Mahasoma Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Steel, author and host of Let's Talk About Sects, an award-winning independent podcast about which the New York Times said, "Come for the satisfying pun in the title, stay for the deeply researched chronicles of all kinds of cults." We discuss a topic that's often misunderstood but deeply important, especially in the world of spirituality: the nature of cults. With cult documentaries becoming a regular feature on streaming services, and the word ‘cult' being thrown around to describe different groups, we wanted to open a conversation to unpack what actually defines a cult and to explore the subtle red flags that can emerge in spiritual, religious, or self-development spaces.FYI - This isn't an episode on the different cults that exist in the world nor is it about trauma. Sarah's podcast is a great resource for those conversations and we highly recommend listening if you're interested. Instead, we wanted this episode to discuss how cultic tendencies are part of many different communities, what to look out for when joining or being part of a community, and essentially how to not become a cult leader and instead build healthy community for all to benefit from.Whether you're part of a spiritual community, a wellness circle, or simply curious about the dynamics of power, control, and coercion—this episode offers powerful insights on building integrity into the spaces we share.What we talk about.The definition of a cult and cult leaderImpact of cults on its membersCoercive behaviours, power, and controlCults evolving from communities Why cults are present in spirituality and religionCult ‘Red Flags' to look out forSupporting ex-members of cultsMedia coverage and public awareness of cultsThe business of spirituality and cult-like tendenciesHow to not become a cult leaderFostering healthy community and leaders in the spiritual spaceConnect with Sarah Steel.WebsiteInstagramResources.Let's Talk About Sects Podcast hosted by Sarah SteelDo As I Say How cults control, why we join them, and what they teach us about bullying, abuse and coercion (also available on Audible and Spotify)Cultic bahaviour ‘Red Flags' checklistAssociation for Spiritual Integrity honour code for teachers and studentsLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

We are excited to share with you this conversation on an important subject for many women in our community – the rite of passage known in our modern world as menopause.We are joined by Ayurveda practitioner and Vedic wisdom holder Erandati Benjamin from Inner Soma. Erandati has a diploma in Ayurveda from the Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies (AIAS) and a Masters in Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine from Maharishi International University (MIU) in Iowa, USA.Her focus with patients is on health rather than disease and passing on knowledge and tools so each person can take responsibility for their own health. She teaches that through simple but profound changes to diet, lifestyle, behaviour, and exposure to the environment we can realign ourselves with our true nature and begin to address imbalances from the very foundation of our being.What we talk about.The Ayurvedic view of menopause as a natural transition in a woman's life.The 4 x stages of life known as ashramas in the Vedic philosophy.Menopause as an opportunity for inner growth and evolution, rather than a pathological condition to be ‘fixed'.Menopausal symptoms as the result of accumulated stress.Ayurvedic daily practices that can support women during the menopausal transition.The importance of abhyanga (self-oil massage), dinacharya (daily rhythms), and exposure to sunlight.Menopause as an exciting new phase of life, rather than something to be feared.Menopause as a transition for women to tap into deeper wisdom, self-knowledge, and spiritual evolution.Connect.Website https://www.innersoma.com.au/Email info@innersoma.com.auFollow @inner_somaResources.Ayurveda dinacharya (daily routine)How to do self-massage ‘abhyanga'Vata, pitta, and kapha article – the 3 x doshas in AyurvedaVedic asramas (stages) of life articleLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

In this episode Laura Poole speaks with her colleague and friend Joh Jarvis from The Light Inside - a not-for-profit foundation which takes meditation into prisons and jails across the United States. The Vedic perspective is that all change in life begins with a shift in consciousness. This is why meditation is the foundation for bringing us into right action. But those who really need meditation may not have access. This is why Joh and The Light Inside exist. What we talk about.Joh's journey of coming to teach Vedic meditation in prisons at age 54How did she get there? What is it like?What stories of transformation has she witnessed?What challenges has she faced?The living of dharma and seva (self-less service)How to live in alignment with your true SelfTrust and surrenderThe huge shift that takes place when you let go and allow life to move through youIt's not every day you end up teaching Vedic meditation at age 54 in prisons. We hope her story will resonate beyond the specifics into what's possible at any age, the dharma and purpose we can find, and the joy that comes from being of service to our humanity.Resources.Follow Joh @thelightinsidemeditationSubscribe to The Light Inside newsletters for stories of transformationDonate to The Light Inside to support the teaching of Vedic meditation in prisonsWatch onlineThe Project on Channel 10 interviewing Joh on The Light Inside's meditation program in the North Dakota State PenitentiaryJoh named New Yorker of the Week March 2024 for The Light Inside's program in Rikers Island jail (camera work was very restricted in Rikers Island)Dhamma Bros - Meditation program in Donaldson prison, AlabamaDoing Time, Doing Vipassana - Meditation program in New Delhi's Tihar prisonThe Work - Set in Folsom State Prison, incarcerated men and men from outside prison together undergo four days of intensive group therapy, revealing an intimate and powerful portrait of authentic human transformation that transcends what we think of as rehabilitationUnlocked: A Jail Experiment - A social experiment where incarcerated men are given increased autonomy in hopes of creating a community-driven atmosphere and deterring future criminal behaviourGod Save Texas: Hometown prison - Richard Linklater documentaryStep Inside the Circle - Those who experience the Compassion Trauma Circle and learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences and the symptoms of trauma, feel a sense of relief, self-forgiveness and community supportRead People Magazine Article - Only in New York: Australian Writer Becomes Dog Sitter for New York Inmate. Joh's story of meeting her dog the first week she moved to New York.Learn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This content may be emotionally challenging and includes trauma, violence, and sexual abuse. If this doesn't feel the right time for you to listen, we recommend circling back when you're ready. We are not providing any professional advice, only sharing a personal story and perspective. Please seek professional help if you need support – we shared some services that you can access via our show notes.For Melbourne based designer Yeojin Bae, fashion has always been her creative expression for women to enjoy the confidence that comes from wearing beautiful clothes. Back to her earliest memories as a child in Korea, Yeojin was always sketching the most beautiful dresses she could imagine. And with just under three decades working in fashion, she developed a cult following for her stylish silhouettes. Yeojin was living her life as a successful designer, just as she always imagined, when at the beginning of 2020, she walked away with no explanation at all.For the first time, Yeojin is sharing with us her intimate story of leaving behind what she had spent her whole life becoming, to embark on a deeply transformative and much needed healing journey, supported by Vedic wisdom and practices. Statistically it takes on average 24 years to reveal child sexual abuse, and many never do.Yeojin thought she was irreparably damaged and for a long time felt a dread that something terrible was about to happen. Yet even at her lowest, she never gave up, some days it was baby steps, and other times a leap, but through this process, Yeojin found a profound acceptance, joy, and trust in life. She hopes by sharing her story today, she can reach out to others who are afraid and help them make progress in their lives too. She admits she experienced a lot of stress release leading up to recording this episode, but it was exactly because of these feelings, she wants to challenge her belief to stay silent and unseen.RESOURCES:Learn Vedic meditation with MahasomaRishi Training - advanced Vedic wisdom courseSiddha Training - advanced Vedic wisdom courseSUPPORT LINKS:https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-serviceshttps://www.1800respect.org.auhttps://www.beyondblue.org.auhttps://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directoryhttps://blueknot.org.auhttps://www.nationalredress.gov.auLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This time of year can be very full, fast paced, and involve a lot of doing, we thought it would be timely to share this short podcast episode from our teacher Kathleen O'Brien. Our hope is that it softens the busyness this time of year can bring. In this episode you'll be reminded that life is a constant process of unfolding. We need reminding because when everything is rolling along smoothly it can be easy to see the big picture. But when life gets challenging or we've been ignoring change, life can get very overwhelming! It's usually in these moments when the body starts to move into a state of fight or flight that we tend to forget the process is the solution.  When we're experiencing something we find uncomfortable or we can't see it in context (meaning we just want it to end and get back to the flow state), we tend to kick ourselves out of the present moment and move into future thinking/solution mode. In this state we can be so focused on a solution and wanting to change the current situation that we move out of the power of the present moment. We miss the opportunity for growth and learning. We resist life by resisting what is.Life is not really about getting to a final destination. We never will say ‘ahh I've done it all! The to-do list of my life is complete! I never have to do anything else again!' We know that life continues and we must keep evolving. But when we're in outcome mode we can forget life is a process. We miss the now and therefore we miss life! When what we really need is to find greater ease and grace in the process, knowing the process is the solution.What we talk about in this episodeFeminine leadershipCollaboration and co-creation without goal orientationThere's no final destination only the process of lifeSeeing growth and possibility rather than ‘problems'Nature as our greatest teacherHow Vedic meditation teaches process orientationConnect with Kathleenkathleen@mahasoma.com@kathleenobrien_Learn Vedic meditation with KathleenCastlemaineMelbourneAdelaideLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.comLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This podcast episode refers to suicide and its impact. Please seek professional help if you need support. A list of mental health and counselling resources can be found in the show notes.In this episode Laura Poole joined by Melbourne-based artist and storyteller, and fellow Vedic meditator, Ryan Abramowitz to talk about an important subject that can be shrouded in shame and stigma – suicide. Ryan is the author and artist of ‘Elegy for an Elephant', a picture book he has been working on these past few years, after the loss of his own father to suicide.There is a severe shortage of suicide bereavement resources available for families and mental health workers to draw upon when supporting those in grief. You may think picture books are just for kids, but they are actually an accessible format for all ages to address this complex subject matter.An elegy is a lament, a passionate expression that honours those who have passed. Elegy for an Elephant chronicles Ryan's family's experience in processing the complexity of post-suicide grief. It has been crafted as a therapeutic resource for readers (aged 7+) who have lost loved ones, and those communities and caretakers supporting them through their mourning. While it touches on suicide, it more universally addresses how we come to terms with bereavement and access shapes of healing following the loss of loved ones.We asked Ryan to come on the podcast as we wanted to share the journey he has been on creating this book, his own healing that has turned into a gift of healing for the world, and to create a space for him to share the research, love, and divine energy that has gone into it. Elegy for an Elephant is being released on World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, 2023, but is available for pre-purchase now. If you know of anyone mourning the loss of a loved one, or if you're a clinician, parent, mental health worker, meditation teacher, or school teacher, may you consider getting this book, which Ryan says is a gentle and warm hug, when needed in tender times.Show notes.CONNECT WITH RYANwww.narrativesofnature.com@narrativesofnature_ RESOURCESPre-purchase Elegy for an ElephantMental Health ResourcesLIFELINE - Available 24/7 for crisis support - Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14Please see our Mahasoma Journal post for full show notes and images.Learn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

