionist History Presents: The Limits of Power (Podcast, 44 min)
History Of Policing: How Did We Get Here? (Video, 5 min)
American Police (Podcast, 1 hour and 4 min)
Slavery in America, The Montgomery Slave Trade, (The Equal Justice Initiative)
A History of Policing in the United States, (Gary Potter)
I love being a police office, but we need reform (TED Talk with Melvin Russell, 13 min)
End of Policing, (Gary Potter)
Defunding The Police: What Would It Mean For The U.S.? (Alex Vitale on NPR, Podcast, 5 min)
The Case For Defunding the Police (The Daily, Podcast, 24 min)
Spotlight on Policing, (MPR News Video, watch first 25 min)
Racism has a cost for everyone (TED Talk with Heather C. McGhee, 14 min)
Patent Racism (Planet Money/NPR Podcast, 25 min)
12 Years A Slave (trailer, 5 min - consider watching the whole video)
Systematic Inequality and Economic Opportunity (Danyelle Solomon, Connor Maxwell, and Abril Castro)
Citi Pledges to Become Antiracist, Review Internal Policies (Jennifer Surane)
Fed Wants Banks to Say What They’re Doing to Promote Diversity (Rich Miller)
Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans, (Jamila Taylor)
The Economics of Institutionalized Racism, (Ben Carter and Malcom Ethridge)
White people are speaking up at protests. How do we know they mean what they say? Solidarity can be helpful — or it can be performative (Stacey Patten)
Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice (The Opportunity Agenda)
The Difference Between Being ‘Not Racist’ and Antiracist (TED talk with Ibram X. Kendi, 53 min)
"So You Call Yourself an Ally: 10 Things All ‘Allies’ Need to Know" (Jamie Utt)
"Black Girl Dangerous" (Mia McKenzi)
How to Be an Antiracist (Podcast with Ibram X. Kendi, 22 min)
103 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice (Corinne Shutack)
The Zinn Project, for those who are homeschooling and/or want a K-12 curriculum to learn about U.S. History, race, and racism.
ORGANIZATIONS TO LEARN FROM AND SUPPORT
The Center for Economic Inclusion is the nation's first organization dedicated exclusively to advancing inclusive growth to achieve regional prosperity. Research shows that inclusive growth creates prosperity and opportunity for all; bottom line: inclusive growth is smart growth!
Osborn370, 370 Wabasha Street North, St. Paul, MN 55102
Voices for Racial Justice is a Minneapolis based nonprofit that focuses their efforts on combating injustices through both advocacy and outreach services. Their mission is to, “...advance racial, cultural, social, and economic justice in Minnesota through organizer and leadership training, strategic convening’s and campaigns, and research and policy tools.”
2525 E. Franklin Ave, Ste. 301 Minneapolis, MN 55406
SURJ is a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice. Their vision behind that mission is to create a society where everyone works together to fight for justice and equality for all. General meetings to discuss future/current projects are every third Sunday of the month from 2:30-5 at First Universalist Church.
First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Saint Paul Interfaith Network (SPIN)
SPIN is an interfaith organization that is working to build understanding and respect across faith. SPIN brings people together in a variety of different forums including international films, religious site visits, educational events, and more.
1671 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105
Science Museum of Minnesota Exhibit - Race: Are We So Different?
The Science Museum is currently hosting an exhibit that explores the scientific and cultural aspects of race. This exhibit is included in the price for admission to the museum and features several interactive displays for visitors to enjoy. Everyone, even if they don't realize it, has a stake in the issue of race relations in their country, no matter where you live. Events like this offer us the perfect opportunity to educate ourselves about these pressing global topics in a enjoyable and relaxed way.
120 W Kellogg Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55102