#152 - Changing the Value Systems in Yoga with Janessa Mondestin, Yoga Therapist and Director of Culture for Yoga International

In Part 2 of White Supremacy in Yoga series, we discuss the harms
and the fixes, including what you can do as a yoga teacher,
teacher trainer, student, or person who cares about anti-racism
work. This includes reading books, having conversations, and
taking meaningful actions. 


Here’s just a taste of what we discuss: 


Cultural appropriation of ayurveda. 

Diet culture and racism in yoga. 

How bad teachers can mess up the yoga experience.

Systemic and structural White Supremacy in yoga and why we
need an overhaul, a power shift in diversity, equity, and
inclusion from within wellness organizations.

Call to action with 4 simple steps (listed below).



Body Kindness is a practice of personal and collective
well-being. We can do this. Tune in to learn more and most
important, take action.


Janessa is asking White people to read White Fragility, My
Grandmother’s Hands… and I’m sure other books would make her
list, but she wants you to follow up with action.


Janessa Mondestin’s “call in” 
Get educated on what pervasive racism looks like. Identify our
role in racist America (we are global, so we should adjust this to
“planet” -- your country, your community.) ATONE. “Each one teach
one.” Make it a conversation that you educate your partners,
children, family, and all the places you hold power and influence
in. Cultivate ANTIRACIST Coalitions with your newfound circle of
Aware and Activated Friends. Seat them in decision-making positions
on your PTA Board, Your Politicians, Your Police Department, Your
District Attorneys office.

About Janessa


Thirteen years ago, Janessa Mondestin received a diagnosis for
Lupus, an autoimmune condition that motivated her to recommit to
wellness. Yogasana was a way for Janessa to balance her
weekend-warrior athletic events and the stress from corporate
banking. Over time, Yoga and Ayurveda became a central part of
her life, both personally and professionally. She left corporate
banking to teach yoga and wellness as an Adjunct Professor for
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken and Adjunct Faculty of
Uncommon Charter School in Newark, NJ.


Today, Janessa is the Director of Culture for Yoga International,
liaison for Yoga International Espagnol, Yoga Talent Advocate and
Business Coach, Founder of Soulthentic Yoga Registered Yoga
School. She is one of the top 20 Yoga Teachers of Color for 2020.
She was awarded the title of Yoga Ambassador by India’s Travel
Ministry and Prime Minister in 2018.


She is a practicing Yoga Therapist who is developing a safe space
for Womxn Wellness, The Soma Yoga Center. Janessa’s experience as
a first-generation American born daughter of immigrants, a sexual
assault survivor who overcame racial, cultural and gender-based
adversity, grief and loss informs her focus on serving the public
with a sense of healing, resiliency, and authenticity.


Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Catch up on the previous episode in this series: Podcast 151:
White Supremacy of Yoga with Sabrina Strings PhD, Author of
Fearing the Black Body


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Nothing in this podcast is meant to provide medical diagnosis,
treatment, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Individuals
should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice
and answers to personal health questions.