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Has Christ been divided? The Books of the Bible Divisions in the Church 10 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12 What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content and products, sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy a wealth of articles, videos, and interactive content for self-study, drawing upon wisdom from across the world. Subscribe for exclusive content, including issues of the mag. Tell a friend about us today! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

Has Christ been divided? The Books of the Bible Christ the Power and Wisdom of God 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. 26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content and products, sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy a wealth of articles, videos, and interactive content for self-study, drawing upon wisdom from across the world. Subscribe for exclusive content, including issues of the mag. Tell a friend about us today! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; Their end is destruction; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, The Books of the Bible Phil. 3:1 Finally, my brothers and sisters,a rejoiceb in the Lord. Breaking with the Past To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh— 4 even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ,a the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Pressing toward the Goal 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16 Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. 17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew. The Books of the Bible The Song of Moses Deuteronomy 31:30 Then Moses recited the words of this song, to the very end, in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel: Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; let the earth hear the words of my mouth. 2 May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth. 3 For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! 4 The Rock, his work is perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he; 5 yet his degenerate children have dealt falsely with him,a a perverse and crooked generation. 6 Do you thus repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you? 7 Remember the days of old, consider the years long past; ask your father, and he will inform you; your elders, and they will tell you. 8 When the Most High apportioned the nations, when he divided humankind, he fixed the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the gods; 9 the LORD’S own portion was his people, Jacob his allotted share. 10 He sustained him in a desert land, in a howling wilderness waste; he shielded him, cared for him, guarded him as the apple of his eye. 11 As an eagle stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young; as it spreads its wings, takes them up, and bears them aloft on its pinions, 12 the LORD alone guided him; no foreign god was with him. 13 He set him atop the heights of the land, and fed him with produce of the field; he nursed him with honey from the crags, with oil from flinty rock; 14 curds from the herd, and milk from the flock, with fat of lambs and rams; Bashan bulls and goats, together with the choicest wheat— you drank fine wine from the blood of grapes. 15 Jacob ate his fill; Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You grew fat, bloated, and gorged! He abandoned God who made him, and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation. 16 They made him jealous with strange gods, with abhorrent things they provoked him. 17 They sacrificed to demons, not God, to deities they had never known, to new ones recently arrived, whom your ancestors had not feared. 18 You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you; you forgot the God who gave you birth. 19 The LORD saw it, and was jealous he spurned his sons and daughters. 20 He said: I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, children in whom there is no faithfulness. 21 They made me jealous with what is no god, provoked me with their idols. So I will make them jealous with what is no people, provoke them with a foolish nation. 22 For a fire is kindled by my anger, and burns to the depths of Sheol; it devours the earth and its increase, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains. 23 I will heap disasters upon them, spend my arrows against them: 24 wasting hunger, burning consumption, bitter pestilence. The teeth of beasts I will send against them, with venom of things crawling in the dust. 25 In the street the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers terror, for young man and woman alike, nursing child and old gray head. 26 I thought to scatter them and blot out the memory of them from humankind; 27 but I feared provocation by the enemy, for their adversaries might misunderstand and say, “Our hand is triumphant; it was not the LORD who did all this.” 28 They are a nation void of sense; there is no understanding in them. 29 If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern what the end would be. 30 How could one have routed a thousand, and two put a myriad to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, the LORD had given them up? 31 Indeed their rock is not like our Rock; our enemies are fools. 32 Their vine comes from the vinestock of Sodom, from the vineyards of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of poison, their clusters are bitter; 33 their wine is the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps. 34 Is not this laid up in store with me, sealed up in my treasuries? 35 Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; because the day of their calamity is at hand, their doom comes swiftly. 36 Indeed the LORD will vindicate his people, have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, neither bond nor free remaining. 37 Then he will say: Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, 38 who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their libations? Let them rise up and help you, let them be your protection! 39 See now that I, even I, am he; there is no god beside me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and no one can deliver from my hand. 40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and swear: As I live forever, 41 when I whet my flashing sword, and my hand takes hold on judgment; I will take vengeance on my adversaries, and will repay those who hate me. 42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh— with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired enemy. 43 Praise, O heavens, his people, worship him, all you gods! For he will avenge the blood of his children, and take vengeance on his adversaries; he will repay those who hate him, and cleanse the land for his people. 44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua son of Nun. 45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them: “Take to heart all the words that I am giving in witness against you today; give them as a command to your children, so that they may diligently observe all the words of this law. 47 This is no trifling matter for you, but rather your very life; through it you may live long in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.” Deut. 32:44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshuaa son of Nun. 45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them: “Take to heart all the words that I am giving in witness against you today; give them as a command to your children, so that they may diligently observe all the words of this law. 47 This is no trifling matter for you, but rather your very life; through it you may live long in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.” Moses’ Death Foretold Deut. 32:48 On that very day the LORD addressed Moses as follows: 49 “Ascend this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites for a possession; 50 you shall die there on the mountain that you ascend and shall be gathered to your kin, as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his kin; 51 because both of you broke faith with me among the Israelites at the waters of Meribath-kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, by failing to maintain my holiness among the Israelites. 52 Although you may view the land from a distance, you shall not enter it—the land that I am giving to the Israelites.” New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. The Books of the Bible Instructions Concerning Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all —this was attested at the right time. 7 For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth,a I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; 9 also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. 12 I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

They clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. The Books of the Bible The Soldiers Mock Jesus 16 Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18 And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20 After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. The Crucifixion of Jesus 21 They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. 22 Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. New Revised Standard Version The words of the Jesus (Yeshua) are in red. Liveology Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content and products, sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy a wealth of articles, videos, and interactive content for self-study, drawing upon wisdom from across the world. Subscribe for exclusive content, including issues of the mag. Tell a friend about us today! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts. The Books of the Bible The Epistle of Jude Warnings and Exhortations 17 But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” 19 It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; 21 keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some who are wavering; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies. Benediction 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and the magazine. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. The Books of the Bible Imitating Christ’s Humility Philippians 2:1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Shining as Lights in the World 12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. 16 It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— 18 and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. Timothy and Epaphroditus 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. 20 I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But Timothy’s worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon. 25 Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need; 26 for he has been longing for all of you, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

There is none like God. The Books of the Bible Moses’ Final Blessing on Israel Deuteronomy 33:1 This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites before his death. 2 He said: The LORD came from Sinai, and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran. With him were myriads of holy ones; at his right, a host of his own. 3 Indeed, O favorite among peoples, all his holy ones were in your charge; they marched at your heels, accepted direction from you. 4 Moses charged us with the law, as a possession for the assembly of Jacob. 5 There arose a king in Jeshurun, when the leaders of the people assembled— the united tribes of Israel. 6 May Reuben live, and not die out, even though his numbers are few. 7 And this he said of Judah: O LORD, give heed to Judah, and bring him to his people; strengthen his hands for him, and be a help against his adversaries. 8 And of Levi he said: Give to Levi your Thummim, and your Urim to your loyal one, whom you tested at Massah, with whom you contended at the waters of Meribah; 9 who said of his father and mother, “I regard them not”; he ignored his kin, and did not acknowledge his children. For they observed your word, and kept your covenant. 10 They teach Jacob your ordinances, and Israel your law; they place incense before you, and whole burnt offerings on your altar. 11 Bless, O LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands; crush the loins of his adversaries, of those that hate him, so that they do not rise again. 12 Of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD rests in safety— the High God surrounds him all day long— the beloved rests between his shoulders. 13 And of Joseph he said: Blessed by the LORD be his land, with the choice gifts of heaven above, and of the deep that lies beneath; 14 with the choice fruits of the sun, and the rich yield of the months; 15 with the finest produce of the ancient mountains, and the abundance of the everlasting hills; 16 with the choice gifts of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of the one who dwells on Sinai. Let these come on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers. 17 A firstborn bull—majesty is his! His horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he gores the peoples, driving them to the ends of the earth; such are the myriads of Ephraim, such the thousands of Manasseh. 18 And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and Issachar, in your tents. 19 They call peoples to the mountain; there they offer the right sacrifices; for they suck the affluence of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand. 20 And of Gad he said: Blessed be the enlargement of Gad! Gad lives like a lion; he tears at arm and scalp. 21 He chose the best for himself, for there a commander’s allotment was reserved; he came at the head of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his ordinances for Israel. 22 And of Dan he said: Dan is a lion’s whelp that leaps forth from Bashan. 23 And of Naphtali he said: O Naphtali, sated with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD, possess the west and the south. 24 And of Asher he said: Most blessed of sons be Asher; may he be the favorite of his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil. 25 Your bars are iron and bronze; and as your days, so is your strength. 26 There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, majestic through the skies. 27 He subdues the ancient gods, shatters the forces of old; he drove out the enemy before you, and said, “Destroy!” 