That Yoga Podcast

Feeling the holiday hustle? Between the shopping lists, family gatherings, and endless to-dos, it's easy to lose the magic of the season. But what if you could slow down, savor the joy, and truly feel at peace this Christmas? In today's episode, we're diving into simple mindfulness practices to help you stay calm, present, and connected—no matter how hectic the holidays get! Connect with Alex for free meal ritual and free yoga Book in to practice at Soul Studio

Join Alex Ballagh for your weekly guided meditations on That Yoga Podcast This week we become aware of the sensory component of listening -attuning to the subtle sounds of our breath and settling in to stillness as we listen to this Please follow for weekly episodes and longer form content For more free wellness resources, join Alex on Patreon here

"What if the key to a more compassionate, grounded, and peaceful life was as simple as picking up a pen? Today, we explore the transformative power of journaling with an expert who will show you how to write your way to well-being." We're bringing you the penultimate episode for 2024 today! Sarah and I sit down with the gorgeous Liv from Olive + Page Journals as we dive deep into this feel good and supportive practice.  If you have been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, then listen to this episode to learn  how you can make journaling your safe space, your guide, and your greatest act of self-love and journey home to yourself.  Liv alludes to how, in a fast-paced world, self-compassion often takes a backseat. But if we allow it to, the ritual of journaling can be a life-changing practice -  a practice of self-discovery and care.  Tune in as we sit down with Liv who reveals how journaling can transform your relationship with yourself and those around you  As always, a subscribe/follow and like and share of this podcast really does support us and its reach - and it takes two seconds. Go in - hit that button now - you now you want to ;)  Olive + Page Website Olive + Page Insta

Your weekly guided meditation with That Yoga Podcast Please subscribe for weekly episodes An honest review and rating are so appreciated! Your guide: Alex Ballagh

Anxiety, stress, burnout—what if your plate holds the answer? Join us as we uncover how the food you eat and the state you're in while eating could transform your mental well-being! This is a snippet from a  longer form Nervous System Workshop hosted at Soul Studio in November 2024. It's like a Nutrition 101 in which we cover things like the gut brain access, the importance of a healthy gut and healthy microbiome, our relationship with food, how stress can impact our nutrient absorption, and ways in which we can come to our meal in a more balanced and regulated state to get the most out of it. For more on nutrition and embodiment, join Alex on Patreon or practice with us at Soul Studio 

Awareness is the first step to transformation. Develop an awareness of your nervous system within your body through this guided meditation for deeper connection with it, and more power to find balance and regulation through it This guided meditation featured at the opening of a longer form Nervous System Workshop hosted at Soul Studio in early November 2024 Alex on Patreon Soul Studio website

There are so many evidence based, scientifically backed nuggets of wisdom throughout this conversation - as well ass a tonne of suggestions for small and achievable changes we can make to enable us to feel full of vitality, strength, and joy in this season of life

Are you ready to deep dive in to the world of yoga and meditation?! This week we chatted to Chaitanya Deva - also known as Chai. A yogi, yoga teacher, studio owner and teacher trainer based in Nelson, NZ @kindred_studio_nelson

This guided meditation is based on traditional mindfulness practice.  The purpose is to make your usual unconscious stream of thoughts, emotions and sensations conscious.  When you notice and name, and do your best to treat all your thoughts and emotions the same, you begin to sense a part of you that is not in the thought.  It is aware of your experiences, able to witness them, but not caught in them. There is a place of clear, compassionate witnessing of everything that's happening.  This is the true you  For more guided meditations please subscribe to That Yoga Podcast and feel free to leave us an honest review and rating 

