Pooja Virani's guest appearances

Pooja Virani

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

Let's Talk Yoga

Yoga Medicine

Ashish Arora

Amber Karnes

Judith Hanson Lasater

Mado Hesselink

Kaya Mindlin

Trina Altman

Shyam Ranganathan

Francesca Cervero

Colin Hall

Jivana Heyman

Shannon Crow

Jesal Parikh

Tarzan Kay

Steph Crowder

Rachel Scott

OwlTail

Monisha Bhanote

In today’s episode, we bring together four yoga teachers with personal or family roots in different parts of India to talk about their experiences with yoga, while growing up and now. They offer their unique perspectives on practicing and teaching yoga in the modern context. Previous podcast guest Rashmi Bismark facilitates the conversation. Rashmi is a U.S.-trained physician, board-certified in both preventative medicine and public health, who blends eastern and western traditions in her medical practice. Ashish Arora was born in Delhi and moved to the U.S. 21 years ago. After a career as an engineer in the computer and video game industry, Ashish now teaches yoga full-time. Monisha Bhanote was born in Punjab and emigrated to the UK, then the U.S., with her family. A quintuple board-certified physician with more than 20 years of experience in health care, she is the founder of the Holistic Wellbeing Collective. Pooja Virani grew up in New York City and relates memorable childhood experiences of attending the Iyengar Institute in Pune with her mother and grandmother. Now based outside of Washington D.C., Pooja is a pain-free movement specialist and social justice consultant, specializing in rehabilitative yoga, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC yoga, and social justice education. Listen in to learn how our guests define what yoga is (and is not), discuss cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation, and share their thoughts on how we can all practice yoga with more reverence and respect. Show Notes:  Earliest experiences of yoga, and the central position of philosophy and ceremony [10:26] What is yoga? Eastern vs Western practices [24:00] Common questions: use of the word namaste, and the Sanskrit language [28:11] Perspectives on cultural appropriation in yoga [32:48] Use of the word yogi [39:21] The experience of Indian students in international yoga studios [41:05] Playing music in yoga asana classes [43:45] Statues of deities in yoga studios [47:31] Contrasts between westernized yoga mantra and traditional Indian raga [49:34] The relationship between yoga, religion, and spirituality [58:10] Treating yoga texts with respect [1:07:05] Ways to practice and teach yoga with more mindfulness and respect [1:09:03] Where to from here? More resources [1:16:47]  Links Mentioned:  Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode 06: The Power of Mindfulness with Dr. Rashmi Bismark MD MP Let’s Talk Yoga Podcast Social Justice resources ABCD Yogi Community Tejal Yoga Learn more about Mantra and/or classical Indian music:  Mantra chanting classes:  Sandhiya Ramaswamy Melissa Shah   Chanting and Sanskrit texts:  Shantala Sriramaiah Kavitha Chinnaiyan   Indian classical music:  Sheela Bringi       Connect with Rashmi Bismark: Instagram | Twitter | YM Online Guest Teacher Connect with Ashish Arora: Instagram | Ashish Yoga Connect with Monisha Bhanote: Instagram | Dr. Bhanote Connect with Pooja Virani: Instagram | Pooja Virani  You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at www.YogaMedicine.com/podcast-21. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at www.YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

