Parampara, Paper, and Power: The Politics of Ashtanga Certification After Sharath

Harmony and Russell talk with teacher and studio co-leader Joseph Armstrong about recovery, identity, the discipline that actually changes lives, and building inclusive community through the Queer Yoga Club at Miami Life Center. Joseph shares how a strong recovery container and a steady Mysore practice worked together, why expectations and boundaries matter, what it is really like to run a studio, and how to expand programs without losing lineage. In this conversation Addiction, relapse, and the turning point that made sobriety stick “90 in 90,” daily Mysore, and why discipline is the bridge Adjustments, consent culture, and student autonomy Running a studio in 2025, consumer expectations, and aggregator pressures Creating Queer Yoga Club, safety signals, and true welcome Community circles, story bowls, and being witnessed Travel, teaching, and what is next for Joseph and Edgar Guest bio Joseph Armstrong teaches yoga with feet planted firmly in tradition and gaze turned towards the future. His search for a more present and peaceful life first led him to the practice in 2008 and soon after he was studying in India. After finally overcoming a years long struggle with addiction, Joseph began experimenting with Ashtanga Yoga. He is Authorized Level 2 by his teacher, the late Sharath Jois. He and his husband Edgar are co-owners of Miami Life Center and teach workshops worldwide. Joseph teaches yoga because attempts to do any and everything else ended disastrously. But when he finally devoted himself to his passion, he became an asset to himself and others. His teaching is rooted in the hope that practice helps us become more loving, more awake, and, ultimately, able to exist gently. Links mentioned Joseph’s Website: https://www.josepharmstrongyoga.com Joseph’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/josepharmstrongyoga?igsh=MWE2MXNtYnU4OXh4Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Joseph’s YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvV7ez9he51upLEc49U67_g Miami Life Center (studio home base): https://miamilifecenter.com/ LINKS   21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444 Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation Rewire Your Mind & Magnetize Aligned Wealth. ​A subconscious reprogramming meditation to unlock abundance, raise your frequency, and collapse time around your desires. Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

In this inspiring episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with David Knee, author of The Next Asana. David shares his deeply personal journey of living with multiple sclerosis, navigating forced retirement, and finding new vitality through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. From his first Groupon yoga class in Victoria to studying with Tim Miller and writing poetry inspired by the moon cycles, David’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. Along the way, he reflects on family life, the challenges of step-parenting, and the healing power of consistent, adapted yoga practice. David reminds us that practice doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective—it simply has to be yours. His story is not only inspiring for those living with MS, but also for yoga teachers, caregivers, and anyone seeking a path of renewal in difficult times. Topics Covered in This Episode: David’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and his early symptoms How yoga supported his physical, cognitive, and emotional health The importance of adapting practice for chronic illness The role of breath, pranayama, and meditation in healing Lessons learned from teaching and community service in the MS world Transformation, patience, and the importance of cultivating hope The meaning behind the dragonfly on his book cover David’s moon poems and reflections on love, practice, and resilience Resources & Links: David’s blog: Poem: Harvest Moon by David Knee Harvest Full Moon it’s a ray of light Farmers use it to work late at night It’s harvest time, they reap what they sow They work underneath this Moon’s bright glow Neil Young does sing that tune It goes like this: On this Harvest Moon I’d love to dance with the one I love This song’s perfect under what is above On a warm late summer’s eve underneath its glow Wouldn’t it be awesome for us all to know To dance, to love, is all we really need This romantic mindset I think you believe I’ve gone on a tangent I love that song It embodies to me of a love so long Feel it, be it, take that big chance Just let it in, you bet it’s romance I’ll get back on track as I’m sure you know A breather’s required it’s not just for show Love is a song that we all know best Sing it out loud, then enjoy a good rest Links to Amazon - David's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Next-Asana-Ashtanga-Multiple-Sclerosis/dp/1779629974 https://www.amazon.ca/Next-Asana-Ashtanga-Multiple-Sclerosis/dp/1779629974 Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