Sarah and I had the honour of chatting with Jake Kiano Skinner who is of Ngāti Rangitihi & Tūhoe lineage and is a Sound weaver, Taonga Pūoro musician, Composer, Papa to two gorgeous wee girls.  This episode really is a koha - a gift to us, the listeners. If you are a New Zealander then it offers us deep insight into the land we live on, its history, and our part within it. And if you are outside of NZ, then wow - what insight and education you are likely to receive into Te Ao Maori - the Maori worldview, and the stunning ways in which embracing it can help us to heal.  We korero in particular in this episode about taongo puoro - traditional maori instruments - and their unique and profound way in which immersion in the sound of these instruments can take us on a journey to dreamstates, to a deep deep connection with papatuanuku - our earth mother, and ultimately to a state of healing.  We dive into Jake's relationship with these instruments and how it has evolved, how he holds space for healing through sound, and balancing and honouring culture, tradition, and modern boundary pushing and new creation. We also explore our relationship in and with nature, the practice of deep listening, and the importance of cultivating a sense of curiosity, openheartedness and aroha in relationships. And all with a yogic lens, of course, with insights and reflections into how yoga asana echoes and supports the self inquiry and self healing we unpack in this chat.  Jake uses te reo maori (the indigenous language of our land) and english interchangeably throughout this conversation - I encourage you to lean in to this, to allow the words and phrases you don't understand on an intellectual level to wash over you energetically instead, and to please feel free to reach out and connect if you have any questions or clarification needed. Te Reo Maori really is a beautiful language to listen to - so enjoy soaking it up in this episode :) 

Hey yogi's,  Alex here. Sarah was away MC'ing a conference this week so I was flying solo on the pod and got to chat to the amazing Julia Wilkinson. Julia is a Christchurch based Mama of three with many many talents. She is Yoga and Pilates Teacher, a Birth Skills Coach, a Pelvic Health Expert and a passionate advocate in the realm of women's health. In today's korero we have such a juicy chat, which seriously left me feeling so stoked about being a female! We discuss everything from how women can be more supported to live in alignment with themselves, pelvic floor health, how the fascia works, living in harmony with our cycles, and Julia's current biggest passion - breathwork.  We hope you love this chat, and if you do please share it with another person who you think will benefit, and consider leaving us a rating/review to help us grow this cute little pod! Thanks friends, enjoy!  https://www.instagram.com/juliawilkinsonempowered/ https://www.lucypeach.com/product-page/period-queen https://coreandfloor.com.au/pages/online-classes?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAababkmB8rnPcM3w4ymv_mGnJjG_VJtSJK9uY-RGbPRzQEZxkcqQS6m7zxM_aem_w6sk_h0zYVmUUwVCGCibAg

Enjoy tapping into witness consciousness in this simple meditation with minimal guidance enabling full presence with self Subscribe for weekly episodes and meditations

Harness the potency of the full moon - a powerful time to get grounded and release what you want to from your physical and energetic field. Join Alex Ballagh for this short guided meditation to celebrate and back in the light of the full moon Subscribe for weekly guided meditations

Hi friends .... we're back! We took a few weeks off longer form conversations and interviews as Sarah has been busy with her Soul Works hat on, and Alex has been shifting house! We're here now, and excited to bring you this short solo chat with Alex about how to connect deeper with nature and her rhythms by aligning our yoga practice with the phases of the moon. We cover the phases, why the moon affects us, and ways you may like to adapt your practice for each moon phase! Please leave a rating and review and let us know what you think of this episode - we really do adore your feedback! To connect with Alex, head over to her Instagram here. Click here for Wawata - Moon Dreaming book Nga mihi x

Join Sayaka Kanayama for this blissful breathing meditation to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed! Please review and subscribe to support this show

We learn how movement, nutrition and mindset can help women thrive not just survive the menopause journey

Sarah chats to Alex about the power of weaving mini mindful moments and ritual into our everyday lives to create a bit more sense of magic

Join us as we chat with 8 x best selling author, counsellor, and somatic coach Rebekah Ballagh about how we can use our bodies to work through anxiety and stress and create a container of safety within ourselves

This was an amazing chat with Master Pilates Trainer Kim West. We talk about how moving your body in a way that feels good can be such a potent form of healing. This is SO worth a listen!!

We chat with energy healer and yoga teacher Tamara about all things energy body - and dive into how all physical ailments likely have energetic roots!

Sarah reflects on her learnings around the importance of language in all yoga - but particularly in Trauma Sensitive classes

Join Sarah + Alex as we deep dive in to the reasons we might not want to practice yoga some days - and how we can overcome this

Subscribe for weekly meditations and relaxations

You won't want to miss this one! Dan talks about the importance of practicing kindness towards ourselves, and gives us his top tips for manifesting the life of your dreams!

Sarah + Alex chat what leads up to the mat, and what keeps us coming back

A quick insight into the goodness we're bringing you in That Yoga Podcast!

