Imagining a yogic war machine: Possibilities for thinking differently in practice, research, and facilitation

Contemporary yoga, as an ancient practice that is being exploited for corporate gain by the wellness industry, presents an ever-expanding range of information delivered by self-proclaimed experts. Though yoga influencers may present conflicting information online, research with long-term practitioners indicates that commitment to yoga can prompt personal transformation, increase health, and initiate social change. Research on yoga is vast; however, few studies articulate the role of the facilitator in supporting practitioners as they navigate yogic teachings that prompt transformation. In this chapter, I reflect on my evolving relationship with a range of spiritual/practical, ancient/contemporary lifestyle practices as a facilitator, practitioner, and researcher of yoga for over 30 years. Specifically, I examine my role as a facilitator of yoga and post-structural researcher. I reflect on the ways my pedagogy has shifted over the years, moving me towards an approach that is consistently curious, resistant, and arriving. To do this, I extend the work of Markula (in press) and imagine yoga practices as tools of a yogic war machine (Deleuze and Guattari, 1987) that can facilitate opportunities for moving and thinking differently. Weaving together theory, practice, and research findings, I present my process of becoming-weapon in yoga as a practitioner-facilitator-researcher who resists dominant thinking to create possibilities for change in challenging times.