Podcasts about Ashtanga

Anthony Benenati, founder of City Yoga and That's Not Yoga®, shares his personal evolution from his earliest experiences with yoga to developing a practice that meets each individual where they are. In this conversation, he explores breaking limiting ideas about yoga, uncovering its deeper meaning, and building genuine human connection through mindful movement. He also reflects on how curiosity, learning, and purposeful steps can lead to lasting change. This is a conversation about healing, empowerment, and finding a practice that truly serves you. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Anthony's journey into yoga and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.Breaking common stereotypes and misconceptions about yoga.Understanding the true purpose of yoga beyond the poses.How yoga fosters authentic community and connection.The power of desire, knowledge, and action in creating transformation.Episode References/Links:Anthony Benenati's Website - https://thatsnotyoga.comAnthony Benenati's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thatsnotyoga Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg - https://a.co/d/3edLCLcGuest Bio:Anthony Benenati is the founder of City Yoga, The first Anusara yoga studio in California and That's Not Yoga® , a culmination of three decades of study and practice in the Hatha Yoga tradition. Anthony's philosophy is simple; fit the yoga to the student, not the student to the yoga. He believes that it isn't about the style of yoga you practice, rather, the effectiveness of that style for your body. Yoga practice should help you transform, not cause more suffering. Anthony draws from a deep knowledge of the different classical styles of modern yoga and other modalities to construct a path of healing and transformation for their student. Anthony has trained in Kundalini, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Anusara and Viniyoga. He specializes in Yoga Therapeutics and tailors the practice so your body uses its natural movements to heal itself from pain and suffering. He has taught globally and has trained thousands of students. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/ Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Anthony Benenati 0:00  One of the misconceptions about yoga is that anything goes, right, and that is so far from the truth. If yoga is about anything, it's about setting meaningful boundaries.Lesley Logan 0:12  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 0:51  All right, Be It babe. I am so stoked for you to hear today's interview. Our guest today is actually a dear friend of Brad and mine, and he is a person we have quoted on the podcast before, and he's someone we said, we have to get him on the pod. And guess what? We did it. And also, I can't believe this is the first time he's on the pod. I feel like he'll be a regular conversation, because it's just really fun to hear him share his perspective, and he is an amazing yoga teacher. And this is as much of a yoga podcast as it's not a yoga podcast episode, because we talk a lot about what really is yoga, and what does it mean to have a yoga practice, and what is it trying to teach us? And if you think you know what yoga is I'm gonna challenge you to listen, because I think it's really easy for us to have been fed something that it's not and then not realize, like, the amazing benefits that it has. And so I'm not gonna say anymore, because this episode is just one of my favorite it's gonna go hands down and one I'll quote in the future. And I knew that when I brought him on, I just knew that we would have an amazing conversation, and this is hopefully going to entertain, educate and inspire you. So here is Anthony Benenati. Lesley Logan 2:09  All right, Be It babe, I'm really excited. This person is actually a dear friend, like I know I've said that about some guests, but usually they're a dear friend of like, a couple moments. This person I've known for like, 10 years, and Brad has known him much longer, he's been a regular in our lives. Anthony Benenati, you are one of the best yoga teachers I know, but also so much more than that. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at? Anthony Benenati 2:33  Well, first of all, thank you for having me on. What an honor. Who am I? Anthony Benenati, you said my name. I am, believe it or not, a yoga teacher, a professional yoga teacher. I've been doing this for 32 years now, which, when I tell people that I teach yoga, they they have immediate this vision of what that might be. Lesley Logan 2:56  Yes, you should be in white. Anthony Benenati 2:59  I should be in white or. Lesley Logan 3:02  With a glow. Anthony Benenati 3:04  It's not very serious or, right? Everybody has their assumptions of what yoga is, which, my job is to help educate and instruct on what the practice truly is versus what it has become. The practice that sort of everybody knows now, versus really, what it truly is and what its goal is.Lesley Logan 3:29  Yeah, I feel like we could also, like, talk about that for hours, because I had someone send me a reel of a guy on a Reformer with a, like, stationary bike in his hands and feet. And it was a joke. It was like an April Fool's joke. And he was like, okay, guys like, this class, we get cardio and core and like, he's holding the bike, he's it's obviously a joke. But like someone sent it to me, and I'm like, the fact that this is so hilarious that people who've never done Pilates before are sending this to me, tells me that what people think Pilates is has strayed far from what Pilates is. So I feel like I can understand that. And I find myself constantly educating people a little bit like, well, that yes, those are Pilates exercises and so, but it's not the inherent reality of it is. And so I feel like I understand that plight, that that journey you're on, in a little bit. Anthony Benenati 4:18  You and I have had this conversation many times before, because you're so close to the source of it, and and that's what I love about what you do, what you teach, and where I am, and what I teach, is that there's a lineage, and you're very close to the source, and the closer you are to the source, the more authentic the teaching, the further down the line you get disconnected from that core source. Then everything starts to get watered down and miscommunicated. Lots of stuff gets forgotten. Lesley Logan 4:55  Yeah, well, it's like the game of telephone, like, I mean, like when you play that game in school, like, you, the further it goes down the line. Anthony Benenati 5:03  The more warped it gets. Lesley Logan 5:04  