The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast : Listen now

386: Weaponization of Yoga with Sheena Sood

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

386: Weaponization of Yoga with Sheena Sood

Description:

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.

Key Takeaways:

[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.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"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."

385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman

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:

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

384: Yoga for Election Grief with Shannon Crow

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

384: Yoga for Election Grief with Shannon Crow

Description:

Many people have shared that they are feeling numb, sad, scared, shocked, and powerless in light of the recent US election results. Shannon Crow has experienced similar feelings and shares her experience in the aftermath of the election results.

Shannon relates an interaction she had with a yoga teacher that prompted her to turn inward and reflect and invites us to do the same. She also invites listeners who support Trump to reach out to have a conversation – in these divisive times, Shannon highlights the importance of remaining open to alternative perspectives, finding common ground, and still showing up to do the work we are here to do.

If you are feeling grief, helplessness, despair, or fear, Shannon shares some inspiring and uplifting words from her community, as well as her strategies for continuing to move forward through this time.

Regardless of where you live, where you are in the election cycle, or who is/has been elected to office, this episode can help you ground into the important things.

Key Takeaways:

[0:48] This episode was inspired by some powerful messages from friends and colleagues who were feeling so many emotions after the results of the US elections were announced.

[3:15] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout-out of thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training.

[7:15] Shannon shares how she felt in the aftermath of the elections in the United States.

[12:02] Shannon shares an anecdote of an interaction with a yoga teacher related to the elections in the US.

[16:08] Shannon understands and empathizes with people who have fears about living in a country and a world where Trump is the President of the US. She seeks to hear from people who voted for him about their perspectives.

[19:00] Shannon explains why the US elections are so relevant to her as a Canadian (and all of us) -- and why we should care about cultures and events in other countries outside our own.

[24:49] Having someone like Trump voted in makes Shannon look inward and reflect on what part of her she needs to work on.

[26:45] Shannon shares a bit about OfferingTree.

[28:26] Some things have helped Shannon in the moment of despair she was feeling when she learned the news that Trump had been elected.

[35:07] Next week on the podcast, Shannon will be holding some people accountable for their (in)action.

Links:

Some Related Connected Yoga Teacher Podcasts

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"This episode was inspired by some powerful messages from friends and colleagues who were feeling so many emotions."

"We talk yoga on this podcast and we talk politics because politics is part of yoga."

"Education is the foundational strength of a country."

"We need to ask what's underneath this if we really want to build safer communities for everyone."

"Having someone like Trump elected in the US definitely does make me ask a lot more questions, but it also makes me look inward."

"Do the work that you are here to do."

383: Gift Certificate Policies & Questions with Shannon Crow

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

383: Gift Certificate Policies & Questions with Shannon Crow

Description:

What are the policies in your yoga business around gift certificates? If you don’t have them in place, this episode is the perfect starting point to get started thinking about creating some policies about gift certificates and more in your yoga business.

Shannon shares a question that was asked in the Connected Yoga Teacher Group on Facebook about gift certificates. A member asked about whether they should honor an expired gift certificate given out during a silent auction or offer an alternative that shows compassion for the buyer’s circumstances. Shannon shares the feedback on the post and what the original poster decided to do. She also invites us to consider the policies we have in place in our yoga business, not just about gift certificates but in other areas as well.

Shannon then shares a response she received on speaking up for social justice causes and other injustices. What can we do when it feels like our actions can’t make a difference? Tune in to be inspired by Shannon’s response.

Key Takeaways:

[0:10] This episode touches on two topics - the importance of community and support, and gift certificate policies.

[3:46] Shannon gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and two of Shannon's trainings focused on yoga for pelvic health.

[6:17] Have you joined the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group yet? It is a wonderful and supportive community of over 12,000 members and yoga teachers from around the world!

[7:13] Recently, a yoga teacher asked a question about policies around gift certificates and vouchers - holding a boundary around an expired voucher vs. offering a more compassionate alternative that benefits both parties.

[11:24] Did you know that you can create gift cards and discount codes through OfferingTree?

[13:23] It would be a great idea to review your policies about gift certificates before giving them out at a silent auction. Shannon shares what the original poster decided to do based on feedback from the community.

