How Speaking Your Truth Can Spark a Movement | Susanna Barkataki | TEDxDelthorneWomen

[@shureedouglas8682]

All of us can relate to your experience at the hands of school yard bullies. The hurt and shame sticks though.

[@tarasuppleton]

I was a victim so many times growing up, guess I still am.

[@shayneb226]

I loved how Susanna emphasized the importance of community in creating lasting change.🙂

[@DrishtiRaval17]

Her approach to decolonizing yoga and embracing its roots is truly inspiring.

[@nestermaratos1070]

Her storytelling and practical approach to yoga is a breath of fresh air in the industry.

[@juliosester281]

No one deserves to be treated the way bullies treat their victims. It's inspiring to hear about the resilience and strength it takes to overcome those experiences. 🤨

[@ayaanthetruth]

The concept of 'Satya' spoke volumes to me, especially in today's world of misinformation and superficiality. Speaking and listening to our truth can lead to genuine connections and understanding, making the yoga community more authentic and inclusive.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

This is such a powerful concept - our truth is needed!

[@samanthakatzalay]

Excellent talk Susanna! Not something many people in that industry want to talk about.

[@iamacatslave]

I love how Susanna created her own platform with the online Summit. It's a reminder that we can shape our own spaces and make our voices heard.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Yes! It really is a powerful way to remember that we are our own voices and media.

[@agcocoa]

I love the idea of 'interrupting harm' - makes it seem like less of a traumatic thing...

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Yes! We get to interrupt, if and where we are ready. And not before!

[@xoxo_karrie_xoxo]

The talk struck a chord with me as a yoga teacher. It reminded me of my responsibility to teach authentically and promote diversity. Let's honor the sacredness of 'OM' and empower all to embrace their unique journey in yoga. 🙏🌍

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

I'm so glad it struck a chord! Keep up the amazing teaching work.

[@steeveleibold531]

Wow, I didn't realize yoga had such a rich history. It's not just about exercise; it's about connecting with our ancestors and finding liberation.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

There's so much to this powerful practice of yoga. I hope it continues to serve you!

[@jabajaba7488]

Someone once said the Truth will set you free. Writing your blog/your Truth allowed the world to support you.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

I love this perspective. You are so right! I received so much support from sharing my truth. ❤🎉I hope you do too!

[@kiankaskert7925]

Susanna's use of the Sanskrit peace prayer and its significance as a representation of creation, preservation, and transformation resonated with me on a profound level. It's a reminder of our interconnectedness with the universe and how yoga can help us tap into those ancient wisdoms.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

This is so powerful. I'm so glad it positively resonates for you.

[@sonthibutsalee]

Susanna's journey shows the power of speaking up. Sometimes, it takes one person to ignite a movement and create change. We all have that potential.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

We all really do!

[@tylerkmorris]

If someone took sacred parts of my culture and made them hugely westernized and profitable the way yoga and meditation has become would just frustrate me too much to even want to be a part of it. Well done to you Susanna for rising above those kinds of feelings

[@leilaniresterdin]

Speaking our truth and listening deeply can create a powerful shift in ourselves and the world around us

[@vtyJr]

The tension exercise was an intriguing metaphor for finding harmony between our ideals and reality. It made me reflect on how yoga can help us cultivate mental resilience and bridge the gap between our aspirations and the challenges we face.

[@IAmTheRealSeeker]

The Sanskrit peace prayer and the chanting really touched my soul. It's incredible how yoga can be a tool for liberation and self-discovery. We all need to honor its origins and ensure representation in the yoga community. 🕉

[@VodkaByNight]

The talk made me reflect on the places where I don't feel like I belong. Great job!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much. Yes we all have this in common I believe!

[@yannicarliso]

There really is something to be said for using tools and physical things that your ancestors used to use. It's like a weird muscle memory gets triggered through your DNA. So powerful.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

OOOOH yes! I love this. Ancestral muscle memory....

[@Iamcarlosdanger]

Good on you Susanna for bringing some authenticity into such a superficial "lifestyle"

[@tommyruk]

Oh I love her invitation to reflect on "where you may feel like you don't belong" and it makes me wish that I didn't just avoid those places because that feeling of not belonging is so intense

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

It so is. Feeling you on that.

[@fionatruscott]

I find it really refreshing that people are doing the work to reacquaint themselves with their ancestry - regardless of the culture they grew up in.