Yes, yes. And it's funny, but also, like, that is the reality. Can we take a step back? Because, like, a yoga instructor of 32 years, that is a long time. And I think, like, there's not many of you. I mean, there's many of you, probably in India places, but like, there's not many of people who've had that many decades and and have studied the way that you have like, did you grow up like doing yoga? Did you want to be a yoga teacher?Anthony Benenati 5:32  No, this story is, is pretty remarkable. No, I did not grow up with yoga. In fact, I didn't really understand what yoga was until I was literally introduced to it after I moved here to L.A. So I've been in L.A. since 1991 before that, I was in the military. I was in the Air Force. And when I was in the Air Force, I was a competitive power lifter, and I played sports all my life. So my body was pretty wrecked in my 20s. I had a shoulder surgery and a knee surgery already, and I remember I was waiting tables, and I had met this girl, and I was taken by the way she sort of carried herself. She was she walked very upright, almost Royal. And I thought, you know, it's L.A., everyone's moving to LA to become an actress. And I thought, okay, this girl, right, she's like telling her family, I don't want your money, I'm moving to L.A. and I'm going to be an actress. So I asked her, and she laughed in my face, and she lifted up the back of her shirt, and she showed me a 13-inch scar on her spine. And she told me that when she was young, she had this incredible S curve in her back, and she was in a full body cast from her neck all the way down through her torso. And I said, oh, my God, that that sounds painful. And I said how do you move? You can't, I haven't seen you bend. She goes, I can't. The only thing I can bend is my hips. I can turn my hips, but I cannot bend my back. I said, well, what do you do for relief? And she said, I do yoga. And I was like, Well, explain what's that and how does that help you? And she said, I'd love to explain it, but I don't think I can. Why don't you just come to a class? So I did, and you know, me then, I was really big. I had all this muscle mass, right? And I went to my first class, and I could not finish, could not finish the class. It kicked my butt. And I was so, my ego got, got triggered. And one of the things that's important for me as a teacher now when I teach my students is that there is, yoga doesn't see things in good and bad. Yoga see thing, sees things in does it work or not? And at the time, ego served me, because it made me go back, and it made me go back and it made me go back. At the time, the reasons because I think I was going to get it, and that's fine for whatever, for whatever reason someone enters into the practice is fine, you're there. That's the important part. We can work on the why and the why always evolves as you get along through the practice. But for me, I tell people, ego brought me to yoga and it it kept me there.Lesley Logan 8:34  Yeah, I think, isn't it interesting, like, because I'll have I work with teachers, and they're like, oh, I don't want to work with people who want to lose weight. And I'm like, I, you don't have to promise them anything you can't do. But if, if that brought them into the space, I would much rather you a non like someone who's not going to manipulate or use them or lie to them to be the safe landing for them to find a movement practice that can help them love the body that they have, you know? So I'm not here to be I won't take you if you want to lose weight. I'll just say, here's the science of weight loss, here's how I can fit in and and here's how I don't, you know, but this is what we can do together and like building that trust. And if that's what brought them in, and that's what got them to keep coming at the beginning, but then they stay coming because of how it makes them feel, and then they become a person who doesn't worry about that, because they actually care more about how they feel than how that what the scale says. Like, to me, that's kind of like that same thing. Like, I think too often people are wanting to turn away that negative energy, that negative energy in air quotes, because that's not what something is. But really it's like, you can't just, you don't, we don't get to decide how people come to us. Anthony Benenati 9:48  Right. Lesley Logan 9:49  All we can do is like, kind of be a space for them to evolve and learn the what, what, what they wanted, what they're here, what we can teach them. Anthony Benenati 9:57  Yeah, I'm glad that you said that. I'm glad that you said that to create the space, because that's exactly what it is, isn't it? It's like we want to create a safe space for them to explore them, and not come in with this bunch of judgment that I'm putting on to them so that they feel uncomfortable. I want them to feel as comfortable as they can. Starting anything new is difficult. We all know that. Let's not make it harder. Lesley Logan 10:22  Yeah, yeah. I also like that you said there's like, there's not bad or good.Anthony Benenati 10:28  That's a radical, that's a radical idea for people. In the West, we are programmed this is good and this is bad. I can even hear, you probably hear this in your students' languages too. Oh, that's my bad side, or I have a bad leg, or I have a bad shoulder. And I'm careful with that, careful with the languaging. It's not bad. It may be injured, it may be weaker, it may be tighter, but that doesn't mean it's bad.Lesley Logan 10:55  Yeah. And I, well, I, there was a years ago, like years ago. I can remember where I was driving, but I can't remember the name of the podcast, I was in traffic on San Vicente trying to get to Wilson Boulevard, and I was listening this podcast, and they talked about how, like, we have to be mindful of how we talk about our body, because our body is listening. And they have done studies that, if you like, say, I gained weight, I'm someone who can't lose weight, like, I I'm fat. All this your bod, those people who say that they actually have seen that they produce fat cells, like, that's what they do, right? Versus like, they also, like, told people, like, oh, you had this knee surgery. And the person goes, oh, I had knee surgery, so my knee is better. They didn't have knee surgery. They literally didn't give it to them. They just pretended they put them under they had controls, don't worry there's other things, but. Anthony Benenati 11:42  The placebo effect. Lesley Logan 11:44  What you tell your body like really does matter and and I studied with BJ Fogg, who's the found who wrote Tiny Habits, and he's really the leading scientist on