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Text me Your email for my Booking LinkMichael Jay welcomes Jivana Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga and a leading voice for inclusive teaching. Jivana shares how AIDS activism drew him back to yoga, eventually centering his work on adaptive classes for marginalized communities. They discuss how studio owners can remove physical, financial, and cultural barriers to help “every body” feel a true sense of belonging.Key PointsJivana's JourneyLearned yoga from his grandmother; returned to it during the AIDS crisis for self-care.Taught at a San Francisco hospital for people with HIV/AIDS, refining accessible teaching methods.What Is Accessible Yoga?Goes beyond props—embraces universal design, inclusive class titles, and deeper yogic teachings.Recognizes that physical ability doesn't correlate to inner peace.Studio Culture & CommunityCultivate a welcoming space: chairs, flexible pricing, clear class descriptions.Focus on relationships—small gestures like introducing newcomers can transform the studio vibe.Practical TipsOffer variations in mixed-level classes.Provide short private sessions for absolute beginners before group classes.Couch and chair yoga can encourage home practice and draw in more diverse populations.Resources & Linkshttps://www.yogajournal.com/practice/couch-yoga/https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/traininghttps://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/accessible-yoga-podcast-30-yearshttps://www.instagram.com/jivanaheyman/About Jivana HeymanFounder of Accessible Yoga, author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body and Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage and Compassion. Through workshops, trainings, and events, he promotes an inclusive approach to yoga's deeper message of unity and social justice.Connect with Michael JaySubscribe to the Yoga Biz Champ Podcast for more expert insights on growing your yoga business. Ready to dive deeper?Visit YogaBizChamp.link/podlink to book a call and explore coaching options.Book a call with Chris from the Sales Arms with my direct link to his calendar Yoga Biz Champ listeners get 50% off the first 3 months or 15% off annual plans via my exclusive link offeringtree.com/yogabizchamppodcast Book a call with Mitch McGinley from the Boutique Fitness Brokers with my link. BOOK WITH MITCH HERE FREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINKhttps://yogabizchamp.link/podlink
This is the final interview in our series about yoga organizations, how they operate, and our futures. And it is a good one. Jivana Heyman is nothing if not an expert in the operations of organizations, with such an amazing understanding of how they work and what they should be doing for us. KEY TAKEAWAYS*The point of an organization, any organization, is to speak for those who have less power. Jivana put that beautifully. If you are a non-profit organization that takes membership dues, even if your status doesn't explicitly state that you are for the members, what is the point of you if you don't speak up for those with less power? *PLEASE watch for orgs consolidating power. When fewer and fewer people have more and more of the say, that is a KEY sign that things are not functioning properly in the organization.*Accessible Yoga did best practices for online teaching. I just need to repeat that as something that it is INSANE to me that the yoga alliance OR IAYT has not set forth. This is going to be critical to us in the future as we look at a lot more of our work going online in the next 5-10 years. Have YOU been thinking about online, AI and tech? I have. *There IS something not working in the yoga space, and I agree with Jivana, I cannot quite figure it out either. A lack of generosity, so much gatekeeping, resource hoarding, what else? *I will say this now until I die. The Yoga Alliance and the IAYT have scope of practice issues. What is best for yoga practitioners and yoga schools is not always the same. What is best for yoga therapists in practice and best for yoga therapy schools are definitely not the same. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE sort your scope of practice issues out!!*Jivana pointed out some operational things about the Yoga Alliance that I find SO STAGGERINGLY awful. The Yoga Alliance is allegedly taking the money they make from dues, funneling it into another organization that has tax-free status (c-6 trade orgs are not tax-free), and each org has the SAME board and CEO. Talk about conflict of interest. Whatcha need that money for Yoga Alliance? Tell us what's going on, boo.*Let's figure out how to support each other in the next four years if you are in the US. By all accounts things are looking dicey for us as an industry that exists in the “extra” bucket of most people's budgets. When people have less extra money to spend, we tend to see our numbers dip. So how are we going to support each other and get through what will likely be a difficult period for our businesses?*Finally, I want to share a few of Jivana's ideas about what an organization could offer its members. Free training, continuing education, legal support, liability insurance, waivers, contracts, more information and data about our industry, marketing, and the role of supporting unions are just some of the things they could be doing. And if any organization was doing this, they would for sure have my money.RESOURCESWorking In Yoga WebsiteWorking In Yoga NewsletterJivana's Website1
In this episode, I interviewed Jivana Heyman. Jivana (he/him), C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body.Over the past 30 years of teaching yoga, Jivana has focused on welcoming all people to practice and celebrating our individuality and our differences. His work has focused on dismantling ableism in the yoga world, as well as emphasizing the intersection of yoga and social justice. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition.I've wanted to have Jivana on for a long time — our worlds overlap in a variety of ways — students who take our trainings often also train with Accessible Yoga. Many of our faculty also colllaborate in both realms. It was great to finally have Jivana on the podcast.Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com Website Instagram Facebook
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman Description: Have you ever been deeply disappointed in a yoga teacher, mentor, or celebrity? You are not alone. It is a common experience that many yoga teachers and practitioners go through, but how should we react? In this episode, Jivana Heyman joins Shannon to discuss how they deal with their feelings of grief and disappointment caused by folks in the yoga world. Jivana Heyman is a teacher, author, and advocate, well-known in the yoga community. He is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to yoga teachings for people of all abilities and backgrounds. He has authored multiple books and brings decades of experience as an advocate and teacher to this conversation. Shannon and Jivana discuss the complex topic of navigating a path forward when yoga teachers or mentors disappoint us. Whether through actions that fall short of our expectations, problematic behavior, or situations where trust is broken, these experiences can be deeply personal and disheartening. Jivana draws on his years of experience in teaching and his commitment to fostering compassionate and ethical yoga communities to share some deep insights and thoughtful reflections on tackling these moments with grace, understanding, and authenticity. This episode promises to inspire and empower yoga teachers and practitioners alike to approach disappointment with wisdom and resilience. Key Takeaways: [0:12] Have you ever been deeply disappointed in a yoga teacher, mentor, or celebrity? Shannon and Jivana are discussing their feelings of grief and disappointment in connection with folks in the yoga world. [2:33] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors - OfferingTree and her 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [5:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. [10:05] What's the newest thing in Jivana's world right now with his work and personal life? [15:12] It is common to be disappointed by yoga teachers or celebrities that we are learning from. Jivana and Shannon reflect on their experiences. [19:40] Can we separate the teacher from the teachings? Is it possible to find a distinction between yoga and the people we learned from? [21:26] Shannon shares an experience she had with a yoga teacher with a sizeable following just before the US elections. [27:35] A second part of that interaction Shannon had is that they seemed to stop speaking up because of capitalism. Jivana shares his perspective on Shannon's reaction and disappointment. [30:18] At what point do we call people out or call them in for the harm they are causing and how do we do that? [32:26] Shannon pops in with a message about the sponsor, OfferingTree. [36:00] Someone reached out to Shannon about wanting to call out a teacher they've been studying with who has said nothing about Palestine but has spoken up about other world events. What is the best way to navigate these situations? [42:43] What is Jivana's advice to a yoga teacher who is observing that their teachers or yoga celebrities they follow are not speaking up about the issues that are important to them? [47:46] It can feel like it takes a lot of energy to work in community. How should we approach this task of overcoming our differences to work towards a common goal? [55:14] Yoga doesn't always feel good. It's not the goal of a yoga practice to leave us in a "blissed out" state. [57:57] What would Jivana say to the yoga celebrity who is listening and having people ask them about not speaking up about social justice causes? [59:24] What would Jivana tell yoga teachers who feel like they are not doing enough right now? [65:48] What is Jivana's next book (his fourth) about? [66:34] What are some practices Jivana is using now for grieving the destruction that is happening to the earth and around the world? [71:51] Shannon shares some of the actions that she is taking to fight back against oppressive systems in the world. [73:17] Connect with and learn from Jivana via his website or Instagram. [74:26] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Jivana. Links: Jivana Heyman Jivana Heyman on Instagram Previous Podcast Episodes with Jivana Heyman 365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman 209: Online Yoga Teacher Training with Jivana Heyman 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman Inclusive Yoga: Creating Community Through Accessibility (OfferingTree) Zel Amanzi on Instagram Yoga for Pelvic Health 3-Hour On Demand Workshop with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "You know, we're all human, we're all trying our best." - Jivana "Where we always get stuck in life is the expectations. .... the expectation is what causes our suffering." - Jivana "Non-attachment is just freedom, that's what this is. Freedom from desire, freedom from being focused on the outcome." - Jivana "When you're giving someone feedback or criticism, try to be as nice as you can about it because we're mostly really insecure people." - Jivana "Direct communication is more effective with people." - Jivana "Don't let your emotions decide your life for you. Don't let emotions make the decision." - Jivana "We all have a lot of power in small ways that we don't recognize." - Jivana
