Accessible Yoga Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Jivana Heyman reconnects with longtime friend and fellow yoga teacher, Kristie Dahlia Home. The two first met in their 200-hour yoga teacher training in 1995 and together they reflect on the evolution of their practice, their shared history with Integral Yoga, and the role of spiritual community over the decades. Dahlia shares her radical life decision to live on a boat for five years, her shift into a more intuitive, devotional, and trauma-sensitive approach to teaching, and the way she holds space today through "workshops for living" that center meditation, embodied practice, and spiritual support. The episode also includes a deep and honest discussion about abuse in yoga lineages, the complexity of separating the teacher from the teachings, Jivana’s personal journey leaving Integral Yoga to create the Accessible Yoga organization. In the Question and Answer segment, a listener question sparks discussion of how the Yoga Sutras offer trauma-informed wisdom. Topics Covered: Sangha and friendships rooted in spiritual practice Jivana and Dahlia’s shared experience with ministry service Reclaiming meditation as a natural human capacity The devotional practice of yoga through chanting and meditation Cultural appropriation and yoga Yoga teachers as spiritual leaders   Annapurne Mantra annapūrṇe sadāpūrṇe, śaṃkara prāṇavallabhe, jñāna vairāgya sidhyarthaṃ, bhikṣāṃ dehica pārvati, mātā ca pārvatī devī, pitā devo maheśvaraḥ, bāndhavāḥ śivabhaktāśca, svadeśo bhuvanatrayam Salutations to Mother Annapoorna: O mother Annapoorna, You who are always full (with the gift of food and blessings), You who are the beloved of Shankara (Shiva), O mother Parvati, please grant me the alms of your grace, to awaken within me spiritual knowledge (jnana) and detachment, freedom from all worldly desires (vairagya). Salutations to mother Annapoorna, my mother Devi Parvati, and my father, Deva Maheswara (Shiva). My friends are the devotees of Lord Shiva, and my residence is all the three worlds (whose Lord is none other than Shiva-Parvati). Aarti Mantra jyoti jyoti jyoti swayam, jyoti jyoti jyoti param, jyoti jyoti jyoti arul, jyoti jyoti jyoti Sivam, vaama jyoti soma jyoti, vaana jyoti jnaana jyoti, maaha jyoti yoga jyoti, vaata jyoti naada jyoti, ema jyoti vyoma jyoti, eru jyoti veeru jyoti, eka jyoti eka jyoti, eka jyoti jyotiye Light, O light of self-effulgence, Light, O light of absoluteness, Light, O light of gracefulness, Light, O light of auspiciousness, Light of Siva, light of moon, Light divine, light of wisdom, Light of Heaven, light of yoga, Light of wind, light of sound, Light delight, light of water, Rising light, vital light. The only light, the only light, Give us light, O light of lights.   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Dahlia: Kristie Dahlia Home (she/her) has been teaching the arts of wellbeing and healing with devotion for 30 years. Dahlia is a voracious learner with training in Instinctive Meditation, Yoga, Thai Massage, Reiki, Intuitive Healing, and Chi Nei Tsang. She has taught people of every age and state of health, including extensive work at UCSF and California Pacific Medical Centers. Her students say that they appreciate her warmth, contagious love of life, and keen attention to the unique needs of each individual. She currently teaches online and at her home in Port Townsend, Washington; more at beloved.org. beloved.org | FB: Kristie Dahlia Home, Insta: @priestess_of_the_mystery, Bluesky: @kristiedahlia.bsky.social   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana.   Credit: Mikus Dharma (they/them), AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

Join host, Jivana Heyman, as he talks with renowned yoga teacher and writer, Kathryn Budig. Kathryn shares her journey through injury, healing, and transformation in her yoga practice and teaching. Together, they discuss the evolving world of yoga, the shift away from celebrity culture, the importance of authenticity as a teacher, and why it's okay — and essential — to be yourself. Kathryn opens up about her shoulder surgery recovery, her transition away from more athletic asana practices, and her creation of a more sustainable, joyful teaching style through her online platform, Haus of Phoenix. She also shares how honesty and feedback from students have reshaped her approach to teaching over the years. Stay tuned after the interview for a discussion with Jivana and Deanna Michalopoulos, where they reflect on Kathryn's insights and share listener stories about transformation through yoga. Topics Covered: Rethinking asana practice for long-term health Building an authentic online community Why creativity, playfulness, and joy are essential to the yoga journey Kathryn’s publishing house, Inky Phoenix Press, a division of Bindery Books Letting go of unrealistic expectations and focusing on personal growth How COVID reshaped the global yoga community and teacher-student relationships Reflections on Accessible Yoga, teaching with injuries, and staying true to yourself The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and it’s many translations Resources Mentioned: Haus of Phoenix — Kathryn’s online community Jivana’s book Yoga Revolution Pantanjali's Yoga Sutra by Shyam Ranganathan The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary by Edwin Bryant Inside the Yoga Sutras by Jaganath Carrera   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Kathryn: Kathryn Budig (she/her) is the founder of the online platform Haus of Phoenix and acquiring editor of Inky Phoenix Press under Bindery Books. www.kathrynbudig.com | @kathrynbudig, @thehausofphoenix, @theinkyphoenix   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana.   