The Teaching on Returning to Your Center with Tristan Katz

In this thought-provoking episode, Jivana Heyman speaks with marketing expert and equity activist, Tristan Katz, about the intersections of yoga, truth, identity, and social justice. Together, they explore how yoga can be a tool for personal and collective liberation, especially for the trans and queer communities in a time of sociopolitical tension and violence. In the second part of the episode, Jivana and Deanna reflect on a listener question from Rebecca Sebastion about the future of yoga. In response, they discuss the impact that AI (Artificial Intelligence) has and will continue to have on the yoga world. To counter it, they emphasize a focus on ethics, equity, and the tangible vibration of human connection. Topics include: The impact of Michelle Cassandra Johnson’s book, Skill in Action, on Tristan’s path Dismantling assumptions and showing up authentically Creating inclusive and welcoming yoga spaces Yoga for self-care and resilience, especially for marginalized communities The importance of truthfulness (Satya) over performative expertise in teaching Showing up and wrestling with hard questions The importance of listening to marginalized voices The evolving role of yoga teachers Check out: Rebecca Sebastian’s Podcast: Working In Yoga "The Future of Yoga" - Yoga Journal article by Deanna Michalopoulus   **You are invited to celebrate Jivana’s 30th Anniversary with a special yoga practice that tells the story of Jivana’s life. To access the recording, click here. This event was live streamed on June 4th and raised money for The Trevor Project, supporting queer and trans youth. We encourage you to donate to The Trevor Project by donating here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org   We Want to Hear from You! What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!   Connect with Tristan: Tristan Katz (they/he) is a business consultant, conscious marketing strategist, and equity-inclusion facilitator with a lifelong commitment to human rights and justice. Tristan supports individuals and organizations in aligning their values with their messaging through an intersectional, anti-oppression lens. Tristan’s work centers authenticity, relationship, and accessibility, and they’ve collaborated with authors, educators, and cultural leaders as well as organizations like Stanford University, HubSpot, Portland Public Schools, and Port of Portland. Currently, Tristan serves as COO and Director of Programming at Fruition Growth Network. He is also a longtime yoga student, Yoga Journal game-changer (2021), and former board member of Accessible Yoga. www.katz-creative.com | @tristankatzcreative   Connect with Jivana: Check out Jivana’s books, Accessible Yoga, Yoga Revolution, and The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible Yoga, and get more information about Accessible Yoga at accessibleyoga.org www.jivanaheyman.com | @jivanaheyman | facebook.com/jivanaheyman   Thank You to Our Sponsors! OfferingTree Simplify your yoga business with their all-in-one platform. Visit offeringtree.com/accessible-yoga to save 50% off your first 3 months on a monthly subscription or 15% off an annual subscription. **On June 16th at 12:00 PM Pacific Time, discover 'How to Host Courses in OfferingTree' and easily create, manage, and sell your online courses directly on their platform. Register here! beYogi Comprehensive insurance for yoga instructors and wellness practitioners. Get $20 off our annual yoga teacher insurance policy at beyogi.com/jivana.   Credit: Mikus Dharma (they/them), AY Podcast Sound Engineer