Movement for Modern Life Podcast

In this interview with MFML, founder of Urban Kitchen and a nutritional scientist, Toral Shah, shares her thoughts on the impact of nutrition on health and wellbeing, particularly on chronic lifestyle diseases. Discover the role nutrition plays in health optimisation, prevention of disease and in reducing the risk of disease. We also explore the importance of protein, supplements and eating a variety of foods, as well as coping strategies for difficult times. Find out more about nutrition for sleep in our blog from Toral.

What can yoga and Buddhism teach us about joy, both for ourselves and others? “The Brahma Vihara help us create a capacity for these qualities which open our hearts and gives us insight into the very challenging truth that nothing is permanent.” In this episode, Mimi Kuo-Deemer shares her thoughts on yoga and buddhism. She talks about some of the lessons we can take from buddhism to help keep us happy, healthy and on track mentally. Mimi explores the Buddhist concept of Mudita, which is sympathetic joy; the antithesis of competitiveness and individuality. How can that concept help us get through trickier times and awaken our hearts to interconnectedness and letting go? In this episode you will find out about... The Brahma Vihara - divine abodes or boundless states (4:30) What are Brahma Vihara and what do they cultivate? The opposing characteristics and how they affect us.The role of meditative practices. How these virtues can influence our mind, behaviour and relationships. Mudita (20:00) What is Mudita and sympathetic joy? Why we should let go of comparison and envy. How can we focus on cultivating generosity?How does this link to Daoism?Book Recommendation: Loving Kindness by Sharon Salzberg The Practice (30:00) How to start with the meditative practice of the Braham Vihara. The importance of a steady consistent practice. To whom should we extend these qualities and why.Medicine for social conflict and healing divisions. The common sources of suffering.A buddhist’s interpretation and explanation of the Brahma Vihara.  Awakening the heart (44:00) The difference between the brain and the heart. Dealing with paradox.Accepting impermanence and letting go.Recognising interconnectedness. Taking it into real life (54:40) The role of movement in understanding the Brahma Vihara.Noticing impatience and suffering when moving on the mat. The benefit of slow movement. The challenges of instant gratification. Do you want to explore all our classes, including more from Mimi? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Discover Mimi's classes on the Brahma Vihara here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-class-1371-buddha-teachings-yoga-for-sympathetic-joy

How can yoga and ceremony help us release from emotional trauma? “Our emotions have a chemical component, so part of what we teach is how to have some responsibility for the chemistry running through our bloodstream.” Emotional trauma sits in all of us, but we can shift it. In this episode, we talk to Ana Forrest and Jose Calarco to get some insight into the power of ritual and ceremony for enhancing our yoga practice, which can then act as a release for emotional trauma from the body. Ana Forrest founded Forrest Yoga, which combines the precision of Iyengar and the flow of vinyasa, but it also focuses on emotional and physical release. It’s an antidote to modern life! Ana has a pioneer spirit, so she talks about what it’s like going against the prevailing truth, how we can find our own way in the world and explore our life’s path.  With Jose Calarco, we delve into the importance of ‘vision quest’ and how music and ceremony are integral in helping us to heal. In this episode you will find out about... Yoga and Emotions (8:30) The impact of holding emotions inHow to take responsibility of the chemistry we run through our bloodstream The importance of changing emotional patterns for relationships What is ceremonial vision quest? How we can access and light up our whole brain through yoga and music The role of music in healing What can we learn from indigenous communities? The individual and the community (17:00) The importance of discovering what feeds your spirit Why we should interact with our community Why the responsibility of self-development is a personal journey, but we should never go it full alone.  Rituals and ceremony (21:00) Ana and Jose’s daily rituals The importance of taking pleasure in and connecting with nature How to navigate misinformation Why taking care of the planet is crucial to our survival Using challenging times as your own personal ceremony to elevate your life  Trauma (35:30) How do we carry trauma and emotions in our body? Why bringing in new patterns is essential The spirituality of a physical practice Breaking the ‘rules’ (42:20) Why we should question authority and explore new possibilities The importance of being brave and pioneering Using creativity and inspiration to make something your own The importance of learning and honouring your practice  Growing discipline to create paths to happiness  “You need to experiment, because you’re never going to grow with anything unless you experiment with it.” Do you want to explore all our classes, including some from Ana? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Discover more of Ana's classes on Movement for Modern Life here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/anaforrest Find out more about Ana & Jose here.

How can knowledge of our anatomy help us learn to increase our awareness and pay attention to our intuition? “Our bodies make our decisions, and our minds simply catch up” In this episode, we talk to Scaravelli inspired yoga teacher, Catherine Annis, about more than just functional anatomy! We discover the intrinsic link between our body and our minds through exploring our feet, our psoas muscles and our vagus nerve. So, this conversation is about the mental and emotional side of a deep physical practise; how can being aware of our bodies increase our awareness as we move through life? How can playing with our yoga practice fine tune our intuition? In this episode you will find out about... Scaravelli Yoga (2:40) Who is Vanda Scaravelli and what is Scaravelli Yoga? The influences of Iyengar and her rebellious ideas!Breaking through the rigidity of traditional practicesThe freedom to change your thinkingThe importance of agency to explore - does the teacher always know best? Creativity and Functionality (12:00) Why we should be creative in our practice and explore our bodies The importance of functional movementYoga as a tool to engender a change of state rather than exercise The Psoas and our Emotions (17:00) The anatomy of the psoas muscles How our organs and diaphragm can impact the psoasThe importance of hydration! The link between the SI joint, the pelvic floor and the QL musclesTips to relieve the SI jointThe importance of regular movement and mobility The Magic of the Feet (30:00) Why need to take care of our feet and maintain flexible foot joints How ‘tight’ feet can impact the rest of the bodyHow shoes dull our sensitivity The importance of feeling pleasure through our feet Being mindful while walking  Yoga and Awareness (43:00) How increasing awareness in our body can help us make better choices in lifeHow can awareness impact our relationships with others and the earth? The problems with big boots and disconnection!The role of the vagus nerveHow breath awareness can be an effective tool for calming our nervous systemThe importance of play and listening to our intuition Moving from being taught to taking responsibility for our bodies and experiences  “Work your feet for global peace!” Do you want to explore all our classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Discover more of Catherine's classes, including those on the psoas and feet, on Movement for Modern Life here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/catherineannis Find out more about Catherine here.

How do the philosophies of yoga and Buddhism interrelate? “We can’t avoid the hot and cold of life, but we can work with how we experience suffering and we can find a way out if we believe we deserve it.” Buddhism is something which fuels Adam’s practice and teaching, so in this episode, so he shares his interpretation of the teachings and how they have impacted him. Specifically, he explores the Buddhist Paramitas; what they are and how we can live by these qualities. He and Kat also discuss how yoga and Buddhism are interrelated, what they have in common and why there seem to be so many similarities between the two philosophies.  In this episode you will find out about... How are yoga and Buddhism connected? (4:50) What is yoga?What is Buddhism and how does is differ across the world? The cross-pollination of ideas which have influenced both practices How ancient and modern hatha yoga draw inspiration from Buddhism and other philosophies How Adam discovered yoga and BuddhismThe nature of suffering and how yoga and buddhism can help overcome it  Qualities to cultivate (23:30) The inspiration behind Adam’s latest series of yoga classesWhat are the six Buddhist Paramitas? What is an awakened being and can we get there?How do the paramita’s link to the Yamas and Niyamas? The importance of enthusiasm and discipline, and finding the middle ground The individual and the community (36:00) The importance of starting in a place of positivity, energy and worthiness How to connect to yourself and other people Should we focus on the individual or on others? Thich Naht Hanh and activism What is a Tonglen practice?  Meditation (44:30) What is meditation?The difference between concentration and insightCan we really call yoga a ‘moving meditation’?How internal and external focal points can help us in being mindful  “I want to find the middle ground, where I can really push myself to do things but do I really need to go that far? What is that about?” Do you want to explore all our classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Discover Adam's yoga and Buddhism classes on Movement for Modern Life here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-class-1363-slow-flow-for-wisdom Find out more about Adam here.

