Anecdotal Anatomy

Once upon a time, in bucolic Bucks County, PA, two yoga educators put their hearts and minds together to tell the epic tales our bodies tell. Their mission was simple, to reveal the stories our bodies hold and tell in service of linking the individual to the collective.It began with the idea of teaching anatomy by attributing character traits and storylines to our systems, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and any other aspects of our gross anatomy. It was to learn the functions, movements, and systems of the body through storytelling. Interestingly enough, what actually unfolded started with the body, but rather than telling the stories that would increase scientific knowledge of the skeleton and other tangibles, what came up more often were the stories held and told from the body (using the Koshas/layers including: food body, energy and breath body, thoughts and emotions, wisdom, and bliss).This final episode is not meant to imply the conversations are complete, only that the podcast conversations have come to a stopping point.In this episode, Sherry & Theresa say farewell (Until next time) and offer their loyal listeners a couple of guided practices to punctuate this ending (and maybe glimpse bliss). They will also be available (FREE) in the Anecdotal Anatomy website store.It was a deliberate choice to end on E88. The number itself is infinity, it is abundance and alignment. While the podcast is ending, Anecdotal Anatomy in Action is continuing with newfound momentum and joy. If you enjoy this podcast, please stay tuned for information on our LIVE seasonal events! Please join The List so you can stay informed and in touch! And now a personal note: We are incredibly grateful for every drop of support we have received during these pasta 88 weeks! When we think of you, we feel we know you, even though we cannot see you. Thank you!Until next time...Thank you to our amazing team! Please visit their links for more information! This has been a most excellent collaboration!Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

You know you've changed when what once made you mad now makes you laugh. (Tony Gaskins)That sounds like wisdom. Perspective often yields to wisdom which is why we assume it comes with age. In this, our penultimate episode, we revisit Vijnanamayakosha - the wisdom sheath, which includes intellect and intuition. While this is not a new topic for discussion, but it is spoken about and explored in a different way.The wisdom of experience is the best teacher. We can fill our cups with data-driven knowledge, but without the nuance of story and context, often we're left with dry dates and numbers. Minus any part, it may touch the intellect but will rarely stir the soul.Wisdom shows up sometimes when we are trying to form the right response in the moment, knowing there is no one-size-fits-all. Wisdom in the skillful reading of any room. One person may need to hear something that would make another person roll her eyes. Reading the room is where wisdom and compassion meet. Being present is a window into wisdom and intuition. The times when we're gazing through that window and still miss the mark, wisdom clears the way for resolution. Wisdom also asks, how can I best serve you? Or just guides deep listening. While the Koshas (Vijnanamaya, the fourth of five) are depicted having a certain order, it can be illuminating to explore them in different ways. Observing your thoughts as a means to discover the origin story of back pain, for example. Or using breath practices to activate the parasympathetic nervous system as a way to work with discursive and anxious thoughts.There are many subtle body anatomy maps to study and play with, including the koshas and chakras, among many.Working with secondary awareness, also referred to as the awareness of awareness, gives us an in-the-moment opportunity to make the choice to interrupt an unproductive pattern. It is the wisdom of growth.On the road to growth and self-discovery, we are often presented with a variety of teachings, lineages, and practices; wisdom allows us to discern what works best for us without getting lost in the din. There are myriad practices available for exploration, something for everyone. We don't always know why we end up where we are, but when it resonates, we know. Over time, we get to look back and understand the wisdom of the journey through the perspective of a wider lens.Theresa shared a definition she recalled from her time on this path, “Wisdom is the ability to perceive the unintended consequences of both actions and inactions.” This provides for reality that not making a choice is making a choice. It's not always what we choose to do, but what we choose not to do. It's the choice that allows us to interrupt patterns AND there are consequences to both.Wisdom is knowing what you don't know or even that you don't know. Wisdom may arrive in the form of trust. When we have faith in the messages we receive and the circumstances we are in, we cultivate the ground for wisdom.Sherry reads a story about a Zen Master (link below). It not only speaks to knowing when enough is enough, it reveals how we must empty our cups to receive teachings, that if we arrive full with what we know, our opinions, and stories, there won't be space for learning. That's wisdom.NOTE: For those who felt left hanging after Sherry referenced Surya (Sun) and were wondering about its counterpart (which fizzled in the conversation) - Chandra (moon).Sources and mentions from the show:Zen Master Story with the Teacup

This episode looks at play through the lens of Manomayakosha, the mental/emotional sheath (see Koshas, Season 1). Slipping into a playful mindset is beneficial in many ways.Enhances creativityReduces stressImproves problem-solving skillsIncreases resilienceStrengthens social bondsBoosts self-confidenceElevates moodEnhances cognitive functionHelps with emotional regulationIncreases optimismTheresa and Sherry share stories of how play has shown up in their lives, from jobs to grandkids. They explore the value of play through storytelling, song, and poetry, and its capacity for healing. They also touch on the shadow side of play, including being overly competitive.Ultimately, they agree that a playful mindset is essential for optimal growth, connection, and overall wellness.***Sources & Mentions from the Show:Wetlands, NYC - Environmental Rock-n-Roll Nightclub (closed 2001)Kids' Music RoundCortina InstituteBone Dance - Hannah Montana songBackgammonJengaAnatomy Trains Tom MyersPsoas - a/k/a Theresa's favorite muscle (because it's the filet mignon of the cow)Robert Schleip***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

Here we are at episode 85, only three more to follow before we wrap up these conversations.We are sad to announce that the CAMP experience we lovingly curated was ultimately canceled (so please do not see this as an invitation to come to CAMP this summer, rather an invitation to see the magic in your life and add a dash of play to your daily doings).These final show notes will reflect the casual nature of our conversations (no more time-stamped synopses).At the time of recording, we were still moving fully forward with CAMP, sharing the M inspiration, including Mindfulness, Magic, and Movement, while examining them through the lens of Pranamayakosha (the energy sheath). In these practices we see the energy as riding the breath. There is immense power of breath in the creation and direction of energy.Pranayama is the term for breathing practices in Yoga. Certain breath practices can influence the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm and restoration, while others can amp us up when necessary. Both are valuable and accessible through the breath.It may seem counter-intuitive to have to learn to breathe, but since the breath is the one aspect of the autonomic nervous system that can also be directed on purpose, it holds a lot of power.We talk about different practices including open-eyed mindfulness meditation, closing eyes for a different experience of accessing one's energetic body, and Theresa's Sit Spot practice among others.There's so much packed into this episode, going back to our origin stories (some only accessed through old journals). We discussed the power of words and Theresa mentioned that the word Spelling has the word SPELL right there!Sherry started to share a story about a spell she used when she met her husband. She shared one ritual (putting his name in a bowl of sugar) and how he called as soon as the match went out - what she forgot to mention was that she lit the match while speaking words given to her by a friend, a spell of sorts. The words ended, the match went out, her future husband called in that very moment!We both walked down memory lane, to the best of our recollections.In the end, we conclude with the potent reminder of of the gift of life and the abundance of magical energy around and within us. Have a listen!***Mentions from the show:Nadi ShodhanaReverse BreathingMindfulness Meditation Instruction - eyes openTED Talk - How I made friends with reality - Emily Levine ***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

On today's episode, we announced that our final podcast will be E88. We still have a few more things to discuss in our weekly casual conversation, but we also feel it coming to its natural conclusion.Anecdotal Anatomy (the podcast) will be now be Anecdotal Anatomy in Action (seasonal signature programs - mostly live, some virtual).Our next program is CAMP (8/4 &5), a place for women to gather, play, practice, laugh, and generally just BE. We are using these final episodes to end as we began, using the Koshas as a model for looking at the various aspects and pillars of CAMP through the layers of our being. If you're local to Bucks County, PA and would like to join the fun, click any CAMP you see in these Show Notes.This episode touches on the A in cAmp which stands for Awareness, Alignment, and Anecdotes, as seen through Anamayakosha (the Food Body).In a nutshell, this conversation is about the awareness of the physical body, its alignment and the stories it holds and tells.***Here is a very brief breakdown, time-stamped summary:00:00:45 Announcement of wrapping up the podcast.00:01:24 Koshas are our jam. 00:01:30 Plans for the final five episodes.00:01:44 Join us on this journey!00:02:28 CAMP, the koshas and practices, as well as details for signing up.00:04:23 Upcoming programs00:04:44 And today we're going back to Anamayakosha 00:05:02 The A in camp is about Alignment. Awareness, and Anecdotes.00:06:33 Food/Body relationship00:07:23 Value of the all the Koshas.00:08:11 Koshas as inspiration for our programs00:08:36 Awareness00:09:48 Digestion as a system, as well as a metaphor for taking in information.00:10:06 Reference to Shauna Ahern, guest from first season who wrote the book, Gluten-Free Girl – How I Found the Food that Loves Me Back…& How You Can Too.00:10:42 Shauna's story through Sherry's best recollection.00:11:47 Body's direct reaction to food.00:12:13 Oreos!00:12:54 Not a diet, more feeling your best.00:13:03 Practices we offer increase our ability to more deeply know ourselves.00:13:19 Finding the whispers in their edges to deepen awareness.00:14:02 Body stories00:15:30 Body awareness00:15:50 Alignment00:16:40 John Sarno (see sources below) and talk therapy for back pain.00:17:50 Sherry's story of patterns of her back pain.00:19:02 Accessing the koshas to help alleviate discomfort.00:19:30 We have many tools for healing, emotional and/or muscular-skeletal.00:20:17 Theresa's story of what many of her clients say about their pain. 00:20:41 Soft tissue as a character

This week, Theresa & Sherry explore the transformational journey that happens when we connect through creativity, community and communication. This journey is different for each traveler.Focusing on their on live programs and events, this episode is the first in the acronym breakdown of CAMP, an immersive adult camp coming up in August.The C in CAMP is for Creativity, Community, Communication and, of course, Connection. This episode explores these various C-energies in the context of inner transformation.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:43 - Importance of Communication00:04:41 - Pebbles on the Path00:09:43 - The Seed of Transformation00:12:38 - Building Community00:14:59 - The Importance of Listening in Communication00:16:12 - The Chakra System and Communication00:17:56 - Awareness and Patterns in Communication00:19:48 - Transformation and the Importance of Small Changes00:21:53 - Finding Communities and Discovering What We Love00:29:07 - Workshop with Julia Cameron and Sonia Choquette 00:31:27 - The Importance of Nurturing Creativity00:33:37 - The Elements of Transformation00:38:37 - The Power of Community and Reflection00:41:49 - The Joy and Power of Play00:45:11 - "Introduction: Everything We Talk About"00:46:04 - "Reading Each Other and the Unseen Audience"00:47:40 - "The Creative Process and Collaboration"00:48:59 - "The Role of Communication, Community, and Creativity"00:52:18 - "Gratitude and Playfulness in Transformation"Episode Goodie Bag:CAMP information and registrationJulia Cameron - The Artist's WaySonia Choquette - The Psychic PathwayOur Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode on acknowledging and honoring our teachers was poetically recorded on Guru Purinima (a Hindu, Buddhist celebration of teachers - it honors the day the first guru was born - click link for more information).This personal episode has the hosts reaching back for memories of primary and secondary teachers, as well as their own identification as teachers. Both agree that their students often show up as teachers. In the world of reflection, everything has the capacity of being a teacher, if we pay attention.Timestamped summary of this episode:00:00:00 - The Teacher-Student DynamicsThe hosts discuss the flip-flop of teacher and student roles and how learning can come from unexpected sources, such as animals.00:03:24 - Lessons from AnimalsThe hosts talk about the lessons we can learn from animals and how observing them can provide valuable insights.00:05:02 - The Once and Future KingThe hosts discuss the book "The Once and Future King" and how it explores the concept of transformation and learning through different perspectives.00:07:34 - Critical Thinking and LearningThe hosts share their experiences with education and how critical thinking and curiosity are important for true learning.00:10:05 - Impact of TeachersThe hosts reflect on the impact of teachers on their learning journey and how teachers can either foster or hinder a student's progress.00:15:12 - The Importance of Teaching and Absorbing InformationThe hosts discuss the importance of teaching in fully absorbing and understanding information. They mention that there is data suggesting that we absorb different amounts of information through hearing, reading, and seeing. They also share their personal experiences of how teaching has helped them gain a clearer focus on yoga philosophy and other aspects of their practice.00:16:14 - Seeing Classrooms as a Circle of LearningThe hosts talk about their perspective on classrooms and teaching. They view all classrooms as a circle and see themselves as arcs within that circle. They mention how Sean Corn's statement about having the capacity to communicate information in a way that people can best receive it resonated with them. They emphasize the importance of communication, humor, and personal anecdotes in teaching.00:17:36 - Learning from StudentsThe hosts share an example of how they learned from a student during a yoga class. The student expressed reluctance to perform a cleansing breath because she felt it would be wasting her prana. This perspective made the hosts reconsider their teaching approach and they adjusted it to encourage mindfulness and directing the breath and energy towards someone who could benefit from it. They highlight the importance of listening to and learning from students.00:20:27 - Transforming Teaching ApproachOne of the hosts reflects on a teaching experience where none of the students did the assigned reading. Initially, they reacted with frustration and employed a punishment-like approach. However, they realized their mistake and transformed the situation into a positive teaching moment by having students teach00:29:59 - Mr. Woodley's IntuitionThe narrator reflects on their experience with Mr. Woodley, a coach who showed understanding and support during their nose job. Mr. Woodley recommended the narrator for Honors English and expressed belief in their potential.00:31:13 - Mr. G and...