28 So Israel lives in safety, untroubled is Jacob’s abode in a land of grain and wine, where the heavens drop down dew. 29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread on their backs. New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson Reading this book reminded me of the Buddhist concept of detachment, giving up expectations about outcomes. I am not certain if that was the author’s intent, however, that is what I thought of while reading it. In many ways, we are conditioned to be continuously searching to be happy and better. We are inspired to begin our morning with affirmations such as “I am pretty,” I am rich,” I am happy,” I am confident,” etc. And while affirmations are helpful because they can inspire us to focus on who we aspire to be, they may also encourage us to focus on that which we lack. I tell myself I am pretty because I really do not believe that I am. In The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck we are encouraged to accept ourselves, just as we are, our “faults and foibles,” “fears and failures,” “shortcomings and successes.” We’re imperfect beings and that is ok. Not giving a f*ck is not about indifference, rather it is “being comfortable with difference.” The Subtle Art of not giving a F*ck is about “learning how to focus and prioritize our thoughts more effectively.” According to Mark Manson, “the key to a good life is not giving a f*ck about more; it’s giving a fuck about less, giving a f*ck about only what is true and immediate and important.” The Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian I highly recommend Chris Bohjalian’s book The Hour of the Witch. Set in the 1660s, this is a narrative which highlights the struggles of women to live with respect and dignity in a world dominated by “misguided religiosity” and a male dominated culture which “demonizes” all women, especially those who dare to live as confident and creative thinking individuals. In this 1660s culture, “single women” in particular were labels as “dangerous,” as practicing witchcraft and were often ostracized. The sad part about this is that it was (and is) often other women who were the quickest to condemn one of their own. I love this book and especially that there was redemption (and some vindication) for the women who were the greatest victims of this unjust, unrequitable, unfair system. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman I discovered Stoicism a couple of years ago. Raised in institutional Christianity, I was dismayed by the politics of the institutional Christian system. I fully embraced the “Christ consciousness” expressed through the historical figure Jesus of Nazareth, however, I found the politics of the system far removed from the empowering, inspiring, teachings and practices of Jesus of Nazareth. I have been an avid reader since childhood and a “searcher of the truth” and e eventually I came upon one of Ryan Holiday’s books, The Obstacle is The Way. I was so enlivened by Ryan’s writings on the Stoic philosophy, that I sought a daily inspirational reading of the same. I discovered The Daily Stoic which has become a cherished part of my library. The book is a 365 day collection of daily reflections on the words of Stoic philosophers. Reading these daily meditations helps set the tone for my day and influences by thinking throughout the day, reminding me of my obligation to live a virtuous, responsible, authentic, service oriented life.

Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” The Books of the Bible Jesus before Pilate 1 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3 Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified 6 Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7 Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8 So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9 Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14 Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. New Revised Standard Version The words of the Jesus (Yeshua) are in red. Liveology Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content and products, sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy a wealth of articles, videos, and interactive content for self-study, drawing upon wisdom from across the world. Subscribe for exclusive content, including issues of the mag. Tell a friend about us today! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The Books of the Bible Matthew 25:14-30 14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 2 3 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content and products, sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy a wealth of articles, videos, and interactive content for self-study, drawing upon wisdom from across the world. Subscribe for exclusive content, including issues of the mag. Tell a friend about us today! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

It has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ. The Books of the Bible Philippians.1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, Salutation To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians 3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Paul’s Present Circumstances 12 I want you to know, beloved that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. 15 Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 16 These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

Featured in The Liberation Issue of Liveology Yoga Magazine. Find joy in every step of your journey. Medicine is a journey that is full of adventures, knowledge, hardships, and sacrifices. All of which I have experienced and more. I have always wanted to become a doctor ever since I was a little girl. In fact, my pediatrician told my mother that I was going to be a doctor someday. However, I have experienced some uncertainty during the course of this journey. Let’s take a trip into the past. While completing my undergraduate studies at Syracuse University, I was leaning more towards a career in psychology. I thought that I’d pursue a graduate degree and doctorate in the field. All of those plans were put on hold once my older brother was diagnosed with cancer at 25. He asked if I would move in with him and his family after graduating to help with his daily responsibilities. Of course this was a no brainer. So, for the next 9 months, I spent my days taking my brother to his chemotherapy sessions, hospital visits, preparing meals, doing homework with his eldest daughter, and babysitting the youngest. Towards the end of that 9 months, after doctors told my brother that his cancer was in remission, it had returned and it had done so with a vengeance. Not more than a month had passed before the overwhelming force of this cancer had taken my brother’s life.