How can yoga be a truly inclusive and accessible practice? “However we come to the mat, there is a practice which is suited, appropriate and can support our wellbeing if we choose it.”  In this episode, we talk to the master of adaptive yoga, Frederique Sardais, about how yoga can be a truly inclusive practice for every body. We discover what adaptive yoga is and explore the meaning of inclusivity and discuss why this conversation is long overdue. Fredee has been teaching specialist yoga classes for the last eight years, for people living with disability, primarily mobility disabilities. However, we are all going to need adaptive yoga at some point in our lives, and it's not always going to be about achieving physical poses. In this episode you will find out about... The 'real' yoga (3:00) The trouble with instagram and inclusivity Where can we find the real yoga? Are the big studios really inclusive?The diversity of yoga in community halls How accessible is yoga, really? (8:30) What are the hurdles facing accessibility?How can the popularity of vinyasa and performance yoga restrict access?How socio-economic factors impact accessibilityThe importance of changing the image of yoga in the media Making yoga more inclusive (13:50) Yoga fits the person, the person does not have to fit the yogaWhat can teachers do to be more inclusive? The importance of awareness and listening to students’ needsHow can we use yoga to support the body in healing from illness and injury?  The importance of diversity (19:45) How different needs can make yoga classes so richHow can teachers learn from a range of requirements?Not all yoga styles are suited to adaptabilityHow shifting perspectives can allow teachers to teach every body Cultural beliefs and non-asana yoga (23:30) Physical discomfort does not equate to working hard to achieve a poseThe importance of letting go of suffering, achievement and punishment What is the true purpose of our practice? The role of pranayama, meditation and Yoga NidraYoga is not just for when we feel fragile or vulnerable, it caters to all the variables of the human experience Do you want to explore our gentle classes, plus pranayama and meditation? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan We have a range of gentle yoga classes, including those which can be done in a chair, or in bed here: https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-yoga-gently Plus, why not try the following... Mediation: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-classes/meditation Yoga Nidra: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-classes/yoga-nidra Breath work: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-classes/breathing-chanting-locks-gestures Find out more about Fredee here.

"We need to probe and figure out a broader definition and understanding of the sutras… we need to apply them to the way we live our lives now. " In this episode, we are talking about Patanjali’s yoga sutras and how relevant they are to modern life. How can these ancient texts help us get through daily life and the crises we face? Kat chats with Rakhee Jasani, MFML teacher and philosophy expert, about her fascination and frustration with the old yogi texts, and answers questions on the importance of integrating philosophy into our lives to help us face everything from personal overwhelm to environmental and societal issues.  In this episode you will find out about... What are the Yoga Sutras? (4:00) Where do the yogas sutras come from? The mystery surrounding the sutrasWhat do they tell us about yoga? What are the eight limbs of yoga and the magical powers? The influence of other ancient philosophies and thinkersThe link between yoga philosophy and buddhism The Yamas and Niyamas (17:00) What are the Yamas and Niyamas?  How do they relate to yoga and meditation? The role of ‘God’ in the observances and restraintsThe role of OM Society, ourselves and the sutras (27:00) Can we use the sutras as a guide to be more socially engaged?  What is the Gita? The importance of detachment and skill in action Finding your path in life and respecting that of others The relevance of the yoga sutras today (38:00) The role of greed and violence in our world and it’s impact on our environment Why can’t we be content with what we have?How can we deal with the problems we face using philosophy? The importance of seeking truth and justice as modern yogisThe sutras don’t have the answers, so why are they pertinent?How can we make ancient wisdom relevant to the modern day?The importance of thinking and interpreting the sutras for ourselves "By living in this way, our minds are clearer and maybe we are better able to see the nature of reality." Do you want to explore the sutras further in our philosophy course - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find out more about Rakhee here.

Do you want to explore more of Vidya's philosophy classes - ancient wisdom for modern life? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan "Meditation gives us the space where you feel the reaction within you but you're able to take a breath and see it's ego" In this episode Kat talks to Vidya Heisel, the founder of Suryalila about how her life has been informed by Eastern philosophy. Vidya talks about her early influences and how when she discovered Eastern philosophy and meditation at the age of nineteen, she felt like a light had gone off in her head. Vidya talks about how she has adopted non-violent communication as a practical way in which to apply 'ahimsa'. This skilful means of communication serves her well as a business owner when communicating with staff members who are also friends. Vidya also walks the talk and reveals the dilemmas she has faced in creating a business steeped in permaculture whilst being a vegetarian. In this episode you will find out about... AHIMSA (07:00) Why Ahimsa is an essential part of yoga practice and most major world religionsHow causing harm to others is akin to causing harm to yourselfWhy Ahimsa is the foundation of the Yamas and NiyamasHow you can be violent without realising it NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION (11:00) How to communicate during intense or challenging situationsHow to express yourself skillfully when you are feeling irritatedOur speech patterns can express violence without us realising itCommunicating effectively is a skill that can be learnt START WITH YOURSELF (15:00) Non-violence starts with yourselfHow caring for your yourself deeply impacts on othersWhy we need to stop the critical voice in our headsMake an effort but let go of perfectionism VEDANTA (22:00) Vedanta is wider than just yoga philosophyHow life is like a dream-world or an illusionWhy you should trust that what is unfolding is the way it is meant to be MEDITATION (29:00) Meditation can be profound right awayYou will have to deal with the same things coming up repeatedly but meditation isn't about being hard or easyWhy approaching meditation as a practice is skillful: it's not about the quality of the experience but rather the doing of it! AHIMSA, VEGETARIANISM AND VEGANISM Ahimsa dairies and how eating eggs can sit comfortably alongside vegetarianismThe clash between vegetarianism and permacultureThe complications of sustaining a healthy eco-system "Most of us need to have more compassion for ourselves than we actually have." Do you want to explore more of Vidya's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Vidya's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/vidyaheisel Find out more about Vidya here.

Naomi is brilliant at turning traditional yoga on its head and encouraging us to move in a way that is fun and feels good.

Do you want to explore more of Zephyr's classes, including her class on courage? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to a special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast. Here, we share live meditations from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first home yoga retreat. These meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through difficult times. Today, we talk with Zephyr Wildman about courage. Zephyr is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to yoga philosophy, and is just fantastic at sharing it in an accessible and practical way. In this podcast, Zephyr gives a summary of the five virtues of yoga, focusing on courage. What does courage look like? How can we be courageous? How can yoga support us in finding and practicing courage? We chat about how we can face challenging times through the lens of yoga philosophy and physical practice, followed by a lovely meditation from Zephyr. So, we invite you to find a quiet place to spend a few minutes practicing with us. We hope you you find this useful and please do share this with anyone you think would benefit from some positive tools in their toolkit right now. Do you want to explore Zephyr's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Zephyr's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/zephyrwildman Find out more about Zephyr here.