[15:35] Some countries may have laws about expiration dates on gift certificates. It can be a good idea to consider some of the policies you have in place in your yoga business regarding gift certificates, as well as other areas.

[18:15] Shannon shares a little about a response and a question that she received from a yoga teacher in a small rural community in the US about speaking up on social justice issues.

[25:38] Keen to work with Shannon? Sign up for her email list to stay in the loop about her latest coaching offerings.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"It would be so great to really review policies about gift certificates before giving them out."

"We can't think of every policy that we'll have for everything in our business, but we might want to consider some of the policies."

"What is the work that you're doing and is it helping the community in some way?"

"As a collective, just like the aster flowers, we can make a tremendous difference together."

382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian

Description:

Many yoga teachers are trying to navigate having tough conversations with their colleagues, friends, and families about many issues going on in the world today - from the genocide in Palestine to racism, from misogyny to cultural appropriation, and much more. These conversations are difficult but so important. Rebecca Sebastian joins Shannon Crow in this episode to discuss having tough conversations.

Rebecca Sebastian is a long-time yoga teacher and 11-year yoga therapist. She owns an accessible and inclusivity-focused yoga studio and apothecary in Davenport, Iowa, called Sunlight Yoga + Apothecary, and is the host of the Working In Yoga Podcast. Rebecca is a passionate writer on yoga topics and she participates and loves all things yoga and the yoga industry. She believes that through writing and communication, we can all lift each other up and share what lights us up with the world.

This episode came about because of a hard conversation between Rebecca and Shannon as friends when they realized that they were on the same journey but not on the same page about some things. They decided to share what it’s like to have difficult conversations with people you care about and are in relationship with, and how they have been navigating these chats. If you have been struggling with having tough conversations with people around you, you are not alone.

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsors - OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training.

[4:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rebecca Sebastian. This episode is more of a conversation between friends talking about what it's like to have hard conversations with each other than a typical podcast episode.

[16:25] Rebecca invites us to give ourselves (and our former selves) and each other grace when having difficult conversations.

[18:29] There are many different issues that yoga teachers could be having tough conversations about these days. Does this belong in yoga?

[25:53] What are Rebecca's thoughts on yoga teachers who don't want to talk about "politics" in their classes? Shannon and Rebecca discuss the importance of consent in having hard conversations.

[30:19] How should/can yoga teachers respond when yoga students bring tough conversations into yoga spaces?

[36:38] Rebecca and Shannon discuss holding space for tough conversations and how they react when there are differences in fundamental beliefs or their moral compasses.

[40:20] Shannon reflects on how she is reacting to witnessing the genocide in Palestine, which can feel like "too much" for some people. Rebecca shares her perspective.

[46:08] It can be difficult to know how to respond when people who care about you give you unhelpful "advice".

[48:58] Shannon pops in to share a message about OfferingTree.

[51:27] Shannon and Rebecca diverge in their opinions about how they show up for the issues that matter on social media.

[56:20] What has Shannon's experience on social media been like since October 7th?

[61:20] Rebecca and Shannon discuss the shaming and "infighting" that tends to occur in social justice spaces.

[64:53] What are some actions that are effective in supporting the causes we care about, like Palestine?

[68:26] Rebecca talks about protesting as a strategy to effect change.

[72:13 - 72:17] "I feel like we can struggle and care at the same time."

[74:06] Shannon and Rebecca talk about the fact that many people are simply unaware of what is happening in Gaza and Palestine, but also that some people choose not to see it.

[77:15] When it comes to difficult conversations, there are a lot of things to consider. What is Rebecca's advice to people who want to do the hard work but don't know where to start?

[83:24] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rebecca.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"I think we learn a lot from private conversations through friends about tough things." - Shannon

"After those [tough] conversations you're like, wow, our friendship is way stronger, but on the flip side of it, when it starts to go sideways, it also can mean the end of a friendship." - Shannon

"One of the best things about being able to have hard conversations with friends is that if you truly have respect [and a] friendship connection, the stakes feel a little bit lower because you ... can practice having hard conversations with people who are gonna be still in relationship with you at the end of those hard conversations." - Rebecca

"To have conversations that are difficult, all parties should consent to that conversation." - Rebecca

"How do we hold space for difficult conversations if we don't want to be in them?" - Rebecca

"Every change is a long game. It is always a long game." - Rebecca

"I also know that I show up for the work in my own community and that's my priority." - Rebecca

"I can't care about everything, I can't. Otherwise I'm not gonna show up for the things that matter to me." - Rebecca

381: Making Yoga More Inclusive with Billie Smith

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

381: Making Yoga More Inclusive with Billie Smith

Description:

How can we make yoga more inclusive? How do we make movement more accessible by adopting a different approach to yoga poses instead of a one-size-fits-all approach? What does it mean to teach in an anti-diet, queer-affirming way? Billie Smith shares their insights.

