In this transformative episode of Pachamama School Podcast, host Xochitl Ashe welcomes back her sister-friend of over 20 years, Susanna Barkataki, for a powerful exploration of yoga as a tool for personal and social revolution. As we navigate the transition from the digital era to the intelligence era, Susanna shares how ancient yogic wisdom can ground us in presence and purpose while everything around us rapidly transforms.
Together, they dive deep into yoga's revolutionary history—from Gandhi's liberation movement to Martin Luther King Jr. and Angela Davis using yogic philosophy in civil rights activism. Susanna reveals how yoga has been deliberately watered down and commercialized, and why reclaiming its authentic roots is more crucial than ever in our current moment of global upheaval.
This intimate conversation weaves through Susanna's personal journey from a shy immigrant child to a leading voice in decolonizing yoga, her book "Ignite Your Yoga," and practical wisdom for preparing the next generation for an uncertain future. They explore the importance of embodied integrity, spiritual friendships, and finding your dharma in service of the emerging new earth.
Note: This episode was recorded before the release of "Ignite Your Yoga" - the book is now available.
Connect with Susanna:
Website: https://www.susannabarkataki.com/
Instagram: @susannabarkataki
YouTube: Susanna Barkataki
Books: "Embrace Yoga's Roots" and "Ignite Your Yoga" (now available from Shambhala/Penguin Random House)
Connect with Xochitl:
Website: xochitlashe.com
Instagram & Facebook: @xochitlashe
About Susanna: Susanna Barkataki, M.Ed., C-IAYT, is a yoga leader, author, and visionary dedicated to honoring and amplifying yoga's roots. She founded Yoke Yoga, a social yoga app offering micro-practices for quick peace, and the Ignite Institute for Yogic Leadership and Social Change. Author of the #1 International Bestseller "Embrace Yoga's Roots" and "Ignite Your Yoga," she bridges traditional yoga wisdom with modern social change. A sought-after speaker, she has worked with Yoga Alliance, Peloton, Netflix, and CBS to shape the future of yoga.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
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Show Notes:
Chapters
(01:21) Opening Sacred Space and Introductions
(03:54) Reunion of Old Friends in Changing Times (09:51) The North Carolina Flood Experience
(16:37) Finding Gratitude in Crisis and Practice
(20:17) Community Response and Human Goodness
(24:11) Climate Events as Allies for Consciousness
(27:19) The Spiritual Path and Impermanence
(32:23) Living in Intentional Community in LA
(39:48) The Art of Being in Community
(43:06) Principles for Community and Leadership
(48:08) The Triangle of Authentic Leadership
(52:22) Dismantling Old Leadership Models
(56:15) Qualities of New World Leaders
(1:00:48) Reclaiming the Authority of the Heart
(1:03:56) Finding Sacred Ground in Groundless Times