The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

394: A Pep Talk to Share Your Yoga with Shannon Crow

Taking a big leap can feel scary and overwhelming, and you may be filled with doubt and hesitation. You may feel imposter syndrome creeping in, start procrastinating, or simply feel unable to take the first (or next) step. In this episode, Shannon shares her pep talk to motivate you (and herself) to make the leap.

Shannon has been considering the idea of starting a farmer’s market for some time now, but is also struggling with taking the heap. She shares how she knew it was the right time to start taking baby steps towards making her dream a reality and what that might look like for you. Shannon also shares some advice on overcoming doubts and fears that creep in, explains why connection and collaboration can help move you forward, and tips to stay motivated and take action.

If you are feeling nervous or overwhelmed and are procrastinating on launching something new in your yoga business, this is the perfect episode for you.

[0:32] Shannon shares something she learned while working at M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Center.

[8:15] Shannon gives a shout out to the podcast sponsor, OfferingTree.

[9:42] The inspiration for this episode came from Shannon's own fears and hesitation.

[13:58] How do you know when it's the right time to take a big leap or launch something new?

[17:15] It can feel comfortable to stay in the dreaming, planning, and wishing stage, but when you're constantly thinking about it, it's time to start taking baby steps towards making it happen.

[19:13] Once you have the motivation to do the thing, where do you start?

[20:57] If it starts to feel overwhelming, think back to all the things you've already done to prepare for this moment.

[24:36] If you are feeling overwhelmed about not having a website or not knowing how to set up the tech side of things, OfferingTree can be a great solution.

[26:36] How can you deal with the fears and doubts that creep in?

[31:31] Consider collaborating and building connections with others to help you along the journey.

[33:10] Mark and celebrate your wins and successes along the way.

[33:28] Are you launching something new? Share in the comments, the Facebook group, or send Shannon a voice message.

• M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre

• Bannock Recipe

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"I have ideas all the time. ... But when they really stick and they just keep coming back, that's when I know, OK, this is one that I really have to listen to."

"When your message gets bigger than your fears, it's time."

"Think back to what you've already done to prepare for this moment."

"Because failure or being wrong on something is literally just feedback. It's just more learning so we can do better."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

393: Opening a Yoga Studio with Michael Jay

Have you ever thought about opening a yoga studio? Perhaps you own a yoga studio and have been wondering how to take it to the next level. If you’ve ever had questions about owning or running a yoga studio, Michael Jay is the expert to talk to – and on this episode, he shares his insights.

Known as the yoga biz champ, Michael Jay has over 26 years of experience in the yoga world. Michael has taught yoga, run a successful yoga studio, and now focuses on helping yoga studio owners thrive and build a profitable business. Dedicated to elevating yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving, Michael provides yoga studio owners with clear, actionable advice based on insights from his hands-on experience and Certified Business Consultant background.

In this episode, Michael shares his journey to yoga and into the world of running a yoga business. He talks about what it takes to start and grow a studio and how he sold his own studio to a yoga teacher. Michael also gives tips on how yoga studios can create financial stability, the best strategies for marketing a yoga studio, and why being on ClassPass may not be such a great thing. He highlights the importance of community building and explains why planning ahead is essential for building a thriving yoga business. Whether you own a studio, are dreaming of opening one, or just need some tweaks for your own yoga business to make it more sustainable, this episode is for you.

[2:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Michael Jay.

[3:44] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree.

[6:06] What does Michael do and who does he do it for?

[13:32] How did Michael transition from teaching yoga to running his own yoga studio?

[21:13] Michael talks about how useful OfferingTree has been in helping him run his business.

[25:05] If you are interested in checking out OfferingTree, use Shannon's discount code at offeringtree.com/shannon.

[25:45] How important is a business mindset for running a yoga studio?

[28:17] What are some things yoga teachers who are thinking about starting a yoga studio should consider to prepare themselves?

[33:27] Offering a signature series can be a profitable way to run a yoga business.

[35:50] If you're offering a yoga series, support it by doing some additional marketing with automated emails.

[38:09] How many classes should be in a yoga series?

[39:19] What are Michael's thoughts on using ClassPass in your yoga studio?

[45:13] What would the ideal payment structure be for a yoga studio?

[47:05] How can yoga studio owners figure out what the best times are for classes?

[52:33] What are some things yoga studio owners could save themselves the headache of if they prepared in advance?

[55:40] Michael shares some strategies for marketing yoga studios.