Aging is a gift, unique to each person's unfolding. This week, we talk about aging in an empowering way and without judgement. We talk about cultivating vitality rather than chasing youth.Vitality feels like youth in the body's ability to be agile and strong, while operating from the aggregated wisdom of each era.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Feeling the Shift at 2500:03:18 - Being Present for Participants00:04:37 - Birthdays and Aging00:10:02 - The Perception of Age00:11:51 - Embracing Change00:14:05 - The Importance of Working on Major Goals and Life Purpose00:15:34 - Overidentification with Body and Embracing Change00:16:51 - The External Mirror Reflection and Self-Care00:19:30 - Embracing the Cycles of Life and Change00:21:58 - Challenging Cultural Norms and Subjective Age00:29:05 - The Relationship Between Dairy and Bone Health00:30:14 - The Holistic View of the Body00:32:39 - Mindset and Aging00:33:44 - Honoring Wisdom and Elders00:34:58 - Cultivating a Positive Mindset and Healing00:45:17 - The Importance of Memory and Mental Exercise00:47:30 - Social Engagement for Staying Young00:49:20 - Exploring the Difference in Longevity00:49:52 - The Power of Words and Self-Perception00:52:04 - Rewriting Stories and Embracing Vitality***Kick the Can excerpt and commentary (spoiler alert)***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

Join Anecdotal Anatomy for an episode that explores the art of magic and play. Discover the power of imagination, the benefits of a playful mindset, and the secrets of real magic, while ditching any notion of “magical thinking,” in service of something deeper.The Importance of Play Play doesn't just signify frolicking about without any tasks at hand, but it's a gateway that unlocks the sheer joy of being in the moment, being one with your surroundings, expressing the unexpressed, and just giving in to the child within. The Benefits of PlayThe liberating feeling of play has an ample range of benefits – it boosts creativity, resilience to stress, injects an excitement to live, and helps us appreciate beauty in the most underrated aspects of life. Believing play to be centric to wholistic wellness, Anecdotal Anatomy encourages its Keystone Community to integrate playful practices in every offer it puts forth. Theresa and Sherry eloquently explain how play not only assists in improving creativity and the sense of humor but also maintains a gentle balance between the mind and body. When in a playful mindset, magic can be found anywhere and everywhere. Such instances of recognition remind us all of our inner vital sparkle. Play can have a big role in leading to self-transformation and a sense of deep gratitude. Who wouldn't want to view life through a dynamic, playful kaleidoscope?***The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 Introduction00:06:24 Magic and Transformation00:10:12 Everyday Magic00:11:45 The Importance of Play 00:13:37 Creating Illusions00:15:11 Reality and Imagination00:18:36 Perception and Mindset00:21:48 Play Personalities00:25:06 Creation and Energy00:28:51 Archetypes and Avatars00:30:32 Inhibitions in Finding Your Voice00:33:30 The Power of Group Activities00:36:03 Real Magic vs. Magical Thinking00:39:20 Misdirection and the Senses in Magic00:44:43 Magic in Everyday Life00:45:57 The Power of Belief00:47:07 The Benefits of Play00:48:39 Keystone Community Event00:50:21 Holistic Wellness***Sources:Peter Himmelman Official WebsitePeter Himmelman Substack***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode is the second in our two-part series on slowing down. Last week we talked about the ART of slowing down, today is more about the ANATOMY of slowing down (parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve). We have dedicated this month to slowing down, including these two episodes, a free 90-minute DYE (Discover Your Excellence: The Art of Slowing Down) and a two-day retreat designed around slowing down, resetting, and re-storying. We do not declare that we have fully embodied this pace, but that we are in a daily practice to explore all the benefits that result from slowing down.Instead of providing the time-stamped synopsis of the episode you will find some takeaways from the episode that were originally procured through ChatGPT. We expounded on these topics, using them as springboards, but wanted you to have the source material.The vagus nerve plays a significant role in soothing and calming us by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's relaxation response. Here are a few ways in which the vagus nerve contributes to soothing and relaxation:Regulating heart rate: The vagus nerve helps regulate heart rate by decreasing the heart's electrical activity. This leads to a slower heart rate, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation.Reducing stress hormone production: Activation of the vagus nerve helps inhibit the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol. This reduces the body's stress response and promotes a state of relaxation.Enhancing digestion: The vagus nerve stimulates digestive processes by increasing stomach acid secretion, promoting smooth muscle contractions in the digestive tract, and facilitating the release of digestive enzymes. Proper digestion is important for overall well-being and can contribute to a sense of comfort and relaxation.Decreasing inflammation: The vagus nerve has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to regulate the body's immune response. By reducing inflammation, the vagus nerve promotes a sense of calmness and well-being.Stimulating the release of oxytocin: The vagus nerve is involved in the release of oxytocin, a hormone known as the "bonding hormone" or "love hormone." Oxytocin promotes feelings of relaxation, trust, and social connection, contributing to a soothing effect.Activating the "rest and digest" response: The vagus nerve is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response. When the vagus nerve is activated, it helps shift the body from a state of stress (sympathetic dominance) to a state of relaxation and restoration (parasympathetic activation).Overall, the vagus nerve acts as a calming influence on the body by modulating various physiological functions. By engaging in activities that stimulate the vagus nerve, such as deep breathing, meditation, or social connection, we can enhance its soothing effects and promote a state of relaxation.Slowing down and practicing relaxation techniques can have several benefits on our nervous system. While I don't have access to the internet to provide specific sources, I can certainly list 10 common benefits of slowing down that are often mentioned in scientific literature and popular health sources. Please note that these benefits are general and may vary from person to person:Reduced stress: Slowing down activates the relaxation response, helping to decrease stress levels and promote a sense of calmness.Improved sleep quality: Relaxation techniques can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promote better quality sleep.Enhanced mental clarity: By slowing down, you allow your mind to rest and recharge, leading to improved focus and mental clarity.Increased self-awareness: Slowing down allows you to tune in to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, fostering greater...

This is a conversations we should revisit periodically, especially since we can get caught up the "race" before noticing we are rushing. This episode is all about the importance, benefit, and practice of slowing down. The hosts are so passionate about this topic, they are offering two events that are all about finding that sweet spot between doing and being. Discover Your Excellence - The Art of Slowing Down is a FREE 90-minute event on Zoom (Saturday, 6/17 from 11-12:30pm) * The following weekend is the Spring in-person event, Rhythm & Rhyme Retreat - Reset & Re-Story (Saturday 6/24 & Sunday 6/25) Click either title to register.Timestamped summary of this episode:00:00:00 - The Art of Slowing DownTheresa reflects on the culture of productivity and multitasking and how it can cause people to miss out on the moments in life. She highlights the benefits of slowing down and the importance of finding balance.00:02:00 - Slowing Down and RestingEven when faced with the need to slow down and rest, some people resist and push themselves to keep going. Theresa discusses the importance of taking breaks and finding time to reflect, notice, and appreciate life.00:05:18 - The Benefits of Slowing DownTheresa emphasizes the benefits of slowing down, including increased creativity, reduced stress, deeper relationships, and increased self-awareness. She acknowledges that for some people, slowing down can be difficult.00:09:38 - The Difficulty of Slowing DownTheresa and Sherry discuss how difficult it can be for some people to slow down, especially in our culture of productivity and multitasking. They highlight the importance of finding balance and taking breaks, even in the midst of busy schedules.00:12:04 - Awareness and FocusThe conversation turns to the importance of awareness and focus in slowing down. Theresa and Sherry discuss the periphery of our senses and the need to find a single point of focus, even as we take in information from all around us. They also touch on the idea of energetic storms and the need for awareness and focus in navigating them.00:15:35 - The Art of Slowing DownThe discussion begins with the fable of the tortoise and the hare. The hosts asked their audience what they learned from it and received various responses. The key takeaways are to slow down, be patient, and consistent, and not to assume others' strengths.00:18:28 - Our Default in SocietyOur society is programmed to move faster, and it can be challenging to slow down. It's essential to recognize when speed serves us and when it doesn't. We need to align our natural energy signature and find balance between speeding up and slowing down.00:23:02 - Embodying the Art of Slowing DownThe host shares her experience of slowing down during her morning walks with her dog. She noticed the details she was missing and her frustration with being compliant while wanting to be in control. It's a reminder to be human and recognize our natural tendencies.00:25:29 - Porous IdentityThe hosts discuss how identity is porous, and we don't behave as if it is. We have a natural tendency to embody the things we've always believed about ourselves. It's essential to question our beliefs and not believe everything we think.00:27:22 - Our Natural RhythmThe hosts discuss the belief that our natural rhythm is determined by our environment and how we manage pace with...

This episode was inspired by the language of Yoga in the West. Words matter! We hoped it would bring up the humor we share on the mat. Since spontaneity is the cornerstone of casual conversations, we often find ourselves traveling in unexpected directions. FYI: We will be hosting a FREE 90-minute DYE - Discover Your Excellence on the Art of Slowing Down on Saturday, 6/17/23 from 11am - 12:30pm via Zoom. We would love to see you there! Check out the link and sign up! Below, find the timestamped summary of this episode for reference.00:00:00 - IntroductionSherry and Theresa introduce the podcast and the topic for today's episode which is about the phrases and cues commonly heard in yoga classes.00:02:21 - NamasteThe hosts discuss the significance of the phrase Namaste and its deeper meaning beyond just a greeting, which is to honor and greet the light and love in others.00:04:33 - Sh*t You Hear in a Yoga ClassThe hosts share some common phrases and cues heard in yoga classes, such as "make your gluteus maximus your gluteus minimus" and discuss their effectiveness and potential issues.00:08:27 - Tucking the TailboneThe hosts discuss the cue of tucking the tailbone and its potential issues, such as clenching the glutes and reversing the natural curve of the low back. They suggest alternative cues, such as engaging the lower core and lifting the pelvic floor.00:12:10 - Core and BalanceThe hosts emphasize the importance of balance in the body, including six-pack abs and six-pack back, and discuss the challenge of getting in touch with inner muscles, such as the pelvic floor and core.00:14:49 - Engaging the Core and Finding Your VoiceSherry and Theresa discuss the importance of engaging the core and the different ways to cue it effectively. They also touch upon the significance of finding one's authentic voice as a teacher, which involves knowing one's strengths and limitations.00:18:37 - Embodiment and CommunicationThe hosts talk about the importance of embodiment and how it relates to effective communication in yoga. They share their experiences with different teacher training methods and emphasize the need for teachers to understand their own bodies and limitations.00:23:22 - Understanding Student NeedsSherry and Theresa discuss the challenges of teaching beginners and the importance of understanding student needs. They stress the need for teachers to be honest about their own limitations and to continuously learn and grow as practitioners.00:26:02 - Managing Classes and Overcoming EgoThe hosts discuss the challenges of managing classes and avoiding egotistical tendencies as a teacher. They share personal experiences of getting caught up in student-led discussions and the importance of staying true to the curriculum and maintaining integrity as a teacher.00:30:08 - Queuing in YogaSherry and Theresa discuss queuing in yoga and the importance of being mindful of how cues are interpreted by students. They emphasize the need for discernment and the importance of not vilifying props and blocks. Communication and listening to students are also highlighted as key aspects of effective queuing.00:31:34 - Breathing in YogaThe hosts discuss the importance of breath in yoga and the use of poetic language in queuing. They share humorous anecdotes of students interpreting cues literally and emphasize the power of...