habits that everybody has been stealing from and, not stealing, it's the wrong word, they probably study with them, but at any rate, he said there's no such thing as a bad or good habit. Everything serves you. Every like the habits you don't like about yourself, if you don't like that you scroll on the internet. If you don't like that you binge-watch NetFlix that they'll all the habits we have serve us, they provide something because your brain actually doesn't want to be around anything that causes judgment or shame. So it, it's seeking, like, oh, like, maybe it's comfortable for you to it's soothing to just binge out and watch something you get you get to avoid the other thoughts you have, or with certainty, which we all are looking for and and so he said, If you so, you can't ever say I have a bad habit or I don't want to have good habits. They're just all habits. And then there might be habits you prefer and habits you'd like to get rid of. Anthony Benenati 12:42  Right. I think in the context of the yoga conversation, yoga would simply ask, do your habits serve you? And that's another way to say it, right, whether it's good or bad, is it serving you? Lesley Logan 12:54  Yes. Anthony Benenati 12:55  So maybe at the end of the night, you've had a really shitty night and you need a drink, and most people would go, oh, my God, you teach yoga. You don't drink, right? There's another stereotype. Lesley Logan 13:06  Yeah. Anthony Benenati 13:07  But does that drink serve you in that moment? Is it going to control you? Is it going to take over? No. May it take the edge off and allow you to process the things that you're going through? Sure. Are there other ways to process it? Yes. But not everybody can just be like, you know what, I'm super stressed, and I'm just going to sit and meditate. That's not that's not realistic. Lesley Logan 13:30  Yeah, yeah. Anthony Benenati 13:31  It's not realistic for somebody, you have to meet people where they are, yeah, yeah, and make the changes gradually. Lesley Logan 13:38  Well, I mean, do you have to meet yourself where you are? Anthony Benenati 13:41  Well, yes. True.Lesley Logan 13:44  That's a bigger, that's so huge. I just, you just mentioned something I thought it would be really good timing, like, since there is the stereotype of what yoga is, especially in the West, especially in big cities, oh, actually, even now, because the way things work in rural areas. It's just franchises so like so, what is yoga really?Anthony Benenati 14:08  Okay. How long is this podcast?Lesley Logan 14:11  We can have you back for another. We can split it up. Anthony Benenati 14:13  Part two. On its most basic level, yoga is a practice. It's been, well, the iteration that we know as yoga today has only been around a couple of 100 years prior to that, prior to the last 5000 years with yoga, yoga has been a ritual, a path, a practice to transcend the known or the physical, to transcend it to, instead of saying I am my body, yogis back then would say, I am not my body. And then they would use the practice to try and extricate themselves from their body. So, a free soul, you can think of it that way, the soul that inhabits me is limited by this physical boundary, and I'm going to use the yoga practice to liberate myself from this physical, literally, prison, is how they thought of it. But things evolved, and as things do over hundreds and thousands of years, consciousness changes, and societies evolve, and mindsets change, and even language changes. So yoga now has become a physical practice to help the body and the mind connect. So there's a saying that if you keep the body to cool the mind, most people, they start thinking a lot when they stop doing. And that's why a lot of people are just doing all the time, do, do, do, do, do, and there's no room for thinking. And then when they stop doing, all of these thoughts start coming up, and they don't know how to deal with them, so they just start doing again. Which is, I guess, a way of pushing things down so that you don't have to deal with it. Lesley Logan 16:05  Yeah, yeah. Anthony Benenati 16:06  Yoga gives us a invitation to try something else. Iit's a, it's an invitation to be like, how does my body work? And how does it work better? And not for the sake of the practice itself, but how is it going to help my life? Even if you do yoga every day, let's just say you do 30 minutes of yoga every day. There's 23 and a half other hours. What else are you going to do? Hopefully your yoga practice is serving that.Lesley Logan 16:37  Yeah, yeah. 30 minutes everyone is 2% of your day. If you want to do the math, it's 2% so if you can't give 2% of yourself to something that helps you become better, the other 98% like, I love that. I love the way that you described it. I think that it's really true. And I think it kind of like takes it away. Because I think people get caught up in the process of yoga, the poses, or the styles, and that's just all process which no one really, like, in the world of marketing guys, sells nothing. No one cares about the process. They care about the transformation, the the idea of like, you know, you said, like, breaking free of this limiting thing that would be like the thing, the promise. Let's go back. You, we kind of got, you got the ego kept you going to yoga. Why did you, like, did you know you wanted to be a teacher? Like, did you, I, because I had the same thing. I went to Pilates kicking and screaming, to be completely honest, and I thought it was a bullshit infomercial workout. And then I loved it, and then I kept going back, because I felt really good. And it wasn't till someone said I should be a teacher that I even thought about being a teacher. So how did you become a teacher? I mean, like, 32 years, take us back.Anthony Benenati 17:46  That's exactly, that's exactly, right, it was my teacher at the time that had told me. He told me after class. Now this was, you know, maybe a year, year and a half into starting with him. But he said, you know, because we've had multiple conversations, not just in the classroom but outside, we'd go and have tea or whatever. And he goes, have you ever thought about teaching yoga? And I said, absolutely not. I mean, why would I? Why would I do that? I barely know the practice. He says, I understand that, and I can get you more information, but I see something in you that I think will help other people. And I think what he saw, and after teaching a whole bunch of teacher trainees myself, the most effectual teacher is someone who understands how people get to the practice. And what I mean by that is if, for instance, if I grew up in