Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler Empowering Inclusivity: Navigating Boundaries and Ableism in Yoga with Jivana Heyman
In this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, host Amy delves deep into the essentials of accessible yoga with guest Jivana Heyman, author of "The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body." Their conversation shines a light on the critical aspects of the teacher-student relationship, emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries to foster a safe and creative environment. Heyman's insights into avoiding burnout, addressing ableism within the yoga community, and the nuances of teaching yoga at different levels further enrich the dialogue. The discussion also covers the use of invitational language to empower students with choice and agency, ensuring yoga remains accessible and inclusive to all.
In this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, host Amy delves deep into the essentials of accessible yoga with guest Jivana Heyman, author of "The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body." Their conversation shines a light on the critical aspects of the teacher-student relationship, emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries to foster a safe and creative environment. Heyman's insights into avoiding burnout, addressing ableism within the yoga community, and the nuances of teaching yoga at different levels further enrich the dialogue. The discussion also covers the use of invitational language to empower students with choice and agency, ensuring yoga remains accessible and inclusive to all.
Key thoughts/concepts discussed in the episode:
- Setting Boundaries: It's crucial for teachers to maintain professional boundaries with students, recognizing that students are not friends and are not there to meet the teacher's personal needs.
- Avoiding Burnout: By establishing clear boundaries, teachers can avoid burnout, ensuring they meet their own needs through personal support systems outside of the student-teacher dynamic.
- Addressing Ableism: The conversation highlights the pervasive issue of ableism in yoga, encouraging teachers to recognize and mitigate its impacts on students.
- Understanding Yoga Levels: Distinguishing between beginner and advanced yoga is less about complexity and more about meeting students where they are, using language that is inclusive and empowering.
- Invitational Language: The use of invitational language is essential for giving students choice and agency in their practice, without overwhelming them with too many options.
In summary, this episode with Jivana Heyman offers invaluable insights into making yoga more accessible and inclusive. By focusing on the significance of boundaries, the awareness of ableism, and the thoughtful approach to teaching, Amy and Heyman provide a roadmap for yoga teachers and therapists to enhance their practice and foster a more welcoming space for all students. The dialogue not only underscores the importance of professional relationships and self-care but also propels the conversation towards creating a more inclusive yoga community that values choice, safety, and collaboration.
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