Billie is a queer yoga/movement teacher, trauma/abuse/ED survivor who is disrupting the norm and going against the grain. They are dedicated to eliminating diet-culture, spiritual-bypassing and other excluding narratives from the yoga spaces they create, and helping their students learn to check in with how they feel instead of how they look. Through group classes, one-on-one sessions, and workshops, Billie leads with an open heart and strives to hold safe, inclusive space for folks seeking to move their bodies for emotional health, increase mobility and strength, and feel good in their body for longer.

In this episode, Billie shares how they ended up doing work to combat diet culture messages and how they help people start checking in and listening to their bodies. They also share deep insights about letting go of control as teachers and how we can better empower our students to make the decisions that are best for them and their bodies in the moment. Billie also shares some tips on how we can create more inclusive yoga spaces and reflects on how social justice ties in with yoga.

Key Takeaways:

[0:07] Shannon briefly shares why she is so excited about this podcast!

[3:53] Shannon gives a shout-out to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training.

[6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Billie Smith.

[12:59] What does Billie do and who do they do it for?

[16:27] What led Billie to start on this journey of making sure their yoga spaces are inclusive and against diet culture?

[21:33] Shannon and Billie discuss the common perception in yoga classes that the teacher knows the student's body better than they do.

[24:12] One thing we can do as teachers is really reflect on what is the goal of each pose, and consider how else we can achieve the same benefits without the pose having to look a certain way.

[26:49] Why is it such a gift when a student approaches a teacher thinking that the teacher knows more, but the teacher uses the opportunity to invite the student into a moment of self-inquiry?

[30:49] Sometimes, we may have trouble letting go of control of what our students should be doing in our classes. What is Billie's advice to the teacher who may feel upset that a student is not following their lead?

[36:58] Shannon pops in with a message of thanks for OfferingTree.

[39:14] How can we make our classes more inclusive and accessible even if we don't have the lived experience?

[46:48] What are Billie's thoughts that anything to do with social justice is out of our scope of practice as yoga teachers?

[51:19] Get in touch with Billie via their website or check out their podcast, Rebel Movement Podcast.

[54:13] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode.

[56:48] What's next on the podcast?

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"The more I learned, the more I didn't want to go back to teaching in ways that I learned were not feeling very inclusive."

"There are so many ways of adjusting how we approach postures that are not blaming the body for things that the body didn't do wrong."

"If you think of it more of as an experiment, it's giving the student the power to make the choices about what feels best. It's sending the message that there's nothing wrong with their body. And it's also not a big deal if the posture is not fitting."

"The thing that's gonna make the most impact is the actions rather than the words."

380: Yoga for Stress Management with Radhika Mukhija

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

380: Yoga for Stress Management with Radhika Mukhija

Description:

We all live incredibly stressful lives, dealing with pressure from work, families, friends, and the political climate, on top of multiple crises around the world. It can all add up and leave us feeling stressed, burned out, exhausted, and overwhelmed. How can yoga and Ayurveda help us manage this stress?

Radhika Mukhija is the founder of Holistic Prana. For over a decade, she has guided women on a regenerative journey to wellness, helping them connect with their innate wisdom, embody their true selves, and create fulfilling lives. With experience in health, life, and executive coaching, Radhika merges ancient and modern science to create a holistic approach that blends ancient wisdom with clinical sensibilities, including neuroscience and biohacking.

Radhika shares how her mother’s cancer diagnosis inspired her to embark on this journey. She explains how she defines stress, the symptoms of chronic stress, and how yoga and Ayurveda can be useful tools to alleviate this stress. Shannon and Radhika also discuss creating consistent routines and rituals to nurture ourselves, finding balance, the role food plays in our well-being, dealing with “un-yogic” feelings like rage and frustration, and more.