the yoga tradition and my parents were teachers, and I had been doing yoga all my life, and I never really understood the struggle of a tight body, of not being able to do the poses, of not understanding the language, of having no connection to yoga, whatsoever. Then I couldn't offer that to anybody else coming into the practice, because I would, I, some of the teachers that I train who are super flexible, for instance, they never understand what it's like not to be so it's hard to have empathy for the student that is having a very difficult time doing the most basic movement. And I think empathy is such an important factor to be a great teacher, you have to be able to put yourself in their shoes. Lesley Logan 17:47  Yeah, yeah. Anthony Benenati 17:47  Or barefoot as it, in the yoga studio.Lesley Logan 17:47  Yeah, yeah. I agree. Like, I think, I think, you know, I used to be embarrassed by, like, how I thought so negatively about Pilates, and when I realized it was actually probably the way that made people trust to even try it out, like, I also thought it was bullshit. So, you know, I got it. And then the other thing, like, I do have one of those hypermobile bodies, but I fractured my tibial plateau right before I met and I remember, like, all this fear about, like, what that meant for my Pilates practice, what that meant for my weight training, my running, everything right? Was like, fear going on. And then I also realized in my own healing, how easy I was giving it to people with knee surgeries. Because I was just like, okay, like, don't move this in time thing and so I have an injury, I was like, oh, there's actually a lot of things they can do. There's like, so much like, and there's also so much they can't do, but like, you know, like, we don't have to, like, push them, but at the same token, like, we can challenge this body because it got injured for a reason. There was an imbalance, and that's why that happened.Anthony Benenati 18:11  Correct, correct. And we're here to address that imbalance, right? A lot of times, yoga is translated as union, which is a very simple, and it's not a direct translation. The root word of yoga is actually thousands of years old, and it's yuj, Y-U-J and it means to yoke. Now this is an old fashioned term. You know the yoke when they used to yoke the horse to the cart or the ox to the cart. Lesley Logan 21:02  I'm nodding, because I did do the Oregon Trail, and that is where I learned yoga. Anthony Benenati 21:06  Okay, there you go. So that's the image that I want people to have here, and it's very important, because what you have, so yoga, at that point, becomes an action. It's a verb. It's not just a noun. What is it? But what is it doing? It's joining. But what is it joining? It's joining two different things, right? The cart and the horse. Now, alone, these two things serve purposes, don't they? But if you connect them, then you can do incredible things that neither one of these things could do by themselves. So in the yoga practice, we say one and one never equals two. It always equals three, because there's you, there's the thing, and then there's the thing you guys are creating. So it's you and Brad as individuals, and it's your marriage, which is a living entity. And it has a life of its own. And if you don't feed and nourish that third thing, not only will it die, but then you're broken apart again.Lesley Logan 22:15  Yeah. Yeah. You should become a counselor as well.Anthony Benenati 22:18  What do you think after class is about? When people feel comfortable with you, they come after class and then they start telling you about deeper issues, right, things that not the body, but the why, the why that they're here. Why are they struggling? Why are they having a hard time? I was actually listening to one of your previous podcast this morning, as we were taking me and my wife were taking a walk, Ashley, around the lake here, and we were listening, and it was the client, or the person you had on that had stage four cancer. Lesley Logan 22:54  Oh, yeah. Anthony Benenati 22:55  And I remember you said something, and it was very astute. You said that. Well, you didn't know how many, and I looked it up, we have about 60,000 thoughts a day, and you said about 95% of them are negative, right? And it's true. It's like we have these same repetitive thoughts all throughout the day, and the majority of them, the vast majority of them, are negative or repeat from the day before and the day before and the day before. And at what point do you start addressing this and start changing the narrative? Yoga is the invitation to start learning that you can that there is an issue first and then the tools to change them. Lesley Logan 23:43  Yeah.Anthony Benenati 23:45  So I love yoga as a verb, as an action, not just a thing like we can name it, and you can't just name it and make it yo. You can't just put goats in the room and call it yoga. It's not. Lesley Logan 24:01  Yeah, I'm with you on that. I mean, like, because it's cute everyone and so don't at me. It is adorable, and if it gets people in, sure, but also, like, you're now paying attention to the goat, not you, which is like, another distraction that, you know, I think, like, I think, I think it's really easy, people want to distract themselves from all that's going on. Like, first of all, you've been a teacher since the 90s, so in L.A., which means use your studio was around during lots of things. Like, you know, I don't, I don't remember when, like, the riots were, if your studio is open, but then there was, like, 911 and. Anthony Benenati 24:46  The riots werre '92 so it was just after I got here, so I opened the studio in '99 so 911 happened for us, and that was a remarkable time. Obviously, the next, Gulf War happened, and lots of other things. And, you know, the studio became a community. It became a place for people to go, even if they just wanted to sit and be in the room, let alone practice. I remember the practice after 911 people just wanted to sit and gather and cry and talk and rage and not move. They didn't want to move their bodies. They just needed community. They felt so detached.Lesley Logan 25:24  Yeah. I mean, I wasn't any, I wasn't in a practice at the time, but I remember, because we were in California, so you're so removed, but you're not, you know? And so I can see how, like, your space can be that. And I think, like, it's so cool and also so big to have us to do a practice that can be so many things for people. It can be the community that they need, it could be the safe space that they share, and it can be a constant, like, it's there, no matter when things are good or when things are bad. And we don't have a lot of those things, right? Like, there's not there's not a lot of places or things you can do even when times are good and when times are bad, and I know you're gonna tell me good and bad, but like, you know, in the in the happier, joyful times versus, like, the sadder times.Anthony Benenati 26:09  Right, now we're in a really difficult time, and we've been here before. 