When trust is broken in yoga spaces, the impact runs deep. I talk about sexual harassment, abuse of power, and misconduct in the yoga world—why silence protects harm, how to recognize red flags, and what we can do to rebuild safety and integrity in our communities.

Episode Highlights:

Announcements about upcoming workshops and the 300-hour online training
Reflection on recent misconduct cases in the yoga community and what they reveal
Personal story of confronting harassment within Aru’s own dance studio
Historical overview of sexual abuse and misconduct in yoga lineages
Discussion of how reverence without accountability allowed abuse to thrive
Breakdown of how abuse begins—through trust, power imbalance, and manipulation
Explanation of spiritual gaslighting and why survivors often stay silent
Common reasons victims don’t come forward: fear, loss of belonging, trauma response, and cultural conditioning
Recognition of microaggressions and boundary violations in modern studios
Red flags to watch for in teachers and studio environments (flirtatious behavior, vague boundaries, unwanted touch, secrecy)
Aru’s personal story of ignoring red flags and learning to trust her instincts
Practical suggestions for how to respond if someone confides in you about harassment
Guidance for yoga teachers and studio owners:
- Create written ethical policies
- Teach ethics and boundaries in teacher trainings
- Establish independent reporting systems
- Model consent and clear communication
Call to believe women first, foster open conversations, and stop idealizing teachers
Reminder that ethics isn’t cultural; it’s universal and foundational to yoga
Final reflections on accountability, community healing, and how true yoga shows up in how we treat one another

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Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)
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When Trust Is Broken: Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Yoga Spaces

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