Star Wars and Yoga

Happy International Star Wars Day!

If you didn’t know, I thoroughly enjoy everything that has to do with the Star Wars franchise (yes, even Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker) ever since Jess, one of my best friends, sat me down one sunny July afternoon and watched Episodes 4, 5, and 6 with me in my parent’s basement.

One of my absolute favourite overarching themes of the franchise is The Force. In Episode 4, Obi-Wan Kenobi describes to a young Luke Skywalker that the Force is, “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together.” The Force allows Luke to get out of many sticky situations and ultimately aids him in his destiny of becoming a Jedi.

What people might not think about (check out this article) is how for us Earthlings, the Force can translate to our breath or to our Prana (the energy we cultivate in our bodies). Although we aren’t able to make objects levitate to help us grab our lightsabers in a flash (ugh, such is life), we can still use our version of the Force to bring good to our world.

We could relate the Force to our movement practice (whether that be yoga, spin, etc.) and how we use the breath to fuel and empower us. Or we could connect it to how someone’s energy can change your mood when interacting with them!

Whether or not the Force resonates with you today, I hope this idea of energy and your Prana reminds you of your power and value just by being alive here on Earth. You, in this moment, have the capacity to make a difference each and every day, whether that’s saving the Galaxy from the Empire or First Order, or helping someone out with a task.

Because if a farmer from Tatooine can become a Jedi and help save the Galaxy, you can do anything you put your mind to!