2008 we were here the last time this particular President was in office. We were here. And we go through these cycles, and they're not unlike other cycles throughout the history of life, and we will have more. And it's not always positive, it's not always happy, it's not always on the incline. Sometimes it takes a dip. And you and I both know that that's really where you're tested. You're tested in the dips. You're never tested when things are great, and you're never going to change when things are comfortable either. Change only happens when you're uncomfortable.Lesley Logan 26:47  Yeah, it's really true. One of the my favorite things that you would bring up when we were in class is talking about, like, you know, you can't have love without hate, the equal opposite. And I was hoping you can, like, dive into that a little bit for us. Because I think, one, I actually think since these several moments of 2008 and 2016, and and now it's really easy for people to not see good and so it makes me go, like you guys, like you're seeing all the hate. Like, are you recognizing it's equal opposite. But I also, like, I think it's hard. I think people are always waiting for another shoe to drop, as opposed to, like, noticing when things are are also going well. But anyways, I wanted to know if you could, like, just share a little bit about that, because my listeners haven't heard that, and it was my favorite things. Like, Brad brought up your, like, Saturday morning classes today in a call with people, and he said, like, there'd be like, 50 people in this room, and you know, like you would often bring that up, and it was always around the same time that, like, something not great was going on. We all just felt it, whether it was in the city or the world. And like, you have to remind yourself of those things. Anthony Benenati 27:53  It ties into the whole good and bad thing, because it's a reframing of thought. Like, you have to really reframe this idea that even, even if it's something that you don't like, it's serving something. So it's a basic function of physics, like, things wouldn't exist if it didn't have an opposite, right? You wouldn't know joy if you didn't know pain, you wouldn't know laughter if you didn't know sadness, you wouldn't have anything to reference it to. So your capacity to love is directly related to your capacity to hate, to feeling these negative, quote, negative feelings versus these positive. They're there to balance each other out, and it's the idea is that it's your choice which one you want to feed. You remember Star Wars, right? Think about the force. The force is this, is this neutral thing, and it's how you choose to use it. They were all using the same force. But the lesson was, am I going to use this to help empower and further and engage, or am I going to use this for selfish and personal and destructive reasons? Same energy, how do you use it? So rather than wasting your time on whether something is good or bad or right and wrong, it really serves you to think, is this serving me? Because, like you said earlier, at some point in your life, it served you, whether it was to keep you safe when you were a child, for instance, maybe you were in a really bad home life, and you learned coping mechanisms. You learn, for instance, maybe how to shut it out, right, and how to go into your own cave, which is, which is very easy for me to do. If things get too much, I tend to remove myself and go back into this little cave. Well, you can't do that when you're in relationship. Yeah. Well, you certainly can't do that for very long, right? You need tools like, yes, I need to go take 10 or 30 minutes to myself, but I'll be back. It's that communication, to let that other person know I'm not leaving you. I'm not not communicating with you, but I do need to take care of myself. So it's changing, the languaging around this. So it helps me to think, for instance, this bad time that we're having right now, it's temporary. Now, temporary may mean years.Anthony Benenati 27:55  Yeah, I know I had a like, a thing, like, like, a little mantra card that's, everything, everything, everything is temporary. And I'm like, and temporary does not mean two seconds, two minutes, two weeks.Anthony Benenati 30:02  Exactly. There is no time limit on temporary, but it will end. Things always do. Things always change, but it was helpful to me to look at kind of life in that different way. I wasn't raised like that. I was raised as a Catholic, so it was always guilt and shame and right and wrong and very linear thinking, very black and white thinking, very dualistic, instead of this idea that maybe it's not so black and white, maybe there is the gray. And I think we're all learning that extremism on either end is not the path. So, far right or far left, we're not going to get anywhere because we're isolating. We have to find a way to start communicating again and finding common ground and stop making other the problem. Lesley Logan 31:41  Yeah, yeah. Anthony Benenati 31:43  That's my that's my I think that goes on and off the mat. Don't look at your body as a bad thing. Don't look at it as something that you need to conquer or change, or that somehow there's something wrong with you. How can I enhance myself? How can I make me who I am, and everything that I am that may not be somebody else, but very unique to me. How can I make myself even better, a better version of me, not, not somebody else. I don't have to be somebody else. I just have to be the best me I can be.Lesley Logan 32:18  Yeah. That makes me think of like, I interviewed a happiness strategist, and I was like, you know, I was like, this is interesting, because, like, like, can you be happy all the time? And she's like, well, of course not. She's like, like, she's like, she's like, but she said your ability to be happy is as directly related to how uncomfortable you can get, like, how comfortable withuncomfortable. You can get like, that's, can you like, what's your resilience? And she, you know, and I think, like, I think a lot of people have been outsourcing so long how they feel based on, like, what's going on out in the world, and not going back to like, how can I make myself the best