This conversation traces what happens when yoga is not just a class but a way of living. Harmony speaks with nutritionist and longtime Ashtanga practitioner Karolina Zakrzewska about two decades in India, managing Purple Valley in Goa, opening the Tenerife sister center, and how dedication to practice intersected with her recovery from disordered eating. They explore the “fire” that fuels Ashtanga, the risk of letting that fire consume us, and practical, compassionate ways to nourish body, mind, and spirit through seasons of change, including perimenopause and midlife. What We Cover Finding yoga in India and studying closely with Rolf Naujokat What Purple Valley means to the Ashtanga community and how Tenerife came to be The helpful and harmful sides of “too much fire” in practice Karolina’s personal story with anorexia and bulimia, and why radical honesty is a turning point in healing How yoga can replace, or heal, other addictions depending on mindset Working with “trigger foods,” fear foods, and mindful eating without moralizing food Why vegetarian or vegan patterns can be fraught for some teens, and how parents can keep an eye out Midlife shifts: protein, gut health, nervous system regulation, and sustainable routines The spiritual dimension of nourishment and why “your body is a portal” About the Guest Karolina Zakrzewska is a nutritionist specializing in dysfunctional eating and eating disorders. A longtime Ashtanga practitioner, she managed Purple Valley in Goa for many years and helped launch its partner retreat in Tenerife. Karolina works with individuals and yoga teacher trainings to build compassionate awareness around food, body image, and sustainable practice. Resources & Links Mentioned (from the episode) Purple Valley Tenerife Workshops 3 January to 10 January 2026  https://yogagoa.com/clearing-the-path-purpose-practice-presence/ 10 January to 17 January 2026 https://yogagoa.com/embodying-your-practice-from-intention-to-transformation/ Karolina’s website: https://www.karolinanutrition.com Karolina on Instagram: https://instagram.com/karolinakatzakrzewska Purple Valley (Goa: https://yogagoa.com/ If any link above needs a specific URL on publish, drop it in and I’ll slot it cleanly into the notes. Call to Action Reserve your spot for Harmony’s January Tenerife retreats. DM Harmony at @harmonyslaterofficial for the booking link and details. If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who practices. To explore nutrition support around disordered eating or mindful nourishment, reach out to Karolina via her website or email. Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

What happens when you stop forcing and start broadcasting who you are? In this energizing conversation, Harmony and her business coach, Bunny Young, explore radical ownership, boundaries, imperfect action, and why most of us hide in “strategy” when what we need is presence and practice. Bunny shares her winding path from third-generation entrepreneur to therapist to equine-assisted work to mentoring founders to build businesses that serve their lives. Expect straight talk on motherhood, money, and making choices that match your values. What you’ll learn Why “my business is running me” is often a boundaries issue, not a time issue The 80/20 that actually works: 80% energy, 20% strategy Radical ownership and how it unlocks better outcomes “Broadcasting your frequency” in the real world, not just online How to stop being the bottleneck in your own company Parenting and partnership without losing yourself Why imperfections create value and trust A simple script to ask for the sale and what to do when someone says no Episode highlights Growing up entrepreneurial and selling a first company at 20 Equine therapy lessons that translated to the boardroom Choosing family structures that fit your life and values Collaborating on consequences with kids The “ask, tell, demand, promise” model for clearer communication Using flights and conversations as your secret client pipeline Guest bio Bunny Young is a third-generation entrepreneur, business coach, and frequency mentor who has owned 16 companies over 21 years. After building a 350k private therapy practice, she pivoted to equine-assisted work and leadership development, then returned to supporting founders and creators to build businesses that serve their actual lives. She leads Defy, a mentorship container for women entrepreneurs, and speaks internationally on energy, boundaries, and sustainable growth. Find her resources at bunnyyoung.com and abetterplaceconsulting.com and on Instagram at @thebunnyyoung. Relevant links mentioned Guest IG: @thebunnyyoung Guest sites: bunnyyoung.com, abetterplaceconsulting.com Harmony IG: @harmonyslaterofficial Podcast IG: @findingharmonypodcast Calls to action Turn on automatic downloads and leave a review with your biggest takeaway Share this episode with a friend who is growing a business or practice Tag us on Instagram @findingharmonypodcast and @harmonyslaterofficial so we can repost Explore Bunny’s resources and say hi: @thebunnyyoung Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