Laura Poole is again joined by Vedic astrologer Blaine Watson to talk all about Guru Purnima – the full moon night that occurs once a year where we honour the guru and all teachers in our lives. We go a beautiful journey exploring what a guru is (and is not), the relationship of guru to transcendence and love, stories from Blaine's time with his guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and other great gurus and saints. We finish with how we can observe the Vedic celebration of Guru Purnima and gain the auspicious blessings of this full moon night.What we talk about in this episode.Definition of Guru PurnimaDifference between a teacher (acharya) and a GuruHow Guru Purnima is celebratedMaharishi Mahesh Yogi and Guru PurnimaThe purpose of devotion and awakening the heartLineage and traditionTranscendence and the GuruLove and the GuruGuru-shishya relationshipWhen the Guru falls from the pedestalIs the age of the Guru dead?Is it possible to find a true Guru?The path of the GuruThe day of the Guru – spiritual practice for this dayHow to observe Guru Purnima and gain the auspicious blessingsShow notes.BOOKSThe Ocean of Love: The Anurag Sagar of KabirThe Collected Works of Ramana MaharshiAutobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda KINDLE or PAPERBACKA Search In Secret India: The classic work on seeking a guru by Paul BruntonOTHERNeem Karoli BabaAnanda MayimaPurnamadah MantraLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This episode comes from a group meditation Q&A where a student asked about falling asleep in meditation and why it keeps on happening. We explore why meditation is a practice of two-fold revealing and the importance of allowing cosmic intelligence to take the drivers seat in life. If you've ever fallen asleep while meditating, we hope this gives you a new perspective to see everything is just as it should be.We hope you enjoy!What we talk about:Why meditation is a practice of two-fold revealingSurrender and letting cosmic intelligence take the drivers seat What the true purpose of Vedic meditation isWhy we need to accept and allow all experiences in meditationShow notesConnect with Lauralaura@mahasoma.com@laura_pooleLearn Vedic meditation with LauraNoosaMelbourneLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

Something we're passionate about in our community is women's health, and in this episode Laura Poole is joined by Ayurveda practitioner and author Chasca Summerville who some of you may know from Instagram as Alchemy of Ayurveda.Chasca's real speciality is Ayurveda for women sharing holistic ways to rejuvenate and wisdom to empower women to be their own healers. In this episode we explore all of this, with a focus on one ritual – yoni steaming - which changed Chasca's life and healed her from chronic endometriosis. We speak about what yoni steaming actually is, how, when, and why to do it, the deeper purpose and how we can use ritual to heal, embody, and empower ourselves as women. As we share in the podcast, we recommend connecting with a practitioner to begin your journey into the rituals we share. We acknowledge the history and traditional cultures that yoni steaming has come from, and we honour the women who have passed down the ritual in its wholeness for all women to benefit from today. We hope you enjoy this episode on Yoni steaming with Chasca Summerville!What we talk about in this episode:Chasca's journey into AyurvedaMenstrual cycle education (or lack thereof)Rituals for fertilityWhat is a yoni?Yoni steaming – what is it all about?How to use yoni steaming in your menstrual cycleHealing from Endo, PCOS, infertility, hormonal imbalances and more with yoni steamingThe deeper purpose of yoni steaming and healingConnection of vata imbalances and the womb spaceShow notes.Connect with ChascaAlchemy of Ayurveda websiteAyurvedic Rituals – Chasca's amazing bookBook an Ayurveda consultation with ChascaFollow on Instagram @alchemyofayurvedaYoni SteamingNeoflam Clay Casserole Dish / Yoni Pot Organic dried herb supplierPre-mixed herbsWomb Medicine (book on yoni steaming)How to steam ~25minSteamy Chick on InstagramLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This is a new offering on our podcast of shorter wisdom sessions shared from our teachers. Of things we have been exploring in group meditations, mentoring sessions, and in our personal lives. This episode came from a question at group meditation: ‘How do I trust life? How can I surrender and have faith when things just don't see to be going ‘my way' or as I had hoped they would go?' Kathleen explores a different take on trust, shifting our perspective from a life based in faith, trust, and belief, to a new paradigm of knowing. She shares how life is in-fact a very knowable experience, rather than something occurring externally. Initially we may not have this relationship with life so we need to employ faith, trust, and belief. These can be functions of the mind that help us move forward. We can begin by telling ourselves, “It's OK, I've got this, even though this feels big or scary, I'm going to put all of my fear aside and trust that it will be ok. I'm going to take the leap of faith.” But the next step we want to take is building a direct and unfiltered relationship with life. We want to know from within.What we talk about in this episode.What is trust?How Vedic meditation is the tool to move from trusting to knowingWhy we would prefer to know than trustThe importance of direct experienceThe innocence of forgettingThe necessity of compassion and playfulness when learning new skillsShow notes.Connect with Kathleenkathleen@mahasoma.com@kathleenobrien_Learn Vedic meditation with KathleenCastlemaineMelbourneAdelaideLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This is a new offering on our podcast of shorter wisdom sessions shared from our teachers, of things we have been exploring in group meditations, mentoring sessions, and in our personal lives.This episode is about the idea that meditation can cause you to avoid doing the ‘real work' - the harder, emotional, deeper work of change.  Laura Poole shares a perspective that helps us understand what's really going on when people use meditation to spiritually by-pass what's needed, and how we can empower ourselves to use our practice in the way it was intended.What we talk about in this episode.What is spiritual by-passingWhy meditation can be seen as avoiding doing the ‘real work'What meditation actually isThe real purpose of a daily practiceHow to harness the full power of meditation as a tool for real, long-lasting, and integrated healingShow notes.Connect with Lauralaura@mahasoma.com@laura_pooleLearn Vedic meditation with LauraNoosaMelbourneLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This is a special episode for everyone who knows and loves Pandit Baskaran AKA Panditji. Panditji is a Vedic meditation teacher, pandit, and man of bliss consciousness. You may have had the great blessing of being on retreat with him in India, experiencing the bliss and joy of being in his presence.This episode is devoted to sharing Panditji's life story and wisdom. We hope you enjoy and get sore cheeks from smiling as much as we did.What we talk about in this episode.Panditji's life storyTraining as a meditation teacher with Maharishi Mahesh YogiWho is ShivaThe deeper meaning and purpose of abishekam ceremonyTamil Nadu templesLiving a life of blissShow notes.Connect with Pandit Baskaranpanditbaskaran.com@panditbaskaranRameshwarum TempleBrihadisvara Temple, ThanjavurVedic meditation teacher training with Mahasoma and Pandit BaskaranTo see photos of all the places and experiences we talk about in the episode, head to our journal post for more.Learn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

