Trauma-Sensitive Teaching with Nityda Gessel

In this final wrap up episode, Jivana offers an overview of his book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and highlights a few topics that are of particular importance to him. Whether you’ve read the book or not, this episode addresses many key elements in making yoga accessible for yoga teachers and yoga therapists. Join Jivana as he quickly reviews all the chapters in his book and more, including: What motivated Jivana to write this book The connection between the book at the Accessible Yoga Training His personal story and why he teaches yoga What Accessible Yoga is The importance of ethics in teaching yoga Practicing the Yama’s as a yoga teacher Humility as a teacher Financial accessibility Sequencing Accessible Yoga classes Teaching subtle practices such as pranayama and meditation Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman

How does being a student of yoga translate into teaching yoga? Loving the practice and wanting to share it with others is at the heart of becoming a teacher. As a teacher, you also continue learning and evolving, deepening your own understanding and practice. This journey of teaching and learning is a continuous cycle that enriches both teacher and students. In this podcast episode, Jivana talks with Kino MacGregor about her personal experience of becoming a yoga teacher, including the challenges she faced, the importance of maintaining a student’s enthusiasm, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path.  Topics include: Western media’s portrayal of yoga teachers Physical performance vs. spiritual development Overcoming insecurities and imposter syndrome Kino’s upcoming book, Accessible Ashtanga The purpose of tapas in yoga Teaching yoga as service   Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman Kino MacGregor (she/her) is a Miami native who is happiest on the beach with a fresh coconut. She is a poet at heart who always stops to smell the flowers. Kino is the founder of Omstars—the world’s first yoga TV network. With over 1 million followers on Instagram and over 800,000 subscribers on YouTube and Facebook, Kino’s message of spiritual strength reaches people all over the world. She’s sought after worldwide as an expert yoga teacher and inspirational speaker. Kino is the author of four books, podcaster, and co-founder of Miami Life Center.  Connect with Kino: kinoyoga.com |  @kinoyoga

“All we're doing is preparing for that moment, where grace just drops in." - Tracee Stanley The subtle practices of yoga, like yoga nidra and meditation, are among the most accessible forms of yoga. When we release the burden of expectation around these practices and realize there is no perfect form or outcome, we can discover their gifts. Join Jivana Heyman and guest, Tracee Stanley, as they explore the transformative subtle practices of yoga. Discover how these practices can be both accessible and profound, offering insights into our true selves and the true state of yoga.  Topics include: Pratyahara and inner awareness Redefining what makes a yoga practice "advanced" Deconstructing ideas about meditation Surrender and dedication Cultural appropriation in Western yoga  Embracing a beginner’s mind Tracee’s new book, The Luminous Self   Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Tracee Stanley (she/her) is the author of the bestselling book Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are. Tracee is the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings inspired by more than 25 years of studentship in Sri Vidya Tantra and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters. Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, self-inquiry, nature as a teacher, and ancestor reverence.  Connect with Tracee: www.traceestanley.com |  @tracee_stanley Plus, Tracee is a guest presenter in our 19-hour online training, Making Meditation Accessible. Learn more here.

According to the yoga teachings, pranayama is among the most powerful practice we have. Yet, many of the common breathing practices are taught in ways that are not accessible or trauma-informed. How can teachers make pranayama more accessible to their students? In this episode Jivana and guest, Melissa Shah, offer advice for creating a safe and nurturing environment for the practice of pranayama. They discuss the significance of understanding the "why" behind each breath practice, and how this knowledge can profoundly impact teaching methods to bring the transformative power of breath to all students.  Topics include: Understanding the energy and functionality of breathing practices Breath awareness and progressive techniques Exploring variations The importance of observing students and preparing them for practices Handling negative reactions and trauma sensitivity Learning how to move with breath   Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman Melissa Shah (she/they) is an Indian-American yoga therapist who skillfully adapts yoga and Ayurveda to the individual. She grew up practicing yoga and believes that yoga doesn't need to be stripped of its culture and history in order for it to be palatable and beneficial to others. She is dedicated to the intersection of yoga and social justice and works to make feeling well accessible to all. With over 2000 hrs in training, they currently offer group and 1:1 yoga therapy and mentorships, retreats, and an online membership for those who want to practice anytime, anywhere.  Connect with Melissa: www.findyourbreath.net  |  @findyourbreath