Embody the high vibrational frequency of gratitude in this short guided meditation. Led by Alex Ballagh : @alex.ballagh Subscribe for weekly episodes and guided audio meditations every Sunday

Join Alex Ballagh as we explore the gunas and ease ourselves in to a Sattvic State - one of balance, equilibrium, and harmony Please subscribe for new meditations weekly

Kia ora friends, Alex here, and welcome back to TYP. Thank you as always for choosing to spend some of your precious time with us and for supporting this little pod - we are so honoured and SO grateful that it is serving and inspiring so many yogi's out there.  Both Sarah and I feel incredibly lucky to have these weekly opportunities to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by incredible people from around the world who are experts in their craft related to the health and wellness industry.  This week, we had the honour of chatting with Julie Afsahi and Jessica Cross based in Texas, USA. These two incredible wahine have co-authored a book called “Seasons of Sound” - a rich resource for both new and seasoned and sound practitioners. The book serves as an essential guide to attuning ourselves to the earth's rhythms, quieting our racing minds, and nurturing our souls with the power of sound. After listening to this chat I am certain you will want to grab a copy of this delightful book, as it is bursting with beauty and wisdom about the power and potency of sound healing and aligning with the seasons.  In this korero, we cover off the origins of sound healing and how it has evolved over time and geographical space. We learn about the science behind its healing power, looking in particular at entrainment; syncing heartbeat and breath, exercising the nervous system's resiliency and eliciting a parasympathetic nervous system response. We talk about the power of weaving intention and themes into sound baths and yoga classes, and how to curate your own sacred spaces. Jess and Julie also share some great tips for newbies who might be keen to dip their toe into the world of sound healing.  This episode will likely leave you in awe of our innate connection with sound and the power we all have to use it as a healing modality.  Enjoy this beautiful chat friends, and please let us know what you think! Links + Resources: Seasons of Sound Book Jess' Website Julie's Website Jess Instagram Julie Instagram

Join us for this beautiful audio meditation, with the soothing voice of Loreen Ziezio Subscribe for weekly new meditations

This week we introduce to you: Jane Hardcastle. Jane is an absolute gift to the Christchurch wellness community, and further afield through her contribution to quality yoga teacher trainings. Jane is one of those people who have healing running through their blood - for over thirty years, in one way or another - Jane has supported people towards feeling more well, more worthy, and more present in their body-mind.  As a Yoga therapist, educator, and health care provider Dr Jane Hardcastle has been helping people with their health since she was 14. Originally qualifying as a registered nurse in the UK, Jane has held senior nursing, education and leadership roles in England, Scotland, and New Zealand before bringing this skillset, knowledge, and experience together as a yoga teacher and registered yoga therapist over the last ten years. Within this conversation we explore how Jane brings a beautifully balanced weaving of eastern and western approaches to wellness, looking at the whole being, and focusing on empowering individuals to achieve optimal health, rather than just an absence of disease.  We discuss the kosas and how these inform Jane's expression of Yoga Therapy. We unpack some of the modalities that might feature in a yoga therapy session with Jane; including tailored movement practices, Ayurveda, Breathwork, Meditation, iRest and lifestyle medicine.  Both Sarah and Alex finished this conversation in awe of the depth and breadth of Jane's knowledge and experience, and how skillfully she applies it to best support each individual client. The conversation really highlighted to us the importance of “strengthening through softening” as Jane puts it, and in looking at ourselves as a holistic and whole being worthy of optimal health and vibrancy, and we hope you feel the same, as well as gaining some insight into what yoga therapy is and how it can be used to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing.  Perhaps while you're here you could also take a moment to leave us a review and subscribe if you haven't already? It hugely supports the growth of this neat little pod and enables us to bring you more incredible guests like Jane! Enjoy this week's episode of That Yoga Podcast … Jane's website Jane's Instagram Ayurvedic Dosha Quiz Living Ayurveda Book Find Jane in person in Christchurch: Wel clinic - the Tannery, Wednesdays and Fridays from 30 October Home clinic in Purau Tuesdays & Thursdays … she has her all important day off/garden day on Mondays!