What does it really mean to live in alignment? In this radiant conversation, Harmony and Russell welcome Shalane Carter, an energetic healer and embodiment guide, to explore the power of living in tune with your body’s frequency. Shalane shares how her early background in massage therapy, esthetics, and competitive fitness evolved into a deep understanding of quantum healing, cyclical living, and feminine energetics. This episode is a call to drop out of logic and into the wisdom of the body, especially for women navigating internalized conditioning and high-achiever culture. Episode Breakdown: How Shalane’s healing journey began through physical touch and intuition The connection between energy, emotion, and quantum frequency What it means to live from the parasympathetic state (vs. fight-or-flight) The role of feminine energy in healing and transformation Releasing inherited patterns and generational trauma Using your menstrual cycle as a map for energetic alignment Listening to the body’s signals to unlock creativity and clarity Why rest, safety, and pleasure are portals to expansion The danger of logic loops and the liberation of embodied wisdom How to rewire your nervous system to feel safe being seen About Our Guest: Shalane Carter is an energy healer, intuitive teacher, and embodiment coach who blends science and spirituality to support women in reclaiming their full vitality. She specializes in working with the quantum field, frequency medicine, feminine energetics, and the wisdom of the body. With a background in massage therapy, esthetics, fitness, and metaphysical healing, Shalane guides clients through multidimensional transformation and teaches them to live in flow with their energetic blueprint. Learn more about her work at https://offers.shalanec.com/  or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shalanecarter. Links & Resources Mentioned: Ascension Manual: Healing, manifesting and ascending to higher vibrational living: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS6LS54M/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_AJ39XWHPBHAJXWNBQ2B5?linkCode=ml1&tag=shalanecart0d-20 Shalane’s Website: https://offers.shalanec.com/workwithme-1557?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeCzBIRulnWOZT3iN3j5iR13PB0KFKPRojP1cJz8nz5ztJCVMIHDoq8qAwI9g_aem_TI89t2G5eg9MFFXSHdyJSQ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shalanecarter Book: Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss Call to Action: * Book a Spinal Energetics Session with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/ Loved this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Share it with someone who’s curious about energy, embodiment, or feminine healing. Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

In this solo episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony Slater opens the door on coaching—what it is, why it matters, and how it can change the way you live, work, and relate to yourself. Drawing from her own journey as both coach and client, Harmony explains why coaching is such a powerful tool for breaking patterns, creating habits that stick, and finding clarity when life feels overwhelming. She guides you through reflective exercises that can help you see your blind spots, meet resistance with compassion, and build confidence one small step at a time. If you’ve ever thought about coaching but wondered what it really involves, this episode will give you both a peek inside the process and practical steps to try right away. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What coaching looks like in practice Why resistance is natural—and what to do with it A journaling exercise to clarify who you want to become How habits, beliefs, and identity all connect Why community and coaching relationships accelerate change Tools for celebrating small wins and letting go of perfection Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

What does it mean to be psychic—and how do we learn to trust our intuition without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony Slater sits down with Lisa Campion, a master psychic, medium, and Reiki teacher with over three decades of experience mentoring healers and supporting sensitive souls. Together, they explore how psychic ability develops, the role of trauma and nervous system regulation in spiritual growth, and the difference between vibrational healing (like Reiki) and multidimensional practices such as quantum healing. Lisa shares her story of being “born psychic” in a world that didn’t talk about such things, and how she went on to combine psychotherapy, Reiki, and psychic mentoring into a career that empowers others to access their own intuitive wisdom. Listeners will learn practical tools to ground themselves, clear their energy field, and recognize their unique “truth signals.” Whether you’ve always felt a little “too sensitive for this world” or are simply curious about what your intuition is trying to tell you, this conversation offers inspiration, clarity, and a pathway into trusting the unseen. About Lisa Campion Lisa Campion is a psychic counselor, Reiki master teacher, and the author of four bestselling books: The Art of Psychic Reiki, Energy Healing for Empaths, Awakening Your Psychic Abilities, and The Psychic Awakening Journal. With over 30 years of experience, she has helped thousands of clients step into their gifts while mentoring the next generation of healers. She also hosts the podcast The Miracle of Healing and teaches programs on psychic development and energy mastery. Learn more at lisacampion.com. In This Episode, We Explore: The difference between Reiki and quantum healing Why distance healing works just as well as in-person sessions How to recognize and trust your intuitive signals The importance of grounding, embodiment, and energy hygiene How trauma can keep us stuck in 3D consciousness—and ways to heal The role of joy in raising our vibration and accessing 5D states Relevant Links Lisa’s Website: lisacampion.com Lisa’s Podcast: The Miracle of Healing Lisa’s Books: available wherever books are sold Follow Lisa on YouTube & Instagram: @lisacampion Call to Action If you’ve ever wondered about your own intuitive gifts or how to feel more grounded in a chaotic world, this episode is for you. Listen now, share with a friend, and let us know what resonated most. Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

