Posts by Jennie Williford CIYT

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.

The Summer Book Club of 2023 is here! Join us in reading and working through “Embrace Yoga’s Roots” by Susanna Barkataki!