Even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith. The Books of the Bible Salutation 1 Timothy. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Warning against False Teachers 3 I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, 4 and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training that is known by faith. 5 But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. 6 Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions. 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. 9 This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, 10 fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. Gratitude for Mercy 12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. 16 But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 18 I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith; 20 among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan, so that they may learn not to blaspheme. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

Featured in The Liberation Issue of Liveology Yoga Magazine.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. The Books of the Bible Colossians 4:1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Further Instructions 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, 4 so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should. 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Final Greetings and Benediction 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servanta in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we area and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him. 11 And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. 13 For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

Featured in The Liberation Issue of Liveology Yoga Magazine. “An object at rest will stay at rest… unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.” - Newton’s 1st Law of Motion I sit quietly on the shores of whatever body of water I can find each morning at 5 AM so that I can commune with self and the universe. For the last year – one of the most difficult years for my family – I’ve found the ability to expand my capacity to survive this world through meditation that has taken me on a journey of great inner-expansion and rest. I’ve found peace in the middle of our storm. But what happens to a soldier once they’ve finally found peace only to realize they have to lay that peace down in order to fight – again? What happens to the kind person who is forced to use force simply to survive a system that is uniquely designed to crush us? For some, this may sound hyperbolic. But if you’ve looked around lately, you’ll notice that there are fights raging all around us waiting to snatch whatever modicum of peace or zen we’ve been able to muster in this reality. So much hatred. So much poverty. So much cruelty. And for what? How do we balance living in a society founded, rooted, and thriving through conflict with our individual journeys towards peace? Most of my life has been fraught with conflicts, fights for justice, standing up to whoever needed standing up to. Certainly my adult life has been filled with the same fights most of you face: the struggle to just survive – living paycheck to paycheck.

Keeping up your plant-based diet is getting easier and easier! Enjoy these delicious spots on your next roadtrip. Malibu's Burgers Oakland, CA Great food made from plants. Indulge in a plant-based bacon burger and other treats like chick'n tenders, oat milkshakes, and hella hella tots and fries. Happy Ice Los Angeles, CA A snow cone food truck! Grab a creamy, fruity snow cone, with the certainty that there are no eggs or dairy in any of the ingredients. Mix and match the flavors! Souley Vegan Las Vegas, NV Craving Creole? Get your fix with all your favorite Louisiana like Deez Ain't Gator Bites, Okra Gumbo over Grits, and Po' Boys - all plant-based! With locations in California and Nevada, you’ll have to stop. Southern Roots Vegan Bakery Austin, TX Have your cake and eat it too. Pull up in person for lemon cake, doughnuts, and volcano cupcakes, all plant-based. Once you're home, you can have them ship to you. Trap Vegan Detroit, MI Get trapped with the delicious plant-based fast food you've been craving. Grab a burger and fries, with the option of sliders and BBQ jackfruit. You can also or lighten it up with a salad, smoothie or an acai bowl. Tasilli's Raw Rality Cafe Atlanta, GA Power up with a delicious raw kale wrap from this staple in Atlanta. Even if you still love to eat meat or are new to plant-based living, Tassili's amazing kale wraps will have your mouth watering for raw kale. Make sure to try some of the toppings - you'll be back for the carrot tuna and black love stew. There is always a line out the door. Waiting in line is definitely an Atlanta cultural experience on its own, but if you're short on time, go UberEats. Love Life Cafe Miami, FL Plant-based everything from sushi to smoothies, pizza to dessert. You'll even find plant-based dog food. We especially love the pizza verde, pictured, and the tiramisu. A yogi hotspot in Miami. Liveology, LLC is a yoga media company creating uplifting content for your whole life. Subscribe! Our subscriptions provide access to our full online library as well as access to digital issues of Liveology Yoga Magazine. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Sharing is caring. Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? Language Hebrew Trust in God under Adversity A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. 1 O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying to me, “There is no help for youa in God.” Selah 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 4 I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. 6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people! Selah New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). The Books of the Bible The New Life in Christ Colossians 3:1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 7 These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. 8 But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. 11 In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! 12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Rules for Christian Households 18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, 24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality. New Revised Standard Version Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Pineapples!

