Stay Strong and Resilient at Time of Uncertainty
As we move through these turbulent times, I’ve been reflecting on the energy of this lunar year’s symbol, the Wooden Snake. The snake teaches us to shed what no longer serves us, while the wood element reminds us to stay rooted and grow even when the world feels uncertain. Together, this year brings qualities of resilience, transformation, and flexibility—qualities we need now more than ever.
Over the past few weeks, many of us have been glued to the news, feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of disturbing updates. I know some of us are directly affected by what’s happening at the federal level, and it’s definitely a scary and stressful time. But we also know that chaos and overwhelm are exactly what they want us to feel. This is when we can lean into the skills we’ve cultivated through our yoga practice—to stand with calm, see things clearly, and take actions that align with our values and purpose.
I recently experienced a powerful lesson in this myself. Many of you know I had been waiting for several months on two large NIH grants that focus on health disparities in minority youth. These grants weren’t just funding my research that I care about—they were set to support my full-time job as well as my team of staff for the next five years.
With the new administration’s federal spending freeze and their priorities to eliminate areas of research that align with my work—minority health, environment, and social determinants of health—I had almost given up hope. But just before the freeze was supposed to take effect last Tuesday, I was awarded both grants—literally at the last possible moment.
While these commitments can still be reversed due to shifts in federal priorities, this unexpected outcome reaffirmed my purpose: to persist in advancing research that addresses health inequities while remaining committed to supporting DEI efforts within my organization and the professional societies to which I belong. It served as a clear reminder that even when the path forward seems obstructed, staying true to our core values can lead to opportunities we never anticipated.
In our recent yoga classes, we’ve been focusing on the importance of remembering that as a community, we are stronger and can achieve so much more together than we ever could alone. I am purposefully spending more time with people who share the same viewpoints and values—those who care deeply about integrity, honesty, and making this world a better place. Surrounding ourselves with such communities can offer strength, clarity, and a sense of purpose even in the most difficult times.
If you’re looking for a supportive group of like-minded people, come join me for our weekly Wednesday noon practices. I’d love to practice and grow together with you!
I hope you’ll carry this energy with you in your practice and in life—staying strong, adaptable, and deeply rooted in what matters most.
Much love and gratitude,
Ai
