Jun 25, 2020
Ashtanga yoga doesn’t have a reputation for being accessible, and I’ve spent my career trying to change this. Because if you don’t see yourself in this yoga space, how will you ever feel a part of our community? That’s why I invited yoga teacher Angelica Wilson onto the Yoga Inspiration Podcast.
Angelica’s spent 8 years using her background as a dance instructor to create a more accessible space in the yoga community. As a dancer, she learned to teach classes for all ages, body types, and skin colors. This experience is something many yoga teachers lack, and Angelica shares how these experiences are key in creating accessibility in yoga.
Both dance and yoga give off the vibes of high ponytails, cinched waists, and light skin. This leaves very little room for diversity. We discuss ways the media perpetuates these images and how this deters many of us from ever stepping foot in a studio. Think about it - something as simple as a clothing brand can make you feel like you aren’t dressed appropriately for yoga class!
All beings should be treated equally; this is one of our teachings and truths in the yoga practice. But as it turns out, this is not a truth in every yoga studio all of the time. Angelica shares her experiences practicing and teaching in different studios. In some instances she’s treated like a student, in others like the receptionist. Each story comes with an interesting reflection on the unconscious biases we all have and the ways in which we can start unpacking them.
This reflection is important. Too often the instinct is to react defensively rather than to listen and reflect. Don’t cut off your ability to listen. If you can’t listen, then how can we trust you to reflect and make a positive change?
We have reached a point as a society where passive conversations and empty promises are no longer acceptable. There are steps we can take as yoga teachers, studio owners, and as simple human beings to bring about positive change, and Angelica shares a few with us on this podcast.
It’s time to unpack and challenge our unconscious biases. More than that, it’s time to hold those in positions of power accountable for perpetuating stereotypes and downright alienating people from practicing yoga. Change won’t happen overnight, but when you actually take time to enact change in your own way of thinking and living, you’ll quickly see how those positive changes influence the world around you.
If you’re a practicing yoga student with an inspiring journey, please share a bit of your yoga journey with me and my listeners. Send me an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!