In the second part of this powerful conversation, Jivana and Hannah explore practical steps for making yoga inclusive and accessible. Key topics include: How to teach accessible yoga and why these principles are crucial in every yoga class. How to create a trauma-sensitive space where all students feel empowered to make their own choices. Controversial thought: Is simplifying yoga an oversimplification, or is it the ultimate form of wisdom? Jivana's surprising stance on using props, modifying postures, and the value of ‘meeting students where they are'—a view that challenges traditional teaching norms. Whether you're a seasoned instructor or new to teaching, this episode offers essential insights on bringing the heart of yoga into every class, regardless of students' abilities or backgrounds. Learn more about Jivana Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition. Learn more at jivanaheyman.com Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here. Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos. Follow Hannah on Instagram. Follow Celest on Instagram
In this episode, Jivana Heyman shares his transformative journey with yoga and why he became a passionate advocate for accessibility within the practice. Discover: How the AIDS epidemic and personal loss ignited Jivana's path to making yoga inclusive for all. Why Jivana believes the traditional, rigid approach to yoga alienates people and misses the essence of the practice. Controversial question: Is mainstream yoga more about appearance than genuine connection? The challenges he faced in teacher training, and why he thinks accessible yoga is actually the most advanced form of practice. This conversation dives into yoga's role in supporting people facing life's toughest battles, like illness and grief, and challenges what many think of as "real" yoga. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at what true inclusivity in yoga really means. Learn more about Jivana Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition. Learn more at jivanaheyman.com Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here. Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos. Follow Hannah on Instagram. Follow Celest on Instagram
In this heartfelt episode of Eyeway Conversations, host George Abraham speaks with Yamuna Jivana Dasa, a blind spiritual teacher, musician, and advocate, about his unique journey from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Vrindavan, India. Born with optic atrophy, Yamuna shares his inspiring life story, from overcoming early challenges as a visually impaired child to finding a profound calling in music and spirituality. Yamuna reflects on his parents' resilience in raising a blind child in a society unfamiliar with disabilities. He describes how he was supported by his family and encouraged to pursue his interests, with music being an early passion. Despite a lack of resources at his school for the blind, he found ways to keep his dream alive. His pursuit of music led him to Pop Idols, where he released a national hit. Later, realizing the constraints of the industry, he became an independent artist and established his own studio, Gora Records Audio, allowing him to freely share his music and vision. Throughout his career, Yamuna continued to merge his love for music with his growing spiritual interests, eventually finding purpose in teaching and guiding others on a spiritual path. Now residing in Vrindavan, he shares his insights on material and spiritual blindness, the importance of self-improvement, and the universality of spiritual truth. He also describes his work to make spiritual literature accessible to the blind community through Braille and electronic media, emphasizing the role of inclusive spirituality. Yamuna's life is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and faith, as he lives with the mission to share his knowledge and inspire others, especially the visually impaired. Join us for this deep, inspiring conversation about life, love, purpose, and a quest for enlightenment. Show Notes - Guest Introduction: Yamuna Jivana Dasa, spiritual teacher and musician from Vrindavan, originally from South Africa. - Discussion Topics: - Family Background and Life in South Africa: Indian heritage, childhood, and early life challenges as a blind child. - Journey into Music: Early interest, challenges in accessing resources, success in Pop Idols, and transition to independent music. - Spiritual Awakening: Growing interest in spirituality, shift in career focus, and experiences in Vrindavan. - Educational Work and Advocacy for the Blind: Teaching roles at African Eye Institute and BlindSA, creating accessible Braille resources for blind readers. - Building a Spiritual Community for the Blind: Formation of an international community focused on Vedic texts and broader spiritual understanding. - Personal and Spiritual Insights: Reflections on material and spiritual blindness, the importance of self-improvement, and the power of prayer. Notable Moments - Yamuna's memories of his mother's support and their journey through South Africa. - His pivot to independent music after experiencing the challenges of commercial music contracts. - Meeting his wife through a spiritually focused platform and their shared roots in Indian heritage. - Yamuna's goal to make spiritual teachings accessible to blind communities worldwide. - The significance of spiritual growth and teaching as a lifelong mission. Links - Listen to the archives of Yamuna Jivana's “Simple Living, Higher Thinking” radio show on Radio 2000 FM: - Listen to the music album “Everything Will Be All Right” on YouTube or Spotify. - Listen to the two volumes of “In Every Town and Village album: Volume 1 & Volume 2. Contact Reach out to Yamuna Jivana Dasa to discuss general technology accessibility for the blind, music and sound engineering, for discussions on spirituality and access to spiritual literature in braille, electronic braille, audio and text-to-speech formats - higherthinking2000@gmail.com.
Here's the first installment of a regular timeline cleanser featuring interviews with folks reflecting on hope, faith, resilience and building community in hard times. You know—all the things that conspirituality itself can't offer. These are short, personal visits in which Matthew asks each guest the same five questions about their life wisdom—at least as it's coming together in this moment. To start this series, Matthew hearkens back to the roots of Conspirituality Podcast in the yoga world with guest Jivana Heyman. Jivana is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. BTW: here are the five questions. You can think about them too. What terrifies you most in these times? What is the most meaningful and supportive idea or story you return to for reliable wisdom and relief? What is the greatest obstacle you face in forming community relationships, and how do you work to overcome it? If you were responsible for comforting and guiding a child terrified of climate catastrophe, how would you do it? What would you say? If your wisest ancestor came in a dream to offer you one piece of advice about living in difficult times, what would it be? Show Notes jivanaheyman.com 9: Ableism in Conspiracy Theories (w/Jivana Heyman) — Conspirituality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the podcast, I'm talking with Jivana Heyman about accessible meditation. Jivana is the founder of the Accessible Yoga movement, and he has plenty of insights to share about how meditation practices can be relevant in our world today. You'll hear about Jivana's own personal journey of learning meditation, and his perspective on how an inward practice like meditation can help during uncertain times when the outer world also needs our attention. Jivana describes the central role that meditation plays in the Yoga tradition, and the wide variety of meditation styles within Yoga (including breath meditation, mantra, chakra meditations, yoga nidra, and more). You'll also hear Jivana's thoughts on reframing asana AS a form of meditation. We talk about: how pranayama is distinct from breath meditation adaptations to make meditation more accessible, especially for those with anxiety, trauma, or neurodivergent minds similarities and differences between Yogic and Buddhist philosophies and practices broadening the definition of what counts as meditation I hope this episode will leave you feeling empowered to find your own ways of bringing meditation into your life! -- To learn more about Jivana Heyman's work, visit jivanaheyman.com or accessibleyogaschool.com. For more links and resources mentioned in this episode, find the show notes at movedtomeditate.yoga/podcast. The 100th Episode of the podcast is coming up, and I want to hear YOUR voice! Send me a short message about why you practice, and I will include it in this special episode. Go here to record your message, or email it to me through the website. Our next Teacher Masterclass is on August 24th, with guest speaker Chris McDonald of the Holistic Counseling Podcast! Get the info and join us at https://movedtomeditate.yoga/teacher-masterclasses/ The Mindful Movement Teacher Training is returning this Fall, and applications are now open! Learn more about this unique program at movedtomeditate.yoga/mmtt. Feel free to reach out through my website with any episode requests, topics you'd like to hear about, or guest interview suggestions. You can also connect with me on Instagram or Threads at @addie_movedtomeditate (for mindfulness, movement, pictures of Pacific Northwest nature, crocheting projects, and my adorable kitty, Mustache).
Dhrig Iveha Jivana, ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਇਵੇਹਾ ਜੀਵਣਾ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Page 490 Sabad 1269)
“Yoga is a microcosm of what's happening in every institution, including the judicial system, employment, medical care, all of that. So I'm just creating a small shift, hopefully, in people's perspectives and understandings of the prevalence of caste in Yoga history.” Join us for the captivating season finale of our podcast as Jivana interviews Anjali and they dive into a deep, transformative conversation. In this special episode, Anjali and Jivana discuss: Personal and Professional Changes The motivations and inspirations behind Anjali's decision to pursue her Doctorate this Fall. A sneak peek into Anjali's first book, set to release in Fall 2025. The book tackles profound questions such as: Is there such a thing as non-patriarchal yoga? How does caste intersect with yoga? How is yoga used as a tool of oppression? Pushback and rejections Anjali faced while writing this book and why this topic is crucial in today's world. Zionist backlash Jivana faced and the challenges of dealing with social media criticism. The tough decision to close the non-profit and the significant transitions within Accessible Yoga Free Resources for Teachers We are grateful for the support of our podcast partner OfferingTree — an all-in-one, easy to use business platform for classes, courses, memberships and more. Check it out at www.offeringtree.com/accessibleyoga.