Welcome back podcast family!This week we're sharing an empowering and vulnerable conversation between two of the Mahasoma team, Laura Poole and Kathleen O'Brien. Kathleen has a story that is both unique to her journey but also relatable for so many of you out there. Kathleen openly shares with us her experiences with health and challenges living with chronic conditions like eczema and allergies. We explore what to do when nothing is working, being your own healer, and healthy ways to relate to using practitioners to support your wellbeing. And, because it's the Mahasoma podcast we can't help but take deeper dive into Vedic wisdom around the two sides of surrender, the three types of karma, and we share a discourse by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, our Guru Deva. "This body hasn't always been a comfortable home to inhabit. But it has also been my greatest teacher. It taught me to listen, to pay attention, to live well. Through years of fragility, sensitivity and discomfort I ended up finding strength. I have moved from from frustration to acceptance. Resistance to surrender. Weakness to resilience. I've learnt that discomfort is temporary and a gift of transformation - there's no final end point here, simply a dynamic process of finding balance in each moment. " - Kathleen O'BrienWhat we talk about in this episode.Being your own healerWhy meditation – the missing pieceThe healthy way to relate to using practitioners to support your wellbeingThe two sides of surrenderThe 3 x types of KarmaA discourse by Guru Deva – Swami Brahmananda SaraswatiShow notes.Connect with Kathleen.kathleen@mahasoma.comMore about Kathleen@kathleenobrien_Learn to meditate with Kathleen - Castlemaine, Albury, Adelaide, MelbourneResources.Mahasoma wellbeing resources‘I know what it feels like to not feel strong in my body' by Kathleen O'BrienDinacharya, Ayurvedic daily routineDaily Abhyanga (self massage) to support the nervous systemSurya Namaskara to strengthen the bodyDaily mantra practice for health, strength and vitalityAgnihotra for health, wellbeing and healing the landBreathwork and embodiment practicesPanchakarma - Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation program in IndiaLearn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

This episode was recorded while we were in the south of India, in Tamil Nadu, staying at the Sri Narayani Holistic Centre for Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine. Our  Vedic meditation teacher Laura Poole had the honour of speaking with the head doctor there – Dr Janani – all about Siddha Medicine for spiritual enlightenment and how you can experience this healing for yourself at the Sri Narayani Holistic Centre.The centre is one of the many projects of Sri Sakthi Amma, who is an avatar, an incarnation of the goddess Sri Narayani. It sits within the town of Thirumalikodi, where Amma's ashram and Sri Purum Golden Temple are. The centre opened in 2019 continuing Amma's mission of alleviating those suffering from pain, disease, or imbalance in the body, mind, or soul.Before Dr. Janani came to work with Amma at the centre, she worked as a personal Siddha physician for the president of India for 4 years. She has written 21 research articles on a variety of topics related to Siddha medicine, she is a mother, devotee of the Divine Mother, and a vibrant woman who loves to share her love of the ancient system of Siddha medicine. We hope you enjoy this episode and please check out the show notes for links to everything we speak about!What we talk about in this episode.What is Siddha medicine and its true purposeHow Dr Janani came to Siddha Medicine and to work at Sri Narayani Holistic Centre with Sri Sakthi Amma as her GuruRelationship of Sri Sakthi Amma and the SiddhasConnecting to the Divine for deep healingPanchakarma detox and rejuvenation at the Sri Narayani Holistic CentreSiddha Medicine nanoparticle formulas and how they differ from other medicinesThe purpose of puja (ceremony)Navapashanam – special Siddha formulaVarma technique (vital energy points) in Siddha MedicineKing Bodhi Dharma – the Siddha from Tamil Nadu that brought the wisdom of Siddha Medicine to China that developed into Chinese martial arts (Shao Lin), Chinese medicine etc.Maharishi Patanjali – one of the great Siddhas who brought yoga to the worldShow notes.Read more about Sri Sakthi Amma – the incarnation of NarayaniStay at the Narayani Holistic Centre and receive Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine treatments (panchakarma)Read more about Aayurveda and Siddha MedicinePalani – Navapashanam Idol in south of IndiaEmail hello@mahasoma.com for details on receiving Navapashanam water for healing (a Siddha medicine)Learn to meditate with us at Mahasoma --- follow us @mahasoma --- hello@mahasoma.com

In this episode we chat with water researcher, activist and educator Isabel Friend. Isabel's expertise is bringing modern scientific understanding together with ancient ancestral wisdom. Isabel shares a vision with practical strategies that helps people transform their relationship to water, increasing physical, mental, emotional, and environmental health for all beings. If you don't yet have a deep reciprocal relationship with water, if your health or the state of our world is important to you, and water is not part of the conversation, then this episode is for you.For full show notes visit the Mahasoma JournalWhat we talk about.What actually is water?How to communicate with water and understand her needsHow we are currently abusing water, the impact of this individually and collectivelyWhat is a watershed?Quantum coherence of waterHarvesting raw wild spring waterThe physical, emotional, and psychological benefits of being in relationship with waterWater + energy + meditationHonouring and learning from our indigenous water protectorsBeing an ally, accomplice, and water activistFalling deeper in love with waterConnect with Isabel Friend.Water is Life - educational platform + online coursesEmail Isabel to have a personalised hydration session@jenisabelfriend10% discount code for the Water Shop - use MAHASOMAResources.Learn more about Victor SchaurbergerWatch The Secrets of Water, The Documentary of Viktor Schauberger- Comprehend and Copy NatureRead more about Theodore Schwenk through his book Sensitive ChaosVisit the Earth Law Centre website to know more about personhood and legal rights for waterLearn more about the Blue Planet Project Read up on the work of the Lakota Law Project and their fight for justiceConnect with the vision of International Rivers on their website and InstagramRead up on the decentralised system of law based on water via the World Water Law ProjectVisit the Oak Ridge National Laboratory website to learn about their work and discoveriesIf you're in the USA find your local watershed by visiting the US Geological SocietyFind your local spring in your area using findaspring.comExplore your surrounding water sources using Gaia GPSDevelop a relationship with your local water protectors. Reach out to your local elders to connect with the land/water you live on.Veda Austin - photographing water in its ‘state of creation' - this is the ‘hydroglyphs' that Isabel talks about.Read some of Dr. Masaru Emoto's work on water consciousness