Credit: Mikus Dharma (they/them), AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jivana Heyman speaks with educator, yoga teacher, and sound healer, Shawn Moore, about the deeper dimensions of teaching yoga—especially the often-overlooked role of the yoga teacher as a leader and space holder. Shawn shares insights from his background in higher education, Buddhism, and stillness-based practices, unpacking what it means to hold ethical and energetic space for students. He discusses why self-care is a radical responsibility, and how rest practices like restorative yoga help us show up more fully. In the Question and Answer segment, Jivana and cohost, Deanna Michalopoulos, further breakdown the role of leadership and community care, in a conversation supported by listener questions and feedback. Topics Covered The concept of “Entrainment” and how our nervous system impacts the room Shawn’s transformative experience with restorative yoga at Sacred Chill in Atlanta Teaching as facilitation—not performance or perfection How to encourage students’ exploration and autonomy  Reflections on guru culture and the teacher-student relationship Shawn’s interest in creating experiential learning opportunities for students through his workbooks and card decks The upcoming Accessible Yoga Restorative Yoga Series, featuring Shawn as one of ten presenters   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Shawn: Shawn Moore (he/him) empowers movement builders and social impact leaders to get still to lead skillfully by created sacred spaces for renewal, self-inquiry, and disruption. As a Contemplative Learning & Development Strategist, he specializes in mindfulness, social equity, and strengths-based leadership, blending integrative approaches that bridge research and tradition to support transformative leadership.  Shawn is a dedicated Buddhist practitioner who brings compassion and insight to the intersection of Dharma, leadership, and embodied action. With nearly two decades of personal practice, he integrates meditation, yoga nidra, restorative yoga (E-RYT®500, YACEP®), and sound healing into his work. His expertise extends to designing and leading impactful training programs, including Inward Illumination™ Meditation Leader Training and Chill So Hard™ Yoga Nidra & Restorative Yoga Leadership Training.  Shawn has collaborated with organizations like Blue Origin, Spotify, the Center for Urban and Racial Equity, and Sounds True One. Whether facilitating workshops, coaching leaders, or authoring resources like Sound is My Sanctuary: A Practical Guide to Sound Healing as a Portal for Self-Exploration, his mission remains the same: to help leaders align their strengths, intention, and impact to create meaningful change. shawnjmoore.com | @shawnj_moore   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Connect with Joe: Joe's Yoga and Fitness   Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana. Yogamatters Discover over 2,500 yoga and wellbeing items. Use code JIVANA15 at the checkout to apply a 15% discount to your order of yoga props (one use per customer). www.yogamatters.com     Credit: Mikus Dharma (they/them), AYP Podcast Sound Engineer  

In this episode, host, Jivana Heyman, reconnects with his guest and good friend, Amber Karnes, to reflect on non attachment and self acceptance through challenges and life changes. Amber, whom Jivana credits for shifting contemporary yoga culture, shares about her professional and personal journey since COVID. Together, they remember the work they have done together over the years, including starting this podcast in 2020. In the Question and Answer Segment, Jivana and cohost, Deanna Michalopoulos, feature two voicemails from callers, Tyi-Sanna and Taylor that spark conversations about the importance of interpreting yoga teachings through diverse perspectives and the role of healthy debate in understanding ancient texts. Topics Include: Amber's retreats in Mexico and Virginia Body positivity vs. body neutrality and self acceptance The connection between self image and culture/society Yoga and personal growth and social justice Self care and taking pause Intergenerational living and support Yoga history authors who examine gender and caste: Anjali Rao and Nischala Joy Devi Jivana's book, Yoga Revolution   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Amber: Amber Karnes is a multi-disciplinary artist, community builder, educator, and yoga teacher. She has over 25 years of community-building experience and marketing know-how under her belt. Amber is the creator of Body Positive Yoga and the co-creator of other successful yoga projects like Accessible Yoga School and the Yoga For All Teacher Training. Currently, she hosts adventure retreats where daring women can explore body acceptance through yoga, nature, and travel. She also offers marketing strategy coaching for solo business owners. Her new projects include a surfing retreat for complete beginners and an online community for biz owners who want to quit social media. Find her at amberkarnes.com amberkarnes.com | @amberkarnesofficial   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman     Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana. Yogamatters Discover over 2,500 yoga and wellbeing items. Use code JIVANA15 at the checkout to apply a 15% discount to your order of yoga props (one use per customer). www.yogamatters.com     Credit: Mikus Dharma, AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

Join host, Jivana, and guest, Rodrigo Souza, as they discuss teaching yoga with compassion and awareness, the role of yoga in healing trauma, and the importance of representation and advocacy for people with disabilities in yoga. Rodrigo shares his journey of living with a spinal cord injury and how yoga became a transformative tool for healing and self-acceptance. He reflects on his first time teaching a yoga class and the impact it had on his students and himself. In the Question and Answer segment, Jivana and Deanna discuss the importance of empathy in today’s world, the significance of self-compassion, and allowing space for all experiences in yoga. Jivana answers a question about who his current teachers are and his ongoing learning and growth as a yoga teacher. Topics Include: Yoga as a tool for healing Strategies for creating safe and inclusive yoga spaces What gentle yoga means beyond asana Why being present in the body can be challenging for students The importance of language and offering choices in yoga classes Accessible Yoga Training Online: Learn from Rodrigo and other guest teachers Rodrigo's Yoga for Disabled Folks online course The Accessible Yoga Ambassador & Mentorship Program, led by Rodrigo The upcoming Accessible Yoga Restorative Yoga Series, April 24-May 27, 2025   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Rodrigo: Rodrigo Souza (he/him) is an Adaptive and Accessible Yoga teacher with experience in instructing folks who have endured trauma and disability. After suffering a traumatic injury which left him paralysed from the chest down, Rodrigo recognised the significance of taking care of his own recovery to enhance his long-term well-being. This journey inspired him to become a yoga teacher, where he aims to share his personal insights into discovering joy in movement and rest. www.allihopayoga.com | @allihopayoga (IG)   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman     Connect with Cheri Clampett: Therapeutic Yoga Check out the Cumbria Yoga Foundation!      Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana. Yogamatters Discover over 2,500 yoga and wellbeing items. Use code JIVANA15 at the checkout to apply a 15% discount to your order of yoga props (one use per customer). www.yogamatters.com     Credit: Mikus Dharma, AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

In this powerful episode, host, Jivana Heyman, and guest, Tamika Caston-Miller, examine yoga as revolutionary—being a catalyst for personal and collective transformation. Tamika shares about her work in Houston, Texas, as both an educator and a permaculturist, creating a culture of sustainability, both in nature and within the community. Together they discuss their commitments to learning and expanding beyond comfort zones and practicing self awareness without judgement. In the Question and Answer segment, Jivana and Deanna share voicemails from Ber McCall in Ireland and Jo Stewart from Garden of Yoga in Australia celebrating Jivana and the teachings they have learned from him. Deanna also shares a question regarding making yoga offerings financially accessible and Jivana describes his approach to offering free content on social media and the importance of making teachings accessible through various platforms. Topics Include: Lessons about life through the lenses of gardening and permaculture Capitalism and disconnection from nature Panchamaya Kosha: the five spiritual layers of being The variety of ways to continue education and learning Teaching with a lens of curiosity and beyond physical postures Learning from challenges and pratipaksha bhavana The teachings of yoga philosophy in Jivana’s book, Yoga Revolution The upcoming Accessible Yoga Training Online, March 6 - April 17th, 2025   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Tamika: Tamika Caston-Miller is a yoga educator, executive coach, and mindful communities