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Prejudice exists not only in the world around us but also, often unconsciously, within us. Whether we see it or not, it shapes how open—or closed—our hearts are to others. Recognizing the subtle ways prejudice arises in us can be a powerful step toward living with greater love and connection.
We divide ourselves from one another in countless ways: by race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, body type—even by which football team we support. In Argentina, for example, some rival teams prohibit the opposing fans from attending games due to the intensity of conflict. This illustrates how deeply ingrained our divisions can be.
Turning inward to examine our own conditioned responses is not easy. It calls for a courageous willingness to see through the veils of personal bias—without shame or harsh judgment. It takes mindfulness to detect prejudices that operate below the level of conscious thought. Our familiar lens on the world can feel so natural that we mistake it for absolute truth.
Here are some simple yet powerful ways to cultivate a more open heart:
- Offer silent Namaskars. As you walk down the street, inwardly offer Namaskar Mudra—”Namaste”—to each person you see: The Light in me honors the Light in you.
- See opponents as teachers. Consider those you strongly disagree with as spiritual teachers, offering you the chance to grow in understanding, patience, and compassion.
- Question the ego’s certainties. Notice when the mind insists “I am right,” or “I’m more spiritual than others.” Practice softening these judgments and questioning them sincerely.
- Resist gossip and interference. Catch yourself when you’re about to interfere in others’ lives or speak about them behind their backs. Use this awareness as a moment to return to the heart.
- Stay anchored in practice. Maintain a regular Yoga practice that fosters mindfulness. The more aware we are of our thoughts, the less power they have to close the heart.
Acknowledging the seeds of prejudice in ourselves is not a sign of failure; it’s a mark of humility and growth. When we can see these patterns clearly, we free ourselves from their grip and open the door to greater love. Instead of hiding or defending our biases, we can bring them into the light and consciously choose to open our hearts—wider, and then wider still.
About the Author:
Swami Ramananda is the Executive Director of Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, a certified Yoga therapist, and a founding board member of the Yoga Alliance. He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced-level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco and teaches throughout the world. Having dedicated his life to teaching Yoga for nearly 50 years, Swami Ramananda is highly-respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition in Yoga communities worldwide. Swami Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs throughout the US and abroad. He is also a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI) which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world.