[61:06] Learn more from Michael on his podcast, Yoga Biz Champ, or book a free chat with him.

[65:38] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michael.

[69:12] Shannon shares a quick update about her recovery.

• Michael Jay

• Yoga Biz Champ Podcast

• Book a call with Michael Jay

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• Michael Jay on OfferingTree.

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"If you're passionate about it, dial into your superpowers and get help on the things that you need help on."

"You can run a very, very good business with a signature series."

"The best way to do [email marketing] is: teach a class, and then create a follow-up email based on that class, and then you build your automation sequence ... as you go along."

"Learn how to do a dedicated landing page for your series."

"First of all, you need to know what your mission, vision, and values are."

"There's never been a better time for an independent business, whether a solo practitioner or a studio."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow

As yoga teachers, we don’t often expect to become the student. Shannon Crow recently had a concussion and a health scare. As a result, she has had to shift from her role of yoga therapist to patient and student. She shares the unexpected challenges in her concussion recovery journey.

In this episode, Shannon talks about how grateful she is for all the people who reached out after she shared that she had experienced a concussion and health scare. She reflects on her recovery journey, including how difficult it has been for her to step into the role of patient and student. Shannon also shares some of the things that have helped in her recovery journey, including her yoga practice with Ray Zott.

This has been a challenging time for Shannon but has reminded her about the impact that yoga teachers can have on their students’ lives. Whether you're teaching or practicing yoga, this episode is a reminder of the power of patience, community, and showing up for one another.

[1:49] Shannon is sharing an update on her concussion recovery journey in this episode and the role yoga has played.

[3:37] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree.

[4:39] Shannon gives thanks to everyone who reached out to her with well wishes after she shared about her concussion and health scare.

[6:42] Shannon reflects on her experience being a student in healing and recovery this week.

[9:13] Shannon shares more about her yoga experience in supporting her healing journey post-concussion.

[12:05] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree and talks about how she uses it in her business.

[13:48] Shannon's physiotherapist has reminded her that the process of healing can be frustrating but it's important to take it easy.

[16:27] If you're teaching, you may not always realize how much of an impact you're making. 

[18:43] If you are going through your own healing journey, you are not alone.

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• Proactive Physio Plus (Owen Sound, Canada)

• Ray Zott

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Ray Zott’s Yoga Practice

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"You are moving forward, but there definitely are setbacks on that healing journey, especially with a concussion."

"It's a huge reminder also of how profound the yoga practice can be when you're living through something that's so challenging."

"What really stood out to me was the way the intention and the slow pace and matching that breath and movement can make such a deep impact."

"If you're teaching, you may not always realize how much of an impact you're making."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

391: Yoga for Wheelchair Users with Rodrigo Souza

How can we make yoga classes more inclusive and accessible to wheelchair users? What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to working with differently-abled people? Rodrigo Souza shares his insights and perspectives.

Rodrigo Souza is the founder of Allihopa Yoga. After experiencing a life-changing spinal cord injury, Rodrigo turned his journey of recovery into a mission to make yoga accessible for all bodies. He shares adaptive yoga with people who have experienced trauma, loss, and disability while helping them find comfort, joy, mindfulness, and acceptance in their unique experiences.

In this episode, Rodrigo invites us to consider the language we use and how to be more inclusive with the words we use. He also shares his personal experiences with disability and being a wheelchair user, while reminding us that mistakes are a normal part of learning to be more inclusive. Rodrigo provides tips on practical ways to create more welcoming yoga spaces as well as guidance on teaching yoga to wheelchair users.

Whether you are seeking ways to adapt your yoga lessons to be more inclusive or simply want to challenge your assumptions, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

[2:09] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[2:52] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rodrigo Souza.

[5:24] What does Rodrigo do and who does he do it for?

[8:44] Shannon and Rodrigo discuss some of the terminology and language around people in wheelchairs.

[10:58] What are some key things yoga teachers could change with their language?

[14:24] Shannon shares a mistake she made when talking about a wheelchair user.

[17:09] Rodrigo talks about the Golden Rule when it comes to working with wheelchair users.

[19:31] It is important for us to diversify our friend circle, or at the very least, our social media feeds.

[22:33] Rodrigo shares his experience tackling internalized ableism.

[25:46] Shannon pops in with a few messages for listeners, including a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree.

[27:42] What has Rodrigo's experience been as a wheelchair user attending a regular yoga class?