In this episode, Theresa & Sherry have a casual conversation that dives into the heart of their mission, which is to connect the individual to the collective through our shared stories. It's not so much "connecting" as it is "reminding" people of our natural state of interdependence. Following is the time-stamped synopsis of the show so you can refer back if you wish.00:02:13 - Connective Tissue & The Great CommunicatorTheresa talks about the fascia as the connective tissue of the physical body, but also highlights its role as the great communicator in housing our ability to connect with our senses and all of the receptors that are communication receptors for the mind, body, and spirit. 00:08:14 - Families & CommunitiesTheresa shares her experience of being born into a family of seven siblings and how each individual plays a unique role in the collective. They also discuss how finding community and belonging can come from exploring personal interests and hobbies.00:11:45 - Awareness of InterdependenceSherry and Theresa reflect on the importance of having an awareness of our interdependence and the impact that our individual actions can have on the collective. They highlight examples such as voting and coming together for causes or events as ways to not only create change and make a difference but recognize the importance of everyone's role in creating something whole.00:14:44 - Different Experiences of CollectivesThe hosts discuss how there are different experiences of being in a collective, from small groups to larger communities, and even unseen but felt connections. Sherry reflects on her personal experience of going on a 3-day charity bike ride (Boston – NY AIDS RIDE) as an example of being one essential part out of many and how the collective was a big part of that story.00:15:26 - The Role of Individuals in the CollectiveThe hosts stress the importance of recognizing that not everyone will contribute to the collective in the same way. They discuss the shame that often arises when individuals feel like they are not doing enough but emphasize that simply being alive means you are essential and already contributing to the collective. 00:19:42 - Benefits of BelongingThe conversation moves on to the benefits of belonging, such as a sense of community and having access to resources. They use the example of the yoga festival they attended to illustrate the value of being a part of a cooperative group. 00:23:33 - Love and CommunityThe hosts discuss the practice of expanding the circle of love and compassion to include more people and communities. They also talk about the value of personal connections and how individuals can contribute to the collective through small actions. 00:25:19 - Fitting In vs. BelongingThe hosts differentiate between fitting in and belonging, with the latter being a more meaningful and personal experience. They also discuss their differing approaches to social situations and how they navigate them. (See Brene Brown quote below)00:28:32 - Connectivity and ContributionThe conversation concludes with a discussion of the different ways individuals can contribute, such as supporting local businesses or volunteering. They stress the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness and finding ways to connect with others, even in small ways.00:31:27 - Individual and Collective ConnectionThe hosts discuss how practicing awareness can help us see how we are all connected and part of the same collective, even if we have different...

Something new for the show notes. Here is a timecode breakdown of the discussion, so if you find a note of interest, you can return fairly easily:Timestamped summary of this episode:00:00:00 - IntroductionThe hosts introduce the podcast and its mission to explore the stories that the body holds and tells. They discuss the importance of connecting the individual to the collective through stories for a more peaceful coexistence.00:01:55 - The Power of MagicThe hosts discuss the concept of magic and how it keeps coming up in their lives. They talk about the importance of language and finding words that light us up and help us grow.00:06:09 - The Evolution of Practice The hosts discuss the difference between progress and evolution in relation to spiritual practice. They talk about the importance of being honest with oneself and adapting to what emerges next on the path of meditation.00:09:55 - Individualized Practice The hosts discuss the importance of individualizing one's practice to fit their needs and feed their soul. They share personal examples of how their practices have evolved over time to better suit their lifestyles.00:13:49 - Mindfulness and Meditation The hosts delve deeper into the difference between mindfulness and meditation and how the practice of each has impacted their lives. They talk about the importance of being present in the moment and how it can lead to a better version of oneself.00:15:12 - The Evolution of Mindfulness Theresa discusses the evolution of her mindfulness practice and how it began with being attuned to her senses while working as a massage therapist. She explains how touch became an exchange between her and her clients and how she started to recognize nonverbal communication.00:18:08 - Yoga as a Holistic System Theresa and Sherry discuss the reductionist approach of conventional medicine and how yoga is an ancient holistic system that can offer its own healing practices. They talk about the importance of integrative medicine and how yoga can help with not only physical but also mental and emotional health.00:21:24 - The Power of Touch Theresa and Sherry share personal experiences of being with loved ones who were transitioning from this life to the next. They discuss the power of touch and how it can communicate love and support even when words may not be enough.00:27:19 - Consistency and Observation Theresa talks about the importance of consistency in yoga and meditation practices, using the example of a sit spot to observe changes over time. She also discusses the practice of impermanence and how accepting change can help us prepare for the ultimate change of death.00:29:54 - Embracing Impermanence Theresa shares her personal practice of embracing impermanence, using the example of letting her hair go gray as a way to accept changes in her body. She discusses the importance of starting small and accepting changes as they come, in order to be better00:30:52 - Evolution in Yoga Practice The hosts discuss the importance of progression and regression in yoga practice. They note that while progression is commonly encouraged, regression is rarely mentioned as an option. They also highlight the importance of recognizing when to regress to an older practice and go back in order to move forward.00:33:28 - Positive vs Negative Language The hosts discuss the importance of framing things in the positive rather than negative. They use the example of...

The Art of Plan B: Learning to Surrender and Go with the FlowIn other words, The Rare Occurrence of the Expected!This episode unlocks the power of Plan B. When you look at it, Plan B is about creative solutions and problem solving, sometimes on the spot. It requires cultivation and willingness to surrender to things as they are.Globally, we all experienced the unexpected events of COVID, that forced us to pivot and shift our plans from things like grocery shopping and running a business, to traveling and interacting with the world. It required that we "plan b" everything! In this episode of Anecdotal Anatomy, we share personal anecdotes of how we find the gift in difficult situations and embrace Plan B. We touch on the concept of tragic optimism*, which involves finding the gift or lesson in hard times, and how it can be a more productive approach than toxic positivity which glosses over and makes everything "good." (Think "Serenity Now" from Seinfeld.)We also touch on the importance of being adaptable and open to change, communicating effectively, and actively listening to others. We emphasize the role of practices in building resilience and maintaining a positive and real outlook on life, with a focus on setting clear intentions, being consistent, and exploring new possibilities. In this episode, you will hear about:the hidden potential in embracing Plan B during challenging times.staying present and heeding vital body signals amid unforeseen events.honoring the value of consistent practice.fostering a willingness to explore new possibilities within Plan B scenarios.developing resilience through intentional living.Takeaways from this episode:We can always adapt an alternative approach in difficult situations.Check in with your awareness of physical cues and stay grounded during unexpected occurrences.Hone your adaptability skills and embrace novel opportunities that emerge from Plan B situations.Grasp the crucial role practices play in fortifying resilience and promoting robust living.Honorable Mention from the Show:BeefTragic Optimism, Viktor Frankl. (We use the term in a more general, loose way)***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

In this podcast, we've cycled through myriad models and maps in the spirit of self-inquiry, all in service of seeing the threads of connection. In this episode, we explore the life that's lived between Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Sivasana (Corpse Pose), as a reflection of the work we do on the mat and the life we live off the mat. We touch on the mythological symbolism behind Tadasana, and laugh about our limits with challenging poses, which ultimately lead us to personal growth. We return to the concept of the Heroic Journey as part of this process, as it shows up, not only in the effort we make to meet various challenges, but also in our mindset and emotional reactions to our own behaviors.Do you love Happy Baby, Crow, and Child's Pose? Can each one be challenging in its own way? Having discussed the koshas, are you better able to recognize in which layer the pose is offering its service? We emphasize the significance of Sivasana as a way to embrace mortality and prepare for death. We encourage listeners to practice Sivasana in a meaningful way, as they move along the path of impermanence. This does not have to be morbid, rather an opportunity to check in and be still with Self.In this episode, you will be able to:Glimpse the vital balance between groundedness and creativity for a transformative yoga practice.Uncover the mythological meaning behind Tadasana and its connection to the heroic journey.Look at your limits with challenging poses and be curious how you're practicing and why.Explore the acceptance of life's natural cycles, including death, using your yoga practice as a tool.Cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness for a tailored and personal lifestyle yoga experience.Points from the show to consider:Start your yoga practice in mountain pose to connect with the Earth and your personal power.Use Tadasana as the basic alignment for every other pose and focus on feeling grounded and alive.Remember that every new moment is a fresh opportunity to practice and get to know yourself better.Let go of the stuff you carried into your practice and become present, focused, and grounded like a mountain.Take the Heroic journey from Tadasana to Sivasana, experiencing discomfort, trials, and tribulations, meeting mentors and teachers on the way, ending back at your Mountain.Notice how hard it is to let go during Sivasana and prepare for the impermanence of life.Explore the Koshas to see where your asana practice is calling you to lookSourced in the Episode:Myths of the AsanasBKS Iyengar's actual quote about Tadasana: This link contains the quote and so much more."Once we can master 'tadasana' then all the other poses come." BKS Iyengar***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