I do not know this man you are talking about. The Books of the Bible Peter Denies Jesus 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. 69 And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” 72 At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. New Revised Standard Version The words of the Jesus (Yeshua) are in red. Liveology Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content and products, sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy a wealth of articles, videos, and interactive content for self-study, drawing upon wisdom from across the world. Subscribe for exclusive content, including issues of the mag. Tell a friend about us today! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

The son and, yes, man are made of the same things. Hold on to me Don't let me go Who cares what they see? Who cares what they know? Your first name is Free Last name is Dom We choose to believe In where we're from Man's red flower It's in every living thing Mind, use your power Spirit, use your wings Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Freedom Freedom Freedom Hold on to me Don't let me go Cheetahs need to eat Run, antelope Your first name is King Last name is Dom Cause you still believe In everyone When a baby first breathes When night sees sunrise When the whale hunts in the sea When man recognizes Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Freedom Freedom Breathe in We are from heat The electric one Does it shock you to see He left us the sun? Atoms in the air Organisms in the sea The son and, yes, man Are made of the same things Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Freedom Freedom Freedom Freedom Freedom Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

Featured in The Liberation Issue of Liveology Yoga Magazine. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme court released a landmark decision on Roe v. Wade, determining that the right to abortion is fundamental and backed by the right to privacy in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme court overturned Roe. v. Wade. Immediately, people on both sides went into a frenzy, either celebrating or mourning. I, for one, mourned this decision, mostly because something about the overturn of Roe v. Wade reeks of the problems with the historical patriarchy. From Animals to Humans Are females equal to males? Should they be? I find it strange that I even have to ask this question, but apparently, in 2022, we still have not resolved this, so let’s discuss. Certainly, there are rules in the animal kingdom. Animals, in general, are governed by instincts. Particularly, these are the base instincts over survival, territory, food, and mating. When any of these things are threatened, it is normal for animals to become aggressive and fight each other, often to the death. Kill or be killed. Eat or be eaten. Male animals, in particular, such as deer, lions, bears, even our closest relatives, the great apes, will fight to the death over the ability to mate with females. And as we know, in most species, male animals are larger and physically dominant to female animals, and so will simply overpower the female so that he can impregnate her. Female animals will often fight back, but being smaller and without some of the physical advantages like antlers, they are often no match. If a pregnancy occurs, she will care for and raise the young of the male herself. For many species, the male will move on and do it again with a different female, though in some species, such as penguins, lions, apes, and humans, the male will stick around and help out for some time or for life. As humans, we are red-blooded mammals, with instincts that are no different than deer, lions, or apes. We desire and are willing to fight over food, resources, a comfortable place to stay, and the ability to mate and protect our children. The difference between humans and other animals is our minds, our ability to think above our instincts, and to create processes and systems so that we can live together harmoniously. Part of the reason humans created so many laws and programs is so that there is something preventing us from acting totally like animals. We created food programs and homeless shelters so humans don’t have to fight over territory and food. We created murder and rape laws so there is a deterrent to following through with some of our more base instincts. We created social mores and formalized things like marriage. We made public education required to literally domesticate people from childhood. We have done such a good job of creating a domesticated society, that often we forget the reason we did this, or that we did. Most of us in domesticated society live in some level of comfort - having enough food to eat hearty meals or even to have a specific diet like going vegan, having a comfortable place to sleep at night, having enough money to shop a little. But there have been endless studies that show that even amongst domesticated humans, as soon as there is an illusion of scarcity, our animalistic instincts kick in immediately. We even see this behavior during Christmas shopping. We are humans, and we are animals. In the animal world, the rules of the game are a little more stark than in the human world. Take lions, for instance. The female lions tend to do the hunting, while the male lions tend to protect the pack. Perhaps, at one time, humans behaved much like other animals, where the female humans did household tasks and cared for the young, while the male humans hunted for food and protected the tribe. It was just over 100 years ago, in 1920, that human females gained the right to vote in the United States. Even after the founding fathers of the United States believed we should be a free country in 1774 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, even after Americans came to believe black people should be free by codifying the 13th Amendment in 1864 against slavery, and even after black males were given the right to vote in 1870, females were still considered to be, on some