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Yoga & Diversity

January 7, 2013

Different ears of corn

Many of you know that I came to Curvy Yoga with a background in community organizing and social change work. For me, this will always be the heart of anything I do — it just finds its way in because it’s what’s in my heart.

This is why I’m so excited and honored to be in conversation with the lovely Dianne Bondy of Eastside Yoga in Windsor, Ontario, about yoga & diversity. I connected with Dianne early in 2012 after she wrote a piece called “Yoga: Not Just for Young, Skinny, White Girls.” In my opinion, diversity and inclusion are far too seldom topics of conversation in the yoga community, so I was thrilled to be able to talk with her about it more.

I encourage you to check out our conversation below. We’re talking about:

    • Why diversity matters in yoga
    • Accessibility, inclusion & inviting more folks to the mat
    • How we all benefit when the yoga community expands
    • Why a body-centered practice like yoga needs more conversation about body image

Photo Credit
  • http://www.yoga4eb.com Susan Rooker

    OH YES! Cant wait to hear this!! Two AMAZING WOMEN sharing the joys of yoga with all bodies! I bow to you! Namaste! -With love – Susan

    • Anna Guest-Jelley

      Thanks, Susan! We’re excited to share it. :)

  • http://www.rosiemolinary.com Rosie

    What an important topic, Anna. Thank you for brining more inclusion and diversity to yoga.

    • Anna Guest-Jelley

      Totally my honor! Thanks, Rosie!

  • DeBorah McCoy

    I really enjoyed watching the Yoga Diversity interview with Dianne Bondy of Ontario & Anna of Curvy Yoga. I reside in Milwaukee, WI and am 200 RYT. I teach yoga, pilates & stretching for fitness at our local university along with at a couple of yoga studios and it is refreshing to know that the passion for diversity in Yoga and fitness is a shared and fast approaching (Epic) movement. Neither of my pilates/yoga trainings instructed on teaching curvy/larger bodies. Its always the elephant in the room, so when I get the chance to instruct marginalized individuals I’m sure to extend high value, respect and inclusion, making them feel honored and welcome among the majority of yogis. Thanks for sharing this. This article rekindled some ideas and feelings within me, which I know will lead to expansive yoga services. Namaste