In this episode, we explore the concepts of Yin and Yang energies and practices. Essentially, they are complementary, opposing forces that exist in all aspects of life, including the human body, nature, and the universe. Understanding these energies and practices can help us achieve balance and harmony in our lives.The conversation flows much like the energies being discussed. Yin represents the feminine, receptive, and more passive energy, and Yang represents the masculine, active, and assertive energy. These energies are not absolute but are relative and interdependent and can be experienced in the cadence and content of this episode.Yin and Yang are constantly interacting and influencing each other, creating a dynamic balance. However we identify our dominant energy, the other is also there to keep us steady.Yin and Yang Yoga practices are tools that can help guide us to living and practicing in a sustainable, well-balanced way. Finding that balance, whether leaning into the energy that arises or practicing with the opposite energy to find balance, is a choice. Yin and Yang energies are a constant in our surroundings, relationships, and daily activities. Adding the concepts of Sthira (effort) and Sukkha (ease), Yang and Yin respectively, as well as the Koshas (which have been explored in depth), we expand the vocabulary and widen the lens. All of this can clarify our inner knowledge and understanding so we can make choices that promote harmony in our lives.There is so much crossover in these energies, from embracing stillness to getting curious about discomfort (not pain), to practicing being present. The Koshas show up in this conversation as a guide to understanding in which layer we might be practicing, and which energy is required to access that practice.Elements of identity are bound to come up and lead us deeper into self-study, as these concepts find places to land. Whether you identify with the relaxed, calm, feminine energy of Yin, or the strong, active, more male energy of Yang, one cannot exist without the other. How is the less dominant energy living in you today? By applying Yin and Yang concepts in our daily lives, we can cultivate a sense of well-being and get to know ourselves a little better.FREE GIFT!!Forest Bathing with Theresa ***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode explores the Koshas through various practices and possible outcomes. Listeners journey into the layers of being, through the lens of practice, to better understand and connect more fully with self. Motivations for practice are different for each person. What called you to practice? What is your dominant layer (it will change regularly)? Are you interested in deepening self-study? Do you simply want asana? Ok! Looking to increase vitality levels or tap the parasympathetic nervous system through the breath? Or, perhaps watch your thoughts and emotions and see how they impact the other layers? Can you recognize the wisdom of your experiences and glimpse the possibility of bliss? These are simply a sample of options.Kosha Yoga gives teachers and students a map to be able to identify and work with the layers that are calling for attention, even within a group setting. This takes teaching and practicing to the next level.Learning to identify which layer of being requires attention can profoundly shift one's practice. When the practitioner knows in which layer the origin story of need occurs, she can practice more intentionally and with more precision.Kosha Yoga is a layered practice that touches and meets each person where she is, but never leaves her there. Brief Kosha Review:Annamayakosha – Body – movement, healthful foodPranamayakosha – Vitality – breath workManomayakosha – Mental – thoughts, emotionsVijnanamayakosha – Wisdom – instinct - intuitionAnandamayakosha – Bliss – nonduality, unionSources:Tantra Illuminated - Christopher D. Wallis*Couldn't find the clip from the movie Hair where Treat Williams (as Berger) turns a finger peace sign into just the middle finger gesture. If you watch it, I seem to recall it's not long after his character is introduced.***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This final kosha in our Kosha Countdown to Earth Day conversation is so subtle, experience rather than words bring most powerful for understanding.Included among the words that illuminate the concept of bliss are unity, cosmic consciousness, non-duality, santosha (contentment), joy, and acceptance of things as they are.Practices can lead us toward bliss, but bliss is not something to attain or that we can give to ourselves – it can't be taught, but practice can prepare the ground for bliss to arise. Like wisdom, it is the result of experience, mindset, presence, and acceptance.“Enlightenment is an accident, but some activities make you accident-prone.” - J. Krishnamurti (Correction: In the episode this quote was attributed to Krishnamacharya, but it was said by Krishnamurti)Ways we can learn to live in bliss from Mother Earth are clear. Here are some of her reminders:Slow down and take in the worldBe in gratitude for her abundance and diverse resourcesRespect all living beings (flora and fauna) Importance of balance and stabilityEmbrace change and be adaptable to impermanenceCollective and individual need to take care of ourselves Resilience and perseverance through inevitable changesHarmony with the diversity of all beingsHow we witness the earth as she lives in bliss:Abundance of diverse plant and animal life (blissful existence)Beautiful landscapes – mountains, beaches, forests, deserts (innate joy)Atmosphere is conducive for life – clean air (sign of good health)Cycles – seasons, water, carbon (demonstrates balance and harmony)Natural resources – fresh water, fertile soil (sustenance and growth)Interconnectedness – all life – ecosystems from neighborhoods to global communities (interdependence)Ability to heal and regenerate – reforestation and after natural (and human-made) disasters (resilience, vitality)Existence of diverse cultures and societies with unique traditions and customs (evidence of joy found in human community and connection)Wonder and awe – natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and eclipses (magic and beauty in surrounding world)Creativity – art, music – natural and human-made (joy & creativity)Sources:“Bliss may arise from human or divine love and may also come from spiritual knowledge and mystical union. It is a state of joy, and a sign that the person's experience is true and legitimate.”Bliss refers to a state of ecstatic happiness, a perfect and exalted state of joy and love. It also refers to a state of contentment oblivious to any problems or suffering.Samadhi is the highest state of consciousness one can achieve through meditation. It consists of a yoga practitioner reaching spiritual enlightenment where the self, the mind, and the object of meditation merge together into one. Jun 7, 2021Samadhi Meditation: A Guide to the Eighth Limb of Yoga - 2023In the wilderness, my soul strums to the rhythm of pure bliss.Angie Weiland-CrosbyOur Amazing...

Kosha Countdown to Earth Day! (Vijnanamayakosha)The highest form of wisdom is kindness (Source: The Talmud)What is it about wisdom that can be so elusive? What is wisdom, where does come from, and do we all have access to this well?Perhaps wisdom lives in the changing seasons, hydrating rains and regenerating earth. Perhaps it lies dormant within us until awakened by an active volcano erupting.When talking about wisdom and the earth, it is quite amazing to see all that Mother Earth has to share and how generously she offers her teachings.As humans, the earth reminds us that living organisms require nurturing and care and that we are all part of an interdependent network. She shows us what impermanence looks and feels like, without attachment or sentimentality (which is not to say she is without scars). Her wisdom extends to her ability to heal and rejuvenate following periods of destruction, just as animals can heal from superficial scratches to deep wounds. She offers infinite inspiration for creativity, artistic expression, and connection.We gather wisdom from our relationship with the earth and what is reflected in nature, including our fascination & identification with wild animals. Where does our natural innate wisdom live as we move away from the sources that would tap our instinct?Diseases of lifestyle impact humans, but how do our lifestyles and choices impact the earth's preventable ills? What can we learn from nature's systems and our body's systems that are self-regulating and adaptable?Practices: The best way to glean these teachings is to go into nature, forest bathe or walk barefooted; hike, cycle, run, ski, or just lie on the earth soaking in her healing energy. By three methods we may learn wisdom (Source: Confucious)First by reflection, which is noblestSecond by imitation, which is easiestThird by experience, which is bitterestFour types of wisdom (Source: James 3:15-17)EarthlyIntellectualDevilishWisdom from Above (godly)Five Characteristics of wisdom (Source: Positive Psychology)CreativityCuriosityJudgment (discernment)Love of learningPerspectiveSources & Mentions from the Show:New Amsterdam (show) – Tiny Spoiler Alert!Nature Meditations - Simple Mindfulness Practices Inspired by the Natural World by Kenya Jackson-Saulters (this is the deck from which Theresa read her practice)Realigning with Earth Wisdom By Rhonda FabianThe Art and Science of Forest Bathing by Kimberly Jordan AllenCoronavirus Lockdown Helped the Environment to Bounce Back ***Our Amazing Team:Judith George -...

In the five episode series, Kosha Countdown to Earth Day, today is Manomayakosha, the thinking, feeling, sensing, earth body. It's poetic that both hosts arrived, ready to record, after not having enough sleep and feeling a bit off in the mind. Since these are casual conversations and perfection is not the aspiration, they showed up as they were, playing with language and memory as aspects of Manomayakosha. Nature is a complete system that reflects our own experiences. When looked at through various filters, the view becomes fuller. The limitations of language yield to other forms of communication, new maps lead to deeper understanding.Following are sources and quotes used in the show:Book: The Spell of the SensuousReview of The Spell of the Sensuous by Thomas Berry, author of “The Dream of the Earth”“The outer world of nature is what awakens our inner world in all its capacities for understanding, affection and aesthetic appreciation. The wind, the rain, the mountains and rivers, the woodlands and meadows and all their inhabitants; we need these perhaps even more for our psyche than for our physical survival. No one that I know of has presented all this with the literary skill as well as the understanding that we find in this work of David Abram. It should be one of the most widely read and discussed books of these times.”Because it was very briefly mentioned, here's one of many links to the Lost Colony of Roanoke.Quotes:According to the yoga philosophy, Manomayakosha is the seat of memory and emotions. –- Yoga JournalThe practice of yoga and meditation is believed to help clear the blockages in the Moanomayakosha and improve memory retention. -- The Art of LivingThe practice of pranayama, or breathing exercises, is believed to help balance the Manomayakosha and improve memory function. -- The Chopra CenterThe Manomayakosha is also associated with the senses, which play a role in the process of memory retrieval. -- The Yoga InstituteThe beauty of nature can inspire artists to create works that reflect their inner thoughts and emotions. -- The Artistic and Creative Power of Mother Nature” by A. SicilianoSpending time in nature can have a healing effect on the mind and body, helping us to feel refreshed and renewed. – The Healing Power of Mother Nature by S. GuptaSeeing the beauty of the Earth can inspire us to take action to protect it and preserve it for future generations. -- The Beauty of the Earth: A Call to Action for Environmental Protection by R. GonzalezMemories can serve as a map, guiding us through life's challenges, much like how maps help us navigate the earth's terrain. -- ForbesJust as the earth goes through cycles of growth and decay, memories can be seen a part of a cycle of remembering and forgetting. -- The Atlantic ***YOGAFEST: Information & Registration. [Early Bird Registration is now closed]Anecdotal Anatomy's workshop, Kosha Yoga, will be held at the Indoor auditorium space from...

Kosha Countdown to Earth Day continues with a look at our relationship to the Earth through the lens of Pranamayakosha (the vital energy body).This conversation invites the living soil of Annamayakosha (Earth Body) into the realm of its energetic neighbor. In Yoga, Prana (life-force or vitality) rides the breath and is strengthened, expressed, and examined through pranayama (directed breathing exercises).The earth is not only our breathing partner, exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide, it is a breathing entity of its own. Systems on the earth ebb & flow, expand and contract, as do the systems of the body. This one simple reflection reveals an inextricable link that bonds us to each other.Noticing how the breath impacts energy and mood, providing tools to work with when in moments of anxiety or panic. The nervous system can be agitated or calmed by mindfully shifting the breath.This episode includes a brief discussion of the practice of raising Wind Horse; it also touches on the Yoga Vayus (Winds) as a way of deeper inspection.Wind HorseRaising Wind Horse can be a whole ritual (complete with altar & practices honoring the four directions,) or it can be a simple but powerful mantra meditation with five lines. While this is cursory teaching, barely touching the surface and lacking the greater context, it has merit as connection to Pranamayakosha, the Vayus, and the overall raising of the vibration. Finding a teacher is always helpful (whether in person or online). Raising Wind Horse helps cultivate unconditional confidence. It does not rely on achievement or acquisition; it is yours without cause or condition.“Literally, Wind Horse is a mythical Tibetan Creature symbolizing inner air or wind of the body. Lungta is associated with positive energy or “life force” and with “good luck.” (click for more information from Wiki)The following instructions are Sherry's best recollection from her Shambhala Training in 2001-2002:Ki Ki – Take your seat and feel the support of the ground beneath you.So So – acknowledge the earth and sky as representing duality.Ashe – collapse the concept of duality, earth and sky, to one horizon lineGhla – with a downward gaze touch on the universal heart of sadnessGyalo – lift your gaze and radiate outwardHere is what was read about the VAYUS, or winds (from no one source):In yoga, the Vayus are the five movements, or winds, of prana (vitality, life-force energy) within the body. Raising Wind Horse (Lungta) has roots in Tibetan Buddhism and can be related to the Vayus (the five vital energies) in the following ways:Prana Vayu: Moves inward and upward, governing breath and heart-rate. Raising Wind Horse can help increase the flow of this vital energy which is responsible for the respiratory system. Apana Vayu: Moves downward and outward, governing elimination and reproductive functions. Wind Horse can also help balance this vital energy which is responsible for the excretory system.Samana Vayu: Moves in a circular motion, governing digestion and assimilation. Raising Wind Horse can help activate this vital energy which is responsible for digestion and assimilation of food.Udana Vayu: Moves upward and outward, governing speech and expression. Wind Horse can also help activate this vital energy which presides over the vocal cords and speech.Vyana Vayu: Moves throughout the body, governing circulation and movement. Raising Wind Horse...