Do you want to explore more of Adam's strength building classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Strength is you alive and awake in your body and working with what you have today to make sure you feel good. It is something which is often overlooked in a yoga practice, but strength is so important for a safe, comfortable and progressive yoga practice. So, we talk to one of our most popular teachers, Adam Hocke, about how we can explore and increase our strength and the impact it can have on our bodies and lives. Adam also talks about the importance of staying curious. It’s really important to question what we’re doing. We should be testing things out and trying things and see if they work for us, rather than just accepting. The fact we have so many different styles of yoga and meditation is reflective of that. So, be curious and learn how to be more in control, strong, mobile, flexible, accepting and, therefore, embodied. In this episode you will find out about... Flexibility (3:00) Flexibility has to be met with, held with and supported by some strength. We have to recognise what we are doing and asking if it is a reasonable thing to ask the body to do.Not all bodies can make all the shapes, especially the extreme poses. The simple, common poses which actually require more flexibility than most people have.How to adapt poses to your flexibility.The importance of a sense of humour! Range of Motion (12:45) The difference between a passive and active range of motion. The importance of developing an active range of motion in addition to passive range of motion.Why cultivating control can improve your yoga and create a deeper sense of embodiment. The issue of underworking areas and unhealthy compensation patterns. The importance of listening to science.  Making yoga sustainable (22:00) How can we make yoga a sustainable practice over a lifetime?The importance of going slower through transitions for building control. Why should we reduce leverage? The importance of resistance for strengthening muscles at their end range to support flexibility.How can we introduce resistance?Why are standing poses are so great? Mobility (39:00) What is mobility and why is it so important? The impact of physical resilience on the nervous systems and our emotions.How to be an active participant in your practice, rather than going along for the ride. What is proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and how does is impact our range of motion?Vidya's class on PNF: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-class-640-mindful-hips-director-cut Put it into practice (46:00) Tips for incorporating more active stretching into your practice. The importance of variety for adaptation. Using outlines and changing the interior life of a pose. Readdressing our expectations of a yoga practice.  Do your best to make sure everything feels in control without pushing beyond what feels right and reasonable for you. Do you want to explore Adam's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Adam's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/adamhocke Find out more about Adam here.

Do you want to explore more of Lizzie's yoga classes, including her Coming Home class? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to this special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast where we share live meditations from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first Home Yoga Retreat. These meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through difficult times. Today, we are talking with Lizzie Reumont about the theme of coming home. What are your preconceived ideas of home and safety? What does home mean to you and how can we feel at home in our bodies? In this podcast, we will explore the idea of landing on the earth and coming back to ourselves. Lizzie will offer a guided meditation and we would like to invite you to practice with us. We hope you find this useful and please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time. Do you want to explore Lizzie's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Lizzie's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/lizzie-reumont Find out more about Lizzie here.

Do you want to explore more of Jonelle's creativity in her classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan “The quickest way to learn is through play” How and why should we bring creativity to our yoga practice? We chat to Jonelle Lewis, a brave, fierce and experienced yoga teacher who loves to explore a range of yoga styles. Jonelle has an amazing way of making yoga an inclusive, accessible and empowering experience. She shares the various different yoga styles she practices, how she came to them and how can we be more fluid, free and creative on our mats.  In this episode you will find out about... Accessibility in yoga (3:30) Yoga is not aspirational, it is a birthright Why you should forget the fanfare and focus on easeDiscover Jonelle's favourite teachers How did Jonelle try out different styles, and how can you? Rocket yoga (11:18) Rocket yoga and its relationship to Ashtanga yogaIt's ok to find a practice scary at first! How to be creative with sequencing and pacingWhy meeting your students is so important How having fun impacts your learning Yin yoga (23:40) What is Yin yoga?How exploring yin yoga led to a whole new experience and self-development for JonelleJust how can yin compliment other yoga practices? Meditation (28:00) How seeking out new teachers can lead to new discoveriesWhy meditation helps Jonelle meet the world better How exploration can deepen your practice and find what works for you Pranayama (30:00) The importance of breath workWhat is Kapalabhati breath? Creativity (38:00) Why Mandala yoga is a great style to incorporate different influencesThe reason Jonelle goes to so many different teachersWhy should we keep yoga fresh and fun?  If my intention it is not for my teaching to be accessible, then what am I doing? Do you want to explore Jonelles's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Jonelle's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/jonellelewis Follow Jonelle on Instagram here.

Do you want to explore more of Joo's yoga and qi gong classes to support your energy? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to another special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast; this is an instalment in our MFML Meditations series of live meditations. These are from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first Home Yoga Retreat. The meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through challenging times. Today, Joo Teoh, is sharing a meditation on the theme of energy. What is energy, qi, or prana? How can we recharge and best take care of our energy? Joo is a wonderful teacher of both yoga and Qi Gong, so has a beautiful way of looking at the concept of energy through these different lenses. We will start with a little chat about this theme and Joo will follow with a guided meditation.  We would like to invite you to find a quiet space to spend a few minutes practicing with us. If find this useful, please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time.  Do you want to explore Joo's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Joo's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/jooteoh Find out more about Joo here.

Do you want to explore more of Lucy's yoga classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to another special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast! This is a series of live meditations from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first Home Yoga Retreat. These meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for our toolkit. The can support us through challenging times and help us feel more within the present moment. Today, we are talking with Lucy McCarthy about the theme of awakening. So, how can we be conscious from moment to moment and pay attention to the small things which would normally pass us by? How can the concept of the seven chakras move us from just our mind to our whole body? In this podcast, we will explore this theme and Lucy will offer a guided meditation. Therefore, we would like to invite you to find a quiet space to spend a few minutes practicing with us.  We hope you find this useful and please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time. Do you want to explore Lucy's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Lucy's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/lucymccarthy Discover more about Lucy here.

Do you want to explore more of Adrianna's meditations and restorative yoga classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to another special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast! This is part of a series of live meditations from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first Home Yoga Retreat. These meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through challenging times. Today, Adrianna Zaccardi shares a meditation on awareness. Adrianna is a brilliant restorative yoga teacher, whose practices are all about coming into a deeper place of quiet within ourselves so we can meet the present moment with clarity. Cultivating awareness can be so nourishing and it’s great to do so from a very calm, clear and grounded place. The meditation is followed by a conversation with Rakhee about this theme of awareness. Give this meditation a go and perhaps follow it with one of Adrianna’s restorative classes: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/adriannazaccardi If find this useful, please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time.  Do you want to explore Adrianna's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find out more about Adrianna here.

Do you want to explore more of Mimi's meditation and yoga classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to this special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast; this is another instalment in our MFML Meditations series of live meditations. These are from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first Home Yoga Retreat. The meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through challenging times. This week, the wonderful Mimi Kuo-Deemer is sharing a meditation on the theme of connection with Rakhee, the content creator here at MFML. At the time we recorded this meditation, we were on lockdown during the pandemic, so the word connection took on a whole new meaning. Whilst we could not connect physically with our loved ones, there was still so much we could connect with. It is so important to explore those connections when everything around us feels so disconnected.  We will jump straight into the meditation where you can connect with your body, your vibrations and your feelings. The meditation is followed by a conversation with Rakhee about this theme of connection and a Q&A with our community members. If find this useful, please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time.  Do you want to explore Mimi's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Mimi's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/mimikuo-deemer Find out more about Mimi here.

Do you want to explore more of Adam's meditations and grounding yoga classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to another special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast! This is the second in a series of live meditations from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our first Home Yoga Retreat. These meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through challenging times. This week, Adam Hocke joins me to lead a meditation on the theme of grounding. Being grounded enables us to be in the moment and accept the present moment for what it is. It also helps us feel connected to and supported by our bodies and the earth. This is a useful meditation for when you're feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Following the meditation is a conversation with Kat about the importance of grounding and how it can help ease anxiety in the body and mind. We hope you take up this invitation to find a quiet place and spend some time exploring this theme of grounding with us. If find this useful, please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time.  Do you want to explore Adam's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Adam's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/adamhocke Find out more about Adam here.

Do you want to explore more of Clive's meditations and yoga classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Welcome to this special edition of the Movement for Modern Life podcast: MFML meditations! This is the first in a series of live meditations from our wonderful team of teachers which were part of our recent Home Yoga Retreat. These meditations, dharma talks and Q&A sessions are fantastic tools for supporting us through challenging times. This week, Clive Fogelman will be leading a meditation on the theme of transitions. Clive is an innovative teacher who loves to explore the power of transitions, both on and off the mat. Transitions are a huge part of creating a more familiar relationship with the body, expanding our options and empowering ourselves to make mindful choices. The meditation is followed by a Q&A session with members of the Movement for Modern Life community. Listen to Clive's recent podcast on transitions here: www.movementformodernlife.com/blog/ep-20-on-the-power-of-transitions/ We hope you find this useful and please do share it with family and friends who may also benefit from some positive tools and philosophy at this time.  Do you want to explore Clive's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Clive's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/clivefogelman Find out more about Clive here.

