Susanna Barkataki - On Cultural Appropriation and Yoga

A Grateful Life

Am I contributing to the cultural appropriation of yoga? As a white yoga student and teacher, how can I do better?
These are questions that I’ve been wrestling with over the past two decades of practicing and teaching yoga, and so I’m delighted to be speaking to Susanna Barkataki about them in this podcast episode.
Susanna (she/her) is a teacher, coach, inclusivity promoter, yoga culture advocate, the founder of the Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute and the author of Embrace Yoga’s Roots.
In our conversation Susanna and I talk about where yoga actually comes from, the colonisation of yoga, cultural appropriation and its antidote, how we can honour the roots or lineage of yoga in our practice and teaching, even when there has been abuse in our lineage, and if it is ever appropriate to use the word namaste when teaching and practicing yoga (hint: it’s not a simple answer!).
It’s such a great episode, and one that I would love all yoga practitioners and teachers to listen to, so I’m glad that you’re here!
Connect with Susanna Barkataki at https://www.susannabarkataki.com
Download the free Patañjali's Eight Limbs and Mental Health Aware Yoga ebook by Dr Lauren Tober at https://www.mentalhealthawareyoga.com/8limbs
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This podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice or training. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance or come and join one of our programs at the Yoga Psychology Institute for professional training.