version? Because we can affect the people around us more easily when you were talking about other it made me think you guys Google the Heineken commercial. It's quite long, but they literally took, like, people of opposite extremes and like, they took a guy who, like, voted against gay marriage, and then they took a lesbian and they put them in a room together, and they have to, like, build a desk, right? And like, and they, a table, or they build something. And the guy, like, this one guy is like, completely, I got this. I like, I can do these things, right? And she's like, and like, so they have to work together to build this thing. And like, each personal strengths have to do it, and then they have to sit down and have a beer. And at the end, the people who like when they interviewed them before they met the person they're building with, it would be like, I don't understand transgenders. I think they have to know rights, blah, blah, blah. And then they meet someone who's transgender, but they just built this desk together, and you watch this person go, well, let's have another drink and like, so it's really fascinating that, like, if we can actually stop, you know, being on the opposite sides, we can actually be together, and you get to know people, you're more likely to hear them and listen to them and realize we're kind of like what you think has been influenced by so much, by other people who are louder and you you actually love people who are around you more than you know, you know? And so I think that's what's so beautiful about a yoga class, or even Pilates classes, they can attract people from all sides of a spectrum and have a shared experience. And you know, because, and the more they get to know themselves, the more ideally, and this may be the idealist in me, like they think about caring for others, because they can, because once you've, once you've taken care of you, you actually have the capacity to actually care about other people.Anthony Benenati 34:45  Oxygen mask, baby. It's all about putting on your oxygen mask, right? You got to put yours on first. You can't help anybody else if you're passed out. But I like what you said there, too, because Yoga does want to meet people where they're at. I remember, I had this woman in class. She always sat up front and in the beginning of class, at that time, we would chant the sound of om in the beginning of class, just to settle the class and get things going. And she would never chant, and that's fine. You don't have to, right? It's again, everything's an invitation. But she did come up to me after class one day, and we had a conversation, and I asked her why, and she says, well, you know, I'm a devout Jew, and I feel like I'm sort of disrespecting my tradition if I'm doing something I don't understand. And I said, well, I'm so glad that you brought that up. First of all, yoga doesn't care what you believe. You can believe you know, Orange is God, and you can still practice. Yoga doesn't require a belief, it just requires a willingness. And I said, well, you're a devout Jew, so what are you comfortable saying? And she said, well, shalom. And I said, Well, what's in the middle of shalom? And she said om. And I said, exactly. So from that point on, we would chant om, and she would chant shalom, and she would just hold the om. It, for some reason, it gave her permission. It was totally fine with everybody else, and then she felt included. That was a wonderful story. Lesley Logan 36:19  I love that. I think also giving people permission, right? Like, I think that's what, you know, people can have permission to move their body, but also be in practice. Like, that's why it's called a yoga practice, and I think that's what it does so well, something that, like, I call it a Pilates practice, and there are a lot of people like me who call it practice, but there's also a lot of people who don't understand that, and they don't call it that, and they're like, I gotta get this. And it's like, no, what are you talking about, like, you're never gonna like, you don't get that. Like, it's your body. Your body's different every single day. Like, there are days like, at 6am I do Pilates, and at 8am I work out with you, and my body between those two hours is very different. And I'm like, whoa. I, what happened on my dog walk that this is no longer an option. I do, I do like that. Okay, I want to go into, because I think, like, you have had so many chapters in your yoga career, and what how you are, how you are teaching yoga now, is very different than what you did for the majority on your studio and things like that. Like we talk about some, be it till you see it moments and like, kind of like, what your what are you being till you see it, right now?Anthony Benenati 37:20  You're right. I did go through a lot when you when you have a studio for that long, you know, you go through a lot of changes, including me and my original partner, we split, and then there was that moment where you had to decide who's going to fight for this, who's going to get the studio, because we both wanted it, and that was that was all about desire. Do you really want this? And how bad do you want it? And then after that, there were other things that came up every time you're being tested. And you will be tested no matter how committed you think you are to whatever it is that you think you want, you're going to continue to be tested. And it just is a way to reaffirm, do I really want to be it? Do I really want to do this? For me now, you're right. It is different. My body is different. My practice is different, and not in a bad or a good way, just different. This is the different body than it was when it was in my late 20s. Being it now is, for me, is really being about being authentic, being authentic to the moment, being authentic to my students, but really being authentic to my own inner voice. And every time I get on the mat, the first thing I tell my students is, listen, listen to your body. It's going to tell you something different today than it did yesterday. If you come onto the mat with an agenda, most of the time, you're going to be disappointed, because you don't know that your body's ready to do those things that day, that particular day, maybe you need something completely different than you thought. We have to be open to that. And then the day I decided that my time of studio ownership was over, that was a tough one. That was a really hard day. But the moment I decided to make that shift, I felt so much more freedom. Yoga had changed, you know, it really had become corporate. At this point, it was being completely watered down. People were