Key Takeaways:

[0:21] Shannon shares something she recently re-learned.

[3:51] Shannon gives a shout-out to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training.

[7:20] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Radhika Mukhija.

[11:07] What does Radhika do and who does she do it for?

[11:50] What got Radhika started in doing this work?

[16:23] There are many different types of stress we experience. How does Radhika define stress?

[20:03] How does stress manifest or show up? What are the signs we might be experiencing chronic stress?

[22:49] How can we balance everything that is going on in the world - social justice movements, the after-effects of the pandemic, bearing witness to a genocide - on top of all the stresses of daily life?

[28:11] What are some of the practices that Radhika shares to help people return to a place of restoration, peace, and balance?

[32:29] Shannon pops in with a quick note about creating memberships and how OfferingTree can support you in that!

[35:10] How can we distinguish between unplugging or going inward as a form of self-care to be able to be effective out in the world, versus something that is just ignoring things that are stressful?

[48:04] How does Radhika introduce new practices to people knowing that they need to check in with themselves about what they need and people often don't like to be told what to do?

[53:14] Connect with Radhika via Instagram or learn more from her via her courses and upcoming book!

[58:07] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Radhika.

[64:18] Join the Facebook group to become part of a supportive community of yoga teachers and do leave a review for the podcast too!

[65:39] Shannon shares a message from a podcast listener.

Links:

Practical Embodiment - Self-Paced Online Seasonal Living Course

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 360: Nature Meditations with Ray Zott

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"There's good stress and bad stress."

"How do we just shut the noise of what people are telling us to do or what the books are asking us to do and how do we really get in tune with our inner wisdom?"

"How do we balance all of this? We need to begin with ourselves and what we can control... it has to come from a place where we, not just our body, but our mind is in a state of balance and homeostasis."

379: Chakras with Indu Arora

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

379: Chakras with Indu Arora

Description:

Chakras are a part of yoga, but a lot of us in the yoga world are not familiar with it. We may feel uncomfortable discussing chakras or may have a very limited understanding. In this episode, Indu Arora shares her expertise and insights about chakras.

Indu Arora is the founder and Director of Yog Sadhna. She is a yoga and Ayurveda teacher, mentor, and author, based out of the USA. Indu has been sharing simple, effective, practical, and grounded ways of living life through Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Meditation, and Ayurveda since 1999. She also offers in-person and virtual training sessions that focus on a holistic approach where body and mind are integrated with the inner Self.

Indu explains what chakras are, how they are related to yoga, the different texts in the yoga tradition that talk about chakras, and how we can access this information. Indu also clears up some common misconceptions about the chakras, and shares her personal experience in learning about and experiencing chakras. If you feel like teaching chakras is challenging, Indu has some tips on how we can make chakras more accessible and beginner-friendly, and so much more.

Key Takeaways:

[3:10] Shannon gives a shout-out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training.

[5:35] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Indu Arora.

[9:06] How should we pronounce the word "chakras"?

[9:58] What are chakras?

[13:26] Indu explains a little bit more about where the idea of color and qualities of chakras comes from.

[18:42] What are some texts to learn more about chakras?

[25:50] How would Indu explain chakras to someone completely new to the idea?

[30:21] Shannon pops in to share some big news from OfferingTree.

[32:28] Shannon and Indu discuss why teaching or sharing about the chakras can feel like a challenge. Indu explains another way to visualize the chakras.

[41:18] How has learning about or experiencing chakras impacted Indu's life and yoga practice?

[51:39] Learn more from Indu on her Instagram, her website, and her trainings.

[55:55] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode.

[57:35] Hang out with Shannon in real-time in Pelvic Health Professionals.

[58:55] Shannon gives a personal update about an incident that occurred a few weeks ago.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow.

Quotes from this episode:

"Because what happens is when we learn one thing a certain way, we also get fixated by that certain way."

"Don't use knowledge just for verbal karate. Let there be a reason you have learned things a certain way."

"It's so important... to keep our mind open that there is more and we don't need to know everything that is more, but we need to keep space for more."

"One of the most important teachings in yoga is vairagya, let go, detach. So you have to have the courage to let go because there is more."