Do you want to explore Sylvia's classes on strength and pose challenges? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Going deeper isn’t about doing the pose better, it’s about what the pose is teaching you. Why are so many people acquiring yoga injuries? How can we find a class which suits us? What impact has instagram had on yoga?  In this episode, we talk to Sylvia Garcia, one half of London Acro Ladies and MFML teacher, about adapting our yoga practice to suit our bodies, rather than the other way round.  Sylvia dives deep into the importance of listening to your body, whether than be through injury, pregnancy or something else. It is possible for yoga to not be healthy or good for our bodies; you can punish yourself with these tools or use them intelligently by adapting them to suit you in each moment. It may be challenging and hard to rest, but it’s brave to practice within our ability and listen to our body.  “Isn’t it more yogic to be resting when you know you’re going to hurt your body than it is to just do the poses you’ve been asked to do?” In this episode you will find out about... Yoga and social media (9:30) Why comparison can be dangerous.How can we be responsible when posting and consuming yoga content on Instagram? Should we be learning poses from Instagram tutorials?Is it ever ok to be posting complex poses? The positive side of social media!  Yoga and injuries (27:20) Is yoga on Instagram true yoga, or art?The importance of listening to our bodies.Why it’s ok to go back to basics.What injuries can teach about empathy. Why do we want to be more flexible or go to extreme ranges? Sustainability and longevity (35:55) Should we still be practicing Ashtanga?Where do we draw the line? The importance of picking the right shapes for you. How to respect changes in your body and preferences both daily and long term.It takes courage to say ‘no’ Seeking advice, strength and pilates (47:25) What can we do when a pose doesn’t feel good anymore? When to seek help and not simply skip a pose.Who should we seek injury advice from? The role of pilates in building strength and sustaining your practice. How can we be more careful in adjustments?What will our bodies look like in a few years time after all this extreme yoga? The importance of asking “what do I need right now?”. Do you want to explore Sylvia's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Sylvia's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/sylviagarcia Find Sylvia on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sylviasyoga

Do you want to explore Joo's classes on balance and intention? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan “I can choose what happy means to me at any given point in time.” Balance, intention, silence and slowing down. How do these actions help us on the path to cultivating happiness every day?  In this episode, we talk to one of our wonderful teachers, Joo Teoh, about redefining and taking responsibility for our happiness.  Joo has been through some big life upheavals, both good and bad, but has managed to retain a real sense of joy and equanimity. He offers his own tips for when you are going through your own changes to keep your head above water. Learn more about consciously stepping away from stress triggers, finding space and being comfortable with slowing down.  In this episode you will find out about... The importance of food (6:50) Why should you undertake a bit of a ‘life overhaul’ and how? The importance of consciously stepping away from stress.The steps you can take towards eating with intention. Why should we learn about where our food comes from?  Defining Happiness (16:20) Happiness is often seen as a destination - can our definition of happiness change? What is ‘the gap’? The importance of having an intention before an interaction. What is your face doing right now?  Reactions and consciousness (24:00) The importance of catching your reactions.The benefit of silent mornings and framing your day.Why you should scrap your to-do list! The yin and yang balance. Physical practices and tools (35:35) Why you should skip the multitaskingWhy redefining happiness is important when physical practices become challenging.How to rest, even when you find it hard! Does savasana make us happier? Find your mantras! What is tonglen? (Find the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tonglen-Pema-Chödrön/dp/3924195730)The importance of practicing for what’s coming. Happiness tips (55:20) Joo’s beautiful ideas for cultivating happiness every day.The importance of nature, curiosity, connection and awareness.How to take responsibility for your own happiness. “Be kind to yourself when you don’t succeed” Do you want to explore Joo's classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find out more about Joo's retreat space here: https://www.la-scellerie.com

In this fascinating episode, we talk to Mercedes Sieff, a leading light in the world of yoga, about happiness and how we can discover it through yoga and positive psychology.

Do you want to explore Lisa's Sleep Recovery course? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan “It’s a very yogic thing to return to good sleep…it’s a time when we have to let go.” In the UK two thirds of adults have disrupted sleep. But why is it so difficult. Our culture plays a big part; requiring us to always be busy and shun our bedtime in favour of evenings out or chilling in front of the TV. In this episode, we talk to Lisa Sanfilippo, author and yoga teacher, who has created a sleep recovery course for MFML. Kat talks to Lisa about moving beyond the pills, apps and pillow sprays and discover deeper long lasting solutions to better sleep. We need to repair our ability to sleep well, not depend on these crutches, but how can we do that? Lisa offers tips on how to prepare for sleep with some revolutionary ideas, but also by using yogic philosophy to help us rediscover balance, patience, receptivity and rest. “Being able to re-learn patience, receptivity and getting out of the way is all aligned with sleep, rest and what yoga was put here to teach us.” This podcast is a great introduction to the Sleep Recovery Course and for learning more about how important yoga is for sleep; “When we do yoga that is slower, more mindful and aware, it repairs our interoceptive capacity.” In this episode you will find out... About Lisa's sleep journey and how it lead to Sleep Recovery (13:00) Are you prone to catastrophic thinking and tension at night? How can you counteract this? The importance of breathing, moving and acupressure, even in the middle of the night! Why does yoga work for getting better sleep?  The importance of sleep and letting go (24:55) Why is sleep the most important thing we can learn to do properly?Why do we need to soften and consider doing things a little differently? “The way we do one thing is the way we do everything, until we become conscious.” How can our Ayurvedic dosha impact our sleep?How to work with yourself and your personality to get better sleep.  Tips for preparing for good sleep (41:00) It’s not just about what you do to wind down at the end of the day.Yawning, closing your eyes, having a short rest - why we SHOULD do these through the day! The importance of yoga in preparing ourselves for good sleep, not just on a daily basis.Can aroma, light, apps and devices really support our sleep? What is detrimental to good sleep?   The optimal sleep routine (57:15) Why should you learn and remember the Sleep Recovery course? It’s super easy! Why food, drink and time matter.Why we should forget the second wind and listen to our natural rhythm. What are ‘marma points’, where do they come from and why are they so important? Experience them at 1:04:48 and in Lisa'a class. The importance of breathing properly, learn how to at 1:11:12 and in Lisa's class. Find Lisa's Sleep Recovery Course here: https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-sleep-recovery Do you want to explore Lisa's Sleep Recovery course? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Get Lisa's Sleep Recovery book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/sleep-recovery-9781472956316/ Enter our competition here: https://www.instagram.com/movementformodernlife/?hl=en