[30:21] Shannon and Rodrigo discuss how YTTs often tend to be rigid and not focused on inclusion, accessibility, and equity.

[33:02] What are some variations of yoga poses that yoga teachers can offer to students who are wheelchair users?

[40:16] What are some resources available to yoga teachers who want to make their yoga classes more accessible to wheelchair users?

[42:10] Rodrigo is starting to write a book - he shares a little about some of the themes he will cover.

[47:21] Rodrigo explains how yoga has helped him deal with pain.

[51:24] Find out more about Rodrigo and learn from him via his website and social media.

[53:07] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rodrigo.

[55:56] Shannon shares a personal update. The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast turns 8!

• Rodrigo Souza, Allihopa Yoga

• Rodrigo Souza on Instagram

• Accessible Yoga Ambassador & Mentorship Program

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• The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga (Podcast Series)

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• Nemahsis

• Nemahsis says her label dropped her for her pro-Palestinian stance | CBC Arts

• Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"Mistakes are a step for us to learn."

"I think a teacher should never feel sorry for the student. That is the wrong power dynamic you have in the room if you go that way."

"Every mistake is a learning opportunity."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

390: Yoga for People with Limited Energy with Katie Blecker & Audrey

People with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other health conditions may have limited energy. As yoga teachers, what are some things we should know when teaching people with limited energy? What are some things that are helpful, and what should we avoid? Katie Blecker and Audrey share their insights as yoga teachers with limited energy.

Katie Blecker is a yoga teacher, advocate, and visual artist. Her lived experience with complex chronic illness informs her worldview and inspires her passion for disability advocacy. In her work as a trauma-informed yoga facilitator both online and in-person, Katie focuses on supporting folks who live with chronic illness and pain, disability, and chronic stress using tools such as therapeutic asana, pranayama, and meditation.

Audrey also is a yoga teacher and advocate whose experience with complex chronic illnesses informs her way of practising and teaching. As a disabled and neurodivergent person, her philosophy is that the practice will adapt to the person, not the other way around. Audrey devotes herself to sharing the transformational tools of yoga with other people so they too can find a practice that serves them, where community, access, and joy are centred.

In this episode, Katie and Audrey share their personal journeys with chronic illness and how these experiences have shaped their inclusive teaching methodologies. They explain what "limited energy" means and how it differs from someone who is simply more tired than usual, and how their own conditions influence their work as yoga teachers. Katie and Audrey also highlight the importance of adapting yoga practices to individual needs, the role of community in fostering a supportive environment for those with chronic conditions, and how yoga teachers can best support people with limited energy.

[2:20] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Katie Blecker and Audrey.

[8:31] What work does Audrey do and who does she do it for?

[10:21] What does Katie do and who does she do it for?

[11:58] What are CFS and ME? Katie and Audrey share a little about these chronic conditions.

[15:02] What are some things that Audrey has found unhelpful in a yoga class because it does not work well for someone with limited energy?

[19:45] Having limited energy is not just about feeling more tired than usual. Katie explains the distinction.

[23:55] What do yoga teachers who are working with people with limited energy need to know?

[30:48] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree.

[33:13] Katie invites us to take a step back and reflect on why we might feel the need to "fix" or "help" someone through yoga.

[35:33] What are some of the benefits of yoga for people with limited energy?

[42:15] How do Katie and Audrey show up for their work as yoga teachers as people with limited energy?

[50:21] Find out more about Katie and Audrey's work via their websites and on Instagram.

[54:33] How do Katie and Audrey speak up for social justice when they have limited energy?

[63:13] Speaking up for social justice is not a sprint, it's a marathon, and it is important not to make it a competition.

[70:08] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Katie and Audrey.

[74:22] Shannon shares a quick personal update.

• Audrey

• Audrey on Instagram

• Katie Blecker

• Katie Blecker on Instagram

• Yoga for People with Limited Energy 5-week Series

• Cozy Yoga Winter Series

• Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"Limited energy is like a profound absence of being able to create energy through the body. It's not being tired, it's a severe level of fatigue that can't really be recovered from on a day to day level. ... We start out with almost an impairment in energy on a daily basis." - Katie

"First and foremost, remembering that our students are the experts in their own bodies and their own experiences." - Katie

"Yoga will not heal or fix any anyone." - Audrey

"It's important to look at all of the wonderful practices of yoga and not always focus on Asana and movement." - Audrey

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

389: Cultivating Self-Acceptance with Donna Noble

Sometimes, we can be very hard on ourselves (or others). We may feel we need to change parts of ourselves, look or behave in certain ways, or have certain things in order to be better. How can we overcome this kind of thinking? Donna Noble shares her insights.

