Yoga's Lifeline: Jivana Heyman on Embracing Spirituality and Overcoming Challenges
Episode Overview
Jivana shares his first memory of yoga, highlighting the profound impact of yoga from an early age The episode delves into the complexities of grief, the conflation of spirit and ego, and the profound connection between humanity and yoga Jivana and Blaire explore the inseparable partnership of yoga and service, emphasizing the transformative power of holding space for others' suffering They discuss the cultural origins of yoga and the importance of respecting the tradition while making the heart of the teachings accessible to all The conversation also explores the power of synchronicity in practicing yoga together and the internal experiences that cannot be observed from the outside
I feel just really grateful to be able to share and practice yoga, and I think that's related to that earlier question about appropriation, just to express my gratitude to my teachers and everyone who's shared with me and to, you know, the accessible yoga community and all the people I get to work with and learn from every day.
Picture this: Jivana Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga, sitting down with Blaire Embrey from the Prison Yoga Project. Their chat isn't just about poses and breathing techniques. It's a deep dive into how yoga can be a lifeline in navigating life's toughest moments. Jivana opens up about his first brush with yoga through his grandmother, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to spiritual practice.
His experiences during the AIDS epidemic add layers to his story, highlighting the resilience and compassion that yoga can nurture. This episode touches on heavy themes like grief and impermanence but does so with a light touch, making it accessible to everyone, whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious newbie. They also tackle the partnership between yoga and service, showing how holding space for others' suffering can be transformative.
Plus, there's a focus on making yoga inclusive and adaptable for all levels, respecting its cultural roots while ensuring everyone can benefit. This isn't just another yoga talk; it's a heartfelt conversation about embracing spirituality and finding strength in vulnerability.