Rodrigo Souza | Adaptive & Accessible Yoga Teacher

✊🏾♥️ I am a man on a mission. 🙋🏾‍♂️ Brew yourself a cuppa and watch my 10-minute video, in which I answer the question, “How would you describe Yoga to someone you just met?” at the Yoga Alliance’s More Yoga, Better World event in Washington, DC. I am extremely grateful for the chance to make a difference and move closer to making yoga accessible to folks with disabilities. Life keeps surprising me with these amazing experiences, and I feel like I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. One story at a time. Plenty of Love. Rodrigo ♥️ #moreyogabetterworld 🙏🏾 @yogaalliance #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

✨ Representation matters #DisabilityPrideMonth ✨ Despite considerable evidence that yoga might benefit folks with disabilities (I am a living example of it), we don’t see images/videos like the ones above in any yoga studio marketing imagery, mainstream, and social media. It can be very intimidating to start practicing Yoga if you live in a disabled body because we don’t see anything that represents us. And by not having any representation, they often send the visual message that yoga is only for the non-disabled/able-bodied folks. In my case, I decided to practice adaptive yoga and even to became a teacher because of Matthew Sanford, a teacher who also has a spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair to get around. I remember seeing him practicing yoga for the first time right after I became a paraplegic, my heart was filled with joy and hope as I discovered Yoga was something that I could still do with my “new body”. Representation is super important. Representation matters. And if we don’t find and see the representation we want, we work hard to become one. One Instagram post at the time. Adelante! It’s time for change. ♥️✊🏾☮️ #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #GentleYoga #TraumaInformedCare #Mindfulness #Gratefulness

✨Building a Society Where No One is Left Behind ✨ I had a heartwarming Accessible Yoga class in Osaka followed by a lecture and a discussion about how can we provide inclusion, compassion & love to folks with disabilities using Yoga as a tool. Every day I am becoming more passionate about my work and more grateful for the gifts and opportunities life keeps presenting me. My heart is filled with Joy and I am in love with Japan and it’s people. Arigatou Gozaimasu 🇯🇵✨♥️🙏🏾 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness #Japan

Yoga is all about discovering and embracing a sense of comfort in one’s body and mind. It’s an incredible journey of relaxation and self-acceptance. Have a lovely Sunday, folks. Enjoy and appreciate yourselves. Rodrigo 🙏🏾♥️ #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

Have you ever had the pleasure of experiencing a yoga class where the teacher tailors the poses to fit your physical abilities? It’s such a great feeling when you are able to move through the asanas with ease and grace. Plus, it is a wonderful way to show love and appreciation for your body. A more inclusive and human-centred approach. That’s what we are working for 🕺🤍☆ Enjoy the weekend folks. Plenty of love ♥️ Rodrigo #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

🌴 2025 Brasilian Tour 🇧🇷 Aprenda a facilitar práticas de Yoga acessíveis e adaptáveis ​​para pessoas com mobilidade limitada e usuários de cadeira de rodas. ✨ As pessoas costumam dizer que Yoga é para todos, mas você tem sabedoria para abraçar todos os corpos e habilidades em sua aula? Considere a possibilidade de acolher um usuário de cadeira de rodas em seu espaço. 🌟 Junte-se a nós para um treinamento transformador de 15 horas que o capacita a criar aulas de yoga para pessoas que experienciam deficiências físicas e navegam pelo mundo usando uma cadeira de rodas. Esta é uma ótima oportunidade para você aprender como tornar seu ensino mais inclusivo e acessível a essa população. Durante esta imersão de quinze horas, exploraremos; * Yoga e a Natureza da Deficiência. * Condições Neurológicas Comuns. * Yoga Adaptado & Acessível. * Benefícios do Yoga Adaptado em um corpo com deficiência. * Como Sequenciar uma Aula de Yoga Adaptado. * Variações de Asana para Usuários de Cadeira de Rodas. * Capacitismo e Linguagem Inclusiva. * Considerações Básicas de Segurança para alunos com habilidades diversas. * Dicas de Ensino & Marketing Consciente. * E Muito Mais A experiências imersivas acontecerá durante os finais de semana em; 🏙️ São Paulo 📆 17, 18 e 19 DE JANEIRO 🏝️ Fortaleza 📆 31.01 e 02 DE FEVEREIRO 🏖️ Rio de Janeiro 📆 14, 15 e 16 DE MARÇO As inscrições estão abertas e você pode encontrar mais informações no link da minha bio ou comente abaixo o local do qual deseja saber mais informações — “São Paulo”, “Fortaleza” ou “Rio”— e entraremos em contato. Você não se arrependerá do impacto deste curso em você e em sua comunidade. ♥️ Juntem-se a nós e vamos mudar o mundo 🌎 Com Muito amor, Rodrigo 🙏🏾♥️