This episode is a whole Mahasoma team effort as we come together to answer your questions. We get a lot of inquiry on social media, in our emails, and in our group meditation sessions, and we thought podcast episodes would be a great way to share more. We will be exploring your questions, sharing our real life experiences, and tapping into relevant themes/happenings we're going through as a collective.In this episode we hope to give you some insight into who we are, how we came to meditation, and how Vedic wisdom can be applied to your everyday life... right now.What we talk about in this episode:How we came to meditation and what it has given usThe concept of time - past, present and future – where do they exist?Who is telling your story?Upgrading our memories to experience immediate liberationMahasoma is currently a female led collective, made up of Laura Poole, Sarah O'Brien, Julia Turco and Kathleen O'Brien. We teach in-person courses in Melbourne, Castlemaine, Surf Coast, Noosa, Brisbane, Tasmania, Albury, and South Coast of NSW. Our purpose is to share this effortless practice and support you in making meditation an enjoyable part of your daily life.For the full show notes of the episode head to the Mahasoma JournalLearn to meditate with Mahasoma.Laura Poole teaches in Noosa, Melbourne, and BrisbaneSarah O'Brien teaches in Melbourne and South Coast of NSWJulia Turco teaches on the Surf Coast of VIC and in MelbourneKathleen O'Brien teaches in Castlemaine, Melbourne, Albury, and AdelaideWhat is Vedic meditation?Free intro talks to Vedic meditation

We have a very timely episode for you relating to the Vedic celebration that begins this weekend on the 2nd April, 2022 known as Navaratri – the nine nights of worshipping the goddess done at the two new moon equinoxes of the year. We wanted to share with you some of the deeper meanings and understandings of this celebration, and how you can tap into this flow of time to create greater health and vitality for yourself, your family and your community.We asked the wonderful teacher Prashanti de Jager to share some of the wisdom he has gained over the last 32 years of engaging in, studying, teaching, and worshipping the Goddess through Navaratri. Prashanti has deeply studied the Vedic sciences including Ayurveda, Vedic Astrology, Yoga, Vedic Architecture, Advaita and Dhanurveda, and has sat at the feet of many great masters including Sri H.W.L. Poonja.This is an episode for those interested in deeper Vedic wisdom and understanding the mythology of this wonderful time of the year known as Navaratri. If you're keen to explore Prashanti's Navaratri Restorative Cleanse that takes place twice a year, check out the show notes below after you listen for all the details of how to participate.What we talk about in this episode:The yoga of timeWho is Durga and KaliHow to live in the goddess flow stateShiva + ShaktiWhat Navaratri is actually about and how to engage with itGoddess WorshipVedic restorative cleansesThe bi-monthly celebration of Ekadashi – what is it and how to gain its benefitThe mantra of the goddessThe 4 levels of truthThe process of dharmaThe purpose of sanghaThe goddess known as TulsiConnect with Prashanti de JagerExplore the Veda Mandala to learn more about the Vedic sciences with PrashantiFollow @prashanti.veda.mandalaEngage in the Navaratri Restorative Cleanse - taking place 2-10 April (Australia) or 1-9 April (USA) 2022, and again in October. This restorative cleanse happens twice every year!

In this episode our Mahasoma teacher Laura Poole and the delightful repeat guest on our podcast, our Vedic astrologer Blaine Watson, talk all things transcendence. With both Laura and Blaine teaching a transcending meditation technique, we wanted to share the deeper understanding of transcendence, and help you recognise the profound nature of what you may already be experiencing every day. What we talk about in this episode.What transcendence actually isWhat are thoughtsWhat the purpose of transcendence is and how to access it through meditationThe biggest misperception in the yogic worldHow to live transcendence 24/7What enlightenment actually isThe work of self-enquiryTranscendence, trauma and disassociationWays to enliven transcendence in daily lifeShivaratri, Shiva and the transcendental fieldShow notes.Learn to meditate and transcendMahasoma Meditation CoursesConnect with BlaineSign up to Blaine's daily inspirational email via blainepw@gmail.com. Please note: Blaine is currently booked for all Vedic astrology sessions for 12 months and isn't taking any new clients right now.BooksMaharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita, A New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1- 6 (try to find a pre-1969 version)Yoga Sutra by PatanjaliThe Manual for Self Realization: 112 Meditations of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra by Swami Lakshmanjoo (112 ways to transcend)Śhiva Sūtras : The Supreme Awakening - by Swami LakshmanjooThe Ramayana – translated by Ramesh MenonAnandamayi Ma - Mother of BlissWays to enliven transcendence in daily life8 Principal UpanishadsYoga Vasishta – The Supreme Yoga by Swami VenktesanandaAll books by Ramana MaharishiAll books by Nisargadatta MaharajAll books by RumiAll books by HafizA.H. Almas – The Dimond ApproachThe Work as Meditation by Todd SmithThe Work by Byron KatieTao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (Translated by Stephen Mitchell)All books by J KrishnamurtiOtherRudrabhishek - powerful chanting of 1,000 Maharishi Vedic PanditsMayavakyas

In this episode we chat with incredible permaculture teacher, psychologist, Ayurveda expert and barefoot yogi Ian Trew, exploring the physical, psychological and spiritual world that is permaculture.Laura completed her permaculture PDC course with Ian at Noosa Forest Retreat in September, and fell in love with the way he spoke about ecology and nature, weaving in psychology, the Vedic worldview, indigenous wisdom, and personal development. It was an inspiring and very intense few weeks training, and we knew we had to share the inspiration with everyone.What we talk about in this episode:Ian's inspiring life story that took him from the country, to the military, to permacultureWhat permaculture actually isHow we currently grow food and what needs to changeHolistic habitat design – rethinking and redesigning how we liveCradle to grave designThe psychological, emotional and sociological aspects of permacultureThe differences between organic, biodynamic, agroforestry and syntropic farmingThe need for embodied ecological role modelsAccessing the flow state and becoming an everyday super heroThe 1 thing you start doing right now to flow with NatureConnect with Ian Trew at Noosa Forest Retreat:@permaculture_community_nfrWant to take Noosa Forest Retreat's next PDC (Permaculture Design Course)? Connect with Ian and use our affiliate code MAHASOMA to receive $50 off!Books and articles:The Soil and Health by Albert HowardThe Global Brain: The Awakening Earth (2008 updated) by Peter RussellThe Global Brain Awakens: Our Next Evolutionary Leap (1995) by Peter RussellDocumentaries:Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement, and the Swami who started it allHappen Films – Stories for a changing worldOther resources:NFR Permaculture online courseMushroom ‘Infinity Burial Suit' by Coeio - creating life after deathRead the full journal post on our websiteLearn to meditate with Mahasoma

In this episode we chat with Celeste Tesorerio - a name well known in luxury fashion industry both within Australia and abroad. As Sustainability Manager of Roland Mouret and a member of the British Fashion Council's Positive Fashion Committee, Celeste has worked with brands including Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga as well as big retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Matches and Selfridges. Celeste also spent five years directing her own namesake label with her direct experience in the industry as a designer giving her a wealth of first-hand knowledge about the nuances of sustainability and ethical production. She is now the founder of Sonzai Studios - a sustainable fashion consulting business where she helps brands better their environmental presence with a move toward a brighter future of fashion.What we talk about in this episode:What sustainable fashion actually is and if it's even possibleThe shocking unsustainable parts of the fashion industryThe process of how a plain cotton t-shirt is madeThe true cost of fashionIs sustainable fashion a privilege?Celeste's top ways to become more sustainable in the way we shopWays fashion brands can become more sustainable and take greater responsibilityThe 1 thing you can start doing right to empower yourself with knowledge to make better decisions when it comes to buying clothesConnect with Celeste:Sonzai Studios@celestetesoriero@sonzaistudiosceleste@sonzaistudios.comBooks and Articles:RIISE Climate CredentialsSonzai Studio's Journal - articles on all things sustainable fashionSustainable swimwear guide by Celeste TesorieroSustainability By Leslie Paul ThieleZero Waste Fashion Design by Timo Rissanen and Holly McQuillanResources:Sonzai Studio's Journal - articles on all things sustainable fashionSustainable swimwear guide by Celeste TesorieroRIISE.Shop - all sustainable brands curated by CelesteVestiare CollectiveThe Real Real - hiring clothingDepop - hiring clothingInstagram accounts to follow:RIISE Sustainable Fashion ForumStories behind thingsClimate councilRe make our world

This episode we have the enlightening Vedic astrologer Blaine Watson back for another juicy session sharing his deep wisdom and experience of the Vedic science and technology known as yajña. On the surface it looks like a fire ceremony, where Vedic pandits are sitting around the fire, offering ghee and other sweet-smelling items, alongside chanting specific Vedic mantras to connect with the desired deity. What may look like an esoteric, occult, or religious practice, is actually a precise Vedic technology that uses consciousness, intention and vibration to resolve our karma and therefore change our future.What we talk about in this episode:What yajña actually is, diving into the Vedic wisdom, beginning with a powerful sloka or verse from Rig VedaA poignant Vedic analogy for understanding how the world is createdKarma + yajñaHow to change the future by altering our DNA in the presentHow you can engage with yajña Yajña Q&AConnect with Blaine and others:Blaine Watson - blainepw@gmail.com - book in for a Jyotish (Vedic astrology) session or if you need to find your exact birth time, or if you would like a yagya performed on your behalf with the Pandits in India. You can also email Blaine (above) to sign up for the ‘Auspicious Days' of the Vedic calendar to be emailed to you monthlyJoin Sri Sakthi Amma for the 1000 day Sri Lalitha Yagam - email Beloved Narayani Foundation for details on when the yajña beginsBooks:Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita – Chapters 1-6 (chapter 3 – on yajña)Human Physiology: Expression of Veda and the Vedic Literature by Tony NadarDevi Bhagavatam by Ramesh Menon – stories of Ma Durga (Navaratri)View some amazing old photos from LIFE Magazine in 1944, where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's teacher, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati (Guru Deva), arranged and presided over a mahayagya (great yajña) to end WWIIListen:Durga Sapta Shati – 700 Verses to Ma DurgaMaharishi Veda App for mantra chanting and listeningVital Veda podcast episode with Dr Svoboda on connecting with our ancestors and how to perform shraddhaVerse from Rk Veda:Richo akshare parame vyomanYasmin devaa adhi vishve nisheduhYas tan na veda kim richaa karishyatiYa it tad vidus ta ime samaasateThe verses (richas) of the Veda exist in the collapse of fullness (the kshara of ‘A') in the transcendental field, the Self, in which reside all the devas, the impulses of creative intelligence, the laws of nature responsible for the whole manifest universe. He whose awareness is not open to this field, what can the verses accomplish for him? Those who know this level of reality are established in evenness, wholeness of life.

In this episode we speak with the divine Paige Hasaballah, otherwise known as Delta Venus. Delta is a visual communicator and intuitive conduit whose art and offerings are primarily about exploring consciousness. She works with her Egyptian lineage incorporating ancient spiritual practice into her creative expression. Her aim is to create space for the experience of oneness. Each artwork is designed to be lived with, meditated on, and experienced through. You can see her work by following @deltavenus on Instagram, we suggest having a look at Delta's artwork as you listen to the episode to get a feel for her art.What we talk about in this episodeDelta's Egyptian lineage and the Khemetic wisdom tradition she is part ofHer process as an artist communicating these deep spiritual truths of lifeThe science of imagery and its place in the ancient Egyptian culture Our favourite topic, LOVE!We finish with some questions from our community on love as Delta openly and honestly shares from her direct experience.Connect with Delta VenusFollow Paige Hasaballah @deltavenus on Instagram Visit the Delta Venus print shopExplore Delta's Egyptian astrology printsHave your ‘energy portrait' taken/created by Delta Venus Purchase Delta's Know Thyself 72-card deck of questions for self-enquiryBooksSerpent in the Sky by John Anthony WestTemple of the Cosmos by Jeremy NaydlerThe Opening of the Way: A Practical Guide to the Wisdom by Isha Schwaller de LubiczThe Ringing Cedars book series by Vladmir Megre - the wisdom of the Russian Vedic tradition through AnastasiaPodcast A podcast with John Stuart Reid titled ‘The Startling Secrets of Sound'. John speaks about his experiences in the Pyramids with sound and hieroglyphics.    

In this episode, we hear from Caroline Wolfe - Mother, Vedic Meditation teacher and birthkeeper. She lives and works on Bundjalung country providing pregnancy, birth and postpartum care, using the foundations of Vedic meditation and Vedic philosophy to support families to experience and integrate birth. After a deep healing journey from her traumatic first birth, Caroline recently free birthed her 2nd child undisturbed at home and in this episode she shares with us her learnings and experience.Read more about the episode on our journal with all the show notes.* Trigger warning *In this episode we talk about birth and birth trauma. Please give yourself the time and space needed to listen and reach out for support if you need.WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:The possibilities of birth + breaking down the mythsMedicalised birthing vs. free birthingWhat free birthing actually isThe importance of centring the mother and her experienceThe role of a midwifeHow to create an empowering birth experienceThe connection between meditation and birthCaroline’s direct experience using mantra, Vedic philosophy, breath and Vedic meditation in preparation for sacred birthing.CONNECT WITH CAROLINEVisit Caroline’s websiteFollow Caroline on InstagramRESOURCESListen Podcasts:Pregnancy Birth and BeyondVital VedaNarayani Moola Mantra by Edo and JoPlease email hello@mahasoma.com to connect with us and receive the special Vedic birthing mantraReadSacred Birthing: Birthing a New Humanity - Sunni KarllA Compassionate Guide to Being With Birth - Jenny Blyth Jane Hardwick Collins – HERstoryInstagram@ripsnorter@michellepalasia @wild.womb.witch@indigenous.doulas@_rosierick_@wild.pregnancy_free.birth@padmini_yoni @bushrat_@zoe_bosco

We have a special episode for you today, the first in a series where Vedic meditation teacher Laura Poole will be chatting with each of our team members at Mahasoma. Our Mahasoma Meditation Collective came together out of a desire to do things differently and see what we could co-create, maintaining our unique individualities, while at the same time working collaboratively and within community. This new way of being and living together is something that is constantly growing and adapting, which is actually very lovely to have the space and creativity to allow Mahasoma to be whatever it needs to be for everyone who is part of it.To give you some insight into who we are and what we do, first up is one of our Vedic meditation teachers, Sarah O’Brien. Sarah has a background in legal advocacy with a law degree specialising in human rights and administrative law. She is now a Vedic meditation teacher based in Melbourne and a founding member of our Mahasoma collective. What we talk aboutHow Sarah came to learn Vedic meditation herselfWhat she learnt about making change, both in career and mindsetSarah's journey of transitioning from being a lawyer to a meditation teacherHer passion for creating change in the world which looks a little different to how she thought it wouldThe three parts of evolutionary change through the Vedic lens (creation, maintenance and destruction)How to engage with each phase of evolutionThe purpose and necessity of compassionHow true compassion often involves strong action but is ultimately a freeing experienceThe misinterpretation of wisdom that leads to spiritual bypassingThe dismantling of this misinterpretation and how to correct our visionWhy we shouldn’t get defensive when people point out to us where we need to changeThe need for us to collectively dream a better world togetherCheck out our journal post for the full interviewConnect with SarahLearn more about Sarah Instagram - @sarahclaireobrienEmail - sarah@mahasoma.comListen to Sarah on the Spiritual Tradie PodcastBooks to readRead The Global Heart Awakens : Humanity's Rite of Passage from the Love of Power to the Power of Love by Anodea JudithRead Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1-6