In case you don't know, Jivana is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of the books: Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and a new book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings offer support to yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition. Check out the other two episodes with Jivana: 70: Yoga, Human Rights, and Accessibility with Jivana Heyman 105: Yoga And Social Justice with Jivana Heyman In this episode you'll hear: how Jivana recommends we balance tradition and innovation in asana how teachers can innovate in a way that honors the roots of yoga some thoughts on the abuse present in so many lineages and why ethics creates accessibility the specific skills that yoga teachers can learn to make their offerings accessible to everyone the inherent power imbalance between student and teacher how we can use language to make the practice invitational AND clear the kinds of support Jivana recommend yoga teachers find the recurring teaching nightmare that both Jivana and I have!! Learn More From Jivana: Instagram Facebook Accessible Yoga School The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga Book
Over the past decade, there has been a welcome push towards a more inclusive approach to yoga. But what does that look like on a practical level? Jivana Heyman has been at the center of the accessible yoga movement as the founder of the Accessible Yoga Project and the author of The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. In this episode, Jivana shares an anti-perfectionist approach to accessible yoga that centers the relationship between teacher and student. The conversation delves into insecurities and imposter syndrome, the interplay between teaching and personal growth, and the importance of ethics in guiding both personal and teaching practices. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The philosophy of accessible yoga 01:48 Jivana's early experiences with yoga 03:30 How yoga helps with emotional regulation 05:59 The impact of social media and information overload 08:43 How to deal with impostor syndrome 13:22 Teaching as a relationship 21:04 Inquiry on the ethics of teaching 27:50 The importance of meeting your students where they are and respecting their preferences 33:41 Perfectionism and people-pleasing 38:30 Kindness as a guiding principle for accessible yoga 42:15 Helping and fixing vs serving EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Accessible Yoga School Access all of Jivana's books here Follow Jivana on Instagram @jivanaheyman LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Jivana Heyman shares how accessibility flows naturally from ethics. We explore how accessibility and trauma informed care weave together as we support those in our care. This conversation applies not only to. yoga teachers and facilitators but to anyone in a supporting and healing role. We delve into the theme of sharing power and why we do this with those in our care. Collaboration is key in how we show up and empower students, clients and participants. This conversation is sure to leave you feeling inspired and with some fresh perspectives in your approach to healing whether you're facilitator or participant. About Jivana: Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of the books: Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and a new book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. Over the past thirty years of teaching yoga, Jivana has focused on welcoming all people to yoga and celebrating our individuality and our differences. His work has focused on dismantling ableism in the yoga world, as well as looking at the intersection of yoga and social justice. His books, classes, and trainings offer support to yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition. More information at jivanaheyman.com Facebook Instagram Soulful Retreat:
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman Description: How can we make yoga more accessible? From financial accessibility to the language we use in teaching, from offering modifications to supporting students who don't follow our lesson plans, making yoga accessible encompasses many different things. Jivana Heyman shares his insights. Making yoga accessible is at the core of the work Jivana does. He is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings for people of all abilities and backgrounds. He is also an author, and his latest book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, was recently released (listen in to find out how you can enter to win a copy!). In this episode, Jivana shares how we communicate yoga has evolved over the years, although yoga philosophy remains unchanged, and how accessibility is a part of that. He also talks about figuring things out as new teachers, overcoming imposter syndrome and why maybe a little bit of imposter syndrome is not a bad thing, and many other aspects of making yoga accessible, including how to maintain a yoga practice even when we don't have time! Key Takeaways: [3:52] This episode is powered by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:52] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming yoga series: Nourish Your Nervous System. [5:58] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. [10:05] What is the work that Jivana does and who does he do it for? [11:15] How can yoga teachers find that balance between being paid for their work enough to make a living and making sure people can access their classes financially? [13:56] Pay-what-you-can models and tiered pricing models are some options to increase financial accessibility. [15:36] What are some other main things Jivana covers in his new book? [18:43] Shannon and Jivana discuss the idea that there is one best/correct way of doing a pose in yoga. This is not true! [20:13] The general public has a very different idea of what yoga is than how it can actually be practiced. [24:30] What are some new things Jivana has learned recently about making yoga more accessible? [27:31] How does Jivana address situations in his classes where a student gives another student a hands-on assist? [30:20] Jivana is giving away two of his books! Leave a comment in the show notes to stand a chance to win a copy! [30:40] Are you signed up for the OfferingTree newsletter? They offer a free workshop or webinar every month for teachers! [31:53] It can sometimes feel that as we learn more about making yoga accessible, there is always yet more to learn. [34:36] Yoga has remained the same for millennia but how we interpret, communicate, and share it with people has changed and evolved over time. [38:40] How yoga is taught has evolved over time but the yoga philosophy has not. [42:13] It can be tempting to want our yoga practice to be perfect, like we experience at a yoga retreat, but how can we apply yoga to our real day-to-day? [46:38] What are some tools we can use to bring yoga into our lives? [50:28] Shannon and Jivana discuss other ways we can bring yoga into our busy lives. [53:50] We can hold opposing things as true at the same time. [56:05] Jivana shares the ABCs of yoga: Agency, Boundaries, Collaboration. [62:27] How does Jivana handle situations where students don't do what everyone else is doing? [68:08] Many yoga teachers deal with imposter syndrome. Jivana addresses this. [74:08] Join the giveaway for Jivana's books by leaving a comment and find out more about his work and the books at his website and on Instagram. [75:43] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode. [79:08] Shannon shares some of the upcoming events in Pelvic Health Professionals, including Nourish Your Nervous System. Links: Jivana Heyman, Accessible Yoga School Jivana Heyman Jivana Heyman on Instagram The Teacher's Guide To Accessible Yoga, by Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 364: 7 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow Shannon's Family Maple Syrup The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 209: Online Yoga Teacher Training with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 357: Pay-What-You-Can is Working with Shannon Crow Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Mostly the studio model doesn't really work for making yoga accessible." "I just don't think advanced yoga is advanced asana anymore. That's not the point." "As a yoga teacher, you're not simply just channeling the teachings in a pure way, you have to be interpreting them." "The question is, how do you make them resonant and applicable to this moment for your students who are in front of you today?" "I don't think yoga practice is just about my personal enlightenment or the goal of becoming that. Rather, it's about becoming of service to the world and to others." "I would say a little bit of imposter syndrome is actually healthier than too much ego."