barely doing teacher trainings and leading yoga classes, and it just became too much of a struggle to do the business of yoga versus being the teacher. You know, when you own your own business, you never are not working. That's the thing. It's 24/7 right? You don't get to clock out and go home and forget about it. Lesley Logan 39:50  Yeah, there's a reason why I like, watch White Lotus. I'm like, because I'm not where I can't work and watch White Lotus like, this is me being awesome. That's how it serves me. Even if it, like, gives me a little stress and anxiety, I'm like, but I'm not working, so I get it, no, like, I mean, like, yeah, and then I I, I'm where I'm married to someone I work with. So it's never, it's never off. Yeah, but I, thank you for sharing that, because, I mean, like, I think a lot of people, there's an aspiration to start something or do something or own something. But as you said, you've evolved. Not only has yoga evolved, but you've evolved. Your body has changed. And I think sometimes we forget that as we evolve, we outgrow some roles, you know, and like, just like you outgrow clothes, like you outgrow, like you outgrow a role, and it's like owning a studio serves such a good purpose, like a good purpose at the time, like you had a partner and a family and, like all these things. And then it also got to a place where it's like all this is changing, and I have, too, you know, but that's so hard to like, because it's like a light switch. Anthony Benenati 40:58  Yeah. Well, you know, I had felt it, but not really paid attention to it. And you know how your body does, your body will jump in there and it'll call your attention. And I literally had my one and only panic attack at that moment. It was like, oh yeah, this is a sign you are not in a good place. This, this, this, it's time to get out. It's time this, this had run its course. And that was a hard decision to really give up the thing that you worked so hard to create. But it was also learning that that was separate from who I was, that we were not inextricably connected, that we were these individual things, and we did create a third thing, but that third thing was dying, and it was time to change into something else.Lesley Logan 41:46  Yeah, yeah. What are you most excited about right now?Anthony Benenati 41:51  Oh my gosh, we are empty nesters. That's the most, 25 years of being a parent.Lesley Logan 41:59  I had someone I just interviewed. She's like, I'm a bird launcher. She's like, I've launched all my birds. They're all birds. They're all launched. Like, the positive of that.Anthony Benenati 42:10  It is so true. We are so excited about this next chapter for us, which is freedom in a lot of different ways, right? I mean, you're never not the parent, but they don't need you every day anymore. They need you when they need you and and happy to be there when they do. Like this morning, my youngest called from college, and she stayed on the phone for over an hour. And she just needed feedback. She needed to connect. She didn't necessarily need a ton of advice. She just, you could feel that she needed connection. For now, for me, it really is about this next chapter. Your lives are a bunch of chapters, and at being, you know, 50, I'll be 58 this year. It's a very I know, right? Yeah, I can't believe it myself, but this idea now that I can make choices solely for me or solely for us as a couple and not oh my god, what are we going to do with the kids, and is this child going to come? Or are they not going to come, or are we going to do this all together, that we can make these choices for ourselves, I'm really excited about that. That's the personal aspect of it. Professionally, professionally, things have changed, you know, ever since covid, everybody went online, and which is great. It's a great way to connect to everybody, but I still feel the need to be in the classroom, yeah, and we do those in persons, and we do those yoga retreats, and we do those monthly workshops, just so that people can have that feeling of connection and community again. Lesley Logan 43:52  Yeah, I think that's why we do our tours, too. Like, I love being online, because I can impact people without having to travel as much. And also, like, I need to see bodies in three dimensions.Anthony Benenati 44:03  Right. How do you make an adjustment with you can't see and touch? Lesley Logan 44:06  No, I'm literally going so if I was there, I would hold your arms still. Imagine I'm like, is your child around? Can they grab your arms and hold them? Hold their hold their arms. Okay. Now go.Anthony Benenati 44:18  That's so good. Lesley Logan 44:19  You know, but like, I think, I think that's why, like, I like the idea of, like, really reframing what's good or bad. Because, like, I think it could be so easy, like, back before the pandemic, like, oh, online is terrible. You can't have those things. But we, Brad and I used to, like, call you just be on the phone. Because I was like, I can't handle the traffic. I can't but I want you. So just, just be on just be on speakerphone, and we'll mute ourselves, and we'll be, you know, but like, when the pandemic happened, I was like, oh, I love this, because now I can have access to the people, I don't live in the same town as you, and I, Brad and I still get to have that practice with you, and I think, but also, yeah, we miss, like, actual hugs and actually seeing people, and you have to be more intentional. But I think that that, I think then we are more intentional, you know, so that is also cool.Anthony Benenati 45:08  Yeah, we really mourned the day you guys left.Lesley Logan 45:12  When we moved from L.A. to Las Vegas was during the pandemic, and we didn't actually have a mourning, because nothing was actually happening in person, the more like it was a year and a half later when things opened back up and we were not part of the opening back up that was like, so it was a delayed mourning, a delayed grief for us. Okay, obviously, we're gonna all catch up, guys. We're gonna take a brief break, find out how people can find you, follow you, do yoga with you. Anthony Benenati 45:39  Great. Lesley Logan 45:40  All right, Anthony, where do you hang out? Like, are you on the Instagram? Or is there just a simpler way? How can people do yoga with you or learn more about what you're doing? Where do you where can they go? Anthony Benenati 45:52  Well, they can go to my website, which is, thatsnotyoga.com and of course, there's a story behind that, because that's a pretty bold statement, which was intentional. One of the misconceptions about yoga is that anything goes, right, and that