Degree Name

MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management

First Advisor

Karen Blanchard

Abstract

Yoga is a growing phenomenon in the Western World. This study explores the practice & philosophy of yoga and its relationship to social action engagement. Six certified yoga instructors were interviewed, in-depth, to understand their lived experience of this relationship. Data analysis showed that practicing yoga was associated with an increase in personal consciousness, awareness, responsibility, and accountability for ones actions. Further practicing yoga fostered feelings of self-less-ness and interconnection thus, fueled individual actions that were grounded in compassion, empathy, and tolerance. Additionally, practicing yoga engendered in individuals, the desire to serve others. The implications of these findings and their relevance to social action initiatives are discussed.

Disciplines

Other Arts and Humanities

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