Navigating Yoga, Mortality & Grief

Content Warning: This episode talks about death and grief

Join host Jivana as he talks with Dr. Yasmin Bedi, a UK-based gerontologist and yoga therapist, about her unique integration of Western medicine and yoga. Dr. Bedi describes how yoga has made her more mindful and holistic in patient care, especially in caring for older adults. Together, they reflect on balancing service and self-care, the role of grief in aging, and the importance of sharing yoga’s tools with others.

In the second part of the episode, Jivana chats with co-host Deanna Michalopoulos about his recent birthday and planting two new trees in his garden expansion project. Together they reflect on the conversation with Dr. Bedi and how yoga can support emotional and physical well-being, especially for caretakers or those dealing with grief. We also hear a listener voicemail sharing their journey into meditation through Zen Buddhism. Jivana answers a question about meditation practices in yoga ashrams and shares about his personal practice.

Topics include:

Dr. Bedi’s experiences working in hospital emergency departments, supporting both patients and families through aging, illness, and end-of-life conversations.

Dr. Bedi’s initiatives to bring yoga to hospital patients and healthcare workers

The need for a balanced approach to yoga for older adults, combining active practices with relaxation and mindfulness

The value of community

Yoga as preparation for death

How a personal self-care practice benefits those around you

We Want to Hear from You!

How do you balance self-care and service in your yoga practice and teaching? Submit your answer or any other questions you have for Jivana via Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtijeM82dSgU5jVD7 or leave a voice message here (90 second maximum): https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessibleYoga