Love & Weeds Podcast

What an interesting topic. That whole thing of self acceptance comes from removing the fluff. What is fluff?

In this episode, Lisa asks Claudia questions about how she views the body when student's ask for guidance.

Claudia & Lisa discuss how it is a bit easier to surrender to the currents of life. Based off of the Tao Te Ching of Parenting

What an excellent book. The Tao te Ching on Parenting. Version by: William Martin. Claudia and Lisa's podcast on their perspectives of trusting the process.

Claudia and Guest Lisa discuss how we can easily overwhelm and desensitize and overwhelm our children and grandchildren thru our examples.

Claudia and Summer try to understand their Shadow Sides thru the Cherokee Rules of Opposites

Claudia shares times of being vulnerable. Always a wonderful conversation with Summer. "Your strongest strength is as weak as your weakest. The more you fail the more you can win. You can learn from that failure. Learning is winning. Every piece in life is a piece in Chess. Each step you take, you can be vulnerable, so step mindfully". ~ Victoria Nahuel

Do we apologize too much?  Does saying "I'm sorry" potentially do more harm than good?  Claudia and Summer discuss why Claudia does not apologize and why she teaches her daughter to do the same and what we might consider doing instead of constantly saying "I'm sorry".  

Claudia and Summer chat about how they have chosen to take on other's stories and allow them to feel more than what they should. Other's stories are simply a chapter or a few paragraphs in our own stories. How do you carry other's woes?

From non violence to Deepak to Imposter Syndrome. Claudia & Summer brainstorm and converse about all kinds of things and who is really entitled to teach what. Is it possible to reinvent the wheel?

Summer has questions and Claudia has answers. Actually, questions were created by Becca. SPINE is the curriculum I roll with for homeschool and per your request..... Now it is offered for adults.  SPINE is a wholistic approach to living life.

Here Summer & Claudia chat about how to admire others by not putting them on a make believe pedestal and acknowledging that you have their same qualities in yourself. They are just a reminder to you of what you are capable of. Claudia introduces her a bit of her SPINE Academia scene.

Claudia shares about speaking her truth with no regrets. Silence and solitude during Covid times and getting to know oneself.  A priceless gift.

Duplication of Corruption.  By understanding the Wisdom of the past can we move into an enlightened society. But are you consciously choosing to corrupt yourself?

Sarah interviews current Yoga Teacher Trainee Rebecca. This is Rebecca's 2nd chance to do yoga teacher training. She shares why she wasn't able to complete her prior training due to a unexpected loss. She shares why she chose y Respira and talks about what drew her to our training program. It is about Students guiding the practice and teaching strategies, not a method but teaching student's how to follow their written paths by honoring their truths.

How do you need feedback? Do you need to be coddled? Do you need sandwiched feedback? How does your ego and intellect play a role on your ability to learn and be the best you? All things discussed by these 2 ladies. Claudia & Sarah elaborate on their perspectives.... and so does Victoria.

After Sarah left from her interview it hit her hard and she realized she just relived 2 years of trauma and shared it in 90 minutes. She knew there were only 2 options for her. She could either spiral down the rabbit hole of losing herself in her attachments to her lost love or she could travel down a new road. Listen and she shares where she is today with all of this.

Sarah shares her story of falling unexpectedly in love and struggling thru the storm of her loved one's addiction. Sarah cries, laughs, and breathes thru her journey of re-learning how to put her love and energy into healing herself after Daniel's death. By diving deep into confusion and sadness during Yoga Teacher Training, she has discovered and re discovered her way to herself.

Claudia chats about why they chose to take the Waldorf approach in schooling their creation.  Nature, Temperaments, Leading with the Heart.

Claudia discusses 4 of her favorite books or authors. Maktub is Arabic for "It is Written" Listen as how it is written plays out in the end with the chance poem that she selected from one of her favorites:)

Here Claudia shares her thoughts on why she encourages Victoria to enjoy quiet time. How she learned to appreciate silence along with connecting with her authentic self and how foreign it is for her husband who's really active in all kinds of external things while he was growing up.

Take what you need.

A perspective of a child.

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast, Claudia and Brandy return to continue their discussion on how to use the observation process to evaluate social interactions and how social media has changed how we see the world, each other and ourselves.

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast, Claudia and Brandy return to continue their discussion on how to use the Observation process to assist us in making positive, lasting change to our lives.  The Observation Process allows us to assess the what, why when, how and outcome of a situation without being emotionally attached to the situation.  In this episode our hosts use this process to evaluate issues in relationships and how the process of observation can help us to take a step back and look at the situation for what it is rather than allowing our emotional attachments to influence the outcome.  This method can be applied to all of the different types of relationships in our lives including ones that only exist in our memory.   Claudia and Brandy breakdown several different scenarios and apply this method to help us understand how we can use it to bring positive change to the relationships in our lives.