Have you thought about the role transitions play in your life? We move through transitions daily. MFML teacher, Clive Fogelman suggests ways to embrace times of uncertainty During our lives, we might encounter a range of bigger transitions such as changing jobs, entering a new stage of life, moving and illness. But there are also more subtle transitions such as shifting from work to relaxation, the beginning and end of the weekend and returning from a holiday. Transitions, even exciting ones, can be daunting. They are filled with uncertainty and without always being conscious of it; we sometimes avoid them and what comes up for us for during them. Transitions in yoga In yoga, we also encounter transitions, for example between time on our mat and the day as a whole; the period at the beginning of the practice before we start moving, and the period of rest at the end. With a home practice it can be especially tempting to cut out these parts. We might feel restless or find it difficult to stop and feel an urgency to move on. There are also the transitions during our practice. One example is how we get from one posture to another and how we move during our flow. Again during those times we might witness a tendency to rush through and to want to get into the posture as quickly as possible. We might feel a resistance to slowing down, exploring the space in between postures as well as holding the postures themselves. The Challenge of Transitional Space There may be several reasons we are uncomfortable with the transitional space in life and in our yoga practise. We may have become so used to having a direction and targets that it feels unfamiliar just to be and let the experience unfold more gradually. The transitional space can sometimes feel endless and we might feel anxious about being feeling lost and directionless. During transitions we often have time for more reflection but perhaps feelings and thoughts might appear that challenge assumptions we have of ourselves, how we live and relate, and in yoga how we are approaching our practise and what we really want from it. Pause and rest to connect To manage the the transitional space we often set ourselves goals. Goals can provide a sense of control in the face of the unknown. Everything can then be evaluated and defined in terms of outcome and achievement. In our yoga practice, we might start targeting postures and become fixated on being able to do a certain posture in a certain way. As a result however, we might be less connected to what is actually happening in our body. We might not be aware for example, that we are overusing or underusing certain parts of our body or that a part of the body is starting to feel strain. That’s why taking rest poses during our practise can be so important. Not just to rest, but to pause and take a moment to more fully connect with how we are feeling and how we might want to approach our practise. Something I often ask myself in the transitional space during practise is, “how can my practise meet me where I am right now?” We can ask the same in day to day life when we take a moment to slow down and pause – “how can life meet me where I am right now?” Less attachment, more curiosity When we become less attached outcomes, we can start to fully embrace the journey both in life and with yoga. Our whole experience starts to open out. Take the example of walking around day to day. Often, we are so focused on our destination (getting from a to b) that we remain unaware of what is happening around us. We might not notice the subtle shifts of seasons, the changing colours and smells and others changes to the environment. We might not notice someone who needs our help. One thing I find helpful is to vary my walking routes. Rather than take the same route that tends to keep me on autopilot, I find consciously choosing a route that is guided by how I am feeling keeps me more connected and present in the experience...

Do you want to explore Clive's classes? Check out all our classes, including Clive's transitions class, for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan “Transitions are opportunities for great enquiry, curiosity and discovery” Many of us come to yoga for the physical practice, but it is not just all about making shapes and repeating movements. In this episode, we talk to one of Movement For Modern Life’s most popular teachers, Clive Fogelman, on the power of transitions, both on and off the mat.  Transitions are a huge part of creating a more familiar relationship with the body so we can learn when to give more and when to stop, slow down and consolidate. By emphasising how we come in and out of a pose can create a connection throughout the practice, expand our options and empower ourselves to make mindful choices. The more we practice, the more familiar we become with it, the more we yearn for it and the more we know when we need it!  But how can tuning in during yoga help us tune into our lives? Clive talks us through the importance of stopping, pausing and taking time to let our minds wander and be present to what emerges. We often feel like we don’t have the time and the rush feels endless, but by slowing down we can “feel the fullness of time again” by starting to look at the spaces in between and surrendering to the experience. Clive also opens up about his experience with illness and how it forced him to take a new perspective.  So, take some time to slow down and tune in to hear how to feel the power of transitions both in your practice and in your life.  In this episode you will find out... The power of transitions in yoga (3:50) Yoga is not prescriptive, so how can you make it work for you? How to use transitions to help you make mindful choices based on your feelings in the momentCan you make the practice meet you and let go of what you think it should look like? The importance of tuning in and pausing How do you create a ‘bridging space’? The importance of time and slowing down (16:09) “In stopping and slowing down, I have more clarity, a clearer sense of priorities and experience time more fully”Learn how to sit and let your mind wanderThe benefits of shifting from doing to being, and finding windows to stop and pauseWhat happens when we slow down?  The link between transitions and curiosity (31:52) Why do we avoid transitions? If the pose isn't the outcome, what purpose does it serve? How can transitions help us be more curious and explorative?Goals and targets are intrinsic to our culture, but they can narrow our vision and make use lose sight of the journey which can lead us somewhere we'd never expectedHow can attachment to the outcome hinder curiosity?Is less really more? The lessons that life transitions can bring (48:25) How illness gave Clive the permission he needed to slow downThe importance of taking softness and effortlessness into everyday lifeHow to listen to your body so you know when to give more and slow down, and how to take that beyond your matWhat is conscious relaxation? Get Clive’s top tips for easy ways to start tuning in and slowing down  “When I take time, I always feel l have been given the gift of time back”  Do you want to explore Clive's classes? Check out all our classes (including Clive's classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find all of Clive's classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/clivefogelman Find out more about Clive on his website here.

Do you want to explore Zephyr's classes and transformation challenge? Check out all our classes (including Zephyr's classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan "You can’t get yoga, it gets you" Life is filled with ups and downs, but one thing which remains constant is our yoga practice. But the practice of yoga goes beyond just the shapes we make with our body. In episode 19 of our podcast, we talk to Zephyr Wildman, a beautiful yoga teacher and a leading light on how we can weave yoga philosophy into our classes and everyday lives.  Kat talks to Zephyr about life, death and transformation, and how we can affect our lives by navigating changes. “Yoga doesn’t prevent life from happening but it gives you the tools to manage the unmanageable.” Towards the end, they have a moving conversation about grief and how that helped Zephyr learn to live yoga on and off the mat.  But yoga is not just there for us in the tough times. It can be a great way to celebrate our selves and our lives and open into a more spirited way of being. If you practice yoga every day, it can be magical! “We are spiritual beings having a human experience, but we are also human beings having a spiritual experience.”  So, settle into a comfortable position and learn how yoga can support and curate transformation in your life.  In this episode you will find out... Can we really experience transformation through yoga? (5:51) What are the seven stages of yoga and how can they lead to transformation? How you can respond to your reactions without judgement or resistance and awaken to a place of compassion and wholeheartedness. The importance of accepting limitations and avoiding comparisons? (12:43) Why yoga is not about touching your toes and how physical limitations should not limit you.How to find options for your practice when something doesn't feel good or work for you.How can you curate a more sustainable practice? Get some advice from The Science of Yoga by William Broad. Why we all need Zephyr's Transformation Course! (18:55) What to expect from Zephyr’s Transformation Course on MFML.How to become more aware and learn what works for you.The importance of listening and setting intentions. Yoga is an artistic expression and a science (24:20) “If you want to change your psychology, you change your physiology”How can you become more effortless? The importance of other physical practices - what should you do alongside yoga to create a complete practice? The art of discipline and taking the yogic mindset into other fitness practices. Yoga and philosophy (36:09) Yoga is not a religion, it’s a personal spiritual experience; how to move beyond the shapes and find a new mapHow did Zephyr use yoga and its philosophy to navigate grief? “Yoga doesn’t prevent life from happening but it gives you the tools to manage the unmanageable” Find all of Zephyr's classes, including her Sunday Chill class, here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/zephyrwildman Sign up to the Transformation Challenge here (free for subscribers): https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-transformation-course Do you want to explore Zephyr's classes and transformation challenge? Check out all our classes (including Zephyr's classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find out more about Zephyr here.

