In this episode I talk to yoga teacher, kirtan leader and body positive activist Becky Varey Harris. We have a good old chat about yoga beyond the physical practice, why yoga is for everyone and what needs to change in the way yoga is represented in order to get that message across. Becky shares her experience of life before and after yoga, and offers great insight into using yoga as a tool to manage anxiety. This is a great listen for yoga teachers, students and those who are interested in yoga but have felt put off or intimidated by the ‘yoga world’.

You can follow Becky on Instagram here, and visit her website here.

Things discussed in this episode

• Accessibility and inclusivity in yoga
• The multiple aspects of a yoga practice, beyond the physical postures we often focus on today (in the West).
• The Instagram ‘yoga world’ and the problem of lack of variety in representation there.
• The journey towards body positivity and how yoga can help.
• The toolbox yoga provides us with that we can use in our lives.
• How a yoga practice isn’t an ‘easy’ path.
• The ways yoga can help us to deal with anxiety.
• The need to balance a strong, dynamic yoga practice with a slower one – the yin with the yang.
• Kirtan (sound meditation) – what it is and why we might want to practice it.
• The Sanskrit language.
• Tantric philosophic theory on the origins of the universe.
• Tips for getting started with yoga, and finding the right teacher for you.

Links and resources mentioned

Nikki Slade Kirtan teacher and leader

The Om or Aum mantra and its vibrational frequencies

In the episode we talk about Becky’s Patreon community. At this moment the community is on a pause, which is why I’m not linking to it here. Head to Becky’s website Yoga Society by Becky to find out more about her and her work.

Listen to the conversation

You can listen on Castbox here or Apple Podcasts here. Or, search for ‘Create Shift’ wherever you like to listen to podcasts.

If you’re enjoying Create Shift I would be thrilled if you could leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or on your podcast app. This helps other people to find the show and really does support me and the work I’m doing.

Thanks for listening.

Ellen x