Posts by Jennie Williford CIYT

Chapter VI in Embrace Yoga’s Roots gives us the actionable steps toward the liberation that yoga promises. The ethical foundations of Yama and Niyama are the root of all action – on or off the mat…in the studio and beyond.

Chapter V in “Embrace Yoga’s Roots” starts to give us a pathway to reconnection. Knowing and acknowledging where we have separated from the roots of yoga is only the first step, and individual growth is just the beginning.

In sections 3 and 4 of Chapter IV in Embrace Yoga’s Roots, we look at clarity of terms and roles we play within our yoga communities and beyond. How Iyengar Yoga as a traditional approach intersects with the social realities of Western Yoga is quite fascinating and something to reflect more upon.

The first two parts of Chapter IV in Embrace Yoga’s Roots have us reflecting on how power and privilege show up in our Western Yoga spaces.

Finishing Chapter III in Embrace Yoga’s Roots makes us look at how systemic oppression has made its mark on Western Yoga communities, and asks us to consider how we might “do a better job of practicing inclusion and representation” within our yoga communities.

Parts 2 and 3 in Chapter III of Embrace Yoga’s Roots helps us confront some of the appropriation, sterilization, and trauma associated with Western white dominant culture taking on (and over) the practice of yoga.

Chapter III, Part I in Embrace Yoga’s Roots challenges us to ask the question “How do we know what we know about yoga?” From yoga’s history to its modern Western approach, how do we learn and why do we learn this practice?

Chapter II of “Embrace Yoga’s Roots” sets our foundation of work with “Tools and Best Practices”. Knowing our intentions and constantly reflecting on our practice will be key.

We have begun our Summer Book Club with the Foreword and Introduction to “Embrace Yoga’s Roots” by Susanna Barkataki! Join us in examining the social norms and constructs we have all helped to erect within yoga as practiced in the West.