In this episode Vedic meditation teacher Laura Poole speaks with Jyotish Vedic Astrologer Blaine Watson. Vedic Astrology, or Jyotish, as it is called in Sanskrit, has become an increasingly popular way of taking care of one’s future. Jyotish means the ‘best of lights’. It’s the Vedic science of bringing awareness to the evolutionary process life, predicting what’s coming, revealing that which is hidden from view, so we can adapt, adjust our behaviour, make better decisions and create greater coherent flow for ourselves as individuals and our society as a whole. Blaine Watson is a Jyotishee, or Vedic astrologer, who has been studying astrology since childhood. On a trip to India in 1980 while spending time with his teacher and Guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, he became deeply interested in Vedic astrology and began studying in earnest. After several years of self-study in India, USA, Spain, Netherlands and Switzerland, Blaine was personally certified as an expert in Jyotish by the Dean of the Department of Sanskrit at Benares Hindu University in Varanasi, India in 1989. He has been a professional astrologer for over 30 years and has more than 30,000 clients in over 30 countries. People find him only via word of mouth as the Vedic tradition with which he is associated does not permit him to advertise.What we talk aboutThe true purpose of Jyotish – both on the individual level and the cosmic levelThe difference between Western Astrology and JyotishWhat influences an individual’s chartKarma and past livesHow to remedy afflictions in our chartsThe power of yagya to restructure our DNASaturn returns and Sadi SatiThe 12 zodiac signs personalities and traitsIntuition vs. JyotishFree will vs. determinismHow to study Jyotish and become a Vedic astrologerCheck out our journal post for the full interview and a Sanskrit glossary of terms used in this episode.Connect with Blaine and othersBlaine Watson - Vedic astrology sessions - blainepw@gmail.comDavid O’Reilly – Yagya ceremonies - oreilly@vip.netDayna Norris - Vedic astrology sessions - daynanda@yahoo.com (recommended by Blaine if you can’t book in a session with him as early as you would like)The Raju Family - Panchakarma and Ayurvedic treatmentsResourcesListen to Blaine on the Vital Veda PodcastEp 49 - Karmic Relationships, Why am I single? & Past LivesEp 41 - Celestial Organisation of Life with Vedic AstrologyDavid Frawley's online courses for learning JyotishRead Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (we suggest trying to finder an earlier copy of the book, ideally from the 1960s-1970s)Read Light On Life by Hart DefouwRead The Greatness of Saturn by Robert Svoboda

Danielle Escobar and Sole De Riccio from Soma Shakti speak about the wisdom of Ayurveda & how to create health, nourishment and vitality for newborn mothers and babies. We start off exploring what an Ayurveda postpartum doula is, and why this is such an important support to have. We get into the details of the sacred window of the 40-days after birth, and what is needed, including foods to eat and avoid, Ayurvedic herbs to take, massage and belly wrapping. We finish off talking about the role of meditation as a newborn mother, how as women we can support each other in this journey, and how to become an Ayurveda postpartum doula. Please check out the show notes below as we have put a whole lot of information in there for you.CONNECT WITH SOMA SHAKTIPostpartum care offerings from Soma ShaktiSoma Shakti on InstagramDani on InstagramSol on InstagramSchedule a consult with Dani or SolLINKS Discount code for Soma Shakti online store: MAHASOMA10Soma Shakti Recipe Book for newborn mothers – E-Book & Printed VersionOjas building hot milk recipeAyurveda herbs for postpartum care: Self-massage (abhayanga) oils for mother and babyBreastfeeding Ayurveda protein shake for newborn mothersPost-natal Ayurveda tonics for newborn mothers - a must for health and rejuvenation by Vital VedaAyurveda herb ‘Galakol’ for increasing ease and flow of lactation by Vital VedaEpisode 5 - Ayurveda for menstruation, pre-conception and conscious conception & Episode 6 - Ayurveda for pregnancy, birth and postpartum careMahasoma Resources – Conscious Conception, Pregnancy and BirthYa Devi Mantra on SpotifyHealing Mantras of the Divine Mother playlistFind an Ayurveda postpartum doula and home-birth team near you: Australian Birth Stories DirectoryHome Births NSWBecome an Ayurveda postpartum doula with Sacred Window Studies – online independent trainingBlog post on Conscious Postpartum CareRead the Ringing Cedars Book Series where Russian enlightened woman Anastasia speaks about raising children in full consciousness

Up next on the Mahasoma Podcast we have author, speaker and relationship coach John Gray. He is the author of the most well-known and trusted relationship book of all time, Men Are from Mars, Women Are From Venus. It was the #1 best-selling book in the 90’s and one of the top 10 most influential books of the last quarter century. John joins us on the Mahasoma podcast to talk about the world of intimate relationships. We go into role-mate vs. soul-mate relationships, understanding hormones and behaviour differences in men and women and why so many women are unhappy in the modern world. We talk about why women attract needy men and the intersection of meditation and relationship work. We finish off with a fascinating topic – understanding the female menstrual cycle, both for women and men, and how we can engage in certain behaviours at certain times of the menstrual cycle to increase hormonal balance. Show notes.Connect with John GrayVisit John’s website to learn more and sign up for his newsletterConnect with John on Instagram Follow John on Facebook for video content and Live feeds.Listen to more of John’s work on this episode of the Lifestylist podcast with Luke Storey and then jump into another episode to hear more of his storyVisit John’s blog to hear more of his insights into relationship dynamics. We love the following: ‘What leave me alone actually means in a relationship’ ‘How to balance the burden in a relationship’‘Tired of dating? Here’s how to get excited again!’And heaps of great posts on wellness, from tips for working through anxiety to helping create oestrogen and testosterone naturally. Sign up for one of John’s online courses hereFind John's booksMen Are from Mars, Women Are From VenusBeyond Mars and Venus: New Relationship Skills For Our Complex Modern WorldFind a complete list of John’s books here

Today we have a brilliant, thought-provoking, challenging and just all round awesome episode for you all! Our Vedic meditation teacher Laura Poole is in conversation with Meg Ulman of Artist as Family. Meg lives with her partner Patrick, their sons Woody and Zephyr and their dog Zero in Daylesford, Victoria on a ¼ acre permaculture plot. It’s home to their ‘School of Applied Neopeasantry’ at Tree Elbow University on Djaara peoples' country. They live a life of deep connection to Nature and community, teaching radical neo-peasant homemaking, community economy making and other accountable living skills. This is a seriously jam-packed episode, where we talk about everything from unschooling and up-skilling, to transcending deep time and dismantling capitalism. Sit back and get ready to learn how we can compost capitalism and reclaim ourselves as empowered ecological creatures of place!Show notes...CONNECT WITH MEG AT ARTIST AS FAMILYArtist as Family on Instagram Artist as Family Blog Artist as Family YouTube Learn about their Permaculture Living Course at the School of Neopeseantry Read their first book ‘The Art of Free Travel’ inspired by their 400 day journey on bikes from Daylesford to Cape York and back Watch their episodes on Happen Films WEBSITESRetro SuburbiaHolmgren DesignPermaculture PrinciplesPermaculture AustraliaTransition townsHRN – Hepburn Relocalisation NetworkMilkwood PermacultureHappen Films (also on IG @happenfilms)Wim HofDOCOSThe World According to MonsantoBullshit – Vandana ShivaKing CornThe Need to GrowKiss the EarthBOOKSThe More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible – Charles Eisenstein Retro Suburbia – David HolmgrenThe Transition Town Handbook - Rob HopkinsBraiding Sweetgrass - Robin KimmererRead more on the full journal post for Episode 12 at Mahasoma.