[@hienhong3259]

I love you so much Susanna ❤

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you Hien! The feeling is mutual. So grateful to get to share this liberating practice in each of our unique ways. ❤

[@jaineyrosting]

I want to rename this talk to "How aligning yourself with your spirit can spark a movement" sometimes speaking our truth isn't help, but ensuring we are acting and moving forward in ways that keeps our spirit balanced is the most important.

[@randisoh]

that's a very good way of putting it!

[@elizabethbernard3135]

Everyone can benefit from a Sanskrit blessing for freedom. Liberation, health and wellness, thanks Susanna.

[@lizb5458]

Susanna's blog and article had a tremendous impact, showing the power of words. It's a testament to the ability of individuals to create social change!!!!

[@toxic_sxgur]

Susanna thanks for starting your talk with the yoga breathing it's an important tool in our wellness box and can be used anywhere, anytime.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

LSo important isn’t it! And breath is one of the most accessible tools there is!

[@Zinegirl09]

This talk is so timely!! Recently, I have been considering how I give my power away by not speaking up, speaking my truth, and standing my ground in certain arenas. Knowing what I know about how your reach and message have expanded as a result of your decision to speak up and then take action in regard to your truth, this talk serves as confirmation and inspiration to do more of the same: speak up! stand firm! take action! and watch the world shift around me, hopefully, for the highest and best of all around me.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Wow. This is so powerful to hear. Yes. I so relate to what you share here. I love that my sharing these experiences help ignite you to share yours. Id love to know … what specific things will you be speaking up more about? I’m here for it. 🎉

[@Zinegirl09]

@@SusannaBarkatakiYoga most of it is personal, some of it is work related, and also there is the similar component of letting folks know how yoga can be a support for them through life no matter the circumstances AND empower their sovereignty.💜

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

@zinegirl09 that’s so inspiring to hear. Wishing you great energy and strength and you speak your truth with family, at work and in all areas of life you are called to. And so grateful your voice is lifting up the roots of yoga!

[@I-Am-june-day]

It's insane how popularized yoga has become in the past thirty years and with that the appropriation of so much Indian culture. It can't imagine how frustrating that must feel for actual Indian people, especially those like Susanna who were ostracized for that very thing.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

It’s so true! It’s changed so much. And there’s so much that’s so wonderful I wish more people knew! ❤

[@dannyordtil]

OM isn't just a symbol, it's a sacred sound representing creation, preservation, and transformation. Let's chant it together and tap into its power!

[@christopherccooper]

I'm so amazed by the peacefulness with which she is talking about all this stuff.

[@carollcole]

Yeah some of this stuff would make me really angry to have experienced. I guess that's the whole point of what she practices though!

[@thesurfacer]

Clear, honest, and profound. The discussion of sravana went really well with your recent blog post about Sankalpa, and I will always think about this mudra every time my hands find their way into that position.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

I’m so glad you appreciated this and so glad you are seeing ties in the yoga philosophy - I feel like it telescopes out and in and together! Such a powerful Mudra. ❤

[@shanabloomstein9342]

Grateful for you continued commitment to this work! Thank you Susanna for this practice and all your offerings. ❤

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you for seeing and appreciating my commitment. It means a lot! ❤

[@shanabloomstein9342]

@@SusannaBarkatakiYoga your teacher training offerings have transformed my perspective around yoga practices completely! I finished your 500 hour last year & currently attending class curator (as March as can;))- so deeply grateful for all your work, & for all the folx out here doing the good hard work 💞

[@gaborsette]

The tension exercise she led us through was a powerful metaphor for the struggle between our ideals and reality. It made me realize that yoga isn't just about achieving physical flexibility but also cultivating mental and emotional resilience to navigate life's challenges.

[@briannavantifcampen]

I loved how the speaker shared her transformative journey and encouraged us to find our ancestral tools for growth. Let's embrace diversity and respect the roots of yoga. I'm ready to explore new perspectives on my mat!

[@mydogbudisthebest]

Susanna you were blessed to have such a loving father who cares so deeply for you and your wellbeing. Not all of us are so lucky.

[@shimmikang]

I appreciate the significance of the Tarka and how it represents resistance against oppression. It's important to remember the history and roots of yoga.

