52: Cult Dynamics, Abuse + Healing in Yoga with Matthew Remski
Matthew Remski is a yoga teacher and author. As the survivor of two cults, his work has been pivotal in illuminating the shadows of globalized yoga and Buddhism. His writing shows that disillusionment and critical inquiry can be gateways to mature spirituality. Matthew has written a new and very important book called Practice And All Is Coming: Abuse, Cult Dynamics, And Healing In Yoga And Beyond and it should be required reading for all yoga teachers. The book explores abuse that took place in Mysore (as well as around the wider yoga world) AND offers us a path forward through the healing that happens in community.
In this episode you’ll hear:
the important difference between intention and impact in the world of oppression and healing
the importance of listening to and uplifting survivors stories
complex ideas about cult dynamics explained in an easy to understand way and how this conversation might impact all of our teaching
why seeing physical opening as a sign of spiritual advancement is a dangerous idea and what yoga teachers can do to dismantle that way of thinking in their own practice and teaching
Learn More From Matthew: