16: Creating Truly Inclusive Yoga Spaces with Guest Teacher Amber Karnes

Mar 5, 2018

I am so excited to share this powerful conversation with you. While many yoga studios proclaim that “Everyone is Welcome!” in their classes, in today’s episode we ask, “ Are we actually teaching our classes in a way that supports that message?”.  My friend Amber Karnes is whip smart, a powerful advocate and a seasoned yoga teacher. We didn’t hold back on any difficult or taboo topics in this episode on Creating Truly Inclusive Yoga Spaces.

In this episode:  

• The difference between saying "everyone is welcome" and actually creating an accommodating space.
• How to modify foundational poses to make them more accessible.
• Examples of specific language Amber recommends teachers avoid in their group classes and what  you can say instead.

• What to expect when teaching larger bodies.  
• The best ways to level and name classes and the problem we see with All Levels classes.
• How we can disrupt the cycle of a non-diverse pool teachers.
• How I realized I could be contributing more to the diverse yoga culture I want to support.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Amber’s Website
• Pose breakdowns and modifications
• Yoga For All training For Teachers
• Body Positive Clubhouse - yoga & self-acceptance membership site
• Body Positive Rebellion - free 7-day crash course in kicking diet culture to the curb and embracing your body
• Amber on Facebook
• Amber on Instagram
• Amber on YouTube
• Amber on Yoga International