Are you a yoga teaching looking to make your classes more accessible and just don't quite know where to start??Women in particular have a tendency to take care of everyone else around them first, while putting their own self care and wellness on the back burner. This podcast is designed to give you actionable advice and tools to help you power up your own wellness journey, and live the best life possible!I am your host, Amy Zellmer. I am editor-in-chief of MN YOGA + Life magazine and author of The Chair Yoga Pocket Guide. Additionally I am passionate about yoga, photography, wellness, and all things glittery! You can find out more about me at www.creatingwellnessfromwithin.comFollow me on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter Today's guest is: Jivana HeymanJivana Heyman (he/him), C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and the new book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. Jivana is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga and the Accessible Yoga School, an online portal focusing on equity and accessibility. More info at jivanaheyman.com.Consider supporting the podcast for $5 though BuyMeACoffeeSupport the show
We're thrilled to welcome back beloved teacher and accessibility advocate Jivana Heyman to discuss his latest book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga. As one of the early pioneers of making yoga welcoming and accessible for all types of bodies through his non-profit Accessible Yoga, Jivana has inspired countless teachers to rethink their approach. His new book offers practical guidance on best practices for making classes trauma-informed and tailored to each student's needs. Jivana stresses that rather than focusing on perfect alignment or achieving advanced poses, a good teacher uplifts students to find their own inner wisdom. We discuss simple techniques like giving options, avoiding assumptions, and letting go of judgement that make yoga spaces safer and more empowering. Other topics include: Balancing discipline and self-compassion in practice Integrating meditation and pranayama into asana classes Teaching in a way that serves both introverts and extroverts Fostering student agency and community Jivana also shares personal stories from his 30 years of teaching experience to illustrate how yoga can be transformative when focused on creating connection rather judging ourselves or others. His humility and kindness shine through as always! We're giving away a copy of Jivana's illuminating book The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga. Listen to the end of the episode to learn more! Thank you for listening and for helping to spread the message of inclusive and compassionate yoga spaces! Links: The Teacher's guide to Accessible Yoga Book Launch: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/teachers-guide-to-accessible-yoga-launch Accessible Yoga School: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/jivana-home-landing Accessible Yoga Association: https://accessibleyoga.org/ Jivana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivanaheyman/
You've heard of Accessible Yoga, right?The movement started with the term, which was coined around 2007 by today's guest. Jivana and I talk all about our current ambitions for the yoga teaching and industry landscape, and discuss how we can make yoga accessible to all folks. We also discuss where we go from here—how is our future more accessible, more non-profit focused, and more dedicated to the tradition and practice of yoga.Take a listen.KEY TAKEAWAYS:-Covid definitely made us more accessible as an industry. the ability to find a welcoming community aligned with who you are is also much easier now that more of us are online. So don't forget to be your authentic self as you interact with others in the online space–it makes a difference when you are working to find your people.- Making training accessible is something that is at the forefront of Accessible Yoga's work. How we train has always been a system for the privileged, especially when training existed only in person. Seeing this change is exciting, and it allows us to share our yoga community with even more amazing humans with new and fresh ideas. This diversity will only make us better and stronger as an industry.- Online teaching has leveled the playing field for yoga teachers. Often times before Covid you had to become incredibly popular before you were able to travel and teach. The internet now allows us an entirely new pathway to build careers as yoga pros.- The lack of yoga non-profit organizations, is a big red flag for us as an industry. Full stop. Non-profits are a sign of a thriving ecosystem–where we have built an industry stable enough to not only provide for ourselves but also to address the needs of those who are not thriving. -That said: Here are the names of some other great non-profit organizations in the larger yoga space. Casa de Paz, SLV, Flow For Black Lives, and Mimi's Yoga Kids all do work in their respective communities–and you can go back to previous episodes with their founders Gina Barrett, Osiris Booque, and Mimi Felton to get more info on those organizations.-Empowering folks from all communities to become yoga teachers is really important. The more we see not only a diverse range of yoga students but yoga teachers as well, the better off both ethically and financially we become.RESOURCESWorking In Yoga WebsiteWorking In Yoga NewsletterAccessible Yoga OrganizationAccessible Yoga SchoolSEVA articleSunlight Streams Sponsor Blog
In this episode, Otilia interviews Jonathan Fisher, a founding member of the Sadvidya Foundation, which works to preserve ancient Eastern teachings of yogic philosophy. These teachings aim to promote peace and inner happiness for all humanity. Guided by dedicated practitioners, the foundation offers programs, publications and retreats to bring this ancient belief system to the modern world. In discussion with Otilia, Jonathan discusses his personal views and some central tenets of the yogic philosophy that he teaches. Along the way, his reflections raise some interesting questions about what drives conflict amongst humans, and what peace and peace-building look like through a yogic lens.The episode begins with Jonathan discussing the concepts of love, care, and peace from the perspective of yogic philosophy. He reflects on the pursuit of happiness as something which can both foster peace and bring about conflict. He stresses the importance of seeking happiness without becoming too 'attached' to the things, places or activities that make us happy, since attachment can lead in time to disappointment, frustration, competition with others and conflict. The conversation then focuses on worldly detachment as a practical (not just cerebral) route to peace, from the yogic perspective. Jonathan and Otilia end by discussing the relationship between internal and external peace, and Jonathan emphasises the importance of education within the family as well as in more public settings for laying the foundations for both. The conversation underscores the value of delving deeper into different belief-systems, philosophies and practices from all around the world, to better understand how peace and conflict have been conceptualised by others, and to explore different approaches to achieving or resisting them. This conversation offers just a brief flavour of the rich insights that yogic philosophy can offer into how we visualise peace and reduce conflict, both personally and geopolitically, and we are grateful to Jonathan for sharing his personal views and pointing us in some interesting new directions. As the Visualising Peace team continues to research care, self-care, inner peace and their impact on interpersonal, intergroup and international peace-building efforts, we will dig into some of the questions which Jonathan's reflections raise and expand our scope to research a range of belief systems. We hope you find Otilia and Jonathan's conversation interesting. For more information about the University of St Andrews' Visualising Peace project, please visit our website. For a version of our podcast with close captions, please use this link.Music composed by Jonathan Young Sound mixing by Zofia Guertin
What a beautiful podcast to kick off Pride month! This is an important month to celebrate our common humanity, diversity, and unconditional love and acceptance of one another. Jivana coined the phrase, “Accessible Yoga,” over ten years ago, and it has now become the standard appellation for a large cross section of the immense yoga world. He brought the Accessible Yoga community together for the first time in 2015 for the Accessible Yoga Conference, which has gone on to become a focal point for this movement. Russell's tendency of over-relating to our guests has been noted. And this episode is no exception. It might seem he's attempting to “out gay the gays,” so to speak. But it opens this conversation into an incredibly intimate and deep portrait of a young man stepping into a cultural identity during a particularly traumatic time in our collective history, the HIV/AIDS crisis. Jivana talks about his anger as an activist and how it informed his beliefs. It gave insight to some very important decisions around how he could best serve, offering a unique way to practice yoga within a community of practitioners of varying identities, capacities, or abilities. You see, this world is not a one way mirror. We are all reflections of one another. When we are angry, we project and see anger in the other, and that's who we become. Jivana has specialized in teaching yoga to people with disabilities with an emphasis on community building and social engagement. Out of this work, the nonprofit Accessible Yoga Association was created to support education, training, and advocacy with the mission of shifting the public perception of yoga. Accessible Yoga offers Conferences, Community Forums, a Podcast, and a popular Ambassador program He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body (Shambhala Publications), and Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion (Shambhala Publications, Nov. 2021). FOLLOW JIVANA HEYMAN: INSTAGRAM I WEBSITE JOIN ME IN JUNE! JUNE 7 - 12, 2023 - All-Inclusive Turkey Retreat! GET DETAILS - harmonyslater.com/yoga-retreat-turkey JUNE 16 - 18, 2023 - WORKSHOP in Munich, Germany - GET DETAILS - harmonyslater.com/events DONATE $5 and doTERRA will MATCH the funds so it becomes $10! All money goes to YOGA GIVES BACK Girls Scholarship for Higher Education with Digital Access in India - yogagivesback.info/givetogirls A big heart of thanks to our friends, family, and students from around the world, who've generously supported this podcast through your comments, sharing, and financial donations. If you've enjoyed today's podcast, please consider supporting our future episodes by making a donation. Every little bit goes a long way and we are immensely grateful for any and all of your support. Make A Donation - harmonyslater.com/donate Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! ❤ Give us a 5★ rating! Opening and closing music by Nick Evans from his album “for Morgan.” Listen to the entire album on Spotify Here. Purchase your own copy Here.