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast, Claudia and Brandy return from a short break to begin a new podcast series that will see us through to the end of the year!  In this series Brandy will lead us on the journey to the New Year and help us approach our potential resolutions in the most thoughtful way so that we may actually be able to stick with them and achieve the changes we truly seek to make.  The first step in that process is observing ourselves-- not to be confused with judging ourselves which most of us are very good at.  To do this, Brandy draws on the yogic practice of Pratyahara (epidode 6) or dispassionate non-attachment and uses it as a tool to observe ourselves in a nonjudgmental way.  Spending some time observing our thoughts, actions, emotions and temperaments without passing judgement will assist us in understanding who we truly are and help us get to the step of making real change in our lives.  Now is the time to begin this process and this episode is loaded with examples on how to do it!  In addition to the episode on Pratyahara you may also wish to go back and listen to episodes 2 & 3 on the Yamas and Niyamas which Claudia and Brandy refer back to in this episode.

In this episode of Love & Weeds, Claudia and Brandy focus their conversation on the concept of forgiveness.  In honor of the recent Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur-- known as the Day of Atonement and considered the holiest day of the year to those of Jewish faith-- Brandy thought it would be a great time to discuss what Forgiveness is.  The ultimate goal of the act of forgiving is to find peace with a particular person or event, but how do we go about doing that?  There are many ways to go about it and a few stand out above others.  We may even find some yogic philosophy woven throughout (recall earlier podcast episodes on the 8 Limbs of Yoga specifically Pratyahara or non-attachment and setting boundaries).  Understanding how to let go of resentment and find peace is key to personal transformation and all that can start with forgiveness, but we must first understand what forgiveness actually is!  Brandy breaks down the concept bit by bit and Claudia discusses how her spiritual teacher defines forgiveness.  Claudia shares a personal story of the surprising demise of friendship that came about unexpectedly and how she deals with it without harboring resentment or losing her inner peace.  How do you go about finding forgiveness?  Share what paths you have taken to let go of harboring negative feelings or resentment in order to find your peace.  Let's learn from each other!

This week on the Love & Weeds Podcast, Claudia and Brandy complete the third and final installment of the Duality Series.  They started discussing the duality that exists between man and the divine, then went on to the duality that exists within ourselves and finally they get to the dualities that exist in our society.  Dualism exists all around us.  Good vs bad, left vs right, knowledge  vs belief, etc.  How do the dualities that exist outside of us in our daily lives influence the decisions we make and the ideals that we represent? This is not a political conversation, but if we give any of our attention to the "news" then we know that it is at the forefront of what Brandy calls "Infotainment".  The dualisms that are projected onto us are what divides us.  Perhaps if we become aware of this, we can stop separating ourselves from each other and remember that despite our differences we really are all one!

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast Claudia & Brandy continue with the Duality Series this time discussing the idea of the Shadow Self.  Originally coined by Carl Jung, our Shadow Self often contains the parts within us that we may try to hide or deny but is often an aspect of ourselves that we are not even aware of.  Here Brandy dives deep and shares some of her darker elements that she has discovered and integrated and how she has gotten over the shame they have caused her.  Together they try to figure out what Claudia's shadow self might be.  Are you aware of your inner shadows?  Brandy encourages us to turn off the tv and put down the wine or whatever we are doing to numb ourselves, and spend some time just sitting with and acknowledging our feelings. Once we can begin to allow ourselves to feel what we are feeling, we can start to understand and integrate all the aspects of ourselves and get over the shame and negative feelings that we unnecessarily harbor.

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast Claudia & Brandy embark on a 3 part series on Duality.  This series will cover the topics of duality in terms of being separate from the divine, the separation that exists inside of us and then how we can integrate all aspects of ourselves and the divine.  In Part I- Dualism, Brandy explains to us what dualism is and why it is so engraved into our western culture--we can thank Plato and his influence on Western Consciousness.  Here Brandy dives deep into the common Western belief that man and God or the Divine are two separate entities and that our time here on earth is spent in suffering waiting for our reward when we return to divine existence i.e. heaven.  Is this really the essence of our being?  Are we truly separate from the divine or are we fragmented parts of a divine whole?  

