One of the most interesting aspects of this conversation with Judith Hanson Lasater and her daughter Lizzie Lasater was when Judith described the group yoga class a kind of disruption in the long lineage of yoga. The economic demands of teaching yoga in the west have necessitated it, she noted. We’ve gone from the intimacy of the original 1:1 contact between teacher and student to a worldwide industry of big classes and insta-influencers everywhere you look.

What of the 1:1 relationship you have with yourself in your practice? We talked about this and so much more. Aside from the depth of inquiry we all swam in during this conversation about current, modern yoga, it's worth repeating that Judith co-founded Yoga Journal, the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco, and the esteemed California Yoga Teachers Association. Now, nearly 50 years later, Lizzie is pressing on with her own presence, teaching, and writings to carry on her mom's lineage. In the meantime, Judith has written 11 books and—as I see it—has become a specialist in the art of restorative yoga.

I loved listening to Judith talk about the early days of American yoga in the Bay Area, to Lizzie talk about her own personal journey, and to both of them about what it really means to authentically teach a wellness practice like the one we’ve all embraced. I look forward to knowing what you think!

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Sanskrit:

1. Upavista Konasana - wide-legged seated forward fold

2. Sangha - intentional community

3. Parampara - direct transmission of learning and connection

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References:

1. Judith Hanson Lasater

2. https://lizzielasater.substack.com/

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Episode credits:

Original music by Kim's band Governess.

Produced by Alyssa Yeroshefsky and Kim Weeks.

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