Do you want to explore your yoga practice as a new mum or soon-to be- parent? Check out all our classes (including pre and post natal classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan “Being a parent is the biggest yoga I’ve ever done!” Being a parent, especially a new mum, is the hardest job in the world, but also one of the most rewarding. With motherhood comes so many expectations, so much advice and so much pressure, that it is often an overwhelming time, which is compounded by sleep deprivation, lack of free time and adjusting to a whole new way of life. So how can yoga help navigate pregnancy, birth and parenthood?  In episode 18, Kat chats to Nikita, one of our most popular teachers, about how her yoga practice has supported her after the arrival of her second baby and how it has changed on her journey through motherhood.  Parenting and yoga go hand in hand; being a parent provides an opportunity to utilise the tools, such as being mindful, aware, gentle and self-compassionate, you learn as a yogi. While, parenthood can lead us to approach our yoga practice in a new way. One thing is for sure, Nikita is not sure how she would have  managed pregnancy, birth and parenthood without the magic of yoga.  One of the biggest lessons of parenthood is to know what it is to surrender to life and change, and the beauty of yoga is that it teaches us how to ride that wave of change.  In this episode you will find out... What is it like being a new mum and a yogi? (2:03) Yoga is a way of life; parenting allows us to use tools we've learnt from our yoga practice Having children is very grounding; you tune in into your instinctsCan we learn how to just 'roll with it'? You can only do your best (5:00) How to put the idea of perfect parenting asideIt can be a very emotional and confronting time, but know that you can't do it all. How can we let go of guilt and frustration? How yoga can help you cope with and accept the massive changes which pregnancy and children bring, from within your body to throughout your every day life? The problem with the word 'return' (14:25) The pressure to 'return to normal' can be overwhelming and the unrealistic expectations around that have a huge impact on us mentally, emotionally and physically. Learn how yoga can help us renegotiate a new normal and accept that life, our bodies and our yoga practice will be different. How yoga can fit into your new life (22:16) Nikita offers advice on how to get back to your mat by taking small steps and managing your expectations How yoga can help pregnant women new to the practiceWhat Nikita is doing to ease herself back into her practice How to find the time and space in the craziness of parenthood to practice your yoga “Hold yourself lightly and kindly” Find all of Nikita's classes, including her Yoga for Happiness series and Meditation Series, here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/nikitaakilapa Do you want to explore your yoga practice as a new or soon-to be- parent, check out all our classes (including pre and post natal classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan Find out more about Nikita here.

Do you want to join us in taking small steps to change with all the support and inspiration mentioned in this episode? The course is free for subscribers, so sign up for your FREE 14 day trial with access to all classes and course here: https://movementformodernlife.com/small-steps-course “If all of us do something very small, it becomes something very big.”  Life is overwhelming, full on and busy. It’s a rollercoaster out there; we're constantly bombarded with news and information as we try to navigate our way through the peaks, troughs, twists and turns of life. So, in Episode 17 of our podcast, Kat sits down with our Content Creator, Rakhee, to talk about the small steps we can all make towards a healthier, happy, more sustainable life. There's lots of energy in the new year as people set 'resolutions' and vow to make big changes for the year ahead, which can feel too much for many of us. So, join Kat and Rakhee as they talk through the things the Movement For Modern Life team are doing this January to set themselves up for the year ahead without the pressure and overwhelm. Change can be difficult and challenging, but be inspired by the small changes Kat and Rakhee have made which have gone on to have a huge impact on their lives. Get practical tips on the small steps YOU can take to instigate change, hear snippets of wisdom to support you during those changes and be motivated by our power to impact others. Kat and Rakhee will share their tools for coping when life gets busy and stressful, how we can break down our goals to more manageable chunks, and maybe even move away from the concept of goals! It's time to forget new year's resolutions and instead think about intentions, gratitude and awareness. According to Kat, “there’s no self-improvement, there its no ‘best’ version of yourself, it’s just uncovering the real you.” January is a time for nourishing and nurturing, quiet and rest; time to make changes to rediscover and celebrate yourself. In this episode you will find out... Change can be difficult and challenging (12:46) Stepping into the unknown can be terrifying, but look to others for inspiration, guidance and tools you can useDo you really need a safety net?“It’s scary, but you can do it!” and yoga helps! Practical tips for change (17:38) What can we do to help ourselves? Kat and Rakhee share their toolsHow can Yoga Nidra help make a difference? Why should you be setting intentions?Is journalling and meditation for me? Rakhee's tips (21:42)Have you been outside and experiencing nature recently? (25.08)Have you tried a gratitude practice? (28.10) What Kat & Rakhee are doing to curate change in their lives (34:54) How can you create conscious intentions? What is the 80/20 rule?Why avoiding the temptation to make seismic shifts is worth it; “making small shifts results in big shifts”Learn about the power of observation, simplicity and motivationFind out how to focus on what's here now (45:44) What is the Small Steps Course? (55:01) Learn about how the course can support you this January to make changes which will then support you throughout the year ahead, and beyond! Find out more and sign up here: https://movementformodernlife.com/small-steps-course Do you want to join us in taking small steps to change with all the support and inspiration mentioned in this episode? The course is free for subscribers, so sign up for your FREE 14 day trial with access to all classes and course here: https://movementformodernlife.com/small-steps-course Subscribers can join our exclusive Movers Group to get extra support and content.

Do you want to need help letting go and want to experience the exercises that Vera mentioned in this episode? Enjoy Andrea's classes (and all other classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan LET IT GO! Getting older is something we all think about, and maybe even get anxious about, but age does not have to limit us. In Episode 16 of Champions of Change, we look at how the inspiration between mother and daughter has transformed the life of 78-year-old Vera Farrants. Vera is the mother of Movement for Modern Life founder, Kat, and though she only recently came to yoga at the age of 73, she doesn't see that as a bad thing. Instead, the older you are, the more you can benefit. In fact, her practice has not only helped her physically, but transformed her attitude to and outlook on life, and taught her the importance of letting go. There are certain difficulties which come with age, but we must not put ourselves into a "little old box". For many, the ageing process can feel like a limitation rather than an opportunity, so it's time to flip that assumption on its head. After a long and successful career, working hard and travelling, it became clear Vera had not been looking after herself physically. A stint with a personal trainer didn't quite hit the spot, so after talking with Kat, she took yoga classes in her home, then started going on retreats. Physically, her practice has impacted the osteoporosis in her body, improved lower back pain and developed her strength and mobility (she can even do crow pose)! But, it was the philosophy of yoga which has really taken hold in her life, and has instigated a radical transformation. How many of us never let it go? Where once Vera thought holding on to the past made her stronger, she now sees yoga as an outlet to logically and calmly address her issues and let the past be. Age is no barrier to learning new ways of living; you can be active, you can be creative, you can give and you can be kind to yourself. In this episode, Vera talks about her increased self awareness, reflects on the challenges of motherhood and explains just what makes the yoga community so special. Her advice to anyone who thinks they are too old for yoga? Do not limit yourself; "grasp the moment and the beauties of life, enjoy everything around you, notice it." But above all, you are never too old to be a student, so do not fear the mat, "if you do an hour of yoga, you feel so good, so happy." Kat and Vera chat about... How Vera came to yoga (4:50) The search for something more challenging and the 'yoga spirit' Letting go (6:05) How deeply moving the philosophy of yoga can be and the impact Andrea Kwiatkowski had on Vera and her 'letting go' mantraYoga is an outlet for calmly and logically addressing issuesIt's not always easy: why is meditation and savasana so hard? “It does you more harm if you’re destructive about a thought than if you just give way and just let it wash over you” Laughing at yourself (12:36) “If I can’t do it, I just laugh at myself” What is it about Jonelle Lewis and Zephyr Wildman that make them Vera's favourite teachers? Age and Osteoporosis (15:20) Learn how Vera's philosophy about aging helps her increase her bone density: "our bodies are able to do things if we practice and continue trying” Hamstring exercises to support the back The Yoga Community (21:25) "It’s very special and very giving, very pleasant to be with as it’s not competitive"Adam Hocke's classes make Vera laugh and enjoy her practice without taking it too seriously Lower Back Pain (22:25) Hamstring exercises to support the back Self Awareness and Motherhood (23:10) If you want to know more about how to get older gracefully, don't miss Vera's comments on self-awarenessMotherhood is the most difficult job of all. “Follow what you think is best for you” and our children will blossom Yoga does help with moments of stress,

