Yoga as Social Change with Susanna Barkataki

Susanna is a yoga educator, yoga unity activist, founder of the Ignite Institute and co-founder of the Yoke Yoga Social App. She is the author of Embrace Yoga’s Roots, and offers a free chapter of her book linked here. As an Indian teacher in the West, Susanna is known for her work in decolonizing and embracing the roots of yoga. She reminds us — with much compassion and often levity — that yoga is much more than fancy asana and expensive yoga wear. Amidst a resounding silence throughout the yoga and wellness community over the last six months and counting, Susanna’s teachings of yoga ethics are a call back to our deepest humanity. In this episode, we talk about the necessity of connecting the dots of white supremacy and imperialism to spaces including the yoga industry. Susanna shares where her work in social justice started, offers insight into the birthplace of yoga, and invites us all to shed our ego and show up for others. Susanna is a beautiful example of how to continue doing one’s work of passion while also engaging with the world at large. I am so honored to bring you this conversation with the wonderfully wise and ever encouraging — Susanna. Susanna's IG Susanna's website Susanna's viral reel Leah's IG