In today’s episode, we bring together four yoga teachers with personal or family roots in different parts of India to talk about their experiences with yoga, while growing up and now. They offer their unique perspectives on practicing and teaching yoga in the modern context. Previous podcast guest Rashmi Bismark facilitates the conversation. Rashmi is a U.S.-trained physician, board-certified in both preventative medicine and public health, who blends eastern and western traditions in her medical practice. Ashish Arora was born in Delhi and moved to the U.S. 21 years ago. After a career as an engineer in the computer and video game industry, Ashish now teaches yoga full-time. Monisha Bhanote was born in Punjab and emigrated to the UK, then the U.S., with her family. A quintuple board-certified physician with more than 20 years of experience in health care, she is the founder of the Holistic Wellbeing Collective. Pooja Virani grew up in New York City and relates memorable childhood experiences of attending the Iyengar Institute in Pune with her mother and grandmother. Now based outside of Washington D.C., Pooja is a pain-free movement specialist and social justice consultant, specializing in rehabilitative yoga, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC yoga, and social justice education. Listen in to learn how our guests define what yoga is (and is not), discuss cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation, and share their thoughts on how we can all practice yoga with more reverence and respect. Show Notes: <ul> <li>Earliest experiences of yoga, and the central position of philosophy and ceremony [10:26]</li> <li>What is yoga? Eastern vs Western practices [24:00]</li> <li>Common questions: use of the word namaste, and the Sanskrit language [28:11]</li> <li>Perspectives on cultural appropriation in yoga [32:48]</li> <li>Use of the word yogi [39:21]</li> <li>The experience of Indian students in international yoga studios [41:05]</li> <li>Playing music in yoga asana classes [43:45]</li> <li>Statues of deities in yoga studios [47:31]</li> <li>Contrasts between westernized yoga mantra and traditional Indian raga [49:34]</li> <li>The relationship between yoga, religion, and spirituality [58:10]</li> <li>Treating yoga texts with respect [1:07:05]</li> <li>Ways to practice and teach yoga with more mindfulness and respect [1:09:03]</li> <li>Where to from here? More resources [1:16:47]</li> </ul> Links Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/qf94mgMvtyM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Watch this episode on YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://yogamedicine.com/mindfulness/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode 06: The Power of Mindfulness with Dr. Rashmi Bismark MD MP</a></li> <li><a href="https://letstalk.yoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Let’s Talk Yoga Podcast</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.poojavirani/socialjustice" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Social Justice resources</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.abcdyogi.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ABCD Yogi Community</a></li> <li><a href="https://tejalyoga.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tejal Yoga</a></li> <li>Learn more about Mantra and/or classical Indian music: <ul> <li>Mantra chanting classes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sandhiyaramaswamy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sandhiya Ramaswamy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/findyourbreath/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Melissa Shah</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Chanting and Sanskrit texts: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shantala_sriramaiah/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shantala Sriramaiah</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sabda_institute/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kavitha Chinnaiyan</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Indian classical music: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sacredsoundlab/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sheela Bringi</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Connect with Rashmi Bismark: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rashmibismark/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rashmibismark" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://yogamedicine.com/teacher/rashmi-bismark/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YM Online Guest Teacher</a></li> <li>Connect with Ashish Arora: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashishyoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.ashish.yoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ashish Yoga</a></li> <li>Connect with Monisha Bhanote: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drbhanote/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.drbhanote.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Bhanote</a></li> <li>Connect with Pooja Virani: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poojaviraniyoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.poojavirani.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pooja Virani</a></li> </ul> You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at <a href="https://YogaMedicine.com/podcast-21" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.YogaMedicine.com/podcast-21</a>. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at <a href="https://YogaMedicine.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.YogaMedicine.com</a>. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