[@gracefairbank]

I had no idea that 'ohm' was the sound that represented creation. Pretty cool thing to learn Susanna, thank you!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Yes! There’s so much depth in yoga! 🎉❤

[@Chatzapper]

I think the statistics she shares about the demographics of yoga teachers in the US really speaks volumes. Personally I'm all for a more inclusive and authentic approach to yoga education.

[@oscarnotreallyawiener]

I have only recently started to dabble in yoga and I am feeling a sense of responsibility to honour its practice in an entirely new way now. I appreciated this a lot Susanna, thank you.

[@susanpqpowell]

I can relate to feeling like I don't belong. Susanna's story of reclaiming her roots in yoga is inspiring. We all have places where we need to find our voice.

[@harrydecker3979]

I appreciate the emphasis on ahimsa, non-harm, in yoga. It's a reminder to interrupt harm wherever we find it, not just in our actions but also in our words.

[@gakthegreat]

Wow the stats on what demographics yoga teachers are is pretty interesting...

[@albinachatton4390]

Yes absolutely Susanna we should all speak our truth loudly and proudly, especially around those who like to pretend they know it better than we do.

[@norah7262]

Tears of movement. Thank you very much for sharing. Amazing thoughts and practice!

[@IAmAnInfluenster]

I love the way she walked us through the "ohm" noise and what she said about how it's the primordial sounds of the universe. Just so cool!

[@carollcole]

Yeah really cool stuff!

[@waltersiegismund]

The journey of reclaiming roots and seeking to decolonize yoga sheds light on the cultural appropriation that has overshadowed the ancient practice. It prompts us to question our role in perpetuating a distorted version of yoga and encourages us to respect and honor its diverse origins.

[@hubert-olszewski]

How true, life is exactly this, the daily routine...

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Yes! The daily routine - and practice does help so much for times when things go sideways … and in the good times! ❤

[@carl.casanova]

Love this talk, very important.

[@iamnotjustintrudeau7850]

Love the list of Ashram observances at the 6:50 mark. Would definitely be a interesting experience to live like that for a while

[@morefunallthetime]

It's really beautiful that Susanna's positivity and optimism allowed her to stay in her authenticity and create a movement like this.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Yes! I work to have lots of positive energy towards change

[@wandamccauley]

I'm grateful that you shared your father's technique for falling asleep. I'll be trying it tonight as I'm not a great sleeper.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Ooh yes. This technique along with progressive muscle relaxation - like tensing and then relaxing each part of the body - really helped me. It still does. Let me know if it is helpful for you! ❤

[@conradthelegendwhite]

What a beautiful way to introduce your talk Susanna. I've always enjoyed breathwork and to see someone begin their TED with it is quite lovely.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

I'm so glad the breathwork connected!

[@hairypoppins294]

I admire Susanna's commitment to fostering representation in the yoga community. The lack of diversity in yoga spaces is evident and hypocriticaI, and her call for inclusivity challenges us to be more mindful of who we elevate as yoga teachers and practitioners.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

This is so true ❤

[@nataliejohnson2434]

I feel so moved and inspired by this, thank you Susanna. You have changed what yoga is to me, and what I am to it - thank you so much x

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

I am so glad to hear your relationship to yoga is evolving and deepening. This is my wish! That we continue this beautiful, sacred practice for future generations. ❤

[@knockitdownagain]

This is amazing, truly. It's so sad what yoga has become, it's almost like fashion. We need more discussions like this around it.

[@lucastheqtanner]

what a humbling and grounding talk to hear. thank you Susanna

[@Elusive-Khan]

I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to feel the need to hide from your true nature. This was a really beautiful talk.

[@frasernicholson8509]

Because you're so authentic in everything you do? 🙄🙄

[@TheRubenZepeda]

Oh man the story around the 5:00 mark actually made me teary. Such a tough thing for a child to have to deal with

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much Ruben. I feel you.

[@mygiftisme]

Loved the novel way Susanna opened her talk.

[@aubreyzwayse]

Brilliant talk Susanna, so important to spread this kind of awareness.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much!

[@friidomarchives]

Wow ❤️ watching again you realize the power of standing in original truth. Sometimes we don’t understand the reality of practices. I’m learning and unlearning. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

YES Friidom! Standing in original truth - and leaning back on our - so many times mixed - ancestral roots and wisdom. Love this!

