In this rich and heartfelt conversation, Jenn is joined by Jivana Heyman—founder of Accessible Yoga and a longtime activist whose work began during the HIV/AIDS crisis in San Francisco. Together, they explore what it means to truly make yoga inclusive—not just in theory, but in real, embodied practice. Jivana shares how his personal journey, shaped by his grandmother, activism, and lived experience as a gay man and spiritual seeker, informs his commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces for all bodies and identities.

Their conversation touches on the roles of meditation, self-care, and compassion in healing; the complexities of grief and trauma; and the nuances of the teacher-student relationship. Jivana speaks to the necessity of clear boundaries in teaching, the power of perception, and how humor and lightness can transform even the most difficult spaces. At its heart, this episode is a call to honor individual paths, support collective healing, and imagine a yoga world built on community, accessibility, and love.

✨Go to jivanaheyman.com to learn more about Jivana and head to accessibleyoga.org for more information on accessible yoga!

🧡INTERESTED IN TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA?🧡 We have 20-hour foundational trainings happening all year round, and all over the world! Go to traumasensitiveyoga.com to learn more, and to sign up for our 300-Hour Certification program in September ( Approved for 26.5 CECs for social workers with ASWB and as a 300-hour training with Yoga Alliance. ) go to traumasensitiveyoga.com/certification

⭐️Be sure to check out healwithcfte.org/podcast for more information about the show, and your host Jenn Turner, LMHC. and Follow us on instagram instagram.com/ontraumaandpower @ontraumaandpower to stay updated on future episodes!

💙On Trauma and Power with Jenn Turner, LMHC is produced by the Center For Trauma and Embodiment. To learn more about CFTE, head to healwithcfte.org ________________________________________________________

Copyright Credit: Center For Trauma and Embodiment 2025