21 South Asian Teacher Panel with Rashmi Bismark MD MPH, Ashish Arora, Monisha Bhanote MD FCAP ABOIM and Pooja Virani

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 230: Anti-Oppression Yoga with Pooja Virani   Description: The term “anti-oppression” can make some of us feel uncomfortable, and we may want to shy away from talking about it, but that is exactly what makes this such an important conversation. This is part of the work of bringing our yoga into our lives and the world, and Pooja Virani has some insights about anti-oppression yoga.   Pooja Virani is a Pain-Free Movement Specialist and Social Justice Consultant on a mission to spread joy, foster equality, and help people reach their highest potential. Pooja is certified in Kripalu Yoga &amp; Meditation, Kids’ Yoga, and Acroyoga, and specializes in Rehabilitative Yoga for Injury Prevention &amp; Pain Relief, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Yoga, and Social Justice Education for Yoga Teachers, Community Leaders, and Businesses. She believes in "yoga for everyone" and aims to make yoga accessible and inclusive to all people – regardless of their race, age, gender, sexuality, previous experience, or ability.   Pooja talks to us about what privilege is and the different kinds of privilege that exist, what oppression means in the context of yoga, and how it differs from cultural appropriation, and she has some great examples to really highlight these differences. Pooja also explains how we can move toward creating safer, more diverse and equitable yoga spaces.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about creating safe, inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone.   Key Takeaways: [10:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Pooja Virani. [12:25] What is the work that Pooja does and who does she do it for? [13:42] How did Pooja choose the name "Pain Free Movement Specialist" to describe what she does? [16:30] Pooja used to hate yoga. She shares more about her experiences being teased and mocked for her culture, and how it influenced her. [18:52] How did Pooja feel in her yoga classes in college? [20:34] Now, as a yoga teacher who practices and shares yoga in North America, what are Pooja's thoughts and feelings about it? [22:25] How does Pooja define privilege? [24:33] How does Pooja define oppression? [25:48] How does oppression show up in yoga spaces? [27:54] Shannon and Pooja discuss the idea that yoga is not religion. [34:06] As a white person, should you still be teaching and practicing yoga? [36:43] Shannon reflects on what it means to create safe, inclusive spaces. [38:23] Is it appropriate to give and receive gifts of religious idols like Ganesh? [43:18] Is it okay to say namaste in a yoga class? [48:32] Pooja shares an example of how namaste has been taken out of context. [51:40] Our usage of words evolves over time - it is important to keep this in mind. [53:16] Pooja shares some final thoughts around cultural appropriation and further resources. [55:52] Learn more about Pooja and her work via her website, and be sure to check out the free resource list she has compiled. [58:10] What are your key takeaways from this interview?   Links:  Pooja Virani Pooja Virani on Instagram and Facebook Workshops and Trainings by Pooja Virani Accessible Yoga Conference Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz Anti-Oppression and Inclusion Resources  Why I Don't Say Namaste, by Pooja Virani Susana Barkataki Savira Gupta Embrace Yoga's Roots, by Susana Barkataki Embrace Yoga's Roots Online Course Namaste - 60+ Options for Confidently Ending Your Yoga Class  Free Resource List for Privilege and Oppression  The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group    Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.   Quotes from this episode: "Yoga has always seemed a way towards freedom."   "Just because you have privilege doesn't mean that someone has never oppressed you."   "Why I say that we all have the ability to oppress others is because we all have agency in our lives."   “When it gets to this point where this thing came from India and I'm the only South Asian everywhere I look, that's pointing to the fact that there's been a systemic exploitation of that culture."   "We have the responsibility to figure out ‘what are we teaching?’ and ‘why are we teaching it?’."   "Our use of language is evolving out of respect. That's the way it should evolve."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 230: Anti-Oppression Yoga with Pooja Virani Description: The term “anti-oppression” can make some of us feel uncomfortable, and we may want to shy away from talking about it, but that is exactly what makes this such an important conversation. This is part of the work of bringing our yoga into our lives and the world, and Pooja Virani has some insights about anti-oppression yoga. Pooja Virani is a Pain-Free Movement Specialist and Social Justice Consultant on a mission to spread joy, foster equality, and help people reach their highest potential. Pooja is certified in Kripalu Yoga &amp; Meditation, Kids’ Yoga, and Acroyoga, and specializes in Rehabilitative Yoga for Injury Prevention &amp; Pain Relief, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Yoga, and Social Justice Education for Yoga Teachers, Community Leaders, and Businesses. She believes in "yoga for everyone" and aims to make yoga accessible and inclusive to all people – regardless of their race, age, gender, sexuality, previous experience, or ability. Pooja talks to us about what privilege is and the different kinds of privilege that exist, what oppression means in the context of yoga, and how it differs from cultural appropriation, and she has some great examples to really highlight these differences. Pooja also explains how we can move toward creating safer, more diverse and equitable yoga spaces. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about creating safe, inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone. Key Takeaways: [10:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Pooja Virani. [12:25] What is the work that Pooja does and who does she do it for? [13:42] How did Pooja choose the name "Pain Free Movement Specialist" to describe what she does? [16:30] Pooja used to hate yoga. She shares more about her experiences being teased and mocked for her culture, and how it influenced her. [18:52] How did Pooja feel in her yoga classes in college? [20:34] Now, as a yoga teacher who practices and shares yoga in North America, what are Pooja's thoughts and feelings about it? [22:25] How does Pooja define privilege? [24:33] How does Pooja define oppression? [25:48] How does oppression show up in yoga spaces? [27:54] Shannon and Pooja discuss the idea that yoga is not religion. [34:06] As a white person, should you still be teaching and practicing yoga? [36:43] Shannon reflects on what it means to create safe, inclusive spaces. [38:23] Is it appropriate to give and receive gifts of religious idols like Ganesh? [43:18] Is it okay to say namaste in a yoga class? [48:32] Pooja shares an example of how namaste has been taken out of context. [51:40] Our usage of words evolves over time - it is important to keep this in mind. [53:16] Pooja shares some final thoughts around cultural appropriation and further resources. [55:52] Learn more about Pooja and her work via her website, and be sure to check out the free resource list she has compiled. [58:10] What are your key takeaways from this interview? Links: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.poojavirani.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pooja Virani</a></li> <li>Pooja Virani on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poojaviraniyoga/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pooja.Virani.Yoga/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.poojavirani.com/events" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workshops and Trainings by Pooja Virani</a></li> <li><a href="https://accessibleyoga.org/conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Accessible Yoga Conference</a></li> <li>Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz</li> <li>Anti-Oppression and Inclusion Resources</li> <li><a href="https://www.poojavirani.com/blog/2021/2/9/why-i-dont-say-namaste-xwkn9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Why I Don't Say Namaste, by Pooja Virani</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.susannabarkataki.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susana Barkataki</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/saviravgupta/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Savira Gupta</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.susannabarkataki.com/book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Embrace Yoga's Roots, by Susana Barkataki</a></li> <li><a href="https://embraceyogasroots.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Embrace Yoga's Roots Online Course</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.susannabarkataki.com/post/namaste" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Namaste - 60+ Options for Confidently Ending Your Yoga Class </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.poojavirani.com/privilege" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free Resource List for Privilege and Oppression</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectedyogateacher/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group</a></li> </ul> Gratitude to our Sponsors <a href="https://www.schedulicity.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Schedulicity</a>. Quotes from this episode: "Yoga has always seemed a way towards freedom." "Just because you have privilege doesn't mean that someone has never oppressed you." "Why I say that we all have the ability to oppress others is because we all have agency in our lives." “When it gets to this point where this thing came from India and I'm the only South Asian everywhere I look, that's pointing to the fact that there's been a systemic exploitation of that culture." "We have the responsibility to figure out ‘what are we teaching?’ and ‘why are we teaching it?’." "Our use of language is evolving out of respect. That's the way it should evolve."

