Vancouver votes on October 17. Between now and then the city is full of talk, debates, doorknocking, and… YOGA.
Yoga brings out the best in us, as human beings. On the mat we practise strength, balance, patience and flexibility. Through regular practice, these traits show up throughout our lives. I believe that if more of our leaders practiced yoga, they’d become even better leaders.
To this end, we are starting a program at STRETCH. It is called On Your Mats, Get Set, VOTE!
Why politicians?
The purpose of STRETCH has always been to help people improve their lives through a regular yoga practice. Usually that happens one person, one mat, one class at a time. But when the person on the mat makes decisions for a neighbourhood or a whole city, the benefit travels further. A steadier, more open, more flexible leader is a benefit for all of us.
If we can help our political leaders build a practice, we can have a broader positive influence on our neighbourhood and on our municipality. That is the whole idea.
How it works
Every event follows the same simple format.
- Yoga first. Each event starts with a yoga class, shared by the invited politician and anyone from the community who wants to practise alongside them. All levels welcome. No experience needed.
- Politics waits. We ask everyone to keep political conversation until after class. During yoga practice, nobody is a candidate or a constituent. Everyone is a human on a mat, focusing on breathing, moving, and NOT politics. That way politicians and voters both get the full benefit of the practice.
- Then we talk. After class we stay for an informal discussion. No podium, no script. Just neighbours and the people who want to represent them, sitting in the same room after moving and breathing together.
- Their team, their call. Invited politicians choose whether to bring members of their team or the press. Either way is welcome.
Nonpartisan, always
STRETCH does not endorse candidates or parties.
We will ask permission before taking any photos. With that permission, we will share pictures on social media for one reason: to encourage more people to come to these events and to try this combination of yoga and civic life for themselves. If someone would rather not be photographed, that is completely fine.
Come practise with us
If you are a candidate in the 2026 Vancouver municipal election, you received an invitation from me, I would love to hear from you. If you are running and somehow did not, email me at boyd@stretchvancouver.com.
If you are a voter, watch our social media channels and this blog for event dates, then come roll out a mat beside the people asking for your vote. You do not have to agree with someone to breathe next to them.
See you on the mat and at the polls.
-Boyd
Featured photo: Vancouver City Hall by Kenny Louie, CC BY 2.0.