level, property, less in value than the males, and unable to make important decisions. It was just over 40 years ago, that human females gained the right to have credit cards or buy property without the cosigning of her husband, or another male in the United States. Let us not forget that there are countries in which females still cannot vote or buy property. Let us also not forget that even in the United States, the fight continues about basic things like equal pay for equal work, access to childcare, and access to healthcare. The direction of evolution is clear. Globally, even though historically females have been viewed as limited to gender roles, property, and incapable of making decisions such as voting, we are moving in the direction that increasingly views human women as deserving equal rights to human men. The past 100 years has shown that when women are given equal access to education and resources, they can meet and sometimes even outperform men in academia and the workplace. I find it sad that I have to spend this time explaining these things that seem very basic, but it is essential to understanding the depth of the abortion argument. To me, the abortion argument in the United States is rooted in our deep animalistic instincts that cause some males to desire to control the minds, actions, and bodies of females, and the desire for some men to regain some of the control lost over women over the last 100 years. Life & Death As a yoga practitioner, former Christian preacher, and self-proclaimed “yogini,” I have spent a lot of time reading scripture and other historical texts in an attempt to understand life and how to live. I take the gravity of life and death very seriously, and have weighed resources such as the Bible, for which I learned Greek and Hebrew to translate the original texts while in seminary, the Yoga Sutras and other texts that I take seriously. I wrote Liveology’s Mission, Ethics, Standards, & Corrections Policies not only to nail down my position as the editor, but so that it would be clear to the world upon which we stand, as a magazine. And so, first, I think it is important to acknowledge the argument so many use against abortion, which is the preservation of life. Even at Liveology, our motto is “More life. More yoga.” Those who are against abortion have claimed the title, “pro-life,” of course, implying that those who want abortion to be legal are “pro-death.” There are many important texts that have shaped this conversation over millennia, which across the board discuss the importance of not killing. In yoga, we would call this ahimsa. The 8 Limbs of Yoga are found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and outline personal ethics and disciplines on the way to samadhi or ultimate bliss and peace. The first of the 8 limbs is the yamas, or personal ethics. The first of the yamas is ahimsa, which can be directly translated as “non-harming”, or in the positive is often translated as “loving-kindness”. Ahimsa is also found in the 8 Noble Truths of Buddhism. We also find similar instructions “Do not kill” in the 10 Commandments, basic instructions from God to the people of Israel on how to live in obedience to God. Of course, we can find similar calls for non-violence in Islam, the Baha’i faith, and others across the world. Just about all religious texts and religions across the world would equally agree that murder is bad, though it’s difficult to find any scripture that specifically talks about abortion or the point at which life begins. I bring these up because though I believe in the word of God deeply, I do not believe that the abortion argument is about murder v. non-murder. Though some would like to create the illusion of these extremes in order to control the narrative, to me, the abortion argument is much deeper than that. In real life, abortions happen for a variety of reasons: unreadiness or inability to care for the child, mental illness, poverty, rape, being a child herself, inability to carry the pregnancy to term without injury to the mother. Often the solution that would actually decrease abortions is not banning abortions. Even when abortion was illegal in the United States, women still had abortions, often doing them at home with an “experienced” friend with a coat hanger or going to a practitioner in unregulated conditions. This was often injurious and even deadly. While often more privileged women could simply pay for a way. And so, if people actually want to decrease abortions and increase life, the way to do that is actually to increase education levels, healthcare, and childcare, and help women and families to make more money so that they feel able to care for their babies. While the negative translation of ahimsa is “non-harming,” the positive is “loving-kindness.” One could argue that as we were evolving from animals into humans, we needed strict guidelines to help us learn how to live harmoniously. We needed to be told not to kill or take our neighbor’s wife because our animalistic instincts were still so strong that we couldn’t control ourselves and didn’t know any better. But as humanity evolves, and we can see clearly the many factors that impact each situation, I believe we need to take a more nuanced approach, the first of which, is not placing all the blame and responsibility of a pregnancy on women. “I’m Gonna Make You Fat” An adult man would never say out loud that he’s going to rape you and get you pregnant to get you to shut up and sit down, but a child will. My mother used to substitute teach at an elementary school in East Atlanta. One day, a little boy about 6 years old was mad at her for something he didn’t want to do, so he said, “I’m gonna make you fat!” At first she didn’t know what he was talking about, but after he drew a picture of himself with his penis out and her with a big belly, she realized that this 6 year old was talking about raping and getting her (a woman in her 60s) pregnant as an insult because he was angry with her. While adults know better than to say things like this, the fact