230: Anti-Oppression Yoga with Pooja Virani

I've been fascinated by fascia for a while now.  This week I've found the perfect guest to chat with about all things fascia.  My guest today is Pooja Virani. She's a Pain-Free Movement Specialist and Social Justice Consultant on a mission to spread joy, foster equality, and help people reach their highest potential. Having practiced for 15 years and taught it all over the world. Pooja specializes in Rehabilitative Yoga for Injury Prevention &amp; Pain Relief, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Yoga, and Social Justice Education.Episode Highlights... Pooja's storyFascia and its importance to yogaHot yoga and fasciaShould yoga teachers be diversifying their movements?Long-term negative effects of asana practice without regular fascia releaseWhen to do fascia releaseWhat is myofascial release?The starting point to working with fasciaHow fascia ages in the bodyThe age to start a myofascial releaseThe type of yoga that favors the health of the fascia moreAspects of the asana practice that poses a “red flag”Is a massage gun the same as doing myofascial release?Why social justice and pain management means so much to PoojaJoin our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga200-hour Yoga Teacher Training 2023Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

I've been fascinated by fascia for a while now.  This week I've found the perfect guest to chat with about all things fascia.  My guest today is Pooja Virani. She's a Pain-Free Movement Specialist and Social Justice Consultant on a mission to spread joy, foster equality, and help people reach their highest potential. Having practiced for 15 years and taught it all over the world. Pooja specializes in Rehabilitative Yoga for Injury Prevention &amp; Pain Relief, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Yoga, and Social Justice Education. Episode Highlights... <ul><li>Pooja's story</li><li>Fascia and its importance to yoga</li><li>Hot yoga and fascia</li><li>Should yoga teachers be diversifying their movements?</li><li>Long-term negative effects of asana practice without regular fascia release</li><li>When to do fascia release</li><li>What is myofascial release?</li><li>The starting point to working with fascia</li><li>How fascia ages in the body</li><li>The age to start a myofascial release</li><li>The type of yoga that favors the health of the fascia more</li><li>Aspects of the asana practice that poses a “red flag”</li><li>Is a massage gun the same as doing myofascial release?</li><li>Why social justice and pain management means so much to Pooja</li></ul> Join our mailing list: <a href="https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021</a> for all episodes. You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at <a href="https://letstalk.yoga/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://letstalk.yoga/</a>Connect with us on Instagram here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar</a>/Join our exclusive Facebook group here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga</a><a href="https://courses.mindfulyogateachers.com/BYTT2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">200-hour Yoga Teacher Training 2023</a> <a href="https://ahamyoga.kartra.com/page/Dox28" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join our mailing list</a> <a href="https://letstalk.yoga/listen/?swcfpc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find all the resources mentioned in this episode</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Connect with us on Instagram</a>

Why You Should Be Fascinated By Your Fascia with Pooja Virani