This episode, Mahasoma Vedic meditation teacher Laura Poole in discussion with Simon Borg-Olivier on 'The Misconceptions of Modern Yoga'. Simon is a biologist, physiotherapist and yoga teacher based in Sydney, Australia. He has spent decades sharing his incredible knowledge of the human anatomy and physiology, and is a master at teaching the foundations of traditional yoga to a modern audience. We start off by hearing about Simon’s personal journey into the world of yoga and meditation. Laura and Simon then explore what real yoga is and the difference between modern and traditional practice (the good the bad and ugly!) They also speak about static meditation vs. moving meditation, how to live in your body in a relaxed way, the signs to look for that are the expression of 'healthy exercise', they question whether stretching is actually beneficial for us, and how get a cardio workout without stressing the heart. Simon’s motto for life is “Tense less, stress less, breath less, think less, eat less.” We love this and hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.Show notes.Connect with Simon Borg-Olivier on InstagramLearn more from Simon on his official Facebook pageGet a feel for Simon’s work with these FREE 4 practice video sequences and accompanying PDF’sFind out more about Simon's 'Health Happiness and Longevity' monthly membershipJoin Simon for in-person or online for yoga (movement and breath work) classes at Yoga SynergySubscribe to Simon’s newsletter via his website for more information on what’s coming up, or check out some practice video’s on his website

In this episode we are very excited to have Etienne Peirsman share with our community his life's work. Etienne has spent over 40 years developing and teaching Craniosacral, which is a profound technique that incorporates meditative depth into therapy. In this episode we speak about what craniosacral is, the therapy side and the ‘non-doing’ meditative side, and how Etienne’s near-death experience brought him to the practice. We also explore how to heal our hearts to let love flow, a new way of working with trauma and the healing power of doing nothing. Laura and Etienne speak about how craniosacral has changed people’s lives, how we can learn to give craniosacral to ourselves and others, and finally Etienne shares his greatest passion – teaching craniosacral to kids, and he speaks about the importance of birthing our children in non-violent ways. RESOURCES FROM THE PODCASTConnect with Etienne and find out more about learning Craniosacral with himFollow Etienne on InstagramFollow Craniosacral Masters on FacebookListen to Etienne’s life story on the Craniosacral Podcast Experience a Heart Flow meditation with Mahasoma

In this episode, Laura Poole is in conversation with Nicole Azzopardi - a journalist, writer, cook, gardener and devoted parent. Nicole has spent the past 15 years travelling backwards and forwards to her teacher's ashram in the south of India (Sri Sakthi Amma at Sri Purum) where she spends time learning meditation and the value of selfless service. She currently lives with her husband and two daughters in a small country town in Victoria's Surf Coast hinterland.-This episode is an unedited, flowing conversation around Nicole’s journey of going to India and meeting her life-long spiritual teacher, Sri Sakthi Amma. We talk about the sacredness of being invited into the Vedic culture and practices, the true purpose of our human births, using our privilege for good, the spiritual practice of Seva – self-less service, the challenges of motherhood, when your child becomes your Guru and the depths of surrender that are required in parenthood. -Grab a cup of tea, and wherever you are, sit back and relax as we drink in this healing medicine of shared storytelling.-Show notesConnect with Nicole via Instagram or via her websiteRead the July Green Shakti Newsletter hereRead The Alchemy of Parenting feature article in this month’s Mindful Parenting Magazine Read Nicole’s writing on sustainability ideas - like making eco-conscious dolls and upcycled planter ideasVisit Sri Purum in India and meet Sri Sakthi AmmaDonate towards a cow and calf to a family in need from Sri PurumSee all the Seva projects that have been initiated by Sri Sakthi AmmaListen to 'Om Namo Narayani' mantra by our friends Edo & JoListen to our Mahasoma 'Divine Devotion' mantra playlist on Spotify

This episode is a little more of a personal one that was recorded back in 2018 with our dear friend and Ayurveda practitioner Dylan Smith from Vital Veda. Dylan wanted to chat to our resident Vedic meditation teacher Laura Poole about pain, suffering, healing and consciousness, knowing that her journey over the years has been full of all of these things. As an Ayurveda practitioner Dylan sees many patients with chronic illness, so called ‘incurable’ conditions, pains in the body and mind, and they are ask him for guidance, for knowledge, for solutions. And in this episode, we wanted to explore the multi-faceted realm of healing the body through the means of consciousness, and that it may not be what we were expecting and yet, what we were truly desiring.Show notesConnect with Dylan and Laura on social mediaLearn Vedic meditation with Mahasoma. Or to find a Vedic meditation teacher near you email hello@mahasoma.comFind out more about Ayurveda and ways to align yourself with nature at the Vital Veda JournalPanchakarma Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation programs - these programs are a powerful way to detox, release years of stress, replenish and move back into greater health and vitality. They are also the foundation for healing chronic illness in the body. In India, we go to the Raju Family for treatments. They have two places you can visit - the larger Raju Family Clinic just outside of Hyderabad city with Dr Krishna Raju and Dr Padma Raju, or the smaller clinic Raju’s Ayurveda right in Hyderabad city with J.R. Raju, Harsha Raju and Pavani Raju. If you need more information on panchakarma please get in contact with the Raju’s or with dylan@vitalveda.com.auDownload the Curable App - the science behind pain and practices to dissolve itExplore Nicole Sachs' The Cure For Chronic Pain website for online courses and a podcast that explores the mind/body connection to painWatch this free 4-part series with Nicole Sachs on healing chronic painDownload an easy yet powerful spinal yoga sequence by master teacher Simon-Borg Olivier that will change the way you think about and practice yoga, while liberating energy in the spine to help your body naturally heal itselfRead Healing Back Pain by Dr John SarnoRead The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman DoidgeRead The Body Keeps Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel van der KolkRead Waking The Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. LevineRead Explain Pain by David Butler & Lorimer MoseleyWatch the

In this heart-opening episode, Laura Poole is in conversation with entrepreneur, kindness advocate and woman of the heart, Sophie Weldon. Sophie is the Founder and Managing Director of Humankind Enterprises - a social enterprise which uses the ancient process of storytelling and the modern innovation of StoryTech and StoryData to help create a world that is more connected, inclusive and empathetic.In this episode, Laura wanted to go on a journey with Sophie, exploring a topic that is close to both their hearts – the creation and participation in a new normal. They start off hearing about Sophie’s time in Bhutan learning about Gross National Happiness, then dive in to core values as the foundation for change, healing our current systems, and ask what we could create as humans if we came to the process consciously, with deep radical empathy. They also dive into the Vedic perspective on governance, politics, and ask the question is it really possible to create a social system based on wellbeing, kindness and belonging?Show notes...Connect with SophieHumankind Enterprises websiteSophie’s InstagramLinks from the podcastVisit the website of the Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan.If you’re curious to learn a bit more about the historical and philosophical underpinnings of Neoliberalism, you can read more in this article published by the Conversation. Iceland and New Zealand are two countries have have implemented frameworks concerned with wellbeing. You can read a bit more about how they’re doing this here. Learn more about how Finland solved their homelessness crisis.Read Australia Reimagined by Hugh Mackay.