The next five episodes comprise the Anecdotal Anatomy's Kosha Countdown to Earth Day!Like the seasons in an eternal cycle of creation, preservation, destruction and pause, this is a returning to Anecdotal Anatomy's roots, just in time for Spring & Earth Day! These conversations contain the seed of Season One, when the Koshas (layers of our being) were the main topics. It felt poetic to lead up to Earth Day by looking at our planet through these various layers and lenses. You may feel a tug to listen to Season One again with fresh ears.When using the Koshas as a model, one may choose to observe in the direction from subtle to gross, but today's episode starts with the tangible, Annamayakosha – The Food Body (The Earth Body). The earth, like our bodies, is a storybook that contains all the plots, twists, characters, memories, actions, thoughts, and dreams we've ever held (and so much more). It makes sense to look for reflections of our story in the natural world, since we are an intrinsic part of the cosmos. Neil deGrasse Tyson reminds us that we are made of the same elements (hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, & nitrogen) – that poetically, we are all made of star dust. This podcast was born from a desire to link the stories our bodies hold and tell to the bigger story of connection and interdependence (addressing this through exploring neighborhoods & communities in previous episodes).We are living in a cosmic tale of cycles and patterns, actions, and consequences. From the living soil that nourishes human ingenuity to the wisdom of the tiniest ecosystem, every action has a reaction that leads somewhere. In many places on this planet the elements are out of balance, draught (dehydration), fires, floods. How do those imbalances reflect your story?Clarification Corner: Sherry said, "protest with our feet" when what she meant was "praying with our feet when we protest or march for a cause."Sources & References from the Show:Buildings & Bridges by, Ani DiFranco - EXPLICIT LYRICS (from the album Out of Range)Sadhguru – Save our SoilIndoor Compost: LOMI. Yuval Harari – SapiensWhy Soil is Disappearing from Farms by, Richard GrayCould We Lose All the Soil on Earth by, Melissa PetruzzelloKosha Cards (FREE cliff's notes)Biggest Little FarmLintr.eeAnecdotal Anatomy Website YOGAFEST: Information & Early Bird Registration.Anecdotal Anatomy's workshop, Kosha Yoga, will be held at the Indoor auditorium space from 1pm-2:15pm.COUPON CODE (use one or the other when registering -

Fresh from the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference in Las Vegas, Theresa & Sherry share a bit of what they gleaned and observed, during this episode. The hosts agree that while it did not deliver in terms of expectations, it absolutely provided the necessary landscape for clarity. Instead of panels of successful podcasters eager to share their industry wisdom, hacks, and lessons-learned, the rooms were populated mostly with industry professionals sharing stories relating to their products. Many had wonderful goods & services to offer, and one must be discerning when listening to the din of voices. That is a practice in and of itself.They discuss the idea of more and abundance – Abundance is more but rooted firmly in a purpose. Revisiting the why, periodically, is essential to staying aligned. More for more's sake, like expectations, can lead to disappointment. Go for the gold, the copper, the stone, or wherever the heart of your why is rooted, and abundance is the reward.In the heightened realities, disparate realities, changing realities, and steady realities experienced in five days in Las Vegas, the hosts discuss how it might be to live in equanimity. Having preferences is human and standards is great, but being fully present and okay with things as they are is an option that practices offer when done with consistency. Evidence of the story Sherry shared about the Dala Lama could not be verified, but the essence of it remains true. How can we feel the same satisfaction and contentment (equanimity) whether consuming a five-star meal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. What was revealed through the whole and all its parts, is that Anecdotal Anatomy (the podcast) will continue to expand in content and seed new growth through Anecdotal Anatomy in Action (live and virtual events & programs). This episode is dedicated to Las Vegas, a loud, bright, mythical, action-packed teacher. “Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead Sources:Anecdotal Anatomy (please visit website for updates on events, programs and more)Neon MuseumThe following (OmegaMart & Dramcorp are part of the immersive art and AI experience)oMegaMartDramcorps Couldn't isolate the Absolutely Fabulous clip, but for those interested in watching the episode, it is Season 6, Episode 3 (When Edina is at the Commune)If anyone knows more about the Dalai Lama story, please email us at: AnecdotalAnatomy@gmail.com Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

We're in Las Vegas at a podcast convention and are dropping in to say hello in lieu of an episode.We appreciate you so much and are excited to continue this podcasting journey with new content and a fresh outlook, when we return.See you next time!

This is an unusual episode as it started with an announcement and casually moved into a discussion on the Seat of the Teacher.The announcement was that the hosts of Anecdotal Anatomy are heading to Las Vegas for a Podcast Convention and will be taking a week or two off from dropping full episodes. They are planning to do “lives” on social media, as well as other recordings that will fill these Thursday morning drops until after their return.Some of this conversation may be uncomfortable for some to hear, especially if there's a shadow to be illuminated. To be clear, none of what is discussed is an indictment of any individual teacher, school, studio, or class, rather observations of the bigger culture of Yoga as we continue to figure out what that looks like in the West. It is an ongoing conversation and can foster frustration as well as great clarity and “aha” moments.Whether one follows a particular lineage or enjoys the variety of teachings that are being offered and consumed, it is ultimately up to the student to verify, evaluate, and contextualize. This takes effort and curiosity.Scrutiny is not a judgment; it is a refining tool that allows for better understanding of the origin stories and evolution of what we hold and treasure today as modern Yoga.In no way should anyone feel shamed for teaching what they've been taught, we start where we are and go from there. If open and present, teachers show up in the most unlikely places and help guide us to higher ground. Often, that is uncomfortable, as Sherry shares a humbling story that reactivated a curiosity that had become dormant. Theresa's view on the path of professional development was grounding and an important reminder that we start where we are, or we may become paralyzed and never begin at all.The value of honoring the practices contained in lineage is that they have withstood the test of time, decades & centuries (some, millennia). There's something to be said for that, as we innovate and improvise, we must also honor and attribute to the source.While this episode may feel a bit confrontational at times, it is balanced by the direct experience of magical moments on the mat, teachers who touch hearts, fearless students who show up to expand their bodies, hearts & minds, and the compassion that allows us to grow through resistance.Ending on an UP note!Both hosts met at a local yoga studio in Yardley, PA called, The Prancing Peacock. Theresa was teaching the anatomy module of the 200-hour teacher training (2010) and Sherry was taking the training. Liz Conner, Chief Peacock (owner of the studio), has built a community grounded in compassion, big dreaming, and love. So many who have passed through those doors are living dreams that were seeded on her enchanted property. While Theresa & Sherry no longer actively teach there, they acknowledge the significance of their time and experience at the Prancing Peacock and it has, in part, led them here.The hosts are grateful for all that came before, all that is for now, and the mystery of what is to come!Heartfelt Sources for further study:Tantra Illuminated (book) by Christopher D. Wallis WebsiteCHITHEAD (Podcast) – E#9 with Christopher TompkinsPrancing Peacock Yoga StudioOur Amazing Team:

Samyama includes Dharana (single focus concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss, dissolution of duality)This episode joins the final three limbs of yoga into one conversation. The hosts use source material and personal experiences to clarify and illuminate these subtle, yet profound, practices.Following are top 10 lists generated by MagicWrite (testing out the AI program on Canva). They were carefully considered and slightly rewritten before posting:Top 10 Takeaways from Teachings on Dharana1. Dharana is the sixth limb of yoga and is the practice of focusing the mind on a single object, idea, or concept. 2. By practicing dharana, we can learn to become more present, focused, and mindful. 3. If choosing an object to focus on, make it something meaningful to you in order to engage with it more deeply and create a more powerful practice. 4. Dharana is more than just sitting in meditation. It can be practiced in everyday activities such as eating, walking, and working. 5. Regular practice of dharana can help to reduce stress and anxiety. 6. Dharana teaches us to observe and accept our thoughts, feelings, and emotions without judgement. 7. By focusing on a single object, we can cultivate a sense of peace and clarity within ourselves. 8. Practicing dharana requires patience and consistency in order to reap the benefits. 9. Dharana can be used to connect us with our spiritual self and to tap into a deeper sense of awareness. 10. It can also be used to cultivate creativity, intuition, and concentration. Top Ten Ways to Practice Dharana 1. Breathing: The practice of dharana starts with focusing on the breath. Slowly inhale and exhale, counting each breath, and being aware of the air entering and exiting your body. 2. Visualization: Visualize a peaceful and calming image. Keep your focus on the image and allow it to fill your mind. 3. Mantra: Choose a mantra, such as a word or phrase, and silently repeat it to yourself. You can also focus on the sound of your mantra without repeating it. 4. Walking Meditation: Take a walk in a peaceful area and focus on your body and the environment. Notice your feet on the ground, the movements of your body, the sound of your feet, and the feeling of the air on your skin. 5. Yoga-Asana: Take part in a yoga-asana class or practice yoga at home. Focus on the poses, the movement of your body, and the breath. 6. Body Scan: Lie down and slowly move your awareness from your head to your toes. Notice any sensations in your body and acknowledge them without judgment. 7. Listening Meditation: Listen to a guided meditation or to relaxing music. Focus on the sound and try to block out any other thoughts. 8. Aromatherapy: Light a scented candle, diffuser, or incense and focus on the aroma. Notice how it fills the room and how it makes you feel. 9. Affirmations: Write down positive affirmations and repeat them to yourself. Focus on the words and their meaning. 10. Nature: Find a spot in nature and take a few moments to observe. Focus on the beauty of the environment and the sounds of the birds and other animals. Top 10 Takeaways from Teachings on Dhyana1. Dhyana is a type of meditation used to...

Withdrawal of the Senses.Returning to Yoga-8, the limbs of practice, E61 is all about Pratyahara (the fifth limb) withdrawal of the senses. Even after decades of study, practice, and teaching, there are aspects of Yoga that are a constant curiosity, Pratyahara is one of them.Sherry & Theresa decided to go on a field trip before tackling this notion of sense withdrawal and went floating. That's right, floating. Floating is akin to what we used to refer to as a, “sensory deprivation tank.” That was the expectation, total sensory deprivation. While the hosts did not withdraw from all their senses, they talk a bit about how the focus of floating in darkness that is the same with eyes open as closed, had an influence on their sensory experience that opened doors to understanding Pratyahara in a new way.Floating offered a new language with which to offer clarity (or at least an alternate road to clarity).This episode touches on what Pratyahara is, how it can be practiced in the modern world, and benefits of practice. Pratyahara is the 5th of 8 limbs and is the first of the more contemplative practices. Talking about Pratyahara brought up other subtle body anatomy maps (chakras, koshas, and more) which curiously overlay each other in symbiotic ways.Pratyahara asks us to notice what we notice.This conversation covers some of the basics, but if you wish to understand Pratyahara (or any of these limbs) in a more scholarly way, absolutely find a teacher with whom you can do the deeper dives. Major voices in the transmission of these teachings were sourced, including BKS Iyengar, Richard Freeman, TKV Desikachar, & Dr. David Frawley (see below for links)Sources:Light on Yoga – B.K.S. IyengarMirror of Yoga – Richard FreemanHeart of Yoga – T.K.V. DesikacharPratyahara - Yoga's Forgotten Limb, by Dr. David FrawleyIf you're local and want to FLOAT, check out:Sense Zero Float in YardleyCOMING IN FEBRUARY!A new FREE program designed for you to Discover Your Excellence (DYE). We will be offering DYE experiences periodically, as a means of empowerment. Our role will be to guide you to deeper inquiry and understanding in a wide variety of topics. Your role is to explore, experiment with, and exude your excellence!This first FREE VIRUTAL 90-minute experience, Discover Your Excellence: The Power of Personal Practice is a how-to guide for creating & sustaining a joyful, self-directed home practice on a regular basis. We will offer embodied practices and prompts to add to your tool belt. We have both done it for ourselves and know firsthand the value and self-care that come with regular practice. This program was created out of our experiences of longing for a regular home/personal practice, our struggles & resistance, and the golden keys that opened the...