Donna Noble is a yoga teacher and advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in yoga. In her work, she is focused on disrupting the yoga and wellbeing space to make it more inclusive and diverse and is on a mission to create welcoming spaces for everyone—regardless of body type, background, or ability. She aims to bring people who feel unwelcome in mainstream yoga spaces to explore yoga and enjoy its benefits. Donna is also an author and wellbeing coach.

In this episode, Donna shares her inspiring journey of using yoga to overcome personal challenges, including Bell’s palsy. She explains her philosophy on self-acceptance, the importance of gratitude in self-love, and the transformative power of mindfulness. Donna also offers some powerful insights about how we can go about addressing unconscious biases and fostering social justice in yoga. 

[0:20] Shannon reflects on some of the current crises we are experiencing.

[3:05] Shannon shares a personal anecdote wondering why we are all so hard on ourselves at times.

[4:49] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree!

[5:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Donna Noble.

[6:37] What does Donna do and who does she do it for?

[7:55] What does Donna tell people who think they may be limited in some way so they can't do yoga?

[9:34] What are Donna's thoughts on the topic of self-love?

[11:19] What are some things that helped Donna in accepting her body and in her yoga practice?

[14:52] What practices does Donna suggest for a person who is comparing themselves to others and beating themselves up?

[20:29] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree.

[21:47] Donna clarifies the difference between acknowledging the negative thoughts and working on changing them, and engaging in toxic positivity.

[26:54] Shannon and Donna discuss the internal work that we need to do of looking at our biases and also why it's important not to invalidate other people's experiences even if they are not the same as yours.

[31:59] Donna talks a little about her yoga journey and how and why she become body positive.

[35:33] How did Donna move towards body positivity and self-acceptance?

[38:49] Shannon pops in to share a note about the harm caused by Bikram (the person, not the yoga style).

[40:09] Donna shares how yoga has impacted her life.

[43:02] Shannon and Donna discuss how social justice is a part of yoga.

[45:50] Shannon and Donna reflect on the relationship between self-love and ahimsa.

[47:41] Check out Donna's book and her website to learn more about body positive yoga.

[50:02] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Donna.

• Donna Noble

• Donna Noble on Instagram 

• Teaching Body Positive Yoga by Donna Noble 

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• Ecosia

• Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"I see that so many people want to do yoga, but because of what the mainstream is saying, they don't think it's for them. So I try to debunk it as much as possible."

"If you're doing yoga and you have a body, you have a yoga body."

"If we can appreciate our bodies for all the things that it does for us without asking. We become accepting of ourselves and see that we are fine as we are."

"A lot of us are out there fighting the good fight and creating the change, and sometimes we don't even realize the impact or the changes that we're making."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

388: Fertility Yoga with Sherry Longbottom

Global fertility rates have dropped significantly over the past few decades. Many factors influence people’s desire and ability to conceive and bear children, such as stress, lifestyle, and societal shifts. For those wanting to have children but facing challenges, fertility yoga can help in their conception and pregnancy journey. Sherry Longbottom shares her insights about fertility yoga and its benefits.

Sherry Longbottom is an author and yoga teacher specializing in fertility, prenatal, and baby and me yoga, with over 20 years of experience. Sherry offers online private and group classes as well as occasional studio pop-ups. She creates supportive spaces for individuals at every stage of their fertility and pregnancy journeys. In her classes, Sherry brings together fertility and prenatal yoga students in unique environment that allows all students to inspire and uplift one another, while supporting each other through the challenging times.

In this episode, Sherry shares some of her recommendations for yoga teachers offering support to students on a fertility journey, including recommended poses and poses to avoid. She also offers tips and insights for yoga teachers on class design, pose modifications, and the importance of mindfulness. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of how yoga can provide both physical and emotional support for those navigating fertility and pregnancy.

[1:09] In this episode, Shannon and her guest will be talking about fertility and how yoga can help.

[3:34] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree.

[3:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sherry Longbottom.

[7:04] What is the work that Sherry does and who does she do it for?

[11:08] What are some main things that yoga teachers might need to consider when deciding to offer 1:1 support for someone in the fertility journey vs. adding certain elements to a group class that might benefit them?