In this episode of Love & Weeds Claudia and Brandy discuss Karma.  If you google the word Karma, you will find that it is defined in Hinduism and Buddhism as the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences, or more informally, as destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.  Here the ladies discuss how happenings in their lives have shaped their perceptions of their own Karma, as well as, how family history and even our epigenetics could influence our personal karma.  Your challenge this week is to look at your own Karma, maybe in just one area of your life, and observe how the summation of your actions and intentions have brought you to who and where you are today.  How has your Karma transformed you?

In this episode of the podcast we pick up where we left off in Part I of Jnana Yoga or Yoga of Knowledge.  In the first part of the episode we got to hear Claudia's story of how she came to yoga.  This time we get an intimate look into Brandy's life and how she was led to Yoga & Meditation after several periods of darkness in both her personal and professional life.  Brandy shares how much Yoga and Meditation have changed her life for the better.  Listen to get to know your hosts on a deeper level and perhaps become inspired to invite the principals of yoga into your daily lives!

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast, Claudia & Brandy dive into Jnana Yoga or the Yoga of Knowledge.  This is the first week back to school for most students so it's the perfect time for this discussion!  They start by recounting an experience Claudia had when taking her exchange student to her first day of high school this week.  Her experience and opinions thereof perfectly transition them into what knowledge and discipline truly are.  They move on to how Jnana Yoga has shaped their personal journeys before and after becoming aware of the knowledge of Yoga.  Listen to Claudia's story here and stay tuned for Brandy's in Part II of this podcast!

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast Claudia and Brandy explore the practice of Bhakti Yoga off of the mat.  Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of Devotion.  Traditionally the practice of Bhakti Yoga revolves around one's devotion to a higher power or god.  Is it possible for us to look beyond the traditional meaning of Bhakti Yoga and interpret it in a modern sense or are we stretching the true meaning when we do that?  We are reminded that surrendering to a higher power is part of the 8 Limbed Path of Yoga (episode 3).  This week's challenge is to reflect on what you are worshiping or devoting yourself to.  Do you consider that devotion your practice of Bhakti Yoga?  Share with us!

Claudia's back with a new episode of the Non-Smoker's Break!  These are short episodes for you to enjoy during your Non-Smoker Breaks.  You do not have to be a smoker to take regular breaks during the day at home or at work.  In this 6 minute episode, Claudia digs a little deeper into her methods of finding balance off of the mat.  Take a listen and spend some time this weekend finding your balance!  Let us know what brings you to your center off of the mat!!

Claudia and Brandy are back from their break and ready to dive in to the Love & Weeds Podcast!  In this episode of the podcast they discuss practicing Hatha Yoga off of the mat.  Hatha means the balance between the Sun and the Moon.  Here Claudia and Brandy dive deep into how they find balance off the mat and in their everyday lives.  We learn different methods for finding balance and also understand that we each have our own way of finding our balance and peace within.  How do you find balance?  Give Claudia and Brandy's methods a try and let us know what you think!

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast Claudia and Brandy finish up the 2 part series on Modern Yoga by covering 4 common styles of Classical Yoga.  These include Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.  Since most of us in the west are only taught the physical practice of yoga, or asana, this is an opportunity to expand our knowledge on the spiritual or metaphysical paths or disciplines of yoga.  How are these classical styles of yoga even relatable to our modern lives? Can we incorporate elements of these disciplines into our life and are we doing so already with out knowing?  As usual, Claudia and Brandy help us relate to these sometimes difficult-to-understand concepts by weaving in their own personal examples and experiences.  Could you be missing out on a style of yoga more suitable to your personal goals?  Listen & find out!  

In this episode of the Love & Weeds Podcast Claudia & Brandy begin a 2 part series on Modern Yoga.  They start with defining Hatha Yoga and move on to their assessment of a few of the mainstream styles of yoga including Bikram, Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, Power Yoga and Vinyasa and we gain an understanding of their similarities and differences.  They also discuss which types of yoga are best in certain circumstances and when they're not.  We hear a lot lately about "putting in the work" and Claudia and Brandy discuss what that actually means.  You may be surprised!!

Claudia and Brandy return for the final installment of the 8 Limbs of Yoga series here on the Love & Weeds Podcast.  The last of the 8 Limbs is Samadhi.  We get a recap of each of the 8 Limbs before they go on to discuss the meaning of Samadhi (unity or bliss) according to the yogic path and what it means to them.  Is it possible to attain Samadhi and are we already experiencing regular moments of it without even knowing?  They tie this concept in to the current season and what we can do in our every day lives to help us find moments of bliss.  Stay tuned for brand new topics coming next week on the podcast!  