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman Description: Why is pelvic health important and how can we make it more accessible in our yoga classes? In this episode, which first aired on the Accessible Yoga Podcast hosted by Jivana Heyman, Shannon Crow appears as the special guest to talk about pelvic health and making it accessible. Jivana Heyman is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization devoted to making yoga teachings more accessible. He is also the author of Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion and Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body. Jivana and Shannon kick off this episode by discussing their shared love for supporting and connecting yoga teachers to each other and to information and their messy process of learning. Shannon then shares more about why she started Pelvic Health Professionals, the role of gendered language in discussing pelvic health, and how it plays a part in yoga. They also discuss trauma, fear–based language vs clear contraindications, what it really means to engage the pelvic floor, the core, and the difference between weak and relaxed pelvic floor. Tune in to learn more about how to share about this important topic with your students in a way that is accessible to all! Key Takeaways: [1:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. This podcast episode was originally recorded for the Accessible Yoga podcast. [4:18] Jivana introduces Shannon and she tells listeners a little more about herself. [8:26] Being open to new information and learning is so important, and it can be a messy process. [10:36] Shannon invites experts in pelvic health to share information with other professionals. Is she intimidated by the expertise others bring to the table in her membership community? [13:09] Pelvic health is often seen as a gendered topic that applies more to cis-gender women or people who are giving birth. [14:49] How does Shannon help the people she works with connect with their pelvic floor without gendered language? [16:37] Jivana voices his frustration that there are a lot of gender assumptions in yoga spaces as well. [20:14] If you are keen to learn more about gendered language, Shannon has a coupon code for you. [21:08] What could it look like if yoga teachers started exploring how to remove gendered language from their classes? [23:20] Jivana and Shannon discuss how anatomical terms should be used in trauma-informed teaching. [26:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [28:10] What are some specific things yoga teachers could be saying to help yoga students understand more about pelvic health within the context of a yoga class? [31:27] Jivana highlights contraindications in yoga and the pushback against that in the yoga community. Shannon offers some tips on how to avoid fear-based language. [38:36] Shannon shares how she provides yoga cues without using fear-based language. [41:41] It's common for yoga teachers to cue engagement of the pelvic floor or core. Shannon explains why this may not be a useful cue and how to cue this engagement instead. [47:05] What is the connection between the breath and the pelvic floor? [51:30] Being aware and staying within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher is very important. [53:38] Shannon shares some final thoughts around being subtle in your practice and questioning everything we come across. [60:00] Have more questions about pelvic health? Send Shannon an email or a voice note, or join Pelvic Health Professionals to learn from experts! Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Jivana Heyman Accessible Yoga Accessible Yoga Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Self-Reflect and Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow and Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 267: Thoughts on Belly Breathing with Shannon Crow Accessible Yoga Community on Facebook Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Every single human is walking around with a pelvis, with a pelvic floor." - Shannon "I think it's really important that we start to talk about pelvic health and take out the gendered language." - Shannon "We all need to be more conscious with our words, especially if you're in the position of teacher or any kind of authority." - Jivana "We forget sometimes that if you're calling yourself a teacher, then your job is to educate." - Jivana
CONTENT WARNING: Diet culture, mental health, death In this interview, I brought on Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500 to talk about his incredible work in the yoga industry. In this episode, we discuss the origins of The Accessible Yoga Association and Accessible Yoga School and unpack ways that yoga teachers can create change in an industry that has strayed so far away from the roots of yoga. Jivana's bio & links: Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings. He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body and Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion (Shambhala Publications). Jivana has specialized in teaching yoga to people with disabilities with an emphasis on community building and social engagement. Out of this work, the nonprofit Accessible Yoga Association was created to support education, training, and advocacy with the mission of shifting the public perception of yoga. Accessible Yoga offers Conferences, Community Forums, a Podcast, and a popular Ambassador program. Jivana coined the phrase, “Accessible Yoga,” over ten years ago, and it has now become the standard appellation for a large cross-section of the immense yoga world. He brought the Accessible Yoga community together for the first time in 2015 for the Accessible Yoga Conference, which has gone on to become a focal point for this movement. Jivana is also the creator of the Accessible Yoga Training and the co-founder of the online Accessible Yoga School with Amber Karnes, which is a platform for continued education for yoga teachers in the field of equity and accessibility. They also created the Accessible Yoga Podcast in 2020. Over the past 25 years, Jivana has led countless yoga teacher training programs around the world, and dedicates his time to supporting yoga teachers who are working to serve communities that are under-represented in traditional yoga spaces. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yoga-biz-podcast/message
The episodes in this playlist delve into yoga's philosophical roots - and their relevance for today's yoga teacher. Have a listen to the playlist here. The playlist consists of: Ep 58: Lessons on Burnout and Spiritual Bypassing from The Bhagavad Gita w/ Kaya Mindlin Ep 62: Why do we Study the Yoga Sutras? Ep 65: Yoga Energetics w/ Kelly Golden Ep 97: Yoga's Internal Practices w/ Jerome Smith Ep 134: Teaching and Dharma Ep 141: Business & Ethics Ep 181: The Yoga Sutras in 2022 w/ Jivana Heyman LINKS & RESOURCES Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Kaya's Bhagavad Gita Course The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali: A Biography by David Gordon White Jerome's website mipsm.org Sign up for Mado's email list and get a free download of 100 yoga class themes Learn more about the Impact Club Learn about Jivana's book Yoga Revolution Accessible Yoga Association
In this final episode of the Accessible Yoga Podcast, Anjali and Jivana discuss: What does it mean to make yoga accessible? The danger of oversimplifying a yoga practice The importance of reflecting on who we see as “experts” in yoga How caste still influences yoga today The nuances of saying “I'm not the teacher for everyone” Accessible Yoga Association's newest podcast - For the Love of Yoga with Anjali Rao
In this final episode of the Accessible Yoga Podcast, Anjali and Jivana discuss: What does it mean to make yoga accessible? The danger of oversimplifying a yoga practice The importance of reflecting on who we see as “experts” in yoga How caste still influences yoga today The nuances of saying “I'm not the teacher for everyone” Accessible Yoga Association's newest podcast - For the Love of Yoga with Anjali Rao
Tejal Patel is a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer. She advocates for yoga through a social justice lens and educates and empowers individuals and groups around the world to do the same. She accomplishes this with the Tejal Yoga online studio, the abcdyogi global community, and the Yoga is Dead Podcast. In this live episode, Jivana and Tejal discuss: The Yoga is Dead podcast How to go from having a concern or awareness and turning it into action The importance of service in yoga Taking yoga off your mat Yoga and politics Tejal's opening Accessible Yoga Conference keynote - "The Audacity of Hope for Yoga" Connect with Tejal: @tejalyoga Enjoy one free class at Tejal Yoga, now through Dec 31, 2022 Use code: 100PP-AYCTY at tejalyoga.com Tejal Yoga offers accessible movement and continuing education in a warm online environment. Our knowledgeable South Asian instructors are committed to the authentic and spiritual practice of yoga. Join us for any of these community-focused practices: Meditation: All Beings, Meditation: BIPOC Centered Pranayama & Breath Control Pranayama & Breath Slow Poses & Philosophy, Meditation: On Philosophy, Meditation & Sun Salutations, Restorative Poses & Poetry Readings, Science & Spirituality Satsang, Go Beyond The Asanas Learn more at tejalyoga.com
Tejal Patel is a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer. She advocates for yoga through a social justice lens and educates and empowers individuals and groups around the world to do the same. She accomplishes this with the Tejal Yoga online studio, the abcdyogi global community, and the Yoga is Dead Podcast. In this live episode, Jivana and Tejal discuss: The Yoga is Dead podcast How to go from having a concern or awareness and turning it into action The importance of service in yoga Taking yoga off your mat Yoga and politics Tejal's opening Accessible Yoga Conference keynote - "The Audacity of Hope for Yoga" Connect with Tejal: @tejalyoga Enjoy one free class at Tejal Yoga, now through Dec 31, 2022 Use code: 100PP-AYCTY at tejalyoga.com Tejal Yoga offers accessible movement and continuing education in a warm online environment. Our knowledgeable South Asian instructors are committed to the authentic and spiritual practice of yoga. Join us for any of these community-focused practices: Meditation: All Beings, Meditation: BIPOC Centered Pranayama & Breath Control Pranayama & Breath Slow Poses & Philosophy, Meditation: On Philosophy, Meditation & Sun Salutations, Restorative Poses & Poetry Readings, Science & Spirituality Satsang, Go Beyond The Asanas Learn more at tejalyoga.com
This week we take a deep dive into Ayurvedic practices in relation to beauty with NAMA-Certified Ayurveda Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Jivana, Tracy Adkins! Tracy explains the Doshas and how her serums work with each one, tons of beauty hacks, how she navigates working in Ayurvedic and Western medicine categories + so much more!You can connect with Tracy and Jivana on Instagram at @jivanaskincareYou can shop Jivana at lovejivana.comTo connect with me, find me on Instagram at @mackenzieejudgee Connect with the podcast on Instagram at @blondiebeautypodcast Tag us with #blondiebeautypodcast on social! Stay glossy until next time, muah!
The Accessible Yoga Podcast is back for Season 3 with a live podcast recording as a part of the grand opening of the new Accessible Yoga Community! In this special episode, Jivana and Anjali discuss: The new Accessible Yoga Community How Anjali started practicing asana How yoga intersects with social justice The relationship between yoga and politics Binaries in yoga spaces What to expect during the upcoming season of the Accessible Yoga Podcast
The Accessible Yoga Podcast is back for Season 3 with a live podcast recording as a part of the grand opening of the new Accessible Yoga Community! In this special episode, Jivana and Anjali discuss: The new Accessible Yoga Community How Anjali started practicing asana How yoga intersects with social justice The relationship between yoga and politics Binaries in yoga spaces What to expect during the upcoming season of the Accessible Yoga Podcast
Episode 42: Tracy Adkins is the founder of Jivana, a skincare brand made from a blend of Ayurvedic botanicals and skincare actives. Tracy is a nurse and Ayurvedic practitioner that unintentionally turned a home remedy for her toddler's eczema into a small business. In this episode, Tracy explains: Exactly what Ayurveda is and the role it plays in skincare How Jivana's products target the needs of three specific skin types The biggest lessons learned from running a small business If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!