Our journey invites us to immerse ourselves fully in the richness of Life while learning to let go of our attachments. It’s about embracing every experience deeply but with a light heart. 🌸 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

✨ Welcome to our AY Mentorship Sangha. Discover a welcoming space where you can ask questions about making your offerings accessible to marginalised groups and learn how to serve your community through Accessible Yoga. 🌻 A non-judgmental place where you can share your story (yes, we love stories) and get the support you need to get out there and do the work. Many yoga teachers support equality and aim to make their classes accessible to people with disabilities and marginalised groups, but how can we begin this process? And for those already taking steps, how can we ensure these efforts are sustainable? Join the discussion in our upcoming live Accessible Yoga Ambassador mentoring session happening next week; Tuesday, December 10th, @ 9 am Pacific 🇺🇸 Noon Eastern 🇺🇸 5 pm UK 🇬🇧 6 pm Europe 🇪🇺 We will start with a relaxing, Seated, Accessible Yoga Class (remember to bring your props 😊), followed by an engaging round-table discussion where you can share your thoughts, questions and ideas with other like-minded Yoga teachers and moi. We will also take a moment to reflect on what you have learned this year and to plant the seeds for the upcoming cycle with hope, Love & Compassion. 🙋🏾‍♂️ If you haven’t joined the Accessible Yoga Ambassador community yet, now is your chance! Just click the (Free month trial) link in my bio and become a part of something unique. Let’s make a difference together! I look forward to seeing you. Plenty of love ♥️🌿 Rodrigo 🙏🏾 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AccessibleYoga #AdaptiveYoga

🙋🏾‍♂️Starts Tomorrow 🌟 Learn to Facilitate Yoga for Disabled Folks: Accessible & Adaptive Practices for Those with Limited Mobility & Wheelchair Users ✨ People often say that Yoga is for everyone, but do you have the wisdom to embrace every body and ability in your class? Consider the possibility of welcoming a wheelchair user into your space. 🌟 Join us for a transformative 10-hour online training that empowers you to design yoga classes for individuals who have experienced physical disabilities and navigate the world using a wheelchair. This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to make your teaching more inclusive and accessible to this population. 🔆 We will explore;   * Yoga and the Nature of Disability * Common Neurological Conditions * Adaptive Yoga * Benefits of Adaptive Yoga on a disabled body  * How to Sequence an Adaptive Yoga Class * Asana Variations For Wheelchair Users * Ableism & Inclusive Language * Basic Safety Considerations * Teaching Tips * And Much More  Each session will include discussion, collaboration, seated adaptive yoga practice, and Q&A. ✨More Deets; - December 9-19 - Mondays & Thursdays - 8 AM - 10:30 AM PST - Four sessions, 10-hour certificate - Tiered pricing, payment plans, & partial scholarships are available 👨🏾‍🎤Tap the link below to save your spot. ♥️ You will not regret this course’s impact on yourself and your community. Plenty of love, Rodrigo 🙏🏾 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