What happens when the center of your practice—the teacher, the lineage, the external validation—suddenly disappears? In this deeply engaging conversation, hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with Meghan Marshall, longtime Ashtanga teacher and founder of Mysore Yoga Philadelphia, to explore the evolving landscape of practice in a post-guru era. Meghan, affectionately known in South Philly as the “benevolent Ashtanga overlord,” shares how a stroke mid-practice in 2019 altered her perspective on yoga and opened the door to Pilates. Together, they discuss the parallels between Pilates and Ashtanga, the cultural dynamics of lineage, and the emotional upheaval many practitioners feel as the Ashtanga community shifts. This episode weaves humor, honesty, and deep inquiry into what it means to keep practicing—not out of obligation, but as a living, adaptive, personal commitment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why so many practitioners are reevaluating their relationship to Ashtanga. How Pilates can illuminate blind spots in yoga practice. The difference between “quiet quitting” and making a public exit. How tradition evolves when the guru is gone. What it means to root practice in self-inquiry rather than external approval. Guest Bio: Meghan Marshall Meghan Marshall has been teaching Ashtanga yoga for over 15 years. A Canadian by birth, she now calls Philadelphia home, where she runs Mysore Yoga Philadelphia, a thriving Mysore-style studio. Known for her humor, honesty, and supportive teaching style, Meghan blends the rigor of Ashtanga with insights from her Pilates training, helping students connect to their bodies with clarity and compassion. Links & Resources: https://mysoreyogaphiladelphia.com/https://mysoreyogaphiladelphia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mysoreyogaphilly/ Earlier episode with Meghan: A Stroke of Insight (July 16, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-harmony-podcast/id1508928138?i=1000621286211 Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

In this deeply reflective solo episode, host Harmony Slater addresses a heated debate currently circling the global Ashtanga yoga community: certifications and their legitimacy. Drawing from her own decades of practice and personal memories of studying with Sharath Jois, Harmony offers her perspective on what certification really means — and what it doesn’t. She invites us to step back from the noise of division and instead consider the larger crises happening across our world: climate disasters, hunger, war, and the erosion of human connection. With tenderness, honesty, and wisdom, Harmony explores grief, impermanence, and the essence of yoga as union—not fracture. Through stories, reflections, and quotes from Sharath, she reminds us that yoga is not a piece of paper, nor is it found in hierarchy, but in how we live, love, and treat one another. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why certification has never truly defined a yoga teacher How grief and loss are showing up in the yoga community The role of impermanence in practice and in life Stories and teachings from Sharath Jois that reveal his heart The importance of Yamas and Niyamas—especially Ahimsa—in today’s world How division distracts us from the crises that actually need our energy A call to action: turning practice into presence, compassion, and service Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

This conversation explores the lived experience of practicing and teaching Ashtanga as a visible minority, and what it takes to evolve a lineage without losing its heart. We examine how unspoken norms, lack of clear standards, and performance-driven culture can exclude people, and what a more inclusive, structured, and compassionate approach looks like in real rooms. What You’ll Hear Identity, visibility, and belonging in traditional Ashtanga spaces Why standards matter, and how “no structure” quietly creates inequity Mixed messaging around asana achievement vs yoga as healing Practical inclusion: bodies, props, pacing, and permission Decolonizing the mat and having necessary, uncomfortable conversations Teachers’ responsibility around food, body image, and modeling care Reframing progress when life, injury, or anatomy write the rules Community dynamics after leadership changes in Mysore Privilege, access, and taking practice to underserved communities Key Takeaways Clear standards protect students and teachers and reduce bias. Inclusion is practical: adapt sequence, use props, cue options, honor cycles. Your value is not your vinyasa. The practice is a lab for self-knowledge. Community health > cults of personality. Build learning organizations, not pedestals. About Our Guest Jamaica-born and South Africa–based, Shakira Bouwer is an Ashtanga yoga teacher authorized in Mysore. She began yoga in 1999 while working in corporate finance, later earned an MBA, and ultimately followed dharma into full-time teaching. Her work centers on accessibility, decolonizing the mat, and creating spaces where every body can practice with dignity. Connect + Resources As shared in the episode: Instagram and Threads: @kirasadhana Email shared in-episode: [email protected] COMMUNITY Here is the link for free access to our community.
 https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/412807   Check out Harmony's events -- around the world! https://harmonyslater.com/events Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/