builder living the life of urban farmer florist in Houston, Texas. She curates nature-inspired yoga practices in service to collective care through the lens of rest, resilience, and ancestral repair. Tamika is founder of inclusive wellness space The Ranch Houston and virtual yoga studio & school Ashe Yoga Collective, constributes to Yoga Journal, and is a former board member of Accessible Yoga Association. Tamika aims to build intersectional, intergenerational, multiethnic communities that center radical compassion, agency, and self acceptance. Her modern application of ancient yogic principles is inspired by her understanding of yoga as a practice of right relationship with others, the planet, and oneself. www.tamikacastonmiller.com | www.asheyoga.com | tamikacastonmiller.substack.com | @tamika_castonmiller  (IG)   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman     Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana. Yogamatters Discover over 2,500 yoga and wellbeing items. Use code JIVANA15 at the checkout to apply a 15% discount to your order of yoga props (one use per customer). www.yogamatters.com   Credit: Mikus Dharma, AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

Join host, Jivana, and guest, Melissa Shah, to reflect on the fullness of the path of yoga as an inner practice that translates to outer action and service. Melissa shares about her grassroots efforts to support her LA community after the recent fires and together they discuss how yoga helps foster resilience, prevent burnout, and serve as a tool for community care. They share thoughts on the importance of slowing down to integrate teachings and embrace the present moment. In the Question and Answer segment, we hear inspiring stories from Sally Denton and Jackie Driscoll about the impact of yoga in building community and the wisdom of nature as a teacher. We also hear from Lesley on her goals to merge her roles as Occupational Therapist and yoga teacher and her excitement to join the upcoming Accessible Yoga Training Online in March. Topics Include: Activism and social justice through a yogic lens Generational cycles of trauma and healing Breaking Western values of perfectionism and urgency Teaching what you know The value of repetition in practice The balance between acceptance and change Highlights of the upcoming Accessible Yoga Training Online, March 6 - April 17th, 2025   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Melissa: Melissa Shah (she/they), founder of Find Your Breath, is an Indian-American yoga therapist who works to educate folks on how to practice yoga holistically through one-to-one and group sessions, retreats, and uplifting South Asian and BIPOC wellness leaders. She also regularly guest lectures for trainings and events across the U.S,, where she educates people on the more subtle aspects of yoga, such as mantra and pranayama. One of Melissa’s greatest passions is to create and co-create supportive spaces for rest and exploration of Self that are rooted in radical inclusion. Their work has been featured by NBC Asian America and in Yoga Journal, Anti-Racism Daily, SHAPE magazine and Women's Health Mag. www.findyourbreath.net | @findyourbreath (IG)   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Connect with Lesley: @mindbodyflow_yoga       Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana. Yogamatters Discover over 2,500 yoga and wellbeing items. Use code JIVANA15 at the checkout to apply a 15% discount to your order of yoga props (one use per customer). www.yogamatters.com   Credit: Mikus Dharma, AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Jivana spends time with artist and yoga teacher, Scottee, to explore identity, accessibility, and the power of yoga to support marginalized communities. Scottee shares stories of growing up in working-class North London to finding yoga as a form of healing and expression. Together, they discuss the intersections of queerness, class, neurodivergence, and yoga, questioning how yoga spaces can be more inclusive and equitable and a source of support in the current political climate. In the Question and Answer segment, Rebecca Sebastian leaves a heartfelt voicemail celebrating Jivana’s 30 years of teaching and Elisa Jouannet shares a transformative lesson from her yoga teacher: "Wherever you are, that's perfect." Jivana answers a question about how he made a living while teaching yoga and discusses with cohost, Deanna Michalopoulos, the challenges of integrating business with yoga. Topics include:  Speaking out against injustice, and the role of yoga in providing hope and peace The connection between running and yoga Pros and cons of studio classes Yoga for end of life and holding space for loss The beauty of the student-teacher relationship and its impact on personal growth The importance of financial accessibility and equity  Shared resource: Tristan - Stop Charging Your Worth Training   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Scottee: Scottee (he/they) is a self taught actor who has