that a 6 year old either had this as an original thought or was taught this by an adult is horrifying. According to the CDC, “nearly 1 in 5 women have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime,” an estimated 25.5 million people. While, certainly, males also experience rape, even as children, as we are discussing the possibility of pregnancy, for now we will focus on the female instances. “One in 3 female rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old. One in 8 female rape victims reported that it occurred before age 10.” Women age 18-24, especially those in college are at an elevated risk for sexual violence. It feels animalistic, to me, that over the span of generations, females have been labeled as murderers and jezebels for getting pregnant and having abortions, while the males in those situations have been labeled studs, and “just being boys.” Those segments of the population that want to ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest, should be equally concerned about the the prevention and prosecution of rape and incest. But they are not. Rape cases persistently go unreported, often because women are not believed when they come forward. And in cases where they do come forward, many women are held responsible for being raped, pointing to the woman’s attire or inebriation, while dismissing the male as simply doing what boys do. Unfortunately, there are too many instances where rapists are set free or receive sentences so low that they don’t act as a deterrent. It’s Not in the Constitution There are tons of liberties we enjoy every day that are not in the Constitution of the United States. Some of these include, the freedom to travel across the world as Americans, the ability to drive, the ability to send your child to the school of your choice, the ability to wear your hair out for everyone to see it, the ability to grow food in your backyard. All of these are liberties we enjoy in the United States that are not guaranteed in the Constitution and that people in some other countries do not have. The removal of liberties sets a dangerous precedent. Already, Justice Clarence Thomas is discussing other rulings that can be overturned, including contraception and same-sex marriage. This alone is revealing and is evidence, to me, that the overturn of Roe v. Wade is not genuinely rooted in the support of life. Many of those who have been trying to ban abortion for decades have also been trying to remove access to preventative contraception such as the pill, IUDS, and emergency contraception, which all prevent pregnancy before implantation even takes place. So if those who want to ban abortion also want to ban contraception, there is no reasonable explanation except the desire to keep women pregnant. While I understand and support the desire to protect life, to me, the abortion argument as a whole, is simply based in the desire to control women’s actions and bodies. If people want to protect the lives of women, those who want to eliminate access to abortion would first fight for the protection of women and children in the instance of rape, child abuse, and incest with the highest charges especially for those who create pregnancies from these aggressive actions. But they don’t want those things. If people want to push the needle and say that life begins at conception, then a man should be required to pay for child support from conception, and the woman should automatically receive full healthcare at the time of conception to ensure the health of the new life. But they don’t want those things. If people want to call themselves pro-life, they should also fight for universal healthcare, equal access to education, affordable childcare, and equal pay for women, all of which increase quality of life for all and lower the number of abortions. But they don’t want those things. So What is this About? To me, the abortion debate is simply rooted in the desire for the control over females, historically enjoyed by male animals, which in humans, we have called the patriarchy. As women are increasingly able to support themselves financially, vote, buy property, and are often outperforming males in many academic and business settings, there is a feeling among some males that they need to do things to gain back power and control. Though adult men would never say this out loud, the child’s words ring all too true. If you keep women pregnant and caring for children, they can’t make as much of a fuss. They won’t protest as much. They won’t take men’s jobs. And they will be more reliant upon men to care for them, as some people believe it should be. Though I know some people genuinely believe in this hierarchy, I believe it is rooted in our lower, animalistic instincts. We are animals and we are humans. As humans, we have the opportunity, and indeed the responsibility to evolve - to use our higher level thinking to find solutions that treat males and females more equally and allow women full freedom and autonomy. Let’s just be clear. Neither side wants to “kill babies.” In a perfect world, abortion wouldn’t be necessary, but until the day that things like rape, poverty, and ectopic pregnancies no longer exist, total womb care simply needs to exist for all women in the privacy and safety of proper medical facilities. Furthermore, if those who claim to be pro-life truly lived out ahimsa as “loving-kindness”, instead of fire and brimstone, then the actual pro-life conversation should be about the safety, education, access to food, and access to healthcare of all persons from conception until death. Until then, I believe this whole conversation is simply about the subjugation of women. Let’s evolve. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/sexual-violence/index.html Liveology, LLC is a yoga media company sharing "More life. More yoga." Enjoy our asana library, glossary, and a wealth of free articles and videos. Subscribe to issues of Liveology Yoga Magazine in print or digital! Follow us on Instagram and YouTube. 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