[@parksungwoo4730]

I would love to see more people talking about how these trends that steal from other cultures affect the actual people within that culture

[@sarahblue7446]

Amazing ted talk and amazing work you are doing Susanna! Happy holidays 💖

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much. Grateful for your words! ❤🎉 happy holidays and many blessings to you.

[@jenp10000]

I loved the bridge practice. It was so powerful. Thank you for this TED talk🙏. I would love to know more how I can honour the roots of yoga.

[@dahliaegil]

While Susanna's call for representation in the yoga community initially seemed like a social justice agenda, upon deeper reflection, I recognize the importance of diverse voices in enriching the practice. It's a reminder that yoga isn't just a physical activity but a space for inclusivity and genuine connections.

[@tabbybiddle]

I love this talk, Susanna! It is so refreshing and inspiring. Thank you for speaking your truth and sticking with it to create the change you desired to see. We are all better for it. And you have given us a valuable tool to create further social change. Deep bow. ❤

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much for all the support Tabby!! ❤🎉

[@anudewan9874]

Always an inspiration - thank you for always creating, preserving, and transforming in the yoga space and beyond. Much gratitude.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much Anu! The admiration is mutual. Sending appreciation and care!

[@sagarmore3893]

This is amazing work you've done for your culture and community Susanna!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much for your kind words ❤🎉

[@sonalifiske]

Thank you for reclaiming your roots and for speaking from the origins of you. This is such a necessary and well-thought out story & message.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much. You know the journey of reclamation is a long, deep, challenging and magical one!

[@czarcasm2168]

While the chanting practice was a bit outside my comfort zone, I couldn't help but wonder about its significance. Exploring the roots of these ancient sounds and their connection to creation, preservation, and transformation opened my mind to a different perspective on yoga's spiritual aspects.

[@muhammad-baksh]

I needed this today, reminded me that I had stop doing Yoga and as I look back I can see the change, how I started to fall backwards in my life.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

I’m so glad that this helped. I hope you can find your way back to yoga, if it feels right, and in a way that supports you in your life. There’s so many wonderful, accessible and diverse practices!

[@real_name_hidden577]

Representation matters. Susanna's article on decolonizing yoga struck a chord with thousands. It's time to embrace diversity and inclusivity in yoga.

[@bilbobiggens2104]

11:28, thats the key to the tipping point in your life!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

It so is key isn’t it! When we awaken to our own truths!

[@maxinebennier]

Words have the power to wound at a deep level particularly when we are young and vulnerable.

[@williambessel]

I really love that list of Ashram Observances...

[@birgitnagele]

Great Ted Talk; I appreciate you speaking your truth. Best wishes from NYC.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much!!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Sending joy and care for you and all the truth tellers!!

[@yogamigraine]

I love how you invited the audience to practice yoga with you during your poignant talk. Walking the talk in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your story, shining a light at glaring inequities in the yoga world and inspiring us all to share our voice. 🙏

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you! I so appreciate that you picked up on that. I really wanted this to be experiential - not just a "talk" but a practice! I appreciate you and all you are doing to transform the yoga space and open it up for folks with migraines. We are doing this!

[@littlewingdesignsnz]

Love this Susanna, I love your work and thoughts which have really changed my perspective on yoga. I’m determined now to do my own little bit to help make yoga more inclusive and change the narrative ❤

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

That is so powerful and inspiring! I'm curious what things you are doing... truly would love to hear - and support. Every one of those "own little bits" matters so much!

[@littlewingdesignsnz]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I’ve been sharing yoga content on my Instagram by South Asian yoga teachers (yourself included), particularly content with a lens on appropriation of yoga. Listening to podcasts such as ‘let’s talk yoga podcast’, searching my local area for a classes run by South Asian teachers (this has been tough 😢). I also have my own personal family story around colonialism/colonisation with my mum being Anglo indian (born in Kolkata) but her family never acknowledging their Indian roots and ancestry 😢 I’ve been deep diving into my family history and somehow yoga has become a part of that (long story 😅).

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

This is so powerful. I love that you are sharing this kind of content and listening and learning. And also reflecting on the personal connections you are uncovering … wow!!

[@dudley4318]

As an insomniac I really appreciated your "ball of light" sleeping practice, looking forward to trying it. Thanks.

[@glenda-russell]

I appreciate Susanna's passion, even though her approach to yoga isn't for me. I'll stick to my usual practice, but good for her

[@brynleecarter]

I may not agree with everything Susanna presented, but her talk prompted me to question my own relationship with yoga and its origins. It's essential to engage in constructive dialogue about the complexities of yoga's history to foster a more conscious and respectful practice.

[@carldupont4440]

It's interesting to think about how these parts of other cultures become so popular to begin with.

[@kepheramoon894]

Thank you for sharing your truth, power, and even some practices to help humanity heal and connect to ancestral roots. Incredible.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Absolutely. So glad you enjoyed the practices! I’m curious which one is sticking with you the most. ❤

[@judgekevin6935]

The ball of light technique is the best! I do a similar thing to help me fall asleep, didn't realize it came from this stuff though!

[@raphae-landres]

The statistics on the lack of diversity among yoga teachers in the U.S. made me pause and consider the implications. Susanna's advocacy for inclusivity urges us to examine our biases and create a more equitable and representative yoga space.

[@jenniferlahoda8053]

So grateful for this message and the way you show up in the world Susanna! You are a gift!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you! I am receiving your words and taking them in. And sending back so much gratitude and appreciation for you! 🎉

[@therealdualippa]

The story she tells around the 5 minutes mark is actually heart breaking. Couple that with her culture being hijacked and turned into a 'lifestyle trend' and it's amazing that this woman has any joy and love. I know I already struggle to not be completely bitter without any of that happening to me.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you sooo much for this validation. ❤

[@jessicaquindel]

What an incredible summary of your passion to honor yoga's roots! Loved how you incorporated leading us in some practices, too.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thanks Jessica! Which practice did you enjoy - and super curious - did any of them surprise you? To tell the truth - I was nervous to do practices on a TEDx stage!

[@jessicaquindel]

@@SusannaBarkatakiYoga I loved hakini mudra and exploring the tension when we fight too much or not enough. Finding the balance right in the middle. I think that was the best part--that you included the practices!!!!

[@kathywinter]

I can't wait to try the ball of light visualization to help me sleep tonight ❤

[@erikashik]

Susanna's emphasis on cultural appropriation in yoga sparked my curiosity. I had never considered the implications of how we practice and teach yoga without acknowledging its diverse origins. It's essential to engage in meaningful conversations about this aspect to ensure a respectful and inclusive practice.

[@coopertubner]

Well this has challenged me to explore the cultural and spiritual aspects of yoga that often get overshadowed by its physical elements.

[@suitpevedo]

Absolutely loved it! I am so hopeful for that bridge 💪🏽 thanks for showing up on your power and truth, you are a light in my journey.

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Yes to building and creating bridges! I’m so glad to offer some light. And I hope we can continue to preserve and care for this powerful tradition. ❤

[@happybettyann]

Thank you for this message of power and hope! ❤

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Absolutely. So glad to be able to share my story and hope it inspires you and others to share your voice too! ❤

[@teritompkins]

I think knowledge is always worth pursuing... it's tough that the institutionalization of everything means that people can't have access to the best kind unless they have the money for it but I guess that's the world we live in

[@evanesterneg]

Love the concept of interrupting harm wherever we might find it - feel like they'd definitely have their work cut out for them in the states though 😂

[@sbrooks117]

Wonderful and inspiring, thank you 🙏🏽❤️

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you so much. ❤🎉

[@arnafieldsteen]

Things become popular for a reason, there's so much benefit to practicing yoga, it's just a shame that the 'trendiness' of it comes with so much exclusion

[@Mandee6321]

Such a powerful talk- thank you for sharing these truths and putting so much into sharing your message!

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

You are so welcome. It’s definitely been a journey. Thanks for watching! ❤

[@liza-zotova]

we should also recognize that true representation goes beyond just skin color. Let's engage in open dialogue and educate ourselves about the rich history of yoga. Only then can we ensure its preservation and evolution. 🤔📚

[@forestchancey]

Wow hearing her talk about the ohm and what it means to her ancestors, kinda makes me feel bad about how much western 'new age' spiritualism has appropriated it

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

The beauty is a little knowledge and respect goes a long way!❤🎉

[@eranjames9287]

So inspiring! I love this

[@SusannaBarkatakiYoga]

Thank you! Any moments that stuck out in the talk for you? 🎉❤

[@averagestudent4632]

very nice talk thank you :)