received critical acclaim for his work in theatre and audio, he is also the creator behind Wonkee. Wonkee is a digital club with a focus on inclusive yoga practice, self paced learning, creativity and self care, whose practices are made with the weird, sad, mad, fat, neurodivergent, sensitive, soft natured and queer amongst us.  wonkee.club | @scotteeisfat | @wonkee.club   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Connect with Rebecca: @rebeccassebastianyoga Connect with Elisa: @elisajouannet   Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana. Yogamatters Discover over 2,500 yoga and wellbeing items. Use code JIVANA15 at the checkout to apply a 15% discount to your order of yoga props (one use per customer). www.yogamatters.com Credit: Mikus (they/them), AYP Podcast Sound Engineer  

“You can only wake up someone who is asleep, not someone who is pretending to be asleep.” - Indu Arora In this episode, host, Jivana Heyman, chats with his guest and good friend, Indu Arora, who shares her journey in yoga and the lessons she learned in her youth, which began a lifelong study of yoga. Together, they emphasize the importance of ethics and explore profound themes like humility in teaching, the intersection of tradition and modernity, and the joy of living a balanced life through yoga. The Question and Answer segment with Jivana and cohost, Deanna Michalopoulos, featured a question submitted about how to provide a full authentic and profound experience into a 45 to 60 minute yoga class and shared a listener voicemail about developing yoga for functional aging.  Topics include: Impact of fires in Southern CA - Couch Yoga Fundraiser Class Ethics as a work in progress Reflections on queerness and spirituality Living yoga in daily life The evolving nature of the yoga teachings as we learn and grow in our practice Shorter vs. longer yoga classes and the importance of a regular and consistent practice Sharing yoga with the aging population and an introduction to the Accessible Yoga School training: Accessible Yoga for Older Adults   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Indu: Indu Arora (she/her), Ayurveda and Yoga Therapist considers herself a student for lifetime. Her teachings are deeply rooted in the philosophy: 'Nothing has the greatest power to heal, but Self.’ Authored: Mudra: The Sacred Secret (2015, also translated in German and French languages) Yoga - Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow"s Vision (2019) SOMA - 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care (2020) Hardcopy + eBook www.yogsadhna.com | @induaroraofficial | www.facebook.com/InduAroraOfficial    Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman     Thank You to Our Sponsors!   OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana.   Credit: Mikus (they/them), AYP Podcast Sound Engineer

Host, Jivana Heyman, kicks off this celebratory series with the first of 30 conversations marking his 30th year of teaching yoga. In this episode, Jivana welcomes Shannon Crow, host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast and cherished friend, for an inspiring conversation about their shared journeys, the profound teachings of yoga, and the lessons that have shaped them. The question to start these conversations is, “What is a story, teaching, or practice from your past that continues to inspire you as you move forward on your path of yoga?” Shannon shares a moving story from her early days as a yoga teacher about releasing control and embracing openness—a theme that resonates deeply in her life and practice today. Jivana reflects on his experiences with his first teacher and the mindfulness practices she imparted, from gardening to the Japanese tea ceremony. Together, they explore the sacredness of everyday moments and the power of living yoga off the mat. This heartfelt conversation sets the tone for a season dedicated to meaningful stories, rich teachings, and celebrating yoga's ability to transform lives. Topics include: Why Jivana decided to celebrate 30 years of teaching with 30 special guests Shannon's journey from Kundalini Yoga to becoming a mentor and podcaster Lessons in non-grasping, letting go, and parenting through the lens of yoga The sacredness of the present moment and mindful action How storytelling can illuminate the depth of yoga philosophy and practice   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Shannon: Shannon Crow (she/her) is a yoga teacher, trainer and host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast. She is passionate about helping yoga teachers to specialize so that they can stand out with their unique yoga offerings. Shannon is the founder of Pelvic Health Professionals and a Mom to her three best teachers. www.theconnectedyogateacher.com | @theconnectedyogateacher | facebook.com/groups/connectedyogateacher   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Thank You to Our Sponsors!   OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana.   Credit: Mikus (they/them), AYP Podcast Sound Engineer