Packed with consumerism, never ending social obligations and the inevitable family politics, the Christmas season can be a struggle for many of us. But is this culmination of worry, guilt and busy-ness just symptomatic of the way we live our lives for the other 11 months of the year? Life is not always idyllic, and that’s OK, but Dan Peppiatt’s unique take on life may just be the spark we need to not only survive the festive period, but create shifts in our perspective which can ripple through our whole life and bring contentment. Our minds are always racing, especially at Christmas, because it is simply part of our culture; we are commodities which need to be needed, valued and in demand. We spend far too much time preparing, planning and pontificating, and not enough time in the present. “Rather than the wheel spinning smoothly we feel a bit like we’re bumping through life and we can’t quite put our finger on what’s wrong; it’s a little bit of misalignment.”’ We’re always looking for more and we feel like something is missing, but we never find it in earning more or buying more, or even practicing more yoga. Wanting more is at the heart of our crises, but the answer isn’t in ‘more’, it’s in letting go. In this captivating chat, Dan offers some nuggets of wisdom to help those wheels run smoothly. Getting more sleep, breathing better and eating healthily are all coping strategies; we don’t get to the root of the problem. Your worst enemy really is your greatest teacher. So, discover how exploring stillness, living your practice off the mat, being in the present and shifting your mindset can be the permanent fix accessible and achievable for everyone in cultivating contentment. How can you step aside from the swirling snow globe of your mind so the snowflakes can settle calmly around you? Dan is a yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Like Water, which facilitates teacher trainings. His perception that almost anything is yoga means his classes are far removed from what most people consider yoga to be; they’ll really get you questioning your place in the world and your place in yoga. Follow Dan’s classes at https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/danpeppiatt Find out more about his teacher trainings and workshops with Yoga Like Water at https://www.yogalikewater.com

What’s the best way to eat for optimal health? What’s the best nutrition to support the body through the menstrual cycle and the menopause?  Join Henrietta Norton, Founder of Wild Nutrition chatting to Kat Farrants about the best nutrition to support our bodies at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Our bodies have different needs at different stages of the menstrual cycle and during menopause. Listen in to talk about the importance of gut health and finding out the key foods women need to support a healthy, balanced body.

The Red School Founders chat to Kat about how we can step into our own power by becoming aware of our own bodies and our own cycles. Hear about how power can be restored to women through paying attention to the menstrual cycle. Becoming cycle aware is about the art of attention, and the art of listening. When we start to pay attention to our menstrual cycle, when we learn what our bodies need at the different times of the month, this impacts women’s overall health and wellbeing massively. Our bodies have their own intelligence, and we need to learn the art of listening to that intelligence. When we do so, we can create a whole new system in ourselves and completely transform our physiology so that symptoms and consequences of stress and inflammation in women’s bodies which include everything from painful periods, to PMS to fertility issues, reduce and most importantly, we can step into our own power. Once we listen to what our bodies are telling us, we learn the immense creativity open to us, borne out of doing nothing, listening to our bodies, giving mindful awareness to our cycles, and we learn how small changes make all the difference, and we can discover our dharma and live our most creative, authentic life. Movement for Modern Life are running, with the Red School, a Women’s Wellbeing course on Menstrual Cycle awareness.  https://movementformodernlife.com/women-wellbeing-course 

Lucy is a radical, a champion of changing the way we see things, in her approach to yoga philosophy and the way she incorporates seemingly esoteric philosophies into her life. She is a mum, and an incredibly grounded, balanced person, yet manages to incorporate the ancient yogic way of seeing the world into her life. In this conversation Lucy delves into the koshas. What are the koshas? How do they help us to understand our yoga journey? Lucy discusses, in her characteristically accessible and down to earth way, what the ancient yogic philosophical concept of the koshas are and how relevant they are to each and every one of us in our journey to find happiness and health.

How did Adam go from being the stiffest guy in yoga class to becoming a yoga teacher? Perhaps this is the reason why Adam’s classes are so down to earth. The inclusivity of his yoga practice is a hallmark of Adam Hocke’s classes and his approach to yoga as a tool for mental management, his very modern, science-based view of what yoga is, and his thoughts on how yoga could be so crucial for helping men’s mental health makes him  truly a Champion of Change. In this wide-ranging chat, Adam shares his thoughts on what is yoga now, how humour is a tool to find the middle road of the present moment, not the ‘ideal’ of the pose. Adam is so passionate about using yoga as a tool in his toolkit, for some tasks but not all! It a wonderful practice to work on being happy, being present, management of the nervous system, how to breathe through challenge. But it isn’t the best thing for everything. What are the limitations of yoga? It’s never been more important to give men tools for their mental as well as physical health, and yoga would be a wonderful tool for men. But why is it that the ‘Real Men do Yoga’ campaigns are so unhelpful? How can we all encourage more men to practice yoga? Find out more in this fascinating podcast with one of the real thinkers of yoga. Follow Adam’s classes https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/adamhocke

Movement for Modern Life is so pleased to welcome our newest yoga teacher on the site and our next Champion of Change. Adrianna Zaccardi. She is a radical yoga teacher in that she teaches something many of us need, but so few of us get. Rest. Her restorative yoga classes are a radical answer to the ceaseless focus on productivity, efficiency and ‘work hard, play hard’ culture.  Adrianna’s classes are confronting and really hard, because we are so used to being busy, to being distracted, that in fact it’s really so hard for us to simply just be with ourselves.  In this podcast we hear why restorative yoga is the most radical practice, and why it’s absolutely essential for our health and wellbeing. Our culture sees rest as laziness, and productivity as something to work towards. Yet with our earth dying around us having been plundered for every bit of productivity, and our bodies had a similar fate, the overwork causing burn out, anxiety and illness, we find out why rest and sustainability for the whole of our lives is really a non-negotiable.  For a really sustainable life-long practice, we all need more rest. There is nothing more restful than restorative yoga. Hear how restorative yoga can heal you, and the importance of giving permission to yourself to relax into yourself and being able to be accepting of ourselves and others and all that life throws at us.

In this episode the tables are turned! Rakhee interviews Kat Farrants on all things change. Kat talks about how she ditched her career in law, found her dharma and started Movement for Modern Life. We also uncover Kat’s obsession with transformation and change, and why it’s the most important thing in life. Knowing that nothing is fixed, we all have the power to change. What is it to feel stuck? How is it that people do feel stuck in their lives and how can we change our lives. Kat has experienced being stuck in the wrong job for years, and having come out is now living the life she never dared dream was possible. How to make that shift? How to move from the life your living to the life of your dreams? Kat shares the practices that helped her to dare to dream, face the fear head on and have the courage to surrender to the best version of her own life and create movementformodernlife.com.

In this conversation with internationally renowned Jivamukti and Yin yoga teacher, Andrea Kwaitkowski, the Founder of Movement for Modern Life and Andrea have a really wide ranging conversation about what does it mean to take our yoga practice off the mat and out into the world? This is a conversation about connecting back to yourself, our connections with others and finding the extraordinary in the most ordinary moments. What is yoga anyway? Is it the shapes? And if yoga isn’t about making shapes, why do we make the shapes anyway?  In this conversation Andrea shows us how her yoga practice is making the everyday decisions, doing the everyday actions, and living her everyday day to day life. It is a way of connecting back to our true selves, and our true joy. Try Andrea’s classes on https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/andreakwiatkowski Her 7-day Fire challenge: https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-fire-challenge Or try her 15-day Yin Yoga challenge https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-15-day-yin-yoga-challenge Books Find links below to purchase the books mentioned in this podcast Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul Sattva: The Ayurvedic Way to Live Well

With a background in biochemistry and having worked for supplement companies, it was Henrietta’s battle with endometriosis which led her on a journey to find out why traditional supplements weren’t working and improve nutritional supplements. In this incredibly wide ranging conversation we discuss why it is that conventional supplements have such high dosage, and will never be able to serve the body’s nutritional requirements. Ever wondered why supplements don’t change the way you feel? It’s because of the way they are produced, and the lack of adaptogens. Find out what adaptogens are and why they are essential to our good health. Henrietta shares her small steps to good health, which are really surprising and shockingly easy to incorporate in her life. Find out about the antioxidant janitor - how sleep effects your nutrition (and did you know that looking at your computer 45 minutes before bed reduces your melatonin by 80%? And that directly impacts how well your body can respond to the nutrients you feed it!!), how essential magnesium is - especially for women, and where to get it from. And the other small step we can all take to improve our health? Cook from scratch! Check out Henrietta’s wonderful supplements at:https://www.wildnutrition.com And wait for Henrietta’s insights to be featured our Women’s Health course on movementformodernlife.com coming soon!!

