The Path to Equity: Yoga, Anti-Racism, and Action – Online
with Dianne Bondy, E-RYT 500
March 20 - 21, 2021
Join Dianne Bondy to explore new ways of making Yoga an inclusive practice for everyone. In this online workshop, you will learn how to deconstruct the values, norms, and perceptions that guide the current Western view of Yoga, beauty, and success. We will explore these poignant topics through in-depth, open forum discussions, practical hands-on asana labs, and interactive Yoga practices.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to create inclusive spaces where all bodies are invited to participate in socially conscious Yoga classes. Learn how to take action to end inequity and injustice for marginalized identities both on and off the mat using the teachings of Yoga as your guide.
Session 1
UNPACK: Who are we? What do we believe and why?
The practice of Yoga calls us to look closely at who we are, both on the mat and off. This practice of self-study—svadhyaya—is critical as we work to create a more just world and eliminate systemic racism and the marginalization of all oppressed peoples.
In session 1, we will explore:
- Namaste: The light in me sees the light in you. Does it really?
- Understanding our collective history. What is racism? How does racism differ from prejudice?
- How bigotry, discrimination, and lack of awareness have created an inequitable playing field in all areas of our lives.
- Our cultural and personal belief systems, where they came from, and how they affect the lives of others every day.
- Leveraging the lessons of the past to create a more just and equitable future.
Session 2
INCLUDE: Yoga, adaptability, and accessibility
Yoga is a practice that is meant for everyone. But the modern Yoga industrial complex would have us believe otherwise. Let’s explore how, as Yoga teachers, we can make asana classes accessible for all who are called to practice.
In session 2, we will explore:
- How to create safe spaces for all bodies to flourish within Yoga spaces
- Adapting traditional asana to fit more bodies
- How accessibility in asana classes is about more than physical postures
- The visible and invisible barriers that keep people away from Yoga and what we can do to eliminate them
Session 3
ACTIVATE: Your Yoga practice as a call to action for social justice
As yogis, once we know that people are being excluded from Yoga, our practice calls us to make changes in our classes, our studios, and in our communities to address it. It is not enough to recognize the exclusion and discrimination—we must actively use our position and power to rectify it.
In session 3, we will explore:
- The three types of Yoga: Karma—the Yoga of action, Bhakti—the Yoga of devotion, and Jnana—the Yoga of knowledge
- How each type of Yoga can fuel our antiracism and social justice efforts
- Devoting ourselves to moving from racist to anti-racist, both on and off the mat
- The actions we can take to end inequity and injustice for marginalized identities using the teachings of Yoga as our guide
Session 4
EMBRACE: The Path to Empowerment
It is time to apply what you have learned! Join Dianne Bondy in an accessible Yoga practice designed to help you safely explore the themes of self-acceptance, empathy, action, and activation. This unique practice of ongoing and collaborative learning experience and discussion. We need to get out of our heads and into our bodies. Build resilience and strength physically, spiritually, and emotionally to weather the storm and change the narrative. The practice will include asana, building strength, core awareness, and open-dialogue discussions centered on the philosophy of Yoga as it relates to equanimity and unity. Explore asana, breath, and the mind-body connection in a way that illuminates your strength, creativity, and your willingness to foster and create change. It is time to be accountable.
Let’s explore our values and how we show up in the world.
Live sessions with Dianne on Saturday and Sunday at 9 am–12 pm and 2–4:30 pm ET.
You will have access to the video recordings for 8 weeks after the program ends, until May 16.
In addition, you will have access to the Ashram’s Live Hatha Yoga classes at 5 pm ET, recorded Ashram meditations, and inspiring talks with Sri Swami Satchidananda. You will also have access to an online social community to connect and communicate with other participants about this course.
Continuing Education (CE) Opportunities
- Yoga Alliance (YA): Approximately 11 contact hours.
You can input your contact hours using your YA login information. - Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) can provide you a CE certificate with your program’s total contact hours for a $10 fee (free for IYTA members.) For more information, email ce@iyta.org.
Testimonials
Thank you for this training! I can’t wait to be a different kind of teacher and share this gift of inclusive Yoga. — Lisa Parks
As a teacher of teachers I am in awe of your ability and experience in anticipating areas of nurturing need in your participants. You go so much further than merely creating and holding a safe and inviting learning environment. It’s only day 1 and I’ve already learned so much on a wide variety of unanticipated topics. Wow! Sorry to go all fangirl. Ha! — Stacy S.
About the Presenter
Dianne Bondy, E-RYT 500
Dianne is a celebrated Yoga teacher, social justice activist, and leading voice of the Yoga For All movement. Her inclusive view of Yoga asana and philosophy inspires and empowers thousands of followers around the world regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability. She applies over 1000 hours of training to help her […]
Learn more about Dianne Bondy, E-RYT 500Categories : Continuing Education, Workshops, Yogaville Online Courses, ZDated Programs