In this Season 2 finale, Amber and Jivana discuss: Their lives and current challenges How our activism and practice is showing up for us in this moment Amber's bike reels on instagram Themes from Season 2: Community Care/Sharing Power/Community Collaboration Shift from top down teaching to community led Jivana's remixes on instagram The current contemporary yoga world is complex, shifting to local Not getting caught up in a binary of “advanced” vs gentle How Accessible Yoga is often misused to make us fit in rather than to celebrate our differences and individuality Encouraging students to find individuality in community Marginalized folks are some of our greatest innovators Your difference is your superpower Safety and inclusion in yoga Be sure to visit past episodes with our amazing guests like: Matthew Sanford, Nischala Devi, Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Octavia Raheem, Jacoby Ballard, Marlysa Sullivan, Reggie Hubbard What Accessible Yoga Association is up to: New online Accessible Yoga Community, ambassadors get first access (join here) Accessible Yoga Community Studio - online studio where people can study with teacher leaders from the AY community, dedicated AY content Conference coming up, Moving from Me to We, October 14-16 Pre-conference intensive on Increasing Accessibility - Matthew Sanford, Natalie Tabilo, Ryan McGraw, Donna Noble, and Jivana Upcoming monthly themes: August: Yoga & Environmental Justice, September: Yoga & Cancer Amber's term as President of AYA's board of directors is up, Anjali Rao stepping up as our new president
In this Season 2 finale, Amber and Jivana discuss: Their lives and current challenges How our activism and practice is showing up for us in this moment Amber's bike reels on instagram Themes from Season 2: Community Care/Sharing Power/Community Collaboration Shift from top down teaching to community led Jivana's remixes on instagram The current contemporary yoga world is complex, shifting to local Not getting caught up in a binary of “advanced” vs gentle How Accessible Yoga is often misused to make us fit in rather than to celebrate our differences and individuality Encouraging students to find individuality in community Marginalized folks are some of our greatest innovators Your difference is your superpower Safety and inclusion in yoga Be sure to visit past episodes with our amazing guests like: Matthew Sanford, Nischala Devi, Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Octavia Raheem, Jacoby Ballard, Marlysa Sullivan, Reggie Hubbard What Accessible Yoga Association is up to: New online Accessible Yoga Community, ambassadors get first access (join here) Accessible Yoga Community Studio - online studio where people can study with teacher leaders from the AY community, dedicated AY content Conference coming up, Moving from Me to We, October 14-16 Pre-conference intensive on Increasing Accessibility - Matthew Sanford, Natalie Tabilo, Ryan McGraw, Donna Noble, and Jivana Upcoming monthly themes: August: Yoga & Environmental Justice, September: Yoga & Cancer Amber's term as President of AYA's board of directors is up, Anjali Rao stepping up as our new president
Shannon Crow is the host of The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast and a consultant for yoga teachers. She shares what she has learned (and continues to learn) as a yoga entrepreneur. She's also the founder of Pelvic Health Professionals. Shannon is passionate about this work so that yoga teachers have more time and energy to share the yoga that lights them up. She became a yoga teacher in 2006 and continues to teach weekly group and private classes in Owen Sound, Ontario, with a specialty in Yoga for Pelvic Health. Shannon is dedicated to helping yoga teachers define their niche and thrive at marketing. She thrives in a community that is playful, diverse, and supportive. This is what inspired her to create The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group. Shannon offers in person and online teacher training. She is the co-founder of the MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School and developed the Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training. Connect with Shannon on her website, at https://pelvichealthprofessionals.com/, or on Instagram @theconnectedyogateacher. In this episode, Jivana and Shannon discuss: Supporting and connecting yoga teachers Learning in public Being in the mess as a way to evolve as a practitioner and teacher How Pelvic Health Professionals evolved Cisgender men and pelvic health Yoga and gender the Pelvic floor Trauma informed teaching and anatomical language Pelvic health awareness in yoga classes Fear-based language vs. clear contraindications How to teach with this information What does “engage the pelvic floor” “engage the core” mean? Weak vs relaxed pelvic floor What is the core? More subtle is more advanced Shannon also offers a discount code for Pelvic Health Professionals!
Shannon Crow is the host of The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast and a consultant for yoga teachers. She shares what she has learned (and continues to learn) as a yoga entrepreneur. She's also the founder of Pelvic Health Professionals. Shannon is passionate about this work so that yoga teachers have more time and energy to share the yoga that lights them up. She became a yoga teacher in 2006 and continues to teach weekly group and private classes in Owen Sound, Ontario, with a specialty in Yoga for Pelvic Health. Shannon is dedicated to helping yoga teachers define their niche and thrive at marketing. She thrives in a community that is playful, diverse, and supportive. This is what inspired her to create The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group. Shannon offers in person and online teacher training. She is the co-founder of the MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School and developed the Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training. Connect with Shannon on her website, at https://pelvichealthprofessionals.com/, or on Instagram @theconnectedyogateacher. In this episode, Jivana and Shannon discuss: Supporting and connecting yoga teachers Learning in public Being in the mess as a way to evolve as a practitioner and teacher How Pelvic Health Professionals evolved Cisgender men and pelvic health Yoga and gender the Pelvic floor Trauma informed teaching and anatomical language Pelvic health awareness in yoga classes Fear-based language vs. clear contraindications How to teach with this information What does “engage the pelvic floor” “engage the core” mean? Weak vs relaxed pelvic floor What is the core? More subtle is more advanced Shannon also offers a discount code for Pelvic Health Professionals!
A community organizer, wellness activist and author of the book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, Kerri is recognized across communities for her work to bridge transformational practice with social justice. She's been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems and mobilizing people to act. Her leadership has inspired CTZNWELL, a movement to democratize wellbeing for all and is committed to creating the conditions where everyone can thrive. In this interview, Jivana and Kerri discuss: the process of writing a book and finding your voice Kerri's personal transformation which started with the death of her step father in the 9/11 attacks. the myth of wellness and its intersection with ableism, healthism, and the dangers of the concept of “cure.” Kerri's upbringing and how she struggled with perfectionism and the ways perfectionism steals us of possibility and true healing. Kerri describes the ways that we can't be well when others are suffering and the work she has done politically to address this disparity the challenges for the yoga community in making wellness equitable white supremacy and the ways it has informed wellness Kerri's new book, American Detox: The Myth of Wellness & How We Can Truly Heal
A community organizer, wellness activist and author of the book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, Kerri is recognized across communities for her work to bridge transformational practice with social justice. She's been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems and mobilizing people to act. Her leadership has inspired CTZNWELL, a movement to democratize wellbeing for all and is committed to creating the conditions where everyone can thrive. In this interview, Jivana and Kerri discuss: the process of writing a book and finding your voice Kerri's personal transformation which started with the death of her step father in the 9/11 attacks. the myth of wellness and its intersection with ableism, healthism, and the dangers of the concept of “cure.” Kerri's upbringing and how she struggled with perfectionism and the ways perfectionism steals us of possibility and true healing. Kerri describes the ways that we can't be well when others are suffering and the work she has done politically to address this disparity the challenges for the yoga community in making wellness equitable white supremacy and the ways it has informed wellness Kerri's new book, American Detox: The Myth of Wellness & How We Can Truly Heal
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman Description: What is the ultimate goal with your yoga practice? How does yoga tie in with social justice and activism? How is yoga a revolution? Jivana Heyman is back on the podcast to answer these questions and to share more about his new book, Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion. Jivana Heyman, is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings. Through his work with Accessible Yoga, Jivana offers conferences, community forums, a podcast, and a popular ambassador program. He is also the co-founder of the Accessible Yoga Training School, and the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body. In this episode, Jivana explains his perspective on how yoga relates to social justice, and how our personal practice of yoga helps us show up and serve. Jivana and Shannon also discuss the power dynamic in teacher-student relationships, why we struggle with failure and how we can normalize it, what to do when the world feels overwhelming, and more. Tune in to also find out how to win one of two copies of Jivana's book as well! Key Takeaways: [4:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman [8:35] What was it like for Jivana to write his second book? [10:51] What does yoga have to do with social justice and activism? [14:29] Shannon and Jivana invite you to consider what is the goal of your own practice. [17:19] What are Jivana's thoughts on how some people view speaking out as unbecoming or not aligned with being a yoga teacher or the teachings of yoga? [22:05] A live listener, Jessica, shares that for them, the ultimate