is so far from the truth. If yoga is about anything, it's about setting meaningful boundaries. So if you take a bunch of energy and you narrow it, you're going to increase the flow of that energy. Just think of water. Take a lake. Narrow the boundaries. It becomes a river. Narrow the boundaries even more, becomes a raging river. So most people think that if you limit their choices, then you're limiting their freedom. But I call it the Cheesecake Factory theory. Walk into a Cheesecake Factory and you sit down, and they literally throw you down a book. And they're like, okay, what do you want? And you can have anything. The book is like, an inch thick. And I just get overloaded because there's too many choices. I much prefer to go to a restaurant where they just print the menu that day and there's six things on it, and you can have this, this or this, and I'm like, great, I'll have that. The narrowing of your choices actually gives you more freedom, because you're constantly saying no to a bunch of things while you're saying yes to a limited amount of things, right? Like being in marriage, you're saying yes to Brad and no to everybody else. It's this process that continues throughout your entire day, right? What am I letting in? What am I consciously keeping away? I love that understanding.Lesley Logan 47:42  I love that. So you guys just so you know, because he didn't say it, but I'm gonna say it for him. Brad and I can do yoga online with this man. You do it three times a week. I try to show up twice a week when I'm there. And Brad, we're getting him on the 8 am wake up call. We're working on. Do you remember? Do you remember when he used to do it 6 am? I think we have to remind him that he used to do 6 am yoga. Anthony Benenati 48:03  Absolutely. Lesley Logan 48:03  When the bed was further away from the studio was the the thing. So you guys can do that. You can find that on, on, thatsnot yoga.com. You kind of just gave us a Be It Action Item. But I just want to see like, if there's any other bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. Anthony Benenati 48:18  Okay. The the, the the triad, the triumvirate that we like to follow in the practice, is desire, knowledge, action. Those are my Be It moments. To break it down, you got to want to do something, then you have to learn how to do it, and then you do it, this whole idea of just do it, that's not going to work. Just doing something without knowing how to do it can cause you harm doing something and you don't have the real desire to do it, you're not going to put your best effort in. If you do those three things in that order, you can pretty much do whatever you want to do. You've got to want to do it. You got to learn how to do it, and then you simply have to do it, and you have to commit to doing it over and over and over again to create that meaningful change. Those are my action items. And the thing is, is, if you don't want to do it, don't do it. That's the thing. You're, exactly, more freedom. And that's whole, that's yoga's goal. Yoga just wants you to be more free. But that doesn't mean no boundaries. It means establishing meaningful boundaries, boundaries that are going to channel you in the direction you want to go. And guess what, people, you can always change your mind. You can always change your mind.Lesley Logan 49:48  I mean, that is like that needs to be on people's walls. Because I find like, you know, like, imagine if you never gave yourself permission to change your mind. You might, you might, the world might have lost a yoga teacher that day, because you would have had a panic attack and then a burnout, you know, like, you can change your mind on your schedule, you can change your mind on your goals. You can change your mind on lot of things, like, you know, and that is for the perfectionist, listening. That might be the hardest thing you learn.Anthony Benenati 50:14  I'm speaking to you, perfectionist.Lesley Logan 50:17  Yeah, oh my gosh, Anthony, obviously I could talk to you for hours. And clearly Brad is like itching to walk in this room, you guys, so we gotta let him in so you can say hi to his friend, but thank you for being here, and thank you for just sharing so much of your wisdom. I continue to learn from you. Always. I can't wait to learn more. Someday we're gonna do a joint Pilates, yoga. That is my dream. That is my vision. Maybe on the Summer Tour. Maybe you'll be our L.A. event. So see, you guys, let us know what your favorite takeaways were. Let Anthony know in thatsnotyoga. Let the Be It Pod know and share this with a friend who needs to hear it, because that's how everyone wins. You know, we all can take away something from this, and I'd love to hear what yours are, and you know what to do, until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 51:02  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 51:41  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 51:46  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 51:50  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 51:58  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 52:01  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Lesley Logan 52:14  I'm interviewing Anthony. Anthony Benenati 52:15  Hi, Brad. Lesley Logan 52:16  Yeah, it's an interview right now. No, we're not done. You're just interrupting. We'll put this in the bloopers. He's come in twice, and I'm like, um. Anthony Benenati 52:24  What's up, buddy? Brad Crowell 52:26  I wanted to say hi. Lesley Logan 52:27  Yeah. Okay, alright, one second, let me get to those Be It Action Items. Okay. We'll talk.Transcribed by https://otter.aiSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when the center of your practice—the teacher, the lineage, the external validation—suddenly disappears? In this deeply engaging conversation, hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with Meghan Marshall, longtime Ashtanga teacher and founder of Mysore Yoga Philadelphia, to explore the evolving landscape of practice in a post-guru era. Meghan, affectionately known in South Philly as the “benevolent Ashtanga overlord,” shares how a stroke mid-practice in 2019 altered her perspective on yoga and opened the door to Pilates. Together, they discuss the parallels between Pilates and Ashtanga, the cultural dynamics of lineage, and the emotional upheaval many practitioners feel as the Ashtanga community shifts. This episode weaves humor, honesty, and deep inquiry into what it means to keep practicing—not out of obligation, but as a living, adaptive, personal commitment. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why so many practