Committed yogi and political strategist Reggie Hubbard joins Ethan Nichtern for a conversation about the union of politics and spirituality, and the sacred importance of voting.
Reggie Hubbard is currently a senior political strategist for MoveOn, managing their relationships, impact and communications with Capitol Hill. He has previously worked on presidential campaigns for John Kerry and Bernie Sanders. In addition to his political work, Reggie is a certified yoga teacher who has taught members of Congress, sharing techniques for growing peace and ease as a foundation, not an afterthought. Learn more about Reggie at activepeaceyoga.com and follow him on Instagram.
Patience and Compassion
Ethan welcomes Reggie and asks about his origin story, both in regard to his political career and as a committed yogi. Reggie talks about his experience on presidential campaigns for John Kerry and Bernie Sanders, the work he does now for MoveOn, and how his spiritual practice began yielding more patience and compassion in his professional life.
“In 2016, I joined the [Bernie Sanders] campaign and told them explicitly, I have a yoga and meditation practice now. So if this campaign avails the negativity I’ve had in the past, I’m quitting.” – Reggie Hubbard
Jack Kornfield reflects on the perfection of patience in Heart Wisdom Ep. 63
The Union of Politics and Spirituality (16:29)
Ethan and Reggie discuss the union of politics and spirituality, and how our system is predicated on an active citizenry. Reggie shares how the pandemic opened him up to his role as a teacher and gives his thoughts on how white supremacy plays out in yoga and dharma communities.
“It is incumbent on people, especially those of us who are rooted in practice, to be engaged [with politics]. Because if we’re not engaged, then who holds it down for people who are suffering?” – Reggie Hubbard
The Sacred Vote (37:21)
Reggie answers a wide range of questions about his experiences in politics and time as a yoga teacher. He talks about why voting is so sacred to him, why Savasana resonates so deeply with members of Congress and working with fear and disheartenment.
“The blessing of my lived experience is that I’m rooted in the stories of my ancestors. I’m aware that my incarnation is the dream of people that came before me.” – Reggie Hubbard
