Strength goes beyond the physical in yoga, encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. In this episode, Brea Johnson chats with Tejal Patel, a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer, about redefining strength through yoga. Tejal shares her insights on how yoga's deeper teachings can help us cultivate inner strength, resilience, and holistic well-being.

Tejal explains that true strength in yoga is not just about physical prowess but about handling life’s challenges with grace and compassion. They discuss the cultural influences on modern yoga practices in the West and the importance of reclaiming yoga's authentic roots. Tejal highlights the need for inclusivity and the value of trauma-informed and decolonized yoga practices.

The conversation is filled with powerful reflections on how to integrate yoga philosophy into daily life and the significance of inner experience over external appearance. Tejal offers practical tips for those looking to deepen their yoga practice, emphasizing the importance of restorative yoga and studying foundational texts like the Yoga Sutras.

About Tejal Patel

Tejal Patel (She/They) is a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer. She advocates for holistic yoga through a social justice lens, aiming to educate and activate students for collective action. Tejal is the founder of Tejal Yoga Studio, a South Asian teacher-led community focused on social justice and authentic spiritual practices. She's also a co-host of the Yoga is Dead podcast, known for sparking critical conversations about wellness, power, and privilege. Tejal’s insightful teachings and compassionate approach make her a favourite in our online studio.

Website: www.tejalyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejalyoga

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Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Meaning of Strength in Yoga

10:27 The Influence of Cultural Conditioning on Strength

14:08 Preserving the Original Teachings of Yoga

15:50 Unacknowledged Origins: Bro Science and Assimilation in Yoga

22:54 The Bias Towards White Men in Yoga Authority

26:09 Coexistence, Collaboration, and Appreciation in the Yoga Community

28:40 Decolonizing Yoga: Finding Holistic Approaches

34:44 Exploring Different Notions of Strength in Yoga

40:12 No Effort is Wasted: The Spiritual Path of Yoga