"The goal of yoga is yoga. Let's not forget that."

378: Embodied Leadership with Sumaya K. Owens

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

378: Embodied Leadership with Sumaya K. Owens

Description:

Being a leader is challenging. From making tough decisions to guiding others, it demands a lot from us and it can be difficult to make the right choices. As yoga teachers, how can we ethically show up as leaders while also being aware of our own power and privilege? Sumaya K. Owens shares their insights.

Sumaya K. Owens is the founder of Present Moment Media where they help uplift the voices of changemakers by using content marketing as a tool for social & cultural impact. Sumaya has nearly 20 years of professional experience in the health and wellness field and is a trauma-informed yoga teacher and ayurvedic health coach. They currently teach weekly virtual yoga classes for Burmese students living in a military coup in Bago, Myanmar, as well as offer workshops, trainings, and retreats on mindfulness, stress management, and trauma-informed practices for business and nonprofit leaders. As a community leader, Sumaya serves as the DEI Co-Chai for the local chapter of AIGA Asheville, and the lead organizer for the Embodied Leadership Meetup in Asheville.

In this episode, Sumaya explains what embodied leadership means, why it is so important for leaders to check in with their bodies when making decisions, and some tools to integrate this into our leadership playbooks. Sumaya also talks about how to show up for hard conversations and how to balance speaking up for causes we care about while being mindful of the impact we have on our followers and students. Shannon and Sumaya also discuss the need for a supportive community and community care, particularly in these divisive and polarizing times.

Key Takeaways:

[3:16] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[5:52] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sumaya K. Owens.

[8:05] What does Sumaya do and who do they do it for?

[9:13] How did Sumaya get into their line of work?

[11:00] What does embodied leadership mean?

[12:22] Working in the health and wellness space doesn't necessarily mean that the job is relaxing or stress-free. Sumaya explains why it is important for leaders to check in with their physical bodies when making big decisions.

[17:09] What advice does Sumaya have for leaders who might feel like they are struggling to be embodied leaders?

[20:25] What does it mean to have privilege and power?

[24:01] What defines a leader?

[25:52] Shannon reflects that the yoga world has been largely silent in the face of many injustices happening around the world, most noticeably with regards to Palestine. What are Sumaya's thoughts on this?

[31:40] We may not be able to stay up to date with all the injustices and news events that are taking place around the world, but we can hold space for one another with compassion and love.

[34:43] How can yoga teachers balance wanting to keep their posts on social media positive and helpful, while still sharing about causes they care about that may be triggering or upsetting to others?

[39:03] Shannon pops in to share some exciting news from OfferingTree.

[41:26] What is lacking in the conversation around embodied leadership in the yoga world?

[46:21] What are some of Sumaya's favorite resources to learn about nonviolent communication?

[48:40] What advice does Sumaya have for yoga teachers who may be thinking about starting a support group for other yoga teachers and entrepreneurs in their area to learn about and practice embodied leadership?

[51:32] How can we get into a more embodied state when it comes to making big decisions in our businesses?\

[55:12] Find out more about Sumaya and their work on social media and join their Facebook group.

[59:05] Sumaya shares a few concluding thoughts about community care.

[61:07] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Sumaya.

[62:40] Shannon talks about some of the guest expert calls in Pelvic Health Professionals

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Embodied leadership is the practice of turning your attention towards the physical body and sensations while in a position of power or privilege."

"As a leader, I am in a position of power. I am in a position of privilege and it is my responsibility to be incredibly aware of how I'm using that for the benefit of others."

"Every yoga teacher is a leader. ... The whole context of being a teacher means that your students are looking to you for guidance, they're looking to you for support, and that puts you in a position of power."

"As embodied leaders, it's also a responsibility to show up in the community and be calm and compassionate and caring, human beings who take care of each other and know how to have hard conversations without lashing out at each other, without blaming each other."

"What feels really important to me is that as yoga teachers and as leaders that we have values and that we know what they are and that we stand up for what we believe in and especially if it's something that's really aligned with our brand or our organization, our vision for the business or nonprofit that we run."

"One of the best things that we can do as leaders is know when we don't have all the answers and ask for help because that means we'll be more effective in the work that we're doing."

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