Join Kate Cooksley for this delicious full body relaxation and light wash meditation - sure to leave you feeling relaxed, cleansed, and renewed Subscribe for weekly free meditations Your Guide: Kate Cooksley

Ooof  - this week's episode left us tingling with enthusiasm and curiosity about life and all its wonder, and I am confident it will inspire you too.  We got to korero with the beautiful Mari Halina Colbert - yoga teacher and Embodied Flow™ teacher trainer, with trainings and specialisations in Somatics, Biomechanics, Humanistic psychology, Hakomi Psychotherapy, Body Mind Centering, and Trauma-sensitive yoga.  We explore the world of non dual tantra in a very relatable and understandable way, exploring the concept that we are all unique expressions of the oneness/the wholeness/the divine.  We discuss how the body can be used as a vehicle for awakening, as a tool for exploration, and how we can use our experience within our body to serve the greater good. Mari shared the concept of choosing to embody the mystery of this human experience, over trying to demystify it.  There is so much in this - and it all feels so rich and beautiful and applicable.  We really hope you enjoy this episode, and if you do please share it with a friend or two, and help us to spread the love! Resources and links: Mari's Instagram Satsang with Shambhavi - Podcast Tova Olsen Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Hareesh Wallis Your Hosts: Alex Ballagh Sarah O'Connell

Join us for your weekly does of meditative bliss Subscribe for new meditations weekly

Enjoy this snippet from a longer conversation with Rebekah Ballagh - Best Selling Author, Counsellor, and Founder of Journey to Wellness, an online membership dedicated to supporting your mental health and wellbeing In this bitesize clip Rebekah talks about how emotions might get stuck in the body, how these manifest, and some helpful body-based tools we can use to help move them through, to heal, and to grow in to better brighter versions of ourselves Click here for the full length eposide Check out Beck's membership here Connect with Becks on Instagram Connect with your Hosts on Instagram: Alex Ballagh_YogaWellness Sarah O'connell

Your weekly guided meditation to help you find your bliss Please follow, review and share - help us create a movement of mindful, embodied, peaceful meditators Your guide - Alex Ballagh

Join Alex for a quick solo episode in which we explore how and why maintaining a yoga practice when travelling is so worth it! Please follow/subscribe, rate and review to support this pod and to get all the feel goods! Your host: Alex Ballagh

Join Dan for a delicious loving kindness meditation to help you drop in to your heart space and generate kindness all around, and within Please follow/subscribe for your weekly meditations

Enjoy this snippet from a longer episode with Tamara Pitelin on the Energy Body Within this bitesize clip we cover the chakras - what they are and their role, how to balance and align them, working on an individual level to heal the collective, and how yoga is a self healing modality Click here for the full length episode Please follow/subscribe and leave a review - THANK YOU! Your Hosts: Alex Ballagh Sarah O'Connell

Take a journey with us towards a dreamy, restful sleep with this sleepy train ride visualisation Please follow and review this podcast, and tune in weekly for free guided audio meditations and insightful yoga based conversations Your host: Alex Ballagh

Join Alex for this short episode in which we chat about the benefits of prioritising a yoga practice amidst the busyness of parenting Alex shares her own personal experience, acknowledges some potential road blocks, and then suggests some super helpful tips and tricks to help you carve out the time and space for your self care We also look at the value of sharing our yoga with our little ones As promised, resources to support post-partum return to exercise here: Core and Floor Restore She Moves Glow Body PT Get in touch: Soul Studio Alex Ballagh_YogaWellness

Your weekly guided meditation, with Alex Ballagh Find a comfortable position and prepare to relax and find presence

Oh my goodness guys we feel so lucky to be able to bring you this week's guest. We dove deep m , and we finished the conversation feeling like we had both learned a tonne.  Sarah and I got to talk to Georgia Vavasour of GV meditation. Georgia is one of the most experienced teachers worldwide, having personally taught over 1500 people to meditate. After experiencing burnout & bowel cancer at 32, she sought out Vedic Meditation as a tool for increasing energy, releasing anxiety & stress, improving mood & optimising mental & physical health, and her story is amazing.  She shares more about this journey within this chat, as well as offering deep insight into how stress affects our ability to be present and mindful, the distinction between vedic meditation and other forms which are more conservative or contemplative.  We discussed some big topics including transcending stress states and making feeling good our natural state, and whether or not a world of people with inner fulfilment could ever be possible. We look at the links between meditation and the yamas and niyamas, ahimsa in particular.  Honestly, Georgia is so intelligent and such a conscious human, who so willingly shares her wisdom and insight in to the world of meditation and how powerful it can be for us in supporting increased energy, clarity, calm, improved sleep, memory, mood & a significant reduction in stress & fatigue. Be sure to tune in, and please give the pod a review and a subscribe to help us to continue to bring you amazing guests like Georgia!

