Yoga as Resistance: Equity and Inclusion On and Off the Mat

Description

A powerful manifesto outlining the personal inner work and practical steps that yoga practitioners and studios need to take to move to true equity and inclusion – on the mat, and off. Yoga as Resistance outlines a dynamic programme of social justice reform within the yoga industry. The majority of teachers in North America and Europe are white, able-bodied, cis-gendered, so how can they create inclusive environments? This book will inspire and welcome all to take part in questioning the status quo and learn how to move towards equity, and why it matters. • Yoga teachers will learn why the most marginalized matter, even if they are not in the room: and how this affects their teaching. • The book is structured around Sanskrit roots of yoga: TAPAS, AHIMSA, ASTEYA, SATYA. The meanings are explored in alignment with the social justice work presented. • Each chapter closes with a yoga or meditation practice or journaling activity, to embody deeper understanding and work through any discomfort and issues that may arise, on a somatic and spiritual level. Diversity and inclusion within the wellness industry has been increasingly under the spotlight. This book responds to the appetite for guidance on how we actively create change. The mission of Yoga as Resistance is to educate and empower yoga practitioners and professionals to take action in aligning their practice on the mat with their lives off the mat. CONTENTS Foreword Introduction PART I. TAPAS: OUR COLLECTIVE PATH OF TRANSFORMATION 1.Shared Language: Agreements and Assumptions 2.How We Will Work: Creating Tapas to Transmute and Transform PART II. AHISĀ: THE YOGIN’S PATH TO SEEKING JUSTICE 3.The 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is a Ruse 4.Minimizing Harm: the Most Marginalized Matter Even If They Are Not in the Room 5.Learning How to Learn: Staying Resourced and Continuing your Education PART III. ASTEYA: THE LEADER’S PATH TO CREATE JUSTICE 6.Studios: Know the Business Imperative 7.Teacher Training Schools: Stop the Churn and Hold Yourselves To A Higher Standard 8.Brands: Your Consumers Demand and Deserve Better PART IV. SATYA: OUR COLLECTIVE PATHS OF FREEDOM 9.The Case for a Global Industry Charter 10. Off the Mat: Living These Principles Beyond A Studio Environment 11. The Balance of Self-Enquiry and Actionable Strategies Notes Glossary Further Reading