Speaking Truth to Power, From the Inside Out: A Yogic Exploration in Uncertain Times

mindfulmotionsdall
Jun 16
4 min read

by Kristin Cambron Steele @mindfulmotionsyoga

Lately, there have been a lot of questions. With so much unrest in the world—political tension, social division, violence, and heartbreak—it can be hard to know how to show up in a way that feels grounded, honest, and compassionate. I'm guessing I'm not alone in feeling this.

I've been wondering: What does it mean to speak truth to power when so much feels fragile, uncertain, or just overwhelming? What does yoga have to say about how we meet this moment—without shutting down or turning away, but also without getting swept up in the noise?

I don't have all the answers. But I keep returning to one of yoga's foundational ethical principles: Satya, or truthfulness. And it's been guiding me in new, humbling ways.

Practicing Satya: More Than Just "Being Honest"

Just as kindness is not about the words we speak but the actions we take. In yoga, Satya isn't just about not lying. It's about being deeply committed to seeking and living from the truth—internally and externally. It's about asking ourselves hard questions, looking at our conditioning, and listening closely to our inner voice. It's not always comfortable, and it's definitely not always clear-cut.

I’ve had moments where I’ve spoken up loudly—especially when it comes to protecting the people I love. One moment stands out clearly. I was being pressured, both directly and indirectly, to exclude someone from a space I was part of leading—simply because they were different. Different background, different perspective. And the unspoken message was: They don’t belong here.

It would’ve been easier—socially and professionally—to go along with it. To keep things “comfortable” for others. But everything in me said no. My gut, my heart, my practice—it all pointed to the same truth: exclusion doesn’t align with who I am or what I stand for. So I refused.

Speaking up cost me. I lost clients. Some people distanced themselves. There were moments I questioned whether I did the right thing, moments of deep discomfort and grief.

But there was also clarity. A kind of internal alignment. I wasn’t performing honesty—I was living it. And in that, I found strength. Satya, in that moment, wasn’t neat or easy. But it was true. And that truth became grounding.

And still, even in holding the line for inclusion, I’ve been accused of being exclusive—usually by those who feel uncomfortable when boundaries are drawn around respect or accountability. That’s been one of the hardest parts: knowing that creating a space that truly welcomes all doesn’t always feel welcoming to those who expect homogeneity or servitude.

This experience clarified something I now hold as a core value: everyone is welcome—but our space is sacred so you’re asked to come with an open heart and mind. A space of real belonging means making room for people of all backgrounds, not just to share your own journey, but to truly hear the stories of others—without judgment, without defensiveness, and without the expectation to change them. Just to witness. To learn. To laugh. To grow. To hold space for our shared humanity.

These life experiences create space for growth and additional clarity. A kind of internal alignment. I wasn’t performing honesty—I was living it. And in that, I found strength. Satya, in that moment, wasn’t neat or easy. But it was true. And that truth became a kind of grounding—something I could return to, again and again.

Inner Activism: Change That Starts With Us

One of the many things I love about yoga is that it meets us where we are—but it doesn't let us stay there. Over time, it starts to peel back layers. Yoga asks us to really look at ourselves: our beliefs, our biases, our reactivity, our silence.

This kind of inner work is sometimes called "inner activism," I think it's essential right now. Because when we do this work on the mat or in meditation, we build the awareness and resilience needed to engage with the outer world in a more conscious, compassionate way.

And honestly? It's hard. It means facing things in myself I'd rather not see. But I've found that the more I do it, the more spacious and authentic I feel—not just in my practice but also in my conversations, relationships, and choices.

We're All Connected: Personal and Collective Liberation

One of the core teachings of yoga is that we're not separate. That our individual healing is connected to the healing of others. That liberation is not just a solo journey but a collective one.

This idea has helped me see that speaking up—or holding space for others to speak—is part of a much bigger picture. When we honor our own truth and create space for others to share theirs, we chip away at systems and patterns that thrive on silence and separation.

It's not about being loud or righteous. It's about being real and remembering that our freedom is bound up in each other's.

Finding the Courage to Speak (and Listen)

I'm learning that speaking truth to power doesn't always mean shouting. Sometimes, it looks like setting a boundary. Sometimes, it seems like asking a tricky question or admitting you don't know. Sometimes, it means just being present with someone else's truth, even when it challenges you.

Yoga has helped me find my voice—not just vocally, but energetically. It's helped me feel more rooted in my body and connected to what feels real. And it's taught me that discomfort isn't a sign to run but an invitation to lean in.

Especially now, we need communities where we can have honest conversations. Where people feel safe showing up as they are. Where judgment takes a back seat to curiosity and compassion.

We're All Learning

I'm still learning. I definitely don't have it all figured out. If you are sitting with these questions, know you are not alone. I hope to keep showing up together—with honesty, humility, and open hearts.