[16:42] Does Sherry teach online or in person?

[17:30] Shannon and Sherry discuss the external pressure that people often face when they are trying to conceive.

[20:13] Sherry shares some tips on poses she recommends for people trying to conceive as well as some things to avoid.

[23:23] What are some of Sherry's students' favorite poses in her classes?

[25:51] When people have been on a fertility journey for a while, there can be a lot of fear that arises. How does Sherry support her students through that?

[30:19] How does Sherry navigate both ends of the spectrum in a group setting focused on yoga for fertility i.e. someone getting pregnant vs. someone dealing with loss?

[34:42] Shannon pops in to share a message about using OfferingTree to run your yoga business.

[36:33] Sherry shares a little about her book about fertility yoga and the courses she offers for yoga teachers wanting to teach fertility yoga.

[40:55] What are IVF and IUI?

[43:43] Sherry shares more about the kinds of people who might undergo each procedure (IVF and IUI) that she sees in her classes.

[46:16] How does Sherry facilitate community building in her yoga classes?

[54:17] Connect with Sherry and learn more from her via her website or on social media.

[56:00] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

[65:08] Shannon shares a podcast she recently listened to about the topic of fertility.

• Sherry Longbottom

• Sherry Longbottom on Facebook and Instagram 

• OfferingTree Facebook Group

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• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team

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Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"Movement is great for your body."

"Just having that supportive group of women is key."

"There's a lot of things that are out of our control, but at least in this class, the women do feel like they're doing everything that they can do."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

387: The Five Kleshas with Michelle Cassandra Johnson

What lies at the root of all human suffering? How can we relieve our suffering and that of others? According to the yoga sutras, our suffering comes from five root causes, the five kelshas, and there are practices we can do to alleviate suffering. Michelle Cassandra Johnson has studied this topic in-depth and shares her insights.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author and activist. She has been a racial equity educator for 25 years and is also a yoga teacher, spiritual teacher, and practitioner. Michelle works with people 1:1 and in group settings to help them connect to their intuitive abilities and supports them within intuitive healing practices. Her latest book, Illuminating Our True Nature: Yogic Practices for Personal and Collective Healing, was released in July 2024 and focuses on the kleshas.

Michelle explains what the five kleshas are, and how we see them showing up in our lives with examples. She shares her reflections on our interconnectedness with each other, nature, and the earth as well as why we have become so disconnected. Michelle offers some practices to help us lessen suffering individually and collectively, and how we can avoid contributing to suffering through our actions.

[4:01] Shannon gives a shout-out to the sponsors, OfferingTree, and her own 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training.

[4:01] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Michelle Cassandra Johnson.

[7:12] What does Michelle do and who does she do it for?

[10:54] How does Michelle define the kleshas?

[13:41] Michelle introduces the five different kleshas.

[18:11] Can all human suffering be distilled into the five kleshas?

[23:50] Shannon and Michelle discuss how interconnected we are, not just to each other but to nature and the earth as well.

[28:34] Shannon pops in to share about a workshop that Billie Smith is running, hosted by sponsor, OfferingTree.

[30:38] Is avoiding suffering contributing to suffering?

[37:52] Shannon and Michelle reflect on their connection to the earth and being in relationship with nature.

[44:26] Some people are unable to see the disconnect in between different areas of their lives. How can we navigate that?

[50:16] What are the ways that we can reduce or relieve suffering?

[56:19] Which of the kleshas is the most challenging to address and what is a practice that can help? 

[62:02] Learn more from Michelle via her website, where you can get access to her books, workshops, and other resources.

[64:52] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michelle.

• Michelle Cassandra Johnson

• Illuminating Our True Nature, by Michelle Cassandra Johnson

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• 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.

"This is illuminating our true nature which speaks to the fact that we are nature and that so many of us have been conditioned to be divorced from nature as if it doesn't exist within us." - Michelle

" This path calls us to study the root causes of suffering so that we suffer less. And ultimately,... become liberated, but it's not just about my liberation, it's about everyone's liberation." - Michelle

"Am I also contributing to suffering by thinking, I'll just avoid this." - Shannon

"If we're going to take action, we need to do it from a steady and a grounded place." - Michelle

"The path of yoga in so many ways is about us shedding our conditioning and at a minimum, interrogating our conditioning and then shedding what is not aligned with nature." - Michelle

"We have to understand why we suffer and how we suffer. ... It's an ongoing practice and study and it's a muscle to build."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

386: Weaponization of Yoga with Sheena Sood

How can something like yoga, that is meant to be peaceful and focused on meditation and breath, be weaponized? How has it been co-opted by the far-right, colonizer projects, and Zionists? How does this show up in our yoga spaces and what can we do to address it? Dr. Sheena Sood shares her insights.

