Lying in savasana last Saturday at a class in my Brooklyn hood, suddenly the "Yes We Can" Obama song came on. It's a beautiful tune. But my brain definitely blanched. Politics in yoga class?

"Sometimes it's a time to be internal, but now I think it's time for us to be external," said the teacher as we rose, adding, "Whoever you vote for, just be sure to vote." Pause. "Not that we have to worry in New York."

So. Obama fever is everywhere here, even in yogaland.

If you check out the Obama website, you'll find the Yoga Lovers for Obama Group (who knew?), whose members are holding two upcoming events in Brooklyn--both on Sunday, October 19th. One class is at 3pm teacher at Naomi Jaffe's home. The $20 fee goes to the campaign. It's the second one she's held.

The other class is taught by Tamara Malkin-Stuart at noon in Propect Park, exact spot TBD. It's called Practice for Change and is also a fundraiser.

And finally, Laughing Lotus is dedicating their October call for karmic service to supporting Obama. From their website: "With the change of season in the air we are reminded of the necessity of change in our own lives so we can grow and we wholeheartedly embrace Barack Obama and the huge change he represents for our country."

They add that he "embodies many values that yogis too embrace: compassion, honesty, and economic and social justice." And they list his most compassionate actions, encouraging people to "retain your equanimity amidst the madness, pray for change, and most of all, support your candidate in whatever way you can."

So. What do you think? Do yoga and politics mesh? Is yoga an inherently lefty practice?