[This episode can also be viewed at Anecdotal Anatomy on YouTube]Theresa & Sherry take listeners (and viewers) on a walk through Five Mile Woods, a local natural sanctuary, complete with diverse flora, streams of water (in various wintry states), exposed root systems, a community of sky and earth fauna, and so much more. They went following a light, cold, winter rain, not expecting the flurries that later fell to keep things interesting (and slippery). When paying attention, we can see the connections of the individual to the collective as reflected in the natural world. Nature provides a map and key to understanding the seen and unseen forces at play. Nature is in service of nature, and we are nature in pursuit of ultimate reality (if there is such a thing).Taking the time to walk in conversation with each other, as well as the trees, earth, sky, and breeze, was the perfect tonic for cleansing the gunk of limited thinking. Expansive sky echoes expansive mind, while the earth keeps us grounded.At one point during the walk, Sherry slips and goes down, a very human moment. Thankfully, she was not hurt but it reminds us that we can be as mindful and present as possible and still not be in control. Takeaways from the fall:Falling is scary – lean into thatFalling is embarrassing – great reminder to be humbleFalling can be funny – laughter is the best medicinePoints always go to gravity!The main thing that flows through this whole conversation, like water finding its way around rocks and sticks, is that thresholds are everywhere. When we see moments as potential portals to pass through, we remain present and fresh for unexpected possibilities. It is this awareness that allows us to deliberately choose the paths we walk.Getting outside is a reminder of connection, abundance, beauty, and our nature as humans in relation to the natural world. Enjoy this walk in your ears or eyes, but let it touch your heart.Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

The channels referred to in the title are energetic channels of the body, some represented by gross anatomy landmarks and others categorized by subtle body anatomy.This episode may be the science-y one yet, as the hosts overlay a template of cranialsacral anatomy over the subtle anatomy of the chakras and three main nadis (Sushumna, Ida, & Pingala). In order to provide clarity around some of these terms, here is a brief overview of some of the definitions.Chakra means WHEEL – they are spinning wheels of energy, vortices in the body, signified by a variety of qualities (colors, elements, essential oils, foods, practices, etc.). They live deep in the body on the anterior spine – also known as the Central Channel, or SUSHUMNA .Nadis - subtle channels in the body through which our prana flows. There are 72,000 NADIS in the body (or 84,000, depending on what you read) – There are 3 main nadis:Ida – Left side channel – moon – milky white – cooling – female energy – houses negative thoughts that are cravings, addictions, desires or misunderstanding that we think will make us happy. “If only I had [a better job, partner, friends, etc], I'd be happy.” Includes: Wanting, Greed, Lust, Clinginess, Stinginess, Jealousy, selfishnessPingala – Right side channel – sun – opaque red – heating – Houses thoughts you don't want to have! - Low level irritation like… “If only I didn't have [this partner, these friends, this job, etc.]” “I'd be fine if…” [you'd leave me alone, I didn't eat so much, etc.]. Includes:Anger, Frustration, Aversion, Irritation, Rage, ViolenceSushumna – Central channel – Happy ChannelThoughts of wisdom, happiness (low-level contentment to all out bliss). Sushumna is where wind is when happy & smart (inextricable). Must get out of negative mindset before moving into clarity of central channel since affliction & bliss cannot share the same space. Side channels are like vines that grow around and cut off the main channel. Cannot see clearly when wind is in the side channel. When calm, peaceful and at ease, wisdom can arise.Anything that disturbs peace of mind – affliction – (even excitement in a positive way) takes us out of the seat of wisdom.For more information about Craniosacral Therapy, the link below takes you to the article Theresa referred to during the episode.Sources:Buddha Weekly - Chakras & Channels (Tibetan Buddhism)Craniosacral Therapy – What is it?Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

Be the Change!Here is Mahatma Gandhi's actual quote:"We but mirror the wold. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do."This episode addresses how we change our circumstances and world from our own place. Topics like Yin & Yang, Cycles, Spirals, and Seasons all factor into our collective understanding of the universe of which we all belong. We not only belong to the universe, we are made of the same stuff.“The four most common chemically active elements in the universe—hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen—are the four most common elements of life on Earth. We are not simply in the universe. The universe is in us.” - Neil deGrasse TysonThe above quote encapsulates the purpose and jumping off point for this conversation. It overlays a scientific template on a more energetic one which may explain why our intentions and actions have direct consequences in the world around us.This is a casual conversation that feels organically directed, asking philosophical questions like, "are inner and outer just illusions" as well as anatomical and scientific statements & queries of how the body works.Sources:If You Want to Change the World, First Change Yourself: Four Steps to Making a Positive ImpactOur Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

2.Yogas Citta Vrtti NirodhahSecond Yoga Sutra as written in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written by Sri Swami Satchidananda"The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga."Yogas = YogaChitta = of the mind-stuffVritti = modificationsNirodhah = restraintClick the link above for more on this publication of the Yoga Sutras. Different authors influences on the sutras is an interesting practice if you choose to read more than one version.In the spirit of Yoga-8, this episode explores what personal practice can look like formally and informally. Whatever the ritual, home practice, or self-care routine may be, commitment to consistent practice is the key. There is value in taking public classes and being part of a community that supports each other. And there is value in taking it home and playing with it on your own.Knowing why you are practicing may also help you show up to your mat, cushion, keyboard, canvas, or cauldron on the daily. Start where you are – that may mean mindfully making your bed each day.Many of us are already practicing Yoga Naturally, without thought to its definitions or lineages. It creeps in when we find ourselves washing dishes with purpose and a little dance or singing while folding laundry. It shows up when we're patient, have a sense of humor, and hold space for whatever may arise in it.Sherry & Theresa talk about how their mindsets & practices have evolved and share a bit of their own personal ritualized practices.Do you have a daily practice? What is it and how has it changed over time?Elements of practice [Choose your own menu]Enjoy mixing & matching with mindfulness & a seed of joyful effortCommitmentMovementBreath workMeditationChanting/Mantra/lyrics to favorite songCard pulling (oracle, Tarot)WalkingMaking your bedDoing your dishesMaking musicCookingPaintingSinging meaningful songsOur Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode is a companion to the Winter Wander in Wonder Walks. It is an invitation to more BEing & less DOing. It is a reminder that we are a part of the natural world and not apart from it. It is a call to action to notice what you notice and move on. This is a very casual conversation. Being in nature is a clear reflection and can offer the support, clarity, and guidance we desire. Wandering in wonder opens portals without judgement. We see and hear the beauty and peace of the natural world, while witnessing its violence from destructive weather to the dance of predator and prey.Theresa & Sherry move away from recording on Zoom, to walk with listeners down the Delaware Towpath where they were scouting the location for their then upcoming Winter Wander in Wonder Walks. The hosts invite the natural world in, while doing their best not to disrupt it too much. They're outside walking so the sound may be a little different and you may catch a bird song or two along the way.On the formal walk (which was a couple of weeks before this episode dropped), wanderers were greeted by a Blue Heron sitting on a tree limb, ducks creating ripples in still waters, birds calling and singing, a red fox scurrying in the side woods, families of deer prancing in and around the water, and so much more.Magic is not supernatural, it is perfectly natural (and often in your own back yard).***No sources were cited in this episode, but Theresa mentions Lichen. For those unfamiliar with it, here is a link: Lichen***Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode pauses in the middle of the limbs to assess them through the lens of patience. Taking time, not always hurrying onto the next thing, allows us to widen our view and see how everything relates.Practice and results of practice can sometimes feel like the same thing. Practice patience, for example. We can practice patience by changing our breathing patterns or shifting our focus or moving the body. Maybe patience is the result of practicing these other modalities. Perhaps it is just about showing up with consistency.When experiencing acute impatience, a deep breath may be the thing to draw you back. But before you can do that you must be aware that you need to take that breath. This takes practice and patience and is the beginning of you becoming your own best teacher.While patience & impatience may share the same space, when we trust that all timing is divine, patience is the natural result. Theresa talks about exploring soft edges as a practice of patience, noticing the first hints of tightness or discomfort, moving slowly to discover these thresholds.Being patient with ourselves allows us to open up to fresh possibilities – pausing at those soft portals gives us permission to focus on feeling and not having to know it all, or appear a certain way.Inquiry practice is a call to still the mind so the heart's intelligence can be heard.Patience in action may look like showing up to practice with consistency and commitment. When it comes to study, patience for learning keeps it from becoming another item in a nearly full bucket – Fill Cup. Empty Cup. Repeat"Patience protects us from being discouraged."The Dalai Lama***The sources listed here are from today's episode, but some may be used as resources for other things we've discussed, like the Yamas & Niyamas:PatienceKshamaMore on KshamaClarification Situation: last episode I read from a piece on patience that said the thumb represented the ego. I was taught that the index finger represents ego, and the thumb aligns with Divine energy. There may be an absolute truth, or it may be open to interpretation. What have you learned?Our Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode focuses on the fourth limb of Yoga which is Pranayama (breath control). In Yoga, breath work is designed to maximize the life-force in the body through various breathing techniques. These techniques are said to help reduce anxiety, balance emotions, clarify the mind, create the causes & conditions to open to gratitude and more peaceful feelings. Some techniques warm the body and others cool it down. Like everything else in Yoga (and life) there is no one size fits all and there's something for everybody!While the autonomic nervous system keeps the breath flowing without our assistance, once we breathe consciously, we can begin to direct our energies from the inside-out. B.K.S. Iyengar describes Pranayama as conscious breathing, not just deep breathing.Theresa offers an opening practice to set the tone and to reveal the power of the breath, experientially, before the hosts move into more anecdotal, scientific, and academic definitions. In fact, it isn't until the end of the episode that the hosts define Pranayama.Once something is defined, it may limit our understanding of the thing if we get stuck in the description. Notice your breath as you listen.Breathe on purpose!Sources from the show:Ed HarroldThe Ultimate Guide To BreathingPrevention and Protection8 Types of Pranayama Breathing and Their BenefitsBreath Mastery Modern Techniques and Ancient RitualsMentioned:Gary KraftsowB.K.S. IyengarRobert Peng (Qigong)James Nestor's book, BreathOur Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

The third limb of Yoga is Asana, sometimes defined as “seat” and often as “posture,” is what people typically think of as Yoga. It is the collection of evolved shapes designed to prepare the body for deeper pranayama practice (breath work), to sit in meditation with more ease in the body, as well as being a sharp tool for self-study. It's also fun!The conversation recognizes that Asana is only directly mentioned three times in the Yoga Sutras (pithy aphorisms strung together to codify and explain what Yoga is), out of the 196 that cover the rest.Yoga has so many different lineages, styles, and practices, it can become overwhelming to do the deep dive. The hosts, while decades long practitioners & teachers, found this episode especially challenging to unpack, given the many in-roads.Embodiment, at times, can erase the need for words, rendering them harder to catch on the fly, requiring active effort. Other times, the words lyrically flow from the body without any effort at all. This circles back to the main Sutra on asana: Sthira Sukham Asanam, which asks the practitioner to find balance in the effort of exertion and the effort of ease in every pose – both should be present.Asana is a steady comfortable posture**From The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – translation & commentary by Sri Swami SatchidanandaSources:The Yoga SanctuaryNew Vibe YogaARE YOGA POSES ANCIENT HISTORY? Author: Jill MillerOrigins of yoga postures – a closer look at the purpose of yoga asanaOur Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

Happy Birthday to Anecdotal Anatomy who just complete a full year of podcasting!This humble conversation started, in part, as a means to dive deeper into understanding our anatomy, functionally and academically. It turned into a bigger conversation about the stories the body holds & tells. Aspects of the original intention have been sprinkled in throughout the year, but both hosts chose to follow the breadcrumbs and are now surrendering to the mysteries along the way.Season One - The Koshas, introduced Anecdotal Anatomy to the Podcast Universe. Each Kosha (layer of our being) was explored first by the hosts in a more formal way and then by selected guests who revealed the Koshas through their diverse lenses. (See list of guests below). For more details, check out Season One!Season Two - Embodiment, led us into the worlds of mythology, archetypes & patterns, the Hero(ine)'s Journey, filling in other people's After the Because stories, and practices of embodiment. It brought us some new voices to guide us through the maze (see below for guests of S2).Season Three - The Wholistic Place, made the hosts architects of an ideal neighborhood, one built on the premise of collective optimal wellbeing. Bridges were built and all had fun during CAMP (community, anecdotes, meditation, play) - a four Sunday adult camp which added flavor to the conversations. Of course, there was talk of Fascia!Season Four - Science & Stories, was designed to lean into the tag line and see what arose. This season followed the Heroine's Journey for a bit, dove into Divine Feminine energy and the value of retreat, among various other themes. This season could have been called, A Divine Journey.Season Five - Yoga 8, is a series of conversations inspired by the view of Yoga beyond what we typically view as Yoga, which is Asana (the poses - 3rd limb). Like with the Koshas, each limb has a dedicated episode. Even if the episode were three hours, it would still just scratch the surface.Each episode has Show Notes which contain links to the resources accessed and more. This is E52!!! What a treasure trove!Thank you for tuning in and sharing your stories! This podcast would not be anything without you! So, Happy Birthday to YOU!Links to S1 & S2 Guests - see what they're up to nowShauna Ahern (S1 E6) - Become More Curious and her amazing School of KindValerie Gay (S1 E7) - https://www.valgay.com/shop , https://www.soulfullaffirmations.com/ and https://www.valgay.com/epk Wendy Warner (S1 E8) - Medicine in BalanceAmy McCaa (S1 E9) - Lead the Way Dog TrainingSusanna Harwood Rubin (S1 E10) - Susanna Harwood RubinCorie Feiner (S2 E12) -

