The New Year invites reflection, renewal, and intention-setting—both on and off the mat. For yoga teachers and studio owners, it’s a powerful moment to ask an important question: Who feels welcome in my classes, and who might feel left out? Setting an intention to be more inclusive in yoga isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about recognizing that yoga, at its heart, is meant for every  body. Yet many people—people who have a disability, older adults, people in large

This Blog was contributed by Erica Lahti , founder of Where We Stand8|Adaptive Yoga & Mindfulness for Every Body ,   and author of The Good Newsletter.  Erica teaches Adaptable Yoga and Mindfulness grounded in lived experience, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for the healing process. Her practice is built on breath, baby steps, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, strong, and seen — exactly as they are. Stretches Did you know that breathing stretches

Every year, on December 3rd, the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In Canada the theme this year is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” As I was reading the various posts and blogs about the day, I came across this statement from an organization here in Canada – CCRW (Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work). They said that this day and the theme of it: “...reminds us that progress moves forward when people

April 2, 2025   For the past 30 years I have worked in the disability sector.  I have held many different positions during that time, and have been blessed to have experienced so much and met so many incredible people. I am not a person who identifies as having a disability.  I have only learned experience, not lived.  That learned experience started in the early 90’s. I knew nothing about disability.  I knew nothing of terminology, labels, diagnosis, accommodations, and I le

June 2025 Yoga is for everyone and every body. Yoga is not just asana (poses). Yoga is not about how far you can bend backwards, or bring your foot to your head. Yoga is not about what you wear, and how you look (and perform) compared to others in the class. Yoga is about being in your body. It's about linking breath to movement, or breathing with intention. It's about being aware of yourself, feeling your agency and being in control of your mind. It's about healing your sou

We have to work at it. Here’s how you can practice inclusion: Ask, don’t assume: What would make someone feel included? Instead of guessing, we can ask others what makes them feel comfortable. Be open to learning: Being open to other people’s perspectives helps us understand their needs better. Take action: Inclusion is more than just thinking about it—it’s about doing something. Inclusion in Yoga is a big topic.  And part of it means providing accessible asana – which means

August 2025 National Senior Citizens Day , observed in the USA on August 21, recognizes seniors who have spent their lives contributing to society and have impacted everyone’s lives for the better. Improved healthcare has changed demographics and increased productivity of older citizens, and they are more active than ever before.    Did you know that Yoga can be an excellent activity for seniors for a multitude of reasons? Yoga is beneficial for anyone with a disability or ch

July 2025 July is Disability Pride Month, a time to acknowledge, recognize, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and diverse experiences of people who have disabilities. It’s an opportunity to challenge ableism, uplift voices from the disability community, and advocate for inclusive practices in all areas of life—including wellness and movement. One powerful way to honour this month is by embracing the transformative practice of yoga through an inclusive lens. Yoga isn’t j

May 2025 In yoga and other spiritual traditions, "sangha" refers to a community of individuals sharing a common spiritual path or practice. It's a group that provides support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for those on their spiritual journey.  Meaning: Sangha is a Sanskrit word meaning "association," "community," or "gathering".  Purpose: In yoga, a sangha can be a group of people who practice together, sharing insights, experiences, and support.  Benefits: Being p

When we combine breath and meditation with conscious movement...well now we're 'cooking with gas'.