

Women, Life, Freedom ژن، ژیان، ئازادی
This episode features a powerful and insightful conversation between Mark and a Yogini living in Iran, who we refer to as Sarah for her safety.
They discuss the ongoing revolution and protests in Iran, along with the government brutality and oppression people, especially women, face daily. Sarah shares her personal experiences surviving the turmoil, finding refuge through community, and taking action for freedom through sharing yoga's teachings.
This episode offers an inside look at Iran's struggle, the universal need for connection, and the hope that comes from within through truly knowing oneself.
Key Topics:
- Living under an oppressive regime in Iran
- Government use of fear and financial struggle for control
- Intergenerational trauma and the younger generation's desire for freedom
- Taking action through spreading yoga's teachings and building community
- The importance of knowing and expressing your authentic self
- Universal issues across cultures and religions that suppress life and intimacy
- Iran's deep culture and history of ancient wisdom now lost
Insights:
- 80% of Iran's population is dissatisfied with the current regime
- Younger Iranians are questioning the system and motivated from within for change
- The Southeast province with high suppression has the brightest fire for revolution
- Islam's rituals contain yogic principles of movement and breath that connect to the divine within
Quotes:
- "They've been traumatizing people for as long as they've been in the country, for the past 40 years, 45 years, it's...they've started their authority with fear and killing people."
- "I really believe that more people, my quest is to open people's heart a little bit more. So build intimacy for every person for themselves so they can find their own way of conquering their fears."
- "I was a kid...wearing shorts and a tank top. I was four years old, eating ice cream. And a woman with veil and everything comes and she's like, You have to cover up, you know, you're going to go to hell."
Takeaways:
- Oppressive power structures that deny life create dysfunction across humanity
- Revolution requires intimate self-knowledge and courage to take wise action
- Fostering community and spreading empowering teachings is key for change
- We can all offer support to those fighting for freedom in Iran and beyond
Resources:
- Mark's essay "Iran: Root Causes and Root Solutions"
- YES - Yoga Education in Schools program
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction
[00:45] Living under an oppressive regime in Iran
[02:30] Government use of fear and financial struggle for control
[04:15] Intergenerational trauma and desire for freedom
[07:00] Taking action by spreading yoga's teachings
[12:00] Universal issues across cultures and religions
[17:00] Iran's deep culture and history of ancient wisdom
[22:00] Insights into the revolutionary movement
[27:00] Islam contains yogic principles
[32:00] Effects of suppressing life and intimacy
[37:00] Iran's need for connection to its ancient wisdom
[44:00] Beauty of Iran and loss of wisdom traditions
[49:00] Conclusion and Call to Action