Moving from the restraints of the Yamas (E50) to the Observances of the Niyamas (E51), the hosts steer the conversation to the second set of Yoga's ethical offerings.From discussions about cleanliness and digestion of the worlds around them to golden shadows and the presence of creation in all things, this conversation touches on the myriad experiences of being human. These talks are not about providing answers, rather they are to spark curiosity and deeper study (if that's what the spirit moves). This conversation moves with a cadence that captures the imagination of the Niyamas and invites listeners deepen self-study.The degree of spontaneity, combined with research and the experience of being in this world for decades as students & educators, filters these concepts and allows the hosts to turn them around and offered them back.The Five Niyamas are:Saucha - Purity, cleanlinessSantosha - ContentmentTapas - Self-DisciplineSvadhyaya - Self-StudyIshvarapranidhana - SurrenderSources:The Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah AdelePath to Happiness: 8 Interpretations of the Yamas & Niyamas, Yoga JournalAnecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

In this episode, the hosts discuss the first limb of Yoga, the Yamas. The Yamas (restraints) are part of Yoga's ethical code, which underscores the importance of being in alignment on all levels of engagement. Next episode, they will expand into the second limb, The Niyamas (observances).They break it down into the five parts and offer anecdotes & quotes from other sources to paint a real-life picture of what it looks like to live these tenets (or at least be aware of them so they can be worked with in real time).The Five Yamas are:Ahimsa - do no harm, non-violenceSatya - truthfulnessAsteya - non-stealing not taking what is not freely offeredBramacharya - wise use of energy, self-control, moderationAparigraha - non-hoarding, non-possessivenessSources from the Show:The Yamas & NiyamasAn Introduction to the Five YamasThe Yamas ExplainedPath to Happiness: 8 Interpretations of the Yamas + NiyamasSusanna Harwood Rubin - IG Post on Battle LanguageThe Art of Living (this is not a direct link to the quote, but is the source of the quote and a great place to explore)Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode drops on Thanksgiving, so it made sense for the hosts to ruminate on gratitude. Theresa reframed the question from what are you grateful for, to what feels like a gift right now? Sometimes just saying or asking something in a different way can lead our minds to otherwise unseen spaces and new clarity.The hosts share some of the highlights from the Rhythm & Rhyme Retreat (which at the time you hear this episode will be over, but at the time of recording, there was still one more day to gather - it was amazing!). This conversation was recorded following the Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon, and the Rhythm & Rhyme Full Moon fire ceremony. The topic of gratitude and gifts grew around many events and feelings inspired by the retreat and the amazing women who attended. One perspective on identifying those things which feel like a gift is to look to the ways in which one might best receive messages of appreciation, compassion, and love.There are five basic Love Languages which make a treasure map for discovering so many things that feel like gifts. They include:Words of affirmationQuality timePhysical touchActs of serviceReceiving giftsAnother way to take a closer look at the abundance of gifts in one's life is to look at what is taken for granted. The simplicity of a deep breath The dishes magically cleaned after dinnerAn unexpected hugReceiving a letter, package or gift certificate for massageSeeing an old friend for lunchThere is the gift of the memories we are making and the connections that are forming. There are the gifts that live in the shadows of things we take for granted. There are gifts in building a fire on a chilly night, enjoying its warmth, and then pouring water on the remaining embers before leaving for the night. And then, watching as the smoke trails into the sky, signaling the ending of one thing and the beginning of something new.Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This new season is all about the 8 limbs of Yoga. Sherry & Theresa, both longtime practitioners & teachers, take listeners on a journey beyond asana (physical poses), but not excluding it.There will be episodes that are designed around specific limbs and others that will reveal how yoga shows up in our lives off the mat in very real and daily ways.This first episode begins with statistics gathered from the Yoga Industry globally and in the United States and moves into a general overview of the 8 limbs. Of course, the conversation take its organic twists & turns, as the anecdotes fly!The 8 Limbs:1. Yamas (Restraints) Ahimsa – Non Violence Satya – Truthfulness Asteya – Non Stealing Bramacharya – Wise use of energy, self-control (including sexual energy) Aparigraha – Non Hoarding, non possessiveness2. Niyamas (Observances) Saucha – Purity, clearness of mind, speech & body Santosha – Contentment, acceptance of things as they are Tapas – Perserverance, discipline, patience Svadhyaya – Self-study Ishvarapranidhana – Devotion, dedication to the ideal of pure awareness3. Asana – physical poses of yoga4. Pranayama – breath control, breath practices5. Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses6. Dharana – single point of concentration7. Dhyana – meditation 8. Samadhi – State of ecstasy or blissSources & Links from Episode:8 Limbs of Yoga.26 Yoga Industry Statistics [2022].Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

In this final episode of Season 4, Theresa & Sherry dive into the elements & senses as tools for transformation & making sense of the world.They touch on Ayurveda (Science of Wellness - sister science to Yoga) where the elements are foundational to understanding our own constitutions (a/k/a Doshas*). While everything is made up of the elements, it is our senses that allow for the experience of being in the elemental world. Elementally, dear Watsons!! It's all so obvious and also often overlooked.On our quests for transformation, we gather practices & activities to support that growth. *DOSHAS - most of us are likely tridoshic, but we have one or two dominant ones (if you choose to research more, enjoy the rabbit hole):Vata - AIRPitta - FIREKapha - EARTHSOURCES & LINKS from Episode:Five Senses - Connection with Five Elements of LifeNadi Girl Ayurveda - Ayurveda 101What Are The 5 Elements of AyurvedaEarth, Water,Air and Fire: Your Elemental Map for Navigating Radical Life Transformations by Jessie HarroldAnecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team:Judith George - Editor (video & audio)Keith Kenny - MusicCindy Fatsis - Photography

This episode touches on the language & tone we often experience (and sometimes contribute to) in the Yoga world.  Theresa & Sherry talk a lot about what it is to “hold space” and how important it is to be able to feel and express the full range of emotions.  Even when we do, there can be a residual that seeps into the body, held by its fibers and other connective tissues. The body doesn't do denial like the mind.  Even if our minds believe a story has been fully lived and told, the body may have something else to say about it. Emotional wellbeing impacts physical wellbeing and practices are one way to process all that information. Practicing presence and a willingness to be vulnerable and hold the space for ourselves, will ultimately enable us to see things as they are. Some practices are formal and done at pre-determined times and have a conscious structure.  Other practices are more the fruits of formal practice, which allow us to embody and live into the multiple outcomes of wellbeing they yield.  In simpler terms, they are the lived experience of formal practice.   They discuss some of the ways we try to avoid doing the work and how we can get caught up in the tone of the teachings.  One way to stay in your seat, stay on your mat or cushion when you are running late is to “Abbreviate don't abandon.”  Shorten it all up to what you can do (even if it's just a few minutes), so you honor the commitment to be present and practice. Sources: https://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Through-Spiritual-Materialism-Chogyam/dp/1570629579 (Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism) – by, Chogyam Trungpa David Nichter's article from HuffPost:  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/boredom-as-medicine_b_509917 (Stay On Your Cushion: The Importance of ‘Hot' and ‘Cool' Boredom During Meditation). Ethan Nichtern's Books: https://www.ethannichtern.com/books (The Road Home) https://www.ethannichtern.com/books (The Dharma of the Princess Bride) https://thus.org/ (The Tibet House) Article:  http://shresthasingh.com/the-spiritual-path-of-avoidance/ (The “Spriitual” Path of Avoidance) BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Your-Hormones-Life-Achieving/dp/0738214825 (Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life) Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography

Today is a circular conversation that starts with what lives in our blind spots & how our shadows are sometimes connected.  When we're willing to see the world as our mirror, and things as they are, we get to grow.  Taking the mirror metaphor a step further, “Things in mirror are closer than they appear” is often etched into a car's side mirrors.  We see & feel those things reflected to us as bigger and closer than they are.   Expansive view practice of Owl Eyes – a little something Theresa brought home with her from her outdoor leadership training, helps to extend our awareness into the peripheral arena.  Extend your arms out to the side, wiggle fingers and begin to draw them in until they come into view – that's your peripheral vision.  Take in the full awareness of your Owl Eye View. The anchor to this conversation, however, leans into our Intuition (Acquired - accumulated wisdom & beliefs) & Instinct (Inherited – primal/ biological/survival) – exploring how both are needed to make decisions and move with discernment through our lives.  We can practice intuition as well as we practice more logic-based thinking. One way to work with intuition is to regularly select oracle cards.  Ask a question while shuffling and sit with what you select. Practicing observation is another way to work with being intuitive.  Observing human behavior can tap intuition as patterns yield to predictable outcomes. From the source of the body, we talk about “gut feelings” and “knowing in my heart.”  Our bodies provide clues to both our intuitive responses as well as our hard-wired instincts.  “Give that little voice inside awareness.”  Theresa Tobin Macy Senses are crucial to communication as flavors & odors mingle in the messages.  Sometimes it's hard to separate intuition from instinct, but through meditation & mindfulness, we can sharpen awareness as to our response source and to include more from the periphery. Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic, brings creativity into the story of intuition, instinct & inspiration.  One of its messages is that it's creativity's purpose to be made manifest.  When you feel the tap of inspiration on your heart, there's a window of opportunity to bring that into creation before creativity moves on to its next vessel for expression.  Don't dawdle with the energy of creation! During this recording, Theresa & Sherry both wore long-sleeved black sweaters, something neither of them have worn in this context until now, and they did not coordinate their wardrobes.  Perhaps a bit of intuition was present to guide their choices. Circling back to Blind Spots, Sherry reads, “Lost in Thought,” from her third poetry collection, Wild & Free – Poetry of Living, Loving & Letting Go.   All of this feeds into the importance of retreat as a means for self-care and a call to widen the lens to reveal what is in those blind spots that may require attention.  If we're not honoring our bodies and all they contain, it's harder to hear that soft, fierce, guiding, voice.  The better you are cared for, the better you will trust your instincts & follow your intuition. We have a reward/incentive mindset around self-care which caters more to old models of productivity and ignore our innate guidance, rather than bowing to it with reverence.  In preparation for the upcoming Rhythm & Rhyme Retreat, here is a reminder of what self-care looks like from a mundane, yet profound,  perspective. Self-care can look like: Paying attention to our hobbies (identify what you're already doing that brings you ease Mindful eating, dressing, etc. Using sunscreen Having a daily sadhana (practice) Reframing what selfish means, adding the positive definition of self-directed love...

