Accessible Yoga is an Essential Text on Yoga Inclusion

The next wave of the yoga revolution must be making sure yoga is accessible to everyone. Rarely do we see representation of the full range of people that the practice serves. And yoga teachers aren’t always trained in how to teach yoga to all people, regardless of physical ability, body type, or state of health.

In Accessible Yoga, Jivana Heyman presents an essential text on yoga inclusion. Heyman is an activist and teacher for over 20 years and the founder and director of Accessible Yoga. He shares creative ways to teach asana, breath, and meditation. These are not simply modifications but a wholistic new way to see the practice to ensure it fulfills the promise of imparting freedom to everyone.

The instructions are clear, adaptable and empowering, including amazing Sun Salutations completely at the wall or in bed. Illustrated stories from practitioners in wheelchairs, an amputee, those with back injuries give testimony to how accessible yoga works for them. The book gives voice and space on the page to those often unheard, unseen. We also sense Heyman’s deep connection to the philosophical and historical elements of yoga and learn his moving backstory. This is a book that knows where it’s from, even as it forges a new path forward.

In a final act of service, Heyman leaves space in the book for us as readers to write our own notes and share our creative ideas and thoughts in the evolution of yoga. After all, he writes, “yoga is not about having a flexible body; it’s about having a flexible mind, and it’s accessible to all of us.”

Accessible Yoga is a smart, creative and compassionate resource. It is an essential addition to the yoga community.