Yoga For The Hamas And Israel Conflict — A Poem

This morning, I rose out
of Downward Dog, stretching
my long frame. In Tree Pose
I stood for several seconds.
Yoga is a great way to start
your day, clear your mind,
become one with the movements
of time.

Feeling wonderful, I walked
into my morning with energy,
symmetry, with focus, feeling
easy, stable, free. Going about
community, conversations,
coffee, business, new connections,
a social media post, selection
beckoned for my attention.

“Locals for Palestine” was the gist
of the sharing.

As caring as I remain, still being
sustained by the yoga I performed
this morning, I was able to focus
on the words, the reasoning, the
position of politically-involved people.

As I shared the post in a room
dedicated to fighting racism,
I paid quiet attention to the need
to agree with the post, re-post,
collectively recognize the plight
of Palestine.

A mind, an elder mind, found time
to combat the post with his leaning
towards Israel, expressing how he
feels. I had to respond, letting them
know I knew of the history of the
conflict; that since this country
is rich and is on the side of Israel,
Palestine, or better yet, Hamas,
does not stand a chance.

I stood earlier in advance. Stood
still. Let myself feel my body.
Brought air into my lungs and
found strength for my body.
Stood firm, fully aware of my
body, spirit, mind.

In response to his reasoning
that I “Blamed Israel” I shared
facts. I was factual, reasonable,
practical — just like yoga.

How can we see a war become over
and millions sober with peace, with
peace, love, and unity? How can we
create an international unity as
these wars go on constantly?

What negative thoughts, histories,
and energies can we release so that
we find peace?

An exhale I release. I release.

Greed, negativity, bullying, fighting,
not seeing a group as fully human,
is the mark of the beast.

Therefor, with these wars, these occupations,
we’ll turn death and destruction into humankind’s
ultimate masterpiece.

Copyright Christopher D. Sims
January 23rd, 2024
All rights reserved