Cultural appropriation in yoga: what is it and why does it matter?

This discussion group will explore what the concept of cultural appropriation is, how it applies within the yoga sphere and why it should be of concern to yoga practitioners, teachers, studio owners and brand promoters. We will also begin to explore what changes we may wish to make and how we might continue our growth.

Perfect for:

* All yoga practitioners

* yoga teachers; new, experienced and in-training

* studio owners

* and anyone with an interest in this important area!

*Please bring a pen and notepad to the session*

About Zoe

Zoe attended her first yoga class in 2005 and has been practising various forms of yoga ever since! She graduated from a year long 250hr Yoga Alliance certified teacher training course in 2017.

She has a particular passion for bringing yoga to those who might not traditionally access the practice, seeing yoga as a means to improve physical and mental wellbeing in antidote to the stresses and drive of modern western life.

In class, she teaches the importance of breath and alignment to help keep students connected to their bodies and prevent injury. Her teaching style is encouraging and 'down to earth', fostering a sense of fun and enjoyment, whilst coaxing an understanding of the wider potential of yoga, both in our everyday lives, and as above a series of asana (poses).

Zoe (MBACP Senior Accred, BSc Psych) has also worked in mental health since 2006 in a variety of roles and settings. This has included support work in a residential setting, acute crisis support, inpatient and community advocacy and befriending scheme coordinator. She has worked as a qualified psychotherapist for over a decade, working predominantly with young people and adults with complex trauma and disadvantage.

About Subraj

Meet Subraj!

'Culturally, I come from a North Indian heritage and have been practicing yoga as an exercise form for 17 years.'

Owner of holistic health business Yuvora.co.uk, he offers private yoga teaching and health coaching and says, 'This position allows me to share my passion for healthy living and helping others.'

In addition to this Subraj is a writer - 'Through my work, I intend to share my knowledge with others. The goal is to publish a book, but in the meantime; I am making all current work available for free via my blog (while it gets refined).'

Subraj's special areas of interest are Indian philosophy, Western Psychology and natural science. Subraj adds, 'These areas build on my previous profession in Ph*rm*cy and addiction management.'

Subraj's qualifications:

The Medicines Counter Assistant Certificate.

Ph*rm*cy Healthcare Assistant Diploma.

Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science.

NVQ Level 3 Ph*rm*cy Dispensing.

Level 4 Diploma in Coaching.

NCFE Level 2 Award in Nutrition & Health.

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)

Exploring Anxiety Level 3 (Open University)

BSc (Hons) Business and Management.

MA in Information Management.

RYS 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate.

Host or Publisher Yoga Hero