Last episode was about Theresa's experience in a mindful outdoor leadership training at Kripalu.  In a few weeks, Anecdotal Anatomy in Action is hosting a retreat (3 days in November).  Couched in the middle is the question of Retreat; what value is there in withdrawing from the daily doings to move into the bareness of being? Priorities get revealed and often self-care barely makes the list if it does at all.  When we choose to prioritize wellbeing, going on retreat punctuates the daily rhythms & may lead to refuge.  Benefits include fresh thinking, renewed energy, and deeper connection.   When on formal retreat there are guides who have prepared for your presence.  Meals are made, teachings, readings & practices are offered, contemplation is encouraged and if it's silent, the guides & teachers are your voice. Preparation in anticipation of the changing seasons – getting out the warm clothes if you're human, maybe gather a winter's load of nuts if you're a squirrel – is a small way to mindfully move into a new space.  Preparation is also an essential aspect to retreat (formal or if you plan your own), anticipating and preparing for your needs in advance, to minimize any unnecessary effort. When we recognize our need for sanctuary, we prepare our minds & hearts (along with weather-appropriate clothing) so we can move into a new space.  Sometimes that new space is uncomfortable at first, asking us to stay in our seat anyway.  What can we learn from sitting through the discomfort?  Perhaps the foremost thing is that everything is impermanent. There are ways to include small practices – moments of retreat – in everyday living.  Slowing down is one way. Taking a breath before responding to any question or situation.  Feeling the earth as you walk, stand or sit.  Incorporating mindfulness in mundane moments and notice.  Having a cup of hot beverage in your favorite sit spot (inside or outside). Sources from episode: Science Shows Meditation in Retreats is More Helpful than Daily Meditation at Homes Tara Brach – Blog:  https://www.tarabrach.com/taking-refuge-in-the-buddha/ (Taking Refuge in the Buddha) https://mywonderstudio.com/documents/644/TheHareandtheTortoise_en.pdf (The Hare and the Tortoise) – My Wonder Studio Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography

On today's episode, Theresa is a guest on her own show! Following nine days in the forest at Kripalu in the Berkshire Mountains, Theresa recounts her adventure. She participated in a mindfulness outdoor leadership training which had participants outside approximately eight hours a day. Sherry asks many questions including how the training program related to the stories our bodies hold & tell and to the bigger question of connection to the collective. They discuss what a typical day was like, as well as the deep lesson of entering sacred thresholds with reverence. Theresa poses some thoughtful positions resulting from her time in retreat, communing with nature. Everything came into view in this episode. Archetypes and patterns, masculine & feminine energies, cycles of creation, preservation & destruction. This is further evidence that everything is a reflection and nature is a clear mirror. *** Links from episode: Kripalu https://kripalu.org/content/kripalu-school-mindful-outdoor-leadership (Mindful Outdoor Leadership) Katie Hagel https://kripalu.org/about/kripalu/faculty/katie-hagel (Kripalu) https://www.redfoxwellness.com/ (Red Fox Wellness) Micah Mortali https://kripalu.org/about/kripalu/faculty/micah-mortali (Kripalu) https://micahmortali.com/ (Micah Mortali) https://micahmortali.com/my-book/ (Book) Fascia Research Society and Rachelle Clauson https://www.anatomyscapes.com/ (Anatomy Scapes) https://fasciaresearchsociety.org/ (Fascia Research Society) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huv3_QwdbWQ&t=1057s (YouTubeVideo)

A continuation, of sorts, from last episode discussing divine feminine energy.  This episode has a larger focus on shifting energies, finding balance (divine feminine & divine masculine), while identifying light & dark energies.  Last week the wise woman of autumn & superhero archetypes arose from the chat, this week fairytale witch was added to the mix.   Howl at the Moon, listeners! Go out and HOWL!! Books & articles referenced for their connection to this content: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40605251-the-mists-of-avalon (The Mists of Avalon) by, Marion Zimmer Bradley https://www.elizavancort.com (A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space: Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Heard )by, Eliza VanCort https://www.marthadunlop.com/index.php/2016/06/02/avalon/ (The Light Circle) - article by, Martha Dunlop Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography

On this road to the Divine Feminine, Theresa & Sherry take many turns.  They share stories & opinions, while quoting articles and asking questions, all in service of understanding a little bit better. The Maiden, The Mother, and The Crone are the three major stages of the Divine Feminine.  In this episode, the hosts touch on the qualities of each stage and how they are not confined to chronology alone.  They reveal how these energies arise as metaphor in many ways throughout life's journey. In partnership, to be in divine sisterhood means we get to challenge AND inspire each other, without fear or threat.  We learn to navigate rocky terrain and resolve conflict by accessing our inner (Divine) feminine energies, including trust, support, sisterhood, receptivity, and compassion.  In service of balance, masculine energy is required to find external expression & manifestation. Words have power and having all the options allows the communicator to be more nuanced or direct, so she can most honestly express herself.  Direct, outward expression may come from masculine energy, but crafting the communication may come more from the feminine. This topic is so juicy, the hosts opted to extend this conversation into two episodes, with distinct approaches to the same subject. Links from mentions on today's episode: Articles: https://www.innertraditions.com/blog/autumn-and-wise-old-women (Autumn & Wise Old Women) https://blog.yogamatters.com/5-hindu-goddesses/ (5 Hindu Goddesses, by Emma Newlyn) Amazing Teacher (Yoga, Writing, and more), https://susannaharwoodrubin.com (Susanna Harwood Rubin) https://www.balboapress.com/en/search?query=%22Sherry+Sadoff+Hanck%22 (Books of Poetry by Sherry Sadoff Hanck) (Direct from publisher – preferred) Love's Wild Journey – Poems from an Untamed Heart Wild & Free – Poetic Prisms  Wild Fire – Poetry of Living, Loving and Letting Go They can also be foundhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sherry+Sadoff+hanck&crid=3FENAM7PWB54K&sprefix=sherry+sadoff+hanck%2Caps%2C52&ref=nb_sb_noss ( here, on Amazon) Practices: Use your tools. Know what you want so you can harness, cultivate, call-in the appropriate energy to resolve or thrive in the situation. Abhaya Mudra:  Gesture of fearlessness & reassurance.  Symbolic of safety, protection, peace, & reassurance.  Call on it during challenging times (from Yogapedia) .  Practice daily (up to 30 minutes). Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography

Even the most spiritual seekers experience times of aridity in their quest for the Divine.  These dry times are potent with inquiry, curiosity and possibility and inform something of the value of emptiness. While some may experience the breath as a spiritual guide, others may see it as a practical way to come into rest & restore (activating the parasympathetic nervous system).  The practices offered in this podcast are both Divine Shovels and Secular Anchors, embodying the energy of the practitioner, while maintaining their purpose.  Cultivating practices, perhaps simply conscious breathing, supports the growth of courage, empathy & presence.   Takeaways: What is spirituality and why does it matter? (Religious/Secular Spirituality) When do we feel disconnected/absent, spiritually? Practices are tools of access, embodiment & (re)discovery Anyone can practice Practices Some of the Practices Offered in Today's Episode: Windhorse – Lungta  Ki Ki                 take your seat and feel connected to the ground So So              recognize the horizon line separating heaven & earth Ashe               crash duality, heaven & earth join together Lha                  universal heart of sadness – head dips, feeling the world Gyalo              look up, radiate goodness & joy Tonglen/Maitri Mashup Breathing in dark, heavy energy. (Sadness, grief, frustration, anger, etc.) Breathing out white, light energy (healing, love, optimal outcomes for the situation, etc.) While breathing in and out this way, we used one of the Maitri (Lovingkindness) models and took into our breath the heaviness and exhaled the lightness of: Someone we love Someone with whom we are indifferent Someone with whom we have a challenging relationship All Beings Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography

Shit Grows Flowers - Our Road of Trials “When people put you down enough you start to believe it.  The bad stuff is always easier to believe, you ever notice that?” Line from Pretty Woman Theresa & Sherry talk a good deal about finding balance, not negating one experience or energy for another, rather finding ways for synthesis, cooperation and resolution.  This is true even when things feel shitty.  The practices they offer are intended to be used as tools to meet adversity, not avoid it (this is a toxic-positivity-free zone).  While the practices are not prescriptive, (if you use them, you will heal XYZ), with consistency, they may help develop new neural pathways, allowing for a sense of calm to replace agitation.  This is not typically an immediate gratification proposition, changes may be subtle and crescendo over time. Theresa refers to a study using reward & punishment and how those who began with abundance & were faced with things being taken away, learned better than the group who had to earn each item from the start. How to Overcome Your Brain's Fixation on Bad Things - The Power of Bad: How the Negativity Effect Rules Us and How We Can Rule It, co-authored by social psychologist Roy Baumeister and New York Times writer John Tierney,:  https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_overcome_your_brains_fixation_on_bad_things (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_overcome_your_brains_fixation_on_bad_things) In the discussion about Love Languages, it may be useful to understand the ways in which you express & receive love when learning to communicate with friends & partners.  Sherry points out that we can be more than one thing at any given time. People do reflect our nature back to us (for better, worse and everything in between), revealing possible landmarks for inspiration, healing & growth. Takeaways: Negativity Bias - Why is it easier to believe the bad stuff? Gifts of trials – timing of recognition and action (what & when to say and do) – importance of practices to help us move through trials as they arise, without avoiding them. What is our language of helping?  Is it helpful?  How can we use language that will actually help (sometimes it's not what, but when).  Value of deep & active listening – reading the room Getting beyond the bad stuff!  Permission to heal your own wounds. 5 Love Languages: Words of affirmation Quality time Receiving gifts Acts of service Physical touch Buffy Barfoot – Podcast, Things that will Help (ITunes):  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/things-that-will-help/id1509015381 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/things-that-will-help/id1509015381) The surprising benefit of going through difficult times:  https://www.uwhealth.org/news/surprising-benefit-going-through-difficult-times (https://www.uwhealth.org/news/surprising-benefit-going-through-difficult-times) The Bad Stuff is easier to believe – Maybe – but does it help us grow?  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bad-stuff-easier-believe-maybe-does-help-us-grow-patrice-thornton/ (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bad-stuff-easier-believe-maybe-does-help-us-grow-patrice-thornton/) *** Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography

Sherry & Theresa travel from last episode's conversation about separating from feminine energy into identifying with male energy and coming into balance with both.  They listed masculine qualities and talked about how they show up in different circumstances.   This conversation would not be complete without mentioning notable women in history and female superheroes who reveal, to varying degrees, how powerful these two energies can be when understood & well-balanced. Since the conversations are centered on feminine & masculine energies, it brings up other models of duality.  Below are different ways of expressing the nature of what it is to live in a dichotomous world.  They are deliberately left unlinked & undefined so you can follow the breadcrumbs under your own direction. Concepts covered that may have inspired curiosity to pursue deeper exploration, study & understanding: Shiva & Shakti Sthira & Sukha Ida & Pingala Yin & Yang Purusha & Prakriti If these dual energies intrigue you, there is a ton of information on the Web. Go play! Links to mentions in this episode: Heart/Mind/Brain in Sanskrit from Chitkala – (FB link). https://m.facebook.com/495091273884352/photos/chit-is-the-sanskrit-word-that-means-mindheart-by-heart-we-mean-not-the-four-cha/1298753883518083/ (https://m.facebook.com/495091273884352/photos/chit-is-the-sanskrit-word-that-means-mindheart-by-heart-we-mean-not-the-four-cha/1298753883518083/) Both hosts read from an Elephant Journal article entitled, How to Balance our Shiva (Masculine Energy) & Shakti (Feminine Energy): 6 Tips, by Shayna Hiller.  https://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/02/how-to-balance-our-shiva-masculine-energy-shakti-feminine-energy-6-tips/ (https://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/02/how-to-balance-our-shiva-masculine-energy-shakti-feminine-energy-6-tips/) Sherry mentioned her parents' film, http://sisters-shoulders.org (Standing on my Sisters' Shoulders), about ordinary women whose courage and love made indelible imprints on the Civil Rights Movement. Gil Hedley's YouTube video, The Heart-Brain: Learn Integral Anatomy with Gil Hedley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTYPxFqsimk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTYPxFqsimk) https://www.herculture.org/blog/2019/4/29/super-women-a-brief-history-of-female-superheroes (History of Female Superheroes) in our culture. *** Anecdotal Anatomy's Amazing Team: http://www.tobereel.com/ (Judith George) - Editor (video & audio) https://www.keithkenny.com/ (Keith Kenny) - Music http://cindyfatsis.com/ (Cindy Fatsis) - Photography