The Driven Yogi

05/25/2023

with
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I’m going to let you in on a little secret 🤫

Most yoga teachers, especially if they’ve been a yoga teacher for a while, have been saying for so long they’re just second nature, and it’s very common language.

Unfortunately, so many have felt alienated from the practice, not simply because of these words, but a multitude of reasons.

However, phrasing and language creates the idea of what a practice should look like, and this is the reason it’s problematic

If we truly want to be a plus size inclusive yoga teacher, how we are using language is essential!

Can you think of any other words or phrases that could be problematic and alienating?

If you like this, and you want more, check out my trainings for yoga teachers launching this September! Get on my email list to be the first to know!

05/19/2023

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Creating an inclusive space in yoga means that all feel welcome to the practice, regardless of race, gender, or physical ability. Fostering this environment requires intentional action, including self-reflection and openness to unlearning many societal assumptions.

We've partnered with for this three-part series, hosted by The Driven Yogi Founder and Emmy Award-winning journalist .courtney (E-RYT 500). She's joined by Aisha Yusuf (E-RYT 200), an executive leader in social justice reform and Teacher Trainer at The Driven Yogi. This workshop introduces the critical work of creating more inclusive yoga spaces for people from marginalized communities.

In part 1, we explore the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Discussion topics include:
- Examining your own identity
- Race & yoga
- “Colorblindness” ideology

Tap the link in our bio to reserve your spot!

05/08/2023

Join us next week for part two of this informative series! Repost
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We’ve partnered with The Driven Yogi to bring you an informative new series called Introduction to Trauma-Informed Yoga in Studio Settings. The series is hosted by The Driven Yogi Founder and Emmy Award-winning journalist .courtney (E-RYT 500). She’ll be joined by (E-RYT 500), a somatic and mental health counselor and Teacher Trainer at The Driven Yogi.

This workshop introduces students to trauma-informed yoga in the studio setting and acknowledges the complexity and nuance of trauma-informed care, the need to unpack power dynamics as an essential part of the work, as well as applicable best practices.

In part 2, we explore the science of trauma and the intersection of trauma, yoga, and embodied awareness.

Discussion topics include:
-What do we mean when we say “trauma”
-Types of trauma
-PTSD

Tap the link in our bio to reserve your spot!

05/08/2023

Thank you for this

Repost with .repost
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🫶🏾🙏🏽🧘🏾‍♂️✍🏽

05/02/2023

Catch our team at Yoga Alliance next week and several weeks after for two, three part series!

First up in our series, Emma Stern, E-RYT 500, somatic counselor, and trauma-informed course teacher trainer, will host an introductory workshop about trauma-informed yoga in studio settings. This workshop acknowledges the complexity and nuance of trauma-informed care, the need to unpack power dynamics as an essential part of the work, as well as best practices in public classes and studio settings.
PART 1: Monday, May 8 at 12pm PST; What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Discussion topics include:
Scope of practice and scope of competence
Power/privilege/positionality
Identity and intersectionality

PART 2: Monday, May 15 at 12pm PST; The Science of Trauma
Discussion topics include:
What is Trauma
PTS/PTSD
Types of Trauma
Trauma, yoga, and embodied awareness

PART 3: Monday, May 22 at 12pm PST; Trauma-Informed Best Practices
Discussion topics include:
Consent & Touch
Handling Triggering Classroom Dynamics

Stay tuned for our second line up, where teacher trainer Aisha Yusuf will host another three part series: Creating Safe, Inclusive Yoga Spaces Across Race, Gender, and Ability, beginning Tuesday, May 23.

Yoga Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)(6). Yoga Alliance Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). This website refers to the two organizations as "Yoga Alliance." Copyright 2023 Yoga Alliance. Yoga Alliance, the Yoga Alliance logo, RYS, RYT, and YACEP are registered marks with the USPTO and other jurisdict...

02/05/2023

Educate yourself on these and other micro aggressions in yoga spaces.

Repost

03/31/2022

Need tips to be a more accessible studio? Here are they are from: in no particular order:

✨write a detailed class description - tell your students what to expect before they even sign up! follow your class description so students don’t feel lead astray or caught off guard (ex: my class description includes that we will turn the lights down at the end and do some breath work)

✨ask and encourage questions - we need to be approachable to our students. asking them how they are or if they want to work on anything creates a dialogue that is 2-sides. also, be available to questions after and possible even during class!

✨don’t use language that creates pose hierarchy - words like “fullest expression of a pose” or “if this pose is too hard” or “if you can’t do X…” can create shame in our classes when people choose options that have been framed as “lesser”

✨use gender neutral cues - y’all, everyone, everybody, friends… there are so many words to use!

✨don’t offer hands on assists without consent - 🙅🏻‍♀️nooooooope. please do not touch me if I come to your class… you never know what your students are carrying when they walk in, so always ask consent in the beginning of class and let them know they can always revoke consent at any time (consent cards are great!)

✨offer actual pose options, not just child’s pose - GIVE ME OPTIONS!!! heck, give me options FOR CHILDS POSE!!!

p.s. making this reel was the most I’ve ever watched dance moms 😭

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02/21/2022

on why diversity, equity, and inclusion in yoga matters.

If you’re ready to learn how to welcome in more diversity (race, body, gender, ability, and experience) into your yoga spaces, join us for an intimate conversation this Thursday, February 24.

Teachers who attend this panel will learn how to be part of this important conversation in an authentic way, and will walk away with actionable steps to make their classes more inclusive and welcoming for those from diverse backgrounds.

Space is limited for this event, so sign up early! Scholarships available with inquiry.


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02/17/2022

How are you welcoming diverse people, voices, and ideas into your yoga studios?🙌🏾 🙌🏼🙌🏿

02/16/2022

We couldn’t agree more!

Join us next week for an intimate conversation on the changes needed in the yoga industry to welcome in diverse students, teachers, and voices. link in bio!
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02/10/2022

DEI in yoga goes way beyond race and gender. is also part of this formula when it comes to in yoga. Here are 4 ways to encourage in your yoga classes.

What else would you add?

02/08/2022

Studios around the world are filling up once again. As a yoga instructor and/or studio owner, are you prepared to welcome back former and newer students across an intersectional lens? We want to help show you the way!

Join inclusion course teacher trainer Aishatu Yusuf, along with yoga therapist and studio owner Marsha Banks-Harold, and yoga teacher Supreet Kaur for an intimate conversation about what’s happening in yoga spaces in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) - particularly around cultural appropriation vs. appreciation, race and gender, and body inclusivity.

Teachers who attend this panel will learn how to be part of this important conversation in an authentic way, and will walk away with actionable steps to make their classes more inclusive and welcoming for those from diverse backgrounds.

Space is limited for this event, so sign up early.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-your-yoga-dei-statement-learning-implementation-tickets-261621706567
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