Initially, Shavasana may seem like a simple posture. But, when we approach the practice with a little more depth, we can discover a powerful restorative practice with profound and multifaceted benefits. In this podcast episode, Jivana talks with guest, Shawn Moore, about ways to make Shavasana more inclusive and supportive for everyone. Shawn shares insights into the transformative nature of Shavasana from his experiences teaching yoga, both virtually to students in their homes and in public classes. Topics Include: Perspectives on Shavasana Making Shavasana accessible The importance of props Creating a safe space for practice Symbolism of Corpse Pose Addressing trauma and accessibility Demystifying meditation   Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Shawn Moore (he/him) resides at the intersection of leadership and mindfulness. Shawn creates sacred spaces for stillness and self-inquiry to help changemakers align their strengths, intention, and impact. Through his integrative approach—which includes meditation, sound healing, yoga nidra,  restorative yoga, and coaching—he holds transformative containers for self-renewal, personal discovery, and capacity-building that ease clients on their journey towards peace, clarity, and freedom. Connect with Shawn: www.shawnjmoore.com |  @shawnj_moore  

“Yoga is about embodiment, which is freeing, but a lot of us have experienced a level of disembodiment in the aftermath of trauma.” - Nityda Gessel Trauma manifests in our body and affects how our nervous system responds to external situations. Yoga teachers should be aware that asking students to connect deeply with themselves can be challenging due to trauma.  Join Jivana and this episode’s guest, Nityda Gessel, to discuss trauma and its implications for yoga teachers. Together they explore what yoga teachers can do to create a safe and inclusive environment for a trauma conscious yoga practice. Topics Include: Understanding the broad spectrum of trauma Invitational and exploratory language Setting the stage for a choice-based yoga class Self-regulation and co-regulation Continuous self-work Intersectionality, unconscious bias, and microaggressions The healing journey   Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Nityda Gessel (she/her) is a somatic psychotherapist, trauma specialist, yoga teacher and educator, mom and heart-centered activist. Nityda is the founder of the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute, creator of The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method℠,  and author of Embodied Self Awakening: Somatic Practices for Trauma Healing and Spiritual Evolution (W. W. Norton & Company, 2023). Nityda has devoted her life to supporting the upliftment of others, working at the intersection of Eastern spirituality, holistic mental health, and embodied activism. Nityda founded the Trauma-Conscious Equity Foundation to narrow the health disparity gap by providing funding for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ mental health professionals to receive yoga and somatic training.  Connect with Nityda: traumaconsciousyoga.com |  @trauma_conscious_yoga_method  

Asana serves as a gateway to inner transformation, offering not just physical benefits but also profound connections to the mind, emotions, and spirit. When explored through the lens of accessibility, a deeper understanding of asana can unfold.  What do yoga teachers need to know to make asana more accessible for their students? Join Jivana and this episode’s guest, Avery Kalapa, as they describe an accessible asana practice that is rooted in awareness, compassion, and inner exploration. Together they offer advice to yoga teachers to explore the intention of asana and approach an asana practice with courage and curiosity.  Topics include: Topics include: Asana in Iyengar Yoga Asana as the organization of energy Using asana to support the design of the body The function of asana in liberating the breath Embracing structural organization over alignment Subtle awareness and the inward journey Understanding functional anatomy to empower asana    Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman Avery Janeczek Kalapa (they, them) is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, community weaver at Sadhana Support Collective, and queer + trans wellness organizer; they are also an eRYT500, YACEP, BFA, with over 2 decades of yoga experience. Celebrated for their enthusiasm, devotion, and depth of somatic technique, Avery specializes in functional asana grounded in applied yoga philosophy. They support queers and other counter-culture yoga lovers to break the burn-out cycle and be nourished, and spiritually powerful without bypassing the wisdom of their body and lived experience. Avery’s a parent, gardener, artist, creator; a white, queer, trans, nonbinary settler based in unceded Tiwa land, Albuquerque NM.  Connect with Avery: yogawithavery.com |  @yoga_with_avery

