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Summary of Talk by Dr. Sandra Sluberski at the Indo-American World Yoga Conference, 2024

At the Indo-American World Yoga Conference, 2024, Dr. Sandra Sluberski—educator, yogini, sound healer, and storyteller—shared her remarkable journey of making yoga education accessible, creative, and deeply transformative. Speaking from her rich experience with the Online Yoga School, she offered a vision of yoga that bridges tradition and innovation, empowering thousands of students across the globe.

Making Yoga Education Accessible

Dr. Sandra began by introducing the mission of the Online Yoga School, founded by Stephanie Ball-Mitchell. From the beginning, the school sought to make yoga teacher training affordable, inclusive, and flexible—removing barriers that often prevent aspiring teachers from beginning their journey.

Today, the school offers:

• 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings recognized by Yoga Alliance.
• Specialty certifications in Yin, Restorative, Chair Yoga, Prenatal, and Children’s Yoga, with Level 1 Kundalini Yoga launching soon.
• A progressive curriculum that begins with yoga philosophy—Yamas and Niyamas—before layering in anatomy, asana, pranayama, Ayurveda, meditation, and injury prevention.

With over 15,600 graduates worldwide, the Online Yoga School has become one of the most influential platforms in modern yoga education, endorsed by organizations including the World Yoga Federation and the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance.

Storytelling as Yoga

One of Dr. Sandra’s unique contributions is her integration of yoga mythology into asana practice. Inspired by the works of Indian mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, she developed a course and book titled Taking Myths to the Mat.

Here, entire vinyasa sessions are built around ancient stories—infusing movement with mantra, mudra, and symbolism. A simple posture becomes a portal into deeper understanding when connected to mythic archetypes. This practice allows students not only to embody yoga but also to experience its cultural richness and narrative wisdom.

Sound as Healing

Beyond movement and story, Dr. Sandra also works extensively with sound healing and kirtan. As charter faculty of The Ohm Store’s Sound School, she teaches:

• Vocal techniques for safe and powerful chanting.
• Integration of mantra into sound healing.
• Foundations of music theory for sound bath practitioners.

Through sound, she explained, yoga transcends the intellectual and reaches directly into the heart and nervous system. The vibrations of mantra, drum, and bowl become tools of transformation—bringing harmony where words alone cannot reach.

A Global Community of Practice

Sandra concluded by reflecting on the incredible reach of yoga today. Through online platforms and international collaborations, teachers and students from across continents are connected in one shared journey of practice and discovery.

Her gratitude was palpable as she spoke of being part of a living lineage that adapts, evolves, and continues to heal. Whether through story, sound, or philosophy, her work reminds us that yoga is not just a certification or curriculum, but a pathway of connection—to self, to others, and to the timeless wisdom carried forward through practice.

Namaste.

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