With yoga being commercialized by the West – it has been sold as something only flexible white women do that have a tall, slender build. When in reality the practice of yoga was intended for everyone – yoga does not exclude anyone from the practice as its very meaning is to “yolk” or “connection” – to bring better connection with ourselves but also with the world around us. 

This modern manifestation of yoga has left many to feel excluded and unwelcome in yoga spaces. Dianne Bondy is a yoga teacher based in Canada and she aims to change the narrative – she is a specialist in ‘accessible yoga’, she has written two books on the topic. I chat to her about her work, how she suggests teachers make their spaces more inclusive and how you as a yoga practitioner can find the best space to practice yoga that makes you feel comfortable to be yourself.