Subscribe to this podcast for weekly free guided meditations and weekly robust yoga chats! Enjoy this weeks yoga nidra to help you feel cleansed and rejuvenated Your guide: Alex Ballagh

We loved our chat with the super sparkly, super grounded and real Jess Campbell. Jess is the creator and teacher of the super popular sunrise beach yoga club, as well as founder and teacher of She Blooms, an online platform for women's wellness.  Jess is a gal of such substance, deeply rooted in her values, which bring such a sense of authenticity to all of her offerings.  Within this korero, we explore with Jess what a values-aligned life looks like, and she shares how she aligns all of her mahi with her core values of inclusivity, community, and love. We talk about her incredible sunrise beach yoga sessions, which have ballooned to see up to 700 yogi practising yoga together on the beach here in Christchurch, we also chat about the difference between yoga communities online and offline, and how Jess believes we can have both. She shares with us her super meaningful work developing mindfulness programs for women in prisons, and we dive into meditation, mindfulness and the difference between the two.  This episode is so inspiring, seeing how much Jess is living her dharma and doing it with such a calm and collected approach helps us to realise that we too can love out our dreams, and it all starts with knowing and aligning with our core values in life. We know you are going to enjoy this episode, and we are so honoured to bring it to you. Please feel free to share this with your friends if you think they will enjoy it also, and of course, follows and reviews make such a difference and really do help us to grow this podcast and bring you more amazing guests.  Click here for Jess' online membership Click here for Sunrise Beach Yoga Click here to connect with Jess on social media

Grab your notebook and your pen, light a candle, get comfy and join Alex for some end of week journaling to help you reflect on the week that has been and prepare for another with intentionality and care Please subscribe for new meditations weekly Host: @alexballagh_yogawellness

Today we have a solo ep with Alex on the power of journaling  Whether you're already a journaller or not, we encourage a listen as it may give you some tips to deepen your practice, or inspire you to start!  Alex shares her own personal journey to journaling, and then cover what journaling is,a variety of approaches you might take, the powerful benefits it can have on mental health and wellbeing. She also chats about how to introduce journaling into your life and how to make it stick. We conclude with some helpful journal prompts to get you going. Journal Recommendations: Olive and Page: https://oliveandpage.com Magic of I: www.magicofi.com Note To Self Journal: www.whitcoulls.co.nz/note-to-self-journal-6674999 Journal Prompts: Instagram - @alexballagh_yogawellness (check out the tab JOURNAL) Like this episode? Please subscribe and leave us a review over on Spotify or Apple podcasts #yogapodcast #nzyogapodcast #wellnesspodast #nzwellnesspodcast #wellbeingpodcast #journaling #healthpodcast 

Your weekly, free guided meditation Please follow and leave a review to receive a new meditation every Sunday Guided this week by @alexballagh_yogawellness

This week's conversation will, we hope, leave you feeling uplifted, motivated and inspired - as it certainly did this for us! We have a heartfelt conversation with the amazing Kylie Gates, Creative Director and Head Program Coach, Les Mills International, a Master Certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, Certified Professional Coach in Transformational Coaching and a Certified Level One Yoga Instructor! Kylie talks to us about how she lives what she teaches - the importance of creating solid foundations and continuing daily practices which inspire her, and how she views self care and self development. She shares with us some common themes that come up in her role as a coach and a  leader in the fitness industry, and some very helpful words of advice that she often shares with her clients. We talk about the newfound vitality she has as a postmenopausal woman, and how she is balancing life and work with all of the exciting offerings she has on the menu right now!  We were humbled as this key player in the Australasian fitness industry talks about finding inspiration everywhere, every day, and sometimes in the  most unlikely of places - and we connect deeply with her as she shares with deep emotion about just how important yoga is for her on this journey.  Kylie is warm, smart, and super inspiring, and we are so excited to bring you some of her unique wisdom and experience. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of That Yoga Podcast.  For more of Kylie visit: www.kyliegatescoaching.com or find her on Instagram @kyliegatesfitness Your Hosts: @alexballagh_yogawellness and @sarahocconnell2020

Your weekly free guided meditation landing in your ears every Sunday Please follow/subscribe to this show for the most up to date conversations and meditations Guided by: @alexballagh_yogawellness