The Teaching on Living Yoga with Itzel Hayward

Join Jivana Heyman in conversation with his friend, Itzel Hayward, a former lawyer turned yoga teacher who brings together yoga, Buddhism, nonviolent communication, and social justice work. Itzel shares her journey of integrating these seemingly separate parts of her life into a unified practice centered on service, empathy, and compassion.

The conversation delves into the philosophy of restorative and transformative justice as alternatives to punitive systems, and how these approaches align with yogic principles. Itzel explains nonviolent communication as both a technique and a lens for seeing everyone's actions as attempts to meet universal human needs. Together, Jivana and Itzel discuss Sutra 1.33 from the Yoga Sutras, known as the "locks and keys" teaching, and how it can be applied to relationships and social justice.

At the end of the episode, Jivana and co-host, Deanna Michalopoulos, continue to explore Sutra 1.33 (friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and equanimity toward the non-virtuous). They discuss how these practices help us overcome obstacles to enlightenment while serving others in the world. The conversation concludes with reflections on non-attachement and how it is a central theme in the yoga teachings.

Topics include:

• Integration of yoga and social justice
• Itzel’s contribution to Jivana’s book, Yoga Revolution
• Dual vs. nondual yoga teachings and their implications for social justice
• How becoming a parent taught Itzel about non-attachment and empathy
• Addressing guru abuse and creating safer spiritual spaces
• Balance between internal and external practices in yoga

Check out:

Itzel’s upcoming event, Engaged Nonduality: Awake Awareness, Wise Action — A Nondual Approach to Anti-Racism on Sunday, February 1, 2026, https://www.attunedliving.com/events/engaged-nonduality

Tracee Stanlee’s book, The Luminous Self

 

Join a free Accessible Yoga webinar!

Join the first session of The Art of Teaching Chair Yoga as a FREE course preview:Friday January 23rd, 202610:30am PT | 1:30pm ET (75 mins) -- Register Here

Find Your Center Practice: Explore Balance in a Chair & On a MatMonday February 2nd, 2026 9am PT | 12pm ET | 5pm GMT -- Register Here

Building Balance in Accessible Yoga WorkshopThursday February 19th, 2026 10am PT | 1pm ET | 6pm GMT -- Register Here

 

We Want to Hear from You!

What story, teaching, or practice inspires your yoga journey today? 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

Selected responses may be featured in future episodes!

 

Connect with Itzel:

Itzel Hayward is a yoga teacher, facilitator, and former attorney whose work sits at the intersection of contemplative practice, justice, and co