✨ Learn to Facilitate Yoga for Disabled Folks: Accessible & Adaptive Practices for Those with Limited Mobility & Wheelchair Users ✨ People often say that Yoga is for everyone, but do you have the wisdom to embrace every body and ability in your class? Consider the possibility of welcoming a wheelchair user into your space. 🌟 Join us for a transformative 10-hour online training that empowers you to design yoga classes for individuals who have experienced physical disabilities and navigate the world using a wheelchair. This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to make your teaching more inclusive and accessible to this population. 🔆 We will explore;   * Yoga and the Nature of Disability * Common Neurological Conditions * Adaptive Yoga * Benefits of Adaptive Yoga on a disabled body  * How to Sequence an Adaptive Yoga Class * Asana Variations For Wheelchair Users * Ableism & Inclusive Language * Basic Safety Considerations * Teaching Tips * And Much More  Each session will include discussion, collaboration, seated adaptive yoga practice, and Q&A. ✨More Deets; - December 9-19 - Mondays & Thursdays - 8 AM - 10:30 AM PST - Four sessions, 10-hour certificate - Tiered pricing, payment plans, & partial scholarships are available 👨🏾‍🎤Tap the link below to save your spot. ♥️ You will not regret this course’s impact on yourself and your community. Plenty of love, Rodrigo 🙏🏾 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

✨ Learn to Facilitate Yoga for Disabled Folks: Accessible & Adaptive Practices for Those with Limited Mobility & Wheelchair Users ✨ People often say that Yoga is for everyone, but do you have the wisdom to embrace every body and ability in your class? Consider the possibility of welcoming a wheelchair user into your space. 🌟 Join us for a transformative 10-hour online training that empowers you to design yoga classes for individuals who have experienced physical disabilities and navigate the world using a wheelchair. This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to make your teaching more inclusive and accessible to this population. 🔆 We will explore;   * Yoga and the Nature of Disability * Common Neurological Conditions * Adaptive Yoga * Benefits of Adaptive Yoga on a disabled body  * How to Sequence an Adaptive Yoga Class * Asana Variations For Wheelchair Users * Ableism & Inclusive Language * Basic Safety Considerations * Teaching Tips * And Much More  Each session will include discussion, collaboration, seated adaptive yoga practice, and Q&A. ✨More Deets; - December 9-19 - Mondays & Thursdays - 8 AM - 10:30 AM PST - Four sessions, 10-hour certificate - Tiered pricing, payment plans, & partial scholarships are available 👨🏾‍🎤Tap the link below to save your spot. ♥️ You will not regret this course’s impact on yourself and your community. Plenty of love, Rodrigo 🙏🏾 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AdaptiveYoga #InclusiveYoga #MindfulMovements #ArtAsTherapy #BodyInclusivity #Art #TraumaInformedYoga #ChairYoga #Yogi #Paraplegic #WheelchairYoga #AccessibleYoga #Spirituality #Activism #SpinalCordInjury #YogaForEverybody #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Life #Mindfulness #BuddhismPsychology #Gratefulness @Yoga

✨ Welcome to our AY Mentorship Sangha. Discover a welcoming space where you can ask questions about making your offerings accessible to marginalised groups and learn how to serve your community through Accessible Yoga. 🌻 A non-judgmental place where you can share your story (yes, we love stories) and get the support you need to get out there and do the work. Many yoga teachers support equality and aim to make their classes accessible to people with disabilities and marginalised groups, but how can we begin this process? And for those already taking steps, how can we ensure these efforts are sustainable? Join the discussion in our upcoming live Accessible Yoga Ambassador mentoring session happening next week; Tuesday, December 10th, @ 9 am Pacific 🇺🇸 Noon Eastern 🇺🇸 5 pm UK 🇬🇧 6 pm Europe 🇪🇺 We will start with a relaxing, Seated, Accessible Yoga Class (remember to bring your props 😊), followed by an engaging round-table discussion where you can share your thoughts, questions and ideas with other like-minded Yoga teachers and moi. We will also take a moment to reflect on what you have learned this year and to plant the seeds for the upcoming cycle with hope, Love & Compassion. 🙋🏾‍♂️ If you haven’t joined the Accessible Yoga Ambassador community yet, now is your chance! Just click the (Free month trial) link in my bio and become a part of something unique. Let’s make a difference together! I look forward to seeing you next week. Plenty of love ♥️🌿 Rodrigo 🙏🏾 #AccessYourHeart #AdaptYourPractice #Yoga #AccessibleYoga #AdaptiveYoga ID - [A blue card featuring a picture of Rodrigo practicing half lord of the fishes pose in his wheelchair. It has a green Accessible Yoga logo at the top right corner and a cream banner at the bottom that reads: ‘Tuesday, December 10th- Accessible Yoga Ambassador Mentorship live call.]