Dr. Sheena Sood (PhD) is a Philadelphia-based activist, educator, sociologist, and healing justice visionary of South Asian descent. She is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania and has studied yoga at Kailash Tribal School of Yoga in India. Her current research project is about Omwashing Yoga: Weaponized Spirituality in India, Israel, and the US, where she investigates the growing incorporation of yoga and mindfulness by far-right law enforcement, military, and vigilante groups. Sheena is also curates “Decolonizing Yoga” workshops through frameworks that recognize yoga’s oppressive layers and liberatory potential and is the founder and creative director of Yoga Warrior Tales, an interactive adventure-based educational program that teaches children yoga and mindfulness through a social justice lens.

Sheena shares her perspective on the situation in Palestine and the reactions in the yoga world after October 7. She explains why this response of “om-washing” is not unexpected, and how we as yoga practitioners, teachers, and studios can counter harmful narratives to support Palestine. Sheena also has some words of encouragement and motivation for those of us doing the work and feeling exhausted, so be sure to tune in for some powerful insights.

[3:14] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and her own 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training.

[4:26] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sheena Sood.

[11:29] What does Sheena do and who does she do it for?

[14:13] How can something like yoga, that is meant to be relaxing and focuses on breath and meditation, be weaponized? What is om-washing?

[22:50] Sheena shares her experience of learning about the history of Palestine and how that influenced her interactions with IDF/IOF soldiers in her yoga teacher training.

[29:14] Sheena shares her reflections on the video that was circulating of people practicing yoga in support of Israel.

[34:42] How is om-washing showing up at a micro level? How does the weaponization of yoga show up in our yoga spaces and studios?

[45:22] Shannon pops in with a message about the sponsor, OfferingTree.

[49:11] Shannon and Sheena discuss how change can actually be created - it's not by trying to be nice.

[54:13] What is Sheena's advice for people who have been taking action but are feeling discouraged or unmotivated that their efforts are making a difference?

[62:37] Shannon and Sheena reflect on some of the images they have seen of Israeli soldiers practicing yoga after bombing homes in Gaza.

[66:45] Learn more from Sheena on social media or via her website.

[69:42] Sheena shares some closing thoughts.

[71:26] Shannon shares her reflections from this conversation with Sheena, as well as a personal update.

• Sheena Sood

• Sheena Sood on Instagram: @sheena_shining, @yogawarriortales

• Yogis For Palestine

• Sign the Yogis for Palestine Solidarity Statement

• Previous Podcast Episodes Related to the Topic

• 385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman

• 382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian

• 376: Collective Care Over Individualistic Self-Care with Muna Shakour

• 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith

• 362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon

• Yoga for Peace with Shannon Crow [BONUS EPISODE]

• 356: How Silence Feels for a Yoga Student with Suzanne Miller

• 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh

• La La Lil Jidar

• Queer Inclusive Teaching with Billie Smith + Shannon Crow

• Yogis for Palestine Merchandise (T-shirts)

• Aniqa Anwar

• ABCD Yogi - Om-washing and Zionism on YouTube 

• Southampton Olive Oil Company

• Move with Billie - Inclusivity Workshops

• 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.

"Om-washing is the term for how the global far right and these ethnostates and cultural institutions use yoga as propaganda to make themselves look peaceful or liberatory to the public. But in fact, it's disguising their violent agendas."

"If I'm doing yoga according to the ethics that I want to live up to, then yoga invites me to reckon with the violence my ancestors and my relatives might be participating in."

"One of the ways in which these yoga studios participate in om-washing is in these unfortunate ways in which they think they're trying to be well-intentioned and decolonial, but they actually are only just doing this diversity and inclusion approach that is not actually anti-colonial and that is not anti-imperial."

"No oppressed and formally colonized society has ever won a struggle against their oppressor simply through nonviolent, peaceful resistance."

"I just want to encourage folks to not numb yourself as we continue to see these images and think they can't get any worse. Continue to find ways to let your heart feel what it is that you're witnessing."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman

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. 

[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.

• 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.

"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