In this episode of the Love & Weeds podcast, Claudia and Brandy discuss the 7th limb of Yoga, Dhyana AKA Meditation. They dive into the history of Dhyana or Meditation and what it means to them. Claudia and Brandy help us understand how the 8 Limbs of Yoga provides us with the framework and tools for practicing some of these harder to understand concepts like meditation. They discuss the very trendy buzzword, mindfulness, and how it is associated with practicing meditation. Can a state of meditation truly be achieved and is it even worth trying? Take a few deeps breaths with C & B and listen to find out what they think.

In this episode of the Love & Weeds podcast Claudia and Brandy make their way to the last 3 of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, together known as Samyama, beginning with Dharana (concentration).  They discuss the relationship between  Dharana and Drishti or "focused gaze".  How can we use our asana practice and our focus of attention, especially in certain poses, to help help us understand this concept so that we can take it off the mat and into our everyday lives?  How does our ability to practice Dharana relate to the other 5 limbs of yoga?  And how will understanding Dharana help us live a life of contentment and fulfillment?  Listen and find out! 

In this episode of the podcast Claudia and Brandy continue their discussion on the 8 Limbs of Yoga and dive into the concept of Pratyahara.  They break down the meaning of the word and how to interpret it both physically and metaphysically.  How can we practice Pratyahara through the phases of our lives and how does it relate to feeding our inner "good" and bad" wolf?  With the Summer Solstice upon us, they relate Pratyahara to the changing of seasons and how it can aid us during seasonal transitions.

Did you know 70-80% of our body's toxins are removed through our exhales? In this episode of the Love & Weeds podcast Claudia and Brandy continue to discuss the 8 Limbs of Yoga with Pranayama and the power of our breath.  They go over the types of breathing and how they relate to the temperaments and the chakras.  They explain how understanding our breathing and the breathing of others can help us communicate more effectively.  

Claudia's here to encourage us to take just a few minutes to ourselves today.  She discusses how she deals with anxiety and how important it is for us to give ourselves the time and space that we need.  The to-do list and the work can wait. Use this 3 minute episode as a reminder that we deserve time to ourselves and return to it as part of your self care routine. Maktub!

Claudia and Brandy are back and they have a new name, Love & Weeds!  In this episode they discuss why they've decided to change their name and what it means to them.  We know love is important, but what about the weeds?  If we do the work we will find that our personal journey and transformation is shaped by both the love and the weeds and by embracing them we can learn to embrace all parts of ourselves. They also pick up where they left off from the last episode and move into the 3rd & 4th limbs of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. Don't miss the quick Pranayama practice and the end!

Claudia’s back to explain the the “Non-Smoker Break” and how this idea came about many years ago.  She encourages you to use your work breaks to your advantage by setting aside just 3-5 minutes to breathe mindfully and intentionally.  She gives tips on how to practice Ujjayi or Ocean breathing and how to listen to and observe your breath. Start by setting 1 small goal to practice your breathing 1 day a week and let it grow from there.  Questions?  Don’t hesitate to reach out at claudia@raleighncyoga.com.  

Introducing the Non-Smoker Break!  Pause what you are doing and take a breath.  Use this quick practice to check in with pain or discomfort and realign.  Claudia guides you through finding your seated posture and tapping in to your breath. This can be done at your desk, in your car or anywhere you'd like.  Return to this guided practice often!

In this episode of the podcast Claudia & Brandy return to continue discussing the 8 Limbs of Yoga.  They share what Y Respira means before diving back into the Yamas and Niyamas.  They recap the Yamas and then explain how putting them into practice reveal the Niyamas or observances.  They discuss how they can be interpreted on a metaphysical and physical level with examples on how to put them into practice in our current society.  They talk about how we relate to trees and then come full circle from the first episode on how embracing the temperaments relates to practicing the 8 limbs of yoga. To finish up Claudia reads one of her favorite passages from Mark Nepo’s "Book of Awakening" on breaking patterns and how it relates to change or Transformation.  Visit www.raleighncyoga.com for a full list of upcoming classes and workshops at the studio.  Digital workshops coming soon.  

Brandy & Claudia are back with their 2nd episode and much improved sound quality!  In this episode they discuss what Yoga is and introduce the 8 Limbs of Yoga beginning with the Yamas.  They break down the 5 social or moral restraints which make up the Yamas and relate them to our modern lives.  They discuss examples of each of the Yamas to help us understand them better.  This is the first episode in a series of episodes that will cover the 8 Limbs of Yoga.  Stay tuned for more episodes on this topic!

Claudia and Brandy introduce themselves and their objective for this podcast, Transformation. They dive right in to the Four Temperaments and how they relate to Winnie the Pooh. They discuss how the Four Temperaments can be used to understand ourselves and one another, as well as, how they can be used to transform subtle energies.