The historian in me wanted to know more about IYD because I think (and teach) it is crucial to critically examine the world – the people, our institutions and claims we create – so we can be diligent about not being taken advantage of. This is part of my personal definition of self-responsibility. I want to know why I’m doing 108 salutations, or liking or making a post promoting IYD. I want to know what it is – actually – that I’m showing up for. I want to understand what is getting my support, precious time and attention. Maybe you’re curious, too?

By engaging in critical thinking, we not only protect ourselves from falling into the traps of false claims but also foster a more responsible and informed community. We become advocates for evidence-based practices, authentic teachings, and ethical conduct within the yoga and wellness industry. Through our commitment to critical thinking, we contribute to a shift in the narrative, promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability.

Engaging in slow, mindful yoga stands as a potent self-care tool for those grappling with fatigue, especially when combined with dietary improvements, enhanced sleep hygiene, and overall stress management. This approach aligns with Ayurveda, lifestyle medicine, and even the VA’s Whole Health philosophy. Research indicates that yoga significantly enhances fatigue, particularly in conditions like fibromyalgia and cancer.

I was young and wanted to be alive in the world, but felt half dead. A naturally gregarious person who loves to joke around, I was having trouble looking people in the eye because I was too ashamed of my face. I was hiding when all I wanted was to be free. When I changed my college major from graphic design to history – and then began reading about all the shit things humans have done to each other over the ages – this added to my distress. I felt sad, angry, anxious, disgusting and depressed. It was like being sucked into a blackhole. But it was the mid 90s, and we got a pill for that. When I was 20, they started me on Zoloft and then Wellbutrin. That should fix it, right?!? 

What if instead we started taking control of our own thinking? What if we learned about thinking itself, how it works, how the mind works, so we can come to our own deconstructed, then reconstructed — and still limited — conclusions?