In this discussion we discuss what yoga teaching has to do with living a meaningful life, how we might find meaning in our lives, and the importance, as yogis, of living a life full of honesty and integrity and challenging complacency. Norman Blair is a champion of yoga teachers in his work highlighting teacher’s poor pay, and is known for being unafraid to just do the right thing. In a world where for so many people, teaching yoga is just on the mat and has nothing to do with how we live the rest of our lives, Norman shines a light on how our yoga practice is an everyday practice of living a life with meaning and integrity. In this discussion we talk about the small steps we might take to become a constructive agent of change, and how we can become more conscious influencers of change in the world. In the conversation we reference the film Griefwalker. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTmvaS1njGA&t=1s He also references Gia House: https://gaiahouse.co.uk Norman’s Book is 'Brightening Your Inner Skies'. His very popular Yin yoga classes and also Ashtanga yoga classes can be found on Movement for Modern Life https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/norman-blair Norman runs Yin yoga teacher trainings and teaches monthly Yin yoga workshops. He also hosts mentor groups for yoga teachers. More details head to his website: https://www.yogawithnorman.co.uk/ and to contact him email yogawithnorman@gmail.com.

Mimi Kuo-Deemer is one of the most inspiring and scholarly yoga and qigong teachers you’re likely to meet. She combines a sense of humour in story telling, with telling us how it is. In this chat, Mimi shares her radical vision of a sustainable health and fitness. This is a vision in which we move for our health and wellbeing not for a sense of accomplishment. Where our target is to live more in tune with the natural world and our life’s rhythms. Mimi shares how we can cultivate a sense of ease, wellbeing and spaciousness. A feeling of clarity and softness. That feeling which we get in the five minutes of savasana after a yoga class. But this feeling is available for all of us to feel each and every moment of every day, it’s just that we’re often way too busy to get there, which is such a shame. That feeling of balance in our lives should be available to us all, all of the time, but sometimes eludes us. This is the feeling in life that Mimi would have us all cultivate. We discuss menopause, or what the Chinese call the Second Spring. In the traditional Chinese culture, there is no discomfort associated with menopause, just a blossoming. And how we reap what we sow in our life. Our symptoms in life are often a result of the way we life. The time to start to cultivate your future health is now!

‘My purpose to break boundaries and remember what the point is of yoga is. Shedding light where you lack awareness.’ Meet David Kam. A Movement Artist, dancer, ex-architect and yoga teacher. Who is a Champion of Changing the way we look at yoga and the way we practice. In this conversation you’ll meet a yoga teacher who truly is changing the way we see the world. In the yoga world, we can be fairly rigid, stuck even, to the practices we know and love but if he were to nudge you sideways, would you fall? That’s what he found from the experienced yogis he was teaching. And he learnt how to teach in a new way by looking at and listening to the needs of this group of yogis. David's classes broke the ice, and changed my way of practicing As yogis, we can often talk about connection, but when we’re in a room of yogis, sometimes there is no lonelier place. I found that David’s classes broke the ice and changed my way of practicing, pushed me far out of my comfort zone. Going into areas of discomfort in order to grow, to challenge yourself, is the essence of David’s movement teachings. He teaches us how to be responsive to what is really happening, within ourselves and in relation to our surroundings. Which is music to home yogis ears! We are used to having to sidestep the dog, there really is no ‘sacred space’ at home, so when we embrace this and learn that this is part of our practice, the removal of boundaries and safe spaces, this can be so liberating. Find out how you can learn to be more creative, brave and truly move out of your comfort zone, with David’s insights into movement. David’s classes can be found at : https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/davidkam

Meet Jyoti Manuel. She’s one incredible game-changer when it comes to living yoga on and off the mat. Her life work is teaching yoga to children and those with special needs who so benefit from practices of yoga and mindfulness. Jyoti is one of the most senior teachers in the UK, having practiced and taught yoga for four decades. She set up Special Yoga London in 1992 to teach children and children with special needs in London. There Jyoti became recognised as the foremost children’s yoga teacher. Now she heads up Special yoga Global which specialises in International yoga teacher training  for children and people with special needs. Jyoti truly is a remarkable woman, and someone who I met many years ago and has inspired me to run my business with integrity and patience. Her thoughts on her dharma are simple ‘When it’s your soul’s calling, it lights you up to do the work’. A wonderful reminder to all of us who are wondering if we are on the right path to do this very simple test – are you lit up by your work? Jyoti has thrown the rule book out when it comes to her teachings. No class plans. Just listening. And this podcast is all about listening to another, what it truly means to listen to another and how absolutely revolutionary the simple act of listening can be. Check out her classes on https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/jomanuel1and see her amazing skills for yourself. See her beautiful and truly transformational work at https://specialyoga.org.uk. A real champion of change, living her yoga practice and her teachings in her daily life. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed chatting to Jyoti!

Vidya’s mission in her newest project is to reverse desertification in southern Spain. Southern Spain is at massive risk of becoming a desert, which means that the land will be irreversibly unusable. Vidya Heisel is founder of Frog Lotus Yoga International, and is one of the most senior and respected teachers of yoga in the world. She founded Suryalila Retreat Centre with grand ambitions and created the largest yoga practice space in Europe. She talks to Kat about how she is educating the local farming community to change their intensive farming practices to use less water, help prevent droughts and reverse what seems as the inexorable march of desert through the whole of Southern Europe. This talk is a must-listen to if you’re interested in the world around you, and wonder how olive groves and beautiful fields of sunflowers hide the dark fact that the way that they are farmed is increasing risk of drought, use of poisonous chemicals and turning the land into unusable desert and the inspiring story of how Vidya is living her yoga off the mat and in real life in her care for her environment. The story Vidya tells is one of her resourcefulness in simply educating herself around the issues to manage her own land, and passion to educate and inspire people about different ways of managing the land, and the impact intensive farming has on the planet. During the show Kat questions the threat of desertification worldwide and actually, worldwide just under 40% of the world’s land surface is threatened with desertification!!! Vidya’s mission to reverse desertification has never been more needed. The practice of mindfulness around the preciousness of our resources is key to Vidya’s message, her work truly is yoga in action. Vidya’s classes can be found at https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/vidyaheisel. Find out more about Danyadara https://danyadara.com  and suryalila at https://suryalila.com

It’s our first podcast and Kat Farrants, Founder of Movement for Modern Life meets Champion of Change, Teen yoga ambassador, Robin Watkins-Davis. ‘My dream for yoga in schools is for every young person to have access to yoga… it seems so unfair, such a health inequality…as it gives you such power and control over your life… it’s like giving one person thousands of pounds and that person nothing. It gives you such a head start in life’. Robin shares her incredible insights into and how yoga is the superpower that she wants to share with young people and shares her incredible insights into how yoga transformed her anxiety as a teenager. As well as arming young people with 'superpowers' Robin's passions are in taking yoga off the mat in her art and environmentalism. Robin Watkins-Davis is the youngest person in the UK to qualify as a yoga teacher in the UK. Still only 20 years old, and having been practicing since she was 13 and qualified at the age of 16. Robin is a teen yoga ambassador and teacher on Movement for Modern Life. Robin's videos can be found  at https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/robinwatkins-davis