“There's almost never a singular way in a pose that we're going deep into, that I'm trying to get everyone to do…there's this range, you have to play within this range and figure out which one doesn't work and which one does work best.” – Jason Crandell Each student is an expert in their own body and lived experience. By collaborating with students with a focus on outcomes over strict techniques, we can empower students to find what works best for their bodies. In this podcast episode, Jivana talks with guest, Jason Crandell, about the complexity of the human experience and the universal essence of yoga practice. Together they offer advice for yoga teachers working with diverse populations and delve into the depths of yoga philosophy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community. Topics include: Technique as a tool, not an end goal The equanimous experience of yoga Instructional language vs. invitational language Inclusive teaching practices and methodology Patience and compassion as a yoga teacher Acknowledging individual differences and challenges, both physical and emotional Challenging the notion of a "normative" experience Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Jason Crandell (he/him) is a teacher by nature and author with more than 20 years of experience. Named “one of the teachers shaping the future of yoga,” by Yoga Journal, Jason has been an in-demand teacher at conferences around the world for more than a decade. Considered a teacher’s teacher, Jason has served as faculty in countless  teacher trainings,  faculties, leads trainings globally, and regularly presents teacher-training content at esteemed conferences. Connect with Jason: jasonyoga.com |  @jason_crandell  

Yoga and business can feel contradictory at times, but there is a way to put yoga into practice in your work as a yoga teacher. Incorporating yogic philosophy into how you market yourself and run your business can revolutionize the way yoga is offered and perceived and foster inclusivity and trust within the yoga community. Join Jivana and this episode’s podcast guest, Tristan Katz, as they explore the vital intersection of yoga, accessibility, and business/marketing. Together they advocate for transparent language, sharing personal experiences, and celebrating diversity within the yoga community.  Topics include: The role of marketing in accessibility Intentional language and transparency Scope of practice Sharing personal values and training background in marketing Celebrating personal differences Business and marketing as a yogic practice Tristan is offering an upcoming online course, Conscious Marketing: Justice-Focused Digital Strategies, with Accessible Yoga. Learn more here. Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman Tristan Katz (they/he) is a writer, educator, digital strategist, and equity-inclusion facilitator. They offer training and consulting on gender equity, trans inclusion, queer competency, and justice-focused marketing practices. Tristan’s intention is to share this work with an anti-oppression and intersectional lens. He’s worked with organizations and clients such as Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Accessible Yoga School, HubSpot, Stanford University’s YogaX program, and Williston Northampton School, among many others. Tristan was named one of Yoga Journal’s 2021 Game Changers and is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of Accessible Yoga. Connect with Tristan: www.katz-creative.com |  @tristankatzcreative

What is the difference between giving commands and inviting exploration in a yoga class? How can yoga teachers allow students to be their own authority over their bodies and practice? These questions relate to power and consent, and sharing power and promoting a culture of consent is fundamental to making yoga accessible and equitable.  In this podcast episode, Jivana Heyman and guest, M Camellia highlight the importance of recognizing power dynamics in the teacher-student relationship within yoga spaces and leveraging power to create more access for students, respond to students’ individual needs, and hold space for them to uncover their own innate power on their path toward liberation.  Topics include: Power dynamics in yoga spaces Resources as power Power and the yoga teachings Yoga as a discipline Improvisation in the classroom Abuse and trauma in yoga lineages The power of embracing uncertainty and possibility Check out Jivana’s new book, The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about the book on his website. Connect with Jivana: www.jivanaheyman.com |  @jivanaheyman   |  facebook.com/jivanaheyman   M Camellia (they/them) is a yoga practitioner and facilitator, writer, consent educator, and advocate called to create profoundly accessible spaces for self-inquiry. M is a co-founder of the Trans Futures Collective (previously known as the Trans Yoga Project) and, among other roles within the realm of yoga service, serves on the staff of the Accessible Yoga School. Their teaching and writing center Queer and Trans identity, consent and agency, body liberation, and disability justice in relation to yoga philosophy and practice. They serve as a mentor for other yoga teachers and practitioners who desire to deepen their understanding of accessibility, power dynamics, trauma, and yoga as social justice.  Connect with M: mcamellia.com |  @foundspaceyoga