Welcome to the second episode in our series with Dylan Smith, Ayurvedic practitioner and educator from Vital Veda. In Part 2 we dive into really eye opening yet practical wisdom to understand the power of conscious conception and the journey of the 9 months of pregnancy. We also talk about the ritual of birthing, the huge importance of post-partum care, how your meditation practice might change during this time and everything you need to stay vital and radiant as new parents.Make sure you give both episodes a listen (Part 1 and Part 2) because this wisdom of the Veda and Ayurveda it has the ability to bring us back to our innate nature of creative beings who know how to conceive, carry and birth with full health, grace and the authority of inner wisdom.Connect with DylanVital Veda Website Vital Veda PodcastVital Veda Instagram accountBook an Ayurvedic consult with Dylan online or in personLinks from the podcastSome cycle/period tracking apps that are also used for conception and birth control are Natural Cycles, Daysy and Clue. Read Vital Veda's Ayurveda guide to the 9 months of pregnancy.Read Vital Veda's Ayurveda Post Natal Care Plan.See a full list of products Dylan from Vital Veda recommends for a post-natal support.Learn more about why you would want to do abhyanga, a warm-oil self massage you can do from your own home. You can then download a poster to learn how to do it yourself. Dylan has done an informative podcast on EMF, 5G and building biology.Check out the Mahasoma Spotify account to listen to soothing mantra playlists. Get the Ayurveda herbal formula that helps with morning sickness during pregnancy - MADIPHALA RASAYANA.Get the special ghee for pregnancy and easy birth - SUKHA PRASAVA GHRITAM. Get the herb that Dylan says is the most important herb for post-natal care - BALANT KADHA.

Hello lovely listeners! We’ve got another 2 part podcast episode for you. This time we are in conversation with Dylan Smith, Ayurvedic practitioner and educator from Vital Veda. These episodes were again recorded live in the Himalayas with our team of Vedic meditation teachers. Laura and Dylan are both incredibly passionate about this topic as it as all about the co-creation of life itself. In Part 1 we explore the Ayurveda and Vedic perspective on preparing yourself and your partner to conceive, which starts with understanding and honouring the menstrual cycle.Make sure you give both episodes a listen (Part 1 and Part 2) because this wisdom of the Veda and Ayurveda it has the ability to bring us back to our innate nature of creative beings who know how to conceive, carry and birth with full health, grace and the authority of inner wisdom.Connect with DylanVital Veda website Vital Veda podcastVital Veda Instagram accountBook an Ayurvedic consult with Dylan online or in personLinks from the podcastTo learn more about the doshas, you can find all the information on Dylan’s website here.Dylan has done a podcast specifically on the contraceptive pill. You can access it here.You can also read more about the Ayurvedic perspective on contraception here.Purchase Hannah Rachel Bell’s book ‘Men’s Business, Women’s Business’Listen to Dylan’s podcast on water and water quality. If you want to get some great ayurvedic recipes from Dylan, check out his website.Check out Dylan’s recipe for an ojas building drink to nourish the whole body and to also build reproductive tissueIt is not only our genes we pass on, but also our trauma. Learn more about the transference of generation traumaPanchakarma is an Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation treatment that is available to anyone but is particular beneficial to those looking to conceive. To learn more about Dylan’s recommendation for where to do this treatment, read here. Period underwear brands we wear: SheThinx. and ModiBodi.

In this next episode our founder Laura Poole speaks with Myra Lewin from Hale Pule on coming back to our nature through Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedic farming practices. Myra is a vibrant and radiating Ayurveda Practitioner, Ayurveda Yoga Therapist, healer and teacher, who over the last 30 years has spent more than 50,000 hours studying and teaching the art and science of Yoga and Ayurveda. Laura talks to Myra about her own journey regenerating two pieces of land in Hawaii using Vedic farming practices. They then end up going into Ayurveda and yoga as a pathway for coming back to the healing potency of our own inner nature. Laura and Myra speak about interdependency vs. co-dependency, the importance of interacting with Mother Earth to understand our selves, and how as we heal the environment, the environment actually ends up healing us in return. They also speak about practices for getting to know who and what we are, the power of Agnihotra, and the future of Ayurveda.Please see our journal post for the full intro to Myra, photos and links to all the resources we mention in the podcast. Or see below for just the links!Hale Pule website Hale Pule Live Ayurveda and Yoga app for iPhones Train with Myra in Ayurveda online See all upcoming events for Hale Pule hereFollow Myra through the Hale Pule Instagram accountRESOURCES FROM THE PODCASTYagya is an ancient fire ceremony that is performed so that we can commune with natures intelligence. Find out more hereLaura is sharing her journey of reinvigorating their land ‘Devaloka Bushland Retreat’ on the Victorian coast. Follow on Instagram here! What are the doshas? From the Ayurvedic perspective, everything on the planet (including us) is made up of different combinations of five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ethers. The three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha – each represent two elements and are responsible for various functions in the body and mind.. To learn more about how to understand the doshas, have a read of this blog by Hale Pule. PRAKRITI is a Sanskrit word which means ‘first state or creation’. In this context we are talking about the state of health in which are all first born in to. TAMAS, along with RAJAS and SATTVA is one of the three qualities that are present in everything around us, including within our own bodies as well as the foods that we eat. Ayurveda teaches that we need all 3 of these qualities, also known as the MAHA GUNAS, in order to live but we should take care to balance these qualities. Read here for more on what each of these qualities represent and how to balance them. Listen to the MAHAMRITYUNJAYA MANTRA here. To follow up on Laura and Myra’s recommendations for how to learn more about Agni Hotra, the purifying Vedic fire ceremony, have a look at the Hale Pule website. To purchase your own Agni Hotra kit or supplies, and to get a timetable of sunrise and sunset times visit Homa Therapy Australia’s website.

In Part 2 of this conversation, we explore more of Alice Miller's personal story and the journey of how she came to be here, now. Originally born in South Africa, Alice moved to Israel when she was a young child. She had a dream to be a fighter pilot in Israel because she loved the stars. All she wanted to do was be closer to them, to know their secrets and understand her place in the universe. But she was told that women couldn’t be fighter pilots in Israel. Undeterred, Alice went on to study Aerospace Engineering and returned to South Africa to learn to fly. After being told by the President of Israel that ‘only when he could find a man to mend socks like a woman’ would he let women become fighter pilots, Alice decided that she would sue the Israeli Government. She could not understand why she was unable to fly, and as it turns out neither could the Supreme Court of Israel. Since Alice won her case, 1268 Israel women have been admitted into the Airforce. Alice was a revolutionary for so many women, and her story is a testament to allowing yourself to dream big and create a reality that you wish to be a part of. Alice is a rebel, driven by a love of life and deep drive to connect and belong. This is such an uplifting and deeply inspiring episode. Alice’s strength, determination and conviction is something we could stand to see more of in our collective.Make sure you listen to Part 1 - Creating Community from India to Israel with Alice Miller!For more details head to our Mahasoma journal post.

In Mahasoma’s inaugural 2-part podcast episode, founder Laura Poole is in discussion with Alice Miller – mother, traveler, community creator, rebel of the heart and the woman who ‘broke the wall of gender’ in the Israeli Air Force. Recorded on the banks of the Ganga River in Shivanandi, Northern India, Alice shares with us her journey of creating community in India and Israel, and her unique life experiences as her and her family live between the two. When in India, Alice dreams. She witnesses the Ganga River and allows herself to observe and be. When in Israel, all the lessons and the learnings she has taken in from India find an outlet, and she builds and creates within her community. Alice teaches us that after searching for answers and asking where she was supposed to be in life, she discovered that it was all right here, right now. To Alice, everything feels like home whether she is on the banks of the Ganga River or in the desert with the Bedouin tribes of Israel. Alice dives deep into why establishing a Kibbutz in Israel was a deeply transformative experience for her, and shares that the fundamental ingredient to community is the will to be together. With what we are creating at Mahasoma, Alice’s insights inspired us further to keep building and shaping community based on unwavering support and the desire to listen to what was needed. Please join us and share in this powerful, insightful discussion with the force of nature that is Alice Miller.Make sure you listen to Part 2 - Rebel of the Heart with Alice Miller!For more details head to our Mahasoma journal post.

Welcome everyone! In this 'intro episode' we share with you the vision for our new podcast, what it's all about, who we are at Mahasoma and what we will be sharing in the upcoming episodes. If you'd like to find out more, read the show notes for each episode or simply connect with us then please head to mahasoma.com/podcast. Enjoy! Love the Mahasoma Team x