goal of yoga is connection. [24:06] Another listener shares about how yoga has helped them with patience and building community. [27:07] Shannon and Jivana discuss a personal experience he shared in the book about how he dealt with his yoga teacher being accused of abuse. [33:45] Shannon pops in with a message about a new update from OfferingTree. [35:51] Jivana explains what he means by 'my liberation is tied to yours'. [42:04] If we're all connected, we need to work on our connections to people we disagree with as well. [47:51] Jivana talks about failure as a practice, and the impact of our internal self-talk on ourselves. [51:40] Shannon shares some comments from listeners. [54:09] Going back to the theme of failure, Jivana reflects on how we should approach failure. [55:58] What is the rainbow mind? [59:11] How does building your personal practice tie in with being able to deal with the world when it feels overwhelming? [63:29] How can you support someone in your life right now? [66:37] Jivana's new book is available for purchase and Shannon is also giving away two copies to listeners! Links: Jivana Heyman Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage and Compassion by Jivana Heyman Accessible Yoga Association Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body By Jivana Heyman Yoga Revolution Podcast The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Devi Post-Lineage Yoga, by Theodora Wildcroft Live with Jivana (full interview) - Yoga Revolution with Jivana Heyman Live with Wolf Terry - Ahimsa in Action with Wolf Terry Theo Wildcroft - Yoga with Theo Wildcroft Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree. Quotes from this episode: “I've always always really found those connections between yoga and social justice and I wanted to share them.” - Jivana “To me, social justice is wanting justice for others, actually just having compassion for others and caring about other people other than myself. To me that's directly aligned with the yoga teachings.” - Jivana “What do you think the ultimate goal for you is with your own practice?” - Shannon Crow "We are all intimately connected, and that's the point of yoga actually is to find those connections." - Jivana
In this episode, Amber and Jivana discuss: How Accessible Yoga is often misused to make us fit in rather than to celebrate our differences and individuality How ableism prevents folks from being seen in our classes What's missing in our contemporary yoga practice How to make yoga classes more equitable Ways to share power with your students How to encourage students to find individuality in community The importance of inner experience vs outer appearance The intention behind trauma-informed teaching Your difference is your superpower Community as a proving ground for getting to know yourself How to find a supportive community as a student Details about the Accessible Yoga Community Celebration May 31st
In this episode, Amber and Jivana discuss: How Accessible Yoga is often misused to make us fit in rather than to celebrate our differences and individuality How ableism prevents folks from being seen in our classes What's missing in our contemporary yoga practice How to make yoga classes more equitable Ways to share power with your students How to encourage students to find individuality in community The importance of inner experience vs outer appearance The intention behind trauma-informed teaching Your difference is your superpower Community as a proving ground for getting to know yourself How to find a supportive community as a student Details about the Accessible Yoga Community Celebration May 31st
We have Dana A. Smith on the podcast this week! Dana is the founder and owner of Spiritual Essence Yoga and the creative visionary behind the international YES! Yoga Has Curves movement. Her work has been featured on NBC4, FOX5, The Examiner, Essence Magazine, WHUR, NPR, and Black Enterprise. Dana did something VERY cool in my book and created her own form of yoga, Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga®, a National Yoga Alliance approved and registered yoga style. In this episode, we discuss: Dana's background and history that led her to yoga; how to build and create your own methodology of doing something; ways to overcome challenges that arise when doing your own thing; the means of healing after the trauma of 9/11; the joys of getting older in yoga and how to avoid “showmanship” in your yoga practice; our experiences with a 40 day chanting practice that radically changed our lives; Dana's deep wisdom on when your Spirit Guides come through; introversion, empathy, clairvoyance and the auric field. Resources: Dana's website Dana's Instagram Adalina's free course Harness Your Spiritual Gifts Adalina's course The Practical Channel Book a session with Adalina Get Guided Mastermind Adalina's mentorship program is FULL but we encourage you to keep checking back for availability! Adalina's Pay It Forward policy https://adalinaeast.com/pages/pay-it-forward The Mul Mantra – be ready before you chant it for 40 days! Listen to the full episode for tips! Search Mul Mantra and Jai-Jagdeesh, the artist, on Spotify
Content warning: disordered eating, sexual trauma Nityda Gessel (she/her), LCSW, E-RYT, is a mother, licensed somatic psychotherapist, trauma specialist, yoga educator, speaker, author, and heart-centered activist, residing on the unceded land of the Chesepian people, commonly known as Virginia Beach, VA. Nityda has devoted her life to uplifting others, working at the intersection of Eastern spirituality, holistic mental health, and embodied activism. She is the founder of the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute, creator of The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method®, and author of forthcoming Norton book on trauma healing and embodied spirituality. In this episode, Jivana and Nityda discuss: Her background as a ballet dancer Trauma from being in the dance world How she experienced sexual trauma and started yoga to heal How she integrates yoga as a therapist What she teaches yoga teachers about trauma and their scope of practice People pleasing Yoga as a pathway to liberation Abuse in yoga, and we often are taught to teach in an authoritative way Benefits of trauma conscious yoga Yoga as a spiritual practice - but we lose connection. Trauma healing is also about remembering our truth Systemic trauma intersecting with acute trauma Neuro-biological trauma healing through yoga How do we teach in a trauma conscious way Doing your own work first Not being performative. What do the people in front of you need right now? Connect with Nityda on her website and on Instagram @trauma_conscious_yoga_method Accessible Yoga School's Trauma & Yoga Series
Content warning: disordered eating, sexual trauma Nityda Gessel (she/her), LCSW, E-RYT, is a mother, licensed somatic psychotherapist, trauma specialist, yoga educator, speaker, author, and heart-centered activist, residing on the unceded land of the Chesepian people, commonly known as Virginia Beach, VA. Nityda has devoted her life to uplifting others, working at the intersection of Eastern spirituality, holistic mental health, and embodied activism. She is the founder of the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute, creator of The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method®, and author of forthcoming Norton book on trauma healing and embodied spirituality. In this episode, Jivana and Nityda discuss: Her background as a ballet dancer Trauma from being in the dance world How she experienced sexual trauma and started yoga to heal How she integrates yoga as a therapist What she teaches yoga teachers about trauma and their scope of practice People pleasing Yoga as a pathway to liberation Abuse in yoga, and we often are taught to teach in an authoritative way Benefits of trauma conscious yoga Yoga as a spiritual practice - but we lose connection. Trauma healing is also about remembering our truth Systemic trauma intersecting with acute trauma Neuro-biological trauma healing through yoga How do we teach in a trauma conscious way Doing your own work first Not being performative. What do the people in front of you need right now? Connect with Nityda on her website and on Instagram @trauma_conscious_yoga_method Accessible Yoga School's Trauma & Yoga Series
In episode 56, Jivana and Amber discuss practical ways we can embody the yoga teachings' concepts in the way that we teach. They explore three themes from the yoga teachings (atman, non-attachment, and brahmacharya) and discuss how we can shift our teaching methodology to model these concepts for our students, making them more relevant to their real lives. In this episode... Amber & Jivana discuss the concept of atman and how we can do more to recognize each students inherent wholeness We are not here to fix or change our students How to create agency in students and encourage them to listen to themselves Using interoception and self-sensing tools to encourage students' internal guidance How the concept of non-attachment can help us be of service in a more clear way Checking our ego around students doing something different than what we cue Not being attached to students' health outcomes or practice improvements Recognizing individual students own their practice Shifts in language that help students choose what is best for themselves How to apply brahmacharya to our teaching practice Setting appropriate boundaries with students Scope of practice and ethics in teaching Staying in right relationship with our students Creating a personal code of ethics and scope of practice
In episode 56, Jivana and Amber discuss practical ways we can embody the yoga teachings' concepts in the way that we teach. They explore three themes from the yoga teachings (atman, non-attachment, and brahmacharya) and discuss how we can shift our teaching methodology to model these concepts for our students, making them more relevant to their real lives. In this episode... Amber & Jivana discuss the concept of atman and how we can do more to recognize each students inherent wholeness We are not here to fix or change our students How to create agency in students and encourage them to listen to themselves Using interoception and self-sensing tools to encourage students' internal guidance How the concept of non-attachment can help us be of service in a more clear way Checking our ego around students doing something different than what we cue Not being attached to students' health outcomes or practice improvements Recognizing individual students own their practice Shifts in language that help students choose what is best for themselves How to apply brahmacharya to our teaching practice Setting appropriate boundaries with students Scope of practice and ethics in teaching Staying in right relationship with our students Creating a personal code of ethics and scope of practice
