In this enlightening conversation, yoga teacher Jessamyn Stanley, known for her inclusive approach and author of 'Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance,' shares insights from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. She emphasizes that yoga extends beyond physical postures to include kindness and self-reflection. Jessamyn recounts her personal journey to self-acceptance and discusses the importance of the niyamas and asanas in promoting mental wellness. The dialogue highlights yoga as a path of lifelong learning, acceptance, and spiritual growth.
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Jessamyn's Yoga Journey
Jessamyn Stanley initially hated yoga, finding it physically and socially uncomfortable.
However, a Groupon deal and a friend's encouragement led her to try again, ultimately sparking a transformative experience.
insights INSIGHT
Beyond the Physical
Jessamyn's initial focus was on the physical aspects of yoga.
She later realized that concepts like grounding and flexibility extended beyond the physical, impacting other areas of her life.
insights INSIGHT
Cultural Appropriation Concerns
Jessamyn worried about cultural appropriation as a Black American practicing yoga.
Despite this, she was drawn to explore the deeper, non-physical aspects of the practice.
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The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a seminal text in yogic philosophy, composed of 196 aphorisms that guide the reader through the principles and practices of yoga. The text synthesizes various traditions, including Samkhya, Abhidharma Buddhism, and ancient ascetic practices. It describes the eight limbs of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi) as the means to achieve a state of consciousness free from active or discursive thought, leading to liberation from material suffering and the cycle of birth and death. The sutras emphasize the distinction between Purusha (the Self) and Prakriti (non-self, matter), and the practice of samyama (concentration, meditation, and contemplation) to attain higher consciousness and ultimate freedom[1][3][5].
Yoke
Jessamyn Stanley
In 'Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance', Jessamyn Stanley shares deeply personal essays that delve into the true meaning of yoga beyond physical poses. She discusses themes such as race, self-love, capitalism, and cultural appropriation, offering a fresh perspective on applying yoga principles to everyday life. The book is a reflection of Stanley's journey as a yoga teacher and her experiences navigating a predominantly white and thin industry.
We often think of yoga as a physical exercise - but a centuries-old Sanskrit text, The Yoga Sutras, share teachings intended to improve both the body and mind. The author, Patanjali, makes clear that the poses and stretches are only part of picture - we also need to be kind, contemplative and grounded.
Jessamyn Stanley (yoga teacher and author of Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance) takes Dr Laurie Santos through Patanjali's text - saying its lessons "can be applied in every circumstance, no matter who you are or where you are".
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos 
