Amidst news of political, economic and social upheaval lately, it was astonishing to bear witness to the courage of Cory Booker on the Senate floor one week ago. Talk about standing up for what is right! His record shattering ultramarathon oration was not only a protest against ruinous policies but a call to action. Booker’s “Let’s get in good trouble,” invoked the late John Lewis and served as a plea for the rest of us to “get up, stand up” (nod to the old Rasta Bob Marley). In the wee hours of 2AM and 3 AM, Booker’s “good trouble” was a vigil, a long slow burn and a heroic demonstration of staying power.
His 25 hour + stretch with only a lectern, a notebook and glass of water to sustain him was an act of embodied resistance against the rise of
authoritarian power here on our home soil. His pernoctation was truly yogic. No food. No sleep. No sitting down. No bathroom break. In classical yoga this kind of austerity is known as tapas. Tapas, by definition, is use of the physical body to effect change, the idea being that if you put your own body through the rigors of disciplined self denial, its repercussions will effect change in the world at large. Yogis use tapas to burn through negativity, lust, greed and the want of power. Traditionally, yogic tapas was born of heat from the alter of the sacrificial fire. And boy did Booker deliver the heat, speaking out against a vengeful president bent on undermining the universities, the scientific community, the right to free speech, and the rule of law. Booker’s demonstration had all the hallmarks of yoga practice: mind-body discipline, endurance, unswerving commitment, fearlessness, humility, actualization of an inner vow, physical pain, a clear purpose, compassion, mental acuity and truth. And people listened. 110,000 followed on YouTube and 350 million likes on TikTok. Surya and I stayed on Booker’s live stream channel over dinner, through the dishes, and past the mochi ice cream well into the night before, exhausted and totally awe-inspired, we went to bed.
Like all yogic tapas, Booker prepared for the ordeal by–what else– more tapas. He fasted for 3 days without food and stopped his intake of water 12 hours in advance. In 1924, Gandhi fasted up to 21 days when advocating for spiritual reform and peace between Hindu and Muslim nations. Booker, a vegan for more than a decade and a strong advocate for animal rights, burned bright on the Senate floor due to his strong combination of athleticism and inner faith. In an interview following the speech, Booker said his heart was racing over 100 beats per minute and his legs cramped up due to dehydration. Personal suffering for the benefit of all is classic tapas. And in the face of a growing authoritarian power, who amongst us does not feel their heart race and legs cramp? Time then to put your own conscience on the line and stand up for what is equitable and just.
