Editors’ note: This episode contains references to emotional, physical and sexual abuse that might be triggering for some listeners and readers. It also discusses mental health challenges, including discussion of depression and suicide, which some may find distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support.
The first time Brianna Patten stayed at Satchidananda Ashram, known as Yogaville, she volunteered in residency for four weeks.
“That first month was really amazing,” said Patten. “You learn about yoga philosophy and live a yogic lifestyle and live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.”
She found comfort in the ashram’s tight-knit community and daily routines and decided to commit to an intensive, year-round program. But as Patten fully integrated into life at Yogaville, she started to see cracks in its seemingly healthy and peaceful culture.
Maxicelia Robsinson interviewed Brianna Patten for In My Humble Opinion in October as part of First Person Charlottesville, a project of Charlottesville Inclusive Media. In July, Brianna Patten shared her story through a written piece published by Charlottesville Tomorrow.
In My Humble Opinion, the Sunday talk show on 101.3FM, launched the First Person Charlottesville podcast series in Dec. 2022. Folks can listen to episodes by subscribing to In My Humble Opinion on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Charlottesville Inclusive Media is a partnership between the In My Humble Opinion radio program, Vinegar Hill Magazine and Charlottesville Tomorrow.
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