NISCHALA JOY DEVI is a masterful teacher and healer. For many years she has been highly respected as an international advocate for her innovative way of expressing Yoga and its subtle uses for spiritual growth and complete healing. Her dynamic delivery and deep inner conviction empower each individual, allowing the teachings to expand beyond boundaries and limitations of any one tradition enabling her to touch people's hearts. She was graced to spend over 25 years as a monastic disciple with the world-renowned Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidanandaji, receiving his direct guidance and teachings. She also was blessed with teachings from great Yoga masters in US, India and worldwide. Originally trained in Western medicine, she began to blend western medicine with Yoga, offered her expertise in developing the yoga portion of The Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease, and co-founded the award-winning Commonweal Cancer Help Program. Her book “The Healing Path of Yoga,” and her Abundant WellBeing Audio Series expresses these teachings. With her knowledge of yoga and her experience in assisting those with life-threatening diseases (particularly people with heart disease and cancer), she created Yoga of the Heart®, a training and certification program for Yoga teachers and health professionals designed to adapt Yoga practices to the special needs of that population.She is now dedicated to bringing the Feminine back into spirituality and the scriptures, in her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, a woman's guide to the heart and spirit of the Yoga Sutras and Secret Power of Yoga Audiobook Nautilus Book Silver Award Winner! Understanding the need for more love and compassion in today's world, The Namaste Effect: Expressing Universal Love through the Chakras, her most recent book, explores a heart-centered way of living through the mystical chakras. In this episode: Jivana talks about Nischala being one of his first teachers Nischala created the yoga portion of the Dean Ornish Heart Disease Reversal Program, which was the first to integrate yoga in the west. Nischala's four books: The Healing Path of Yoga The Namaste Effect Meditation in the Yoga Tradition The Secret Power of Yoga - Revised Edition comes out May 2022 Nischala discussed founding the IAYT - International Association of Yoga Therapists Her revised edition of The Secret Power of Yoga - a translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali She recently translated the 3rd and 4th Pada (chapters) which are usually not studied because they're very esoteric She discussed Pada 3, which focused on siddhis (powers) The fourth chapter is the Kaivalya Pada, which is the chapter on Isolation She discusses her work in yoga therapy for people with heart disease and cancer
NISCHALA JOY DEVI is a masterful teacher and healer. For many years she has been highly respected as an international advocate for her innovative way of expressing Yoga and its subtle uses for spiritual growth and complete healing. Her dynamic delivery and deep inner conviction empower each individual, allowing the teachings to expand beyond boundaries and limitations of any one tradition enabling her to touch people's hearts. She was graced to spend over 25 years as a monastic disciple with the world-renowned Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidanandaji, receiving his direct guidance and teachings. She also was blessed with teachings from great Yoga masters in US, India and worldwide. Originally trained in Western medicine, she began to blend western medicine with Yoga, offered her expertise in developing the yoga portion of The Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease, and co-founded the award-winning Commonweal Cancer Help Program. Her book “The Healing Path of Yoga,” and her Abundant WellBeing Audio Series expresses these teachings. With her knowledge of yoga and her experience in assisting those with life-threatening diseases (particularly people with heart disease and cancer), she created Yoga of the Heart®, a training and certification program for Yoga teachers and health professionals designed to adapt Yoga practices to the special needs of that population.She is now dedicated to bringing the Feminine back into spirituality and the scriptures, in her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, a woman's guide to the heart and spirit of the Yoga Sutras and Secret Power of Yoga Audiobook Nautilus Book Silver Award Winner! Understanding the need for more love and compassion in today's world, The Namaste Effect: Expressing Universal Love through the Chakras, her most recent book, explores a heart-centered way of living through the mystical chakras. In this episode: Jivana talks about Nischala being one of his first teachers Nischala created the yoga portion of the Dean Ornish Heart Disease Reversal Program, which was the first to integrate yoga in the west. Nischala's four books: The Healing Path of Yoga The Namaste Effect Meditation in the Yoga Tradition The Secret Power of Yoga - Revised Edition comes out May 2022 Nischala discussed founding the IAYT - International Association of Yoga Therapists Her revised edition of The Secret Power of Yoga - a translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali She recently translated the 3rd and 4th Pada (chapters) which are usually not studied because they're very esoteric She discussed Pada 3, which focused on siddhis (powers) The fourth chapter is the Kaivalya Pada, which is the chapter on Isolation She discusses her work in yoga therapy for people with heart disease and cancer
This episode is a replay of a conversation between Jivana Heyman and Octavia Raheem on Jivana's podcast, Yoga Revolution. This week's guest, Octavia Raheem, teaches us to slow down, prioritize rest, and honor our varied human experiences. Octavia is a mother, author of "Gather," yoga teacher, and founder of Starshine & Clay Online Yoga and Meditation Studio for Black Women and Women of Color. A deep listener and truth teller, Octavia is a gatherer and space holder for rest and awakening. As a teacher and leader she has the skill of hearing beneath the surface for what isn't being said, yet needs to. Octavia has more than 15 years of experience and nearly 10,000 hours of leading classes, immersions, and trainings. She guides us toward resonance and connection even when the truths we witness, hear, and encounter vary from our own. Her conversation with Jivana touches on how these truths arise in today's world, as well as what it means to practice activism as a form of yoga, the importance of mindful space holding and compassionate language, and how simply being is perhaps the most important practice of all. Order Octavia's new book "Pause, Rest, Be" Learn more about Octavia. Follow Octavia's inspirational Instagram.
Content warning: this episode contains discussion of death and grief. In episode 51, Amber and Jivana talk about how they are each navigating grief and loss in their personal and professional lives. We'll discuss tools that help us from humor to therapy to our yoga practice. We talk about how concepts from yoga philosophy have helped us reduce suffering and embrace the nature of life as it really is. Amber leads us in a simple movement practice that can be done from a chair. And finally, Jivana reads a short excerpt on grief from his book Yoga Revolution, then leads us in a meditation. In this episode... Amber & Jivana check in and catch up We highlight some of the Accessible Yoga programming for the month of February We share some of our favorite resources for navigating grief and caring for our hearts and minds Amber shares how humor helps her cope with grief and loss Jivana reminds us not to judge our “trauma responses” as inherently negative, since sometimes they're survival tools We discuss how sometimes patterns that have served us when we were younger aren't needed anymore and how therapy has helped each of them We talk about how picking the right folks for your support system can make a big difference We discuss how the yoga practice helps us stay grounded through grief and loss, and actually embrace life as it is Amber leads a short movement practice that can be done in a chair Jivana reads an excerpt from his book Yoga Revolution and leads us in a short meditation Resources: Molly Lannon Kenny Yoga for Grief and Loss by Karla Helbert Yoga Revolution by Jivana Heyman Finding Refuge: Heart Work for Healing Collective Grief by Michelle Cassandra Johnson Deb Malkin's instagram (@movewithdeb) Dallas Rising is holding an unique session on Secret Grief Nichala Joy Devi
The information on this Podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician, psychotherapist, or other health care provider. Please note, the views, information, or opinions expressed during this program are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Accessible Yoga Association, its Board of Directors, and its employees. Robin Rothenberg, C-IAYT is a long time yoga therapist and yoga researcher. She serves as Chair of the Accreditation Committee for the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) as well as the Advisory Council. She has presented on lower back pain at SYTAR (Symposium for Yoga Therapy and Research) and is considered one of the foremost experts in the area of yoga therapy for lower back pain. Her ability to speak articulately to the way in which yoga impacts the nervous system, mind and emotions has led to her presenting at both NAMA (National Ayurvedic & Medical Association) and SYTAR on the subjects of anxiety and stress. For the past three years, Robin has immersed herself in a personal study of the breath, of the ancient teachings on pranayama, and the science of respiratory physiology. The result of this inquiry has her calling for a “Breath Revolution” in the yoga community. Her new book, released in 2020, Restoring Prana: A Guide to Pranayama and Healing Through the Breath, suggests a serious re-evulation of the ‘big breathing' habit, and a scientifically supported return to the roots of yoga which teach us to retain prana, by minimizing breath while increasing breath suspensions. She is currently researching yoga for long COVID. In this episode they discuss: Robin's interest in prana and pranayama Common misconceptions and mistakes that yoga teachers make in the area of teaching and practicing pranayama Importance of CO2 levels in the body Breathing through the nose Keeping the breath slow and close to the body She leads Jivana through a short pranayama practice Connect with Robin on her website: Essential Yoga Therapy Robin's books: Restoring Prana: A Guide to Pranayama and Healing Through the Breath The Svadhyaya Breath Journal
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