Everything We Do Leaves a Mark
A Yoga-inspired Perspective on Personal Responsibility, Social Change, and Empathy
In today’s complex world, it’s easy to feel that our individual actions don’t matter on a larger scale. Yet, when we look through the lens of yoga philosophy, we are reminded that every action, no matter how small, has an impact. Just as science tells us that no energy is ever lost—it only transforms—yoga teaches us that every thought, word, and deed creates ripples in the universe. These ripples affect not only ourselves but also others, whether or not we can see the immediate effects.
This concept is rooted in karma—the universal law of cause and effect. Karma teaches us that our actions create consequences, which may manifest in ways we do not always anticipate. The frustration I’ve felt in the past, when my efforts didn’t lead to the results I hoped for, was rooted in attachment to outcomes. Through yoga (& therapy), I’ve come to understand that while we are responsible for our actions, we are not in control of the results. This is central to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna reminds Arjuna: “You have a right to your actions, but not to the fruits of your actions” (Bhagavad Gita 2.47).
At times, I’ve struggled with this idea. I used to feel disheartened when my efforts didn’t seem to spark the change I wanted to see in others. I wanted to inspire those around me—to push them toward what I believed would make the world a better place. But I’ve come to realize that transformation is deeply personal, and my role is not to change others but to act from a place of authenticity and integrity, trusting that the ripples I create will reach others when the time is right.
Yoga teaches us the practice of aparigraha (non-attachment). This is not just about material possessions but also about letting go of our attachment to controlling the outcomes of our actions. I may want to inspire others, but I cannot force them to change. Everyone must walk their own path.
Ahimsa: Living with Compassion for All Beings
In my own life, I’ve chosen to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle for a variety of reasons—ethical, environmental, and health-related. This decision is deeply connected to the yogic principle of ahimsa (non-violence), which calls us to live in a way that causes the least harm to ourselves, others, and the planet. Ahimsa is not just about avoiding physical violence; it’s about cultivating compassion and mindfulness in everything we do, from the foods we eat to the products we buy.
For example, I make a conscious effort to purchase cruelty-free cosmetics and detergents because I believe that no living being should be used as a “lab rat” for human convenience. This choice may seem small, but in the yogic view, every action matters. Yoga teaches that our outer actions reflect our inner state of being. If we cultivate compassion and mindfulness in our daily choices, we not only contribute to the well-being of the planet but also align ourselves more fully with our true nature.
Yet, despite my personal choices, I’ve never tried to force others to adopt the same lifestyle. Each person’s relationship with these issues is unique, and change must come from within. This understanding is rooted in the practice of svadhyaya (self-study), which encourages us to look inward and reflect on our own motivations and choices rather than imposing our views on others.
Injustice and the Need for Compassionate Conversations
There are moments, however, when I feel compelled to speak out—particularly when it comes to issues of injustice. Satya (truthfulness) calls us to live in alignment with our values and to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve had times when I felt my voice shaking as I spoke out against injustice, but yoga teaches us that living in truth is more important than staying silent for the sake of comfort.
Sometimes, this leads to difficult conversations with friends and family. Even after explaining my reasoning and engaging in rational discussion, I’ve seen people I care about choose to continue with lifestyles or beliefs that I strongly disagree with. It’s easy to feel disheartened in these moments. However, I’ve learned through yoga and therapy that my role is not to control others but to engage in open, compassionate dialogue. Whether someone chooses to change or not is their own karma to bear.
Empathy and the Struggles of Oppressed Communities
One of the most puzzling and disheartening experiences I’ve had is seeing individuals from oppressed communities fail to empathize with other oppressed groups. This phenomenon is something that has troubled me deeply. As someone who has faced oppression, I expected to find solidarity among others who have had similar experiences. Yet, I’ve encountered instances where oppressed individuals support their own oppressors or fail to show compassion to others facing different forms of oppression.
The reasons behind this lack of empathy are complex, and there is research that explores why this happens. According to social identity theory and the concept of "oppression Olympics," oppressed groups may fall into a mindset of competition, feeling that their struggles are more significant or urgent than others'. This creates a division between “in-groups” and “out-groups,” making it difficult to empathize with those outside their immediate community. Additionally, factors like scarcity mentality and trauma contribute to what researchers call “compassion fatigue.” This occurs when individuals who have experienced oppression become emotionally exhausted and find it difficult to extend empathy beyond their own group.
Studies by John Dovidio and others have explored how intergroup dynamics can create empathy gaps, even among groups that share common struggles. Historical, cultural, and psychological factors all play a role in creating these divides. (For more on this, see Dovidio’s research on intergroup relations and empathy: [here] and [here]
Yoga philosophy offers insight into how we might bridge these empathy gaps. The practice of karuna (compassion) reminds us that we are all interconnected, and the suffering of one affects the whole. Brahmacharya teaches us to live in harmony with others and the world, acknowledging that we are all part of the same cosmic fabric. When we fail to empathize with others, we are not only harming them but also perpetuating disconnection and division within ourselves.
Conscious Choices: Building a Better World, Drop by Drop
We all make choices every day, and while those choices may seem small, they collectively create the world we live in. Whether it’s deciding where to buy a concert ticket, choosing a cruelty-free product, or boycotting a company that funds harmful practices, each action has a ripple effect. This is the essence of karma yoga—the yoga of action. By making conscious choices that reflect our values, we contribute to the collective good.
"Say not all are fighting, what use is my lone call for peace?
You're not one, but thousands; light your beacon.
For one bright lamp is better than a thousand dead,
And one straight, graceful figure is better than a thousand bent and broken ones."
Yoga teaches us that we are all interconnected. While we must first take care of ourselves, our actions should always be in consideration of the whole. The next time you book a table at a restaurant or buy a product, think about the ripple effect of your choice. Does it support values you believe in, or does it contribute to harm? Even small acts, drop by drop, can create a wave of change.
By aligning our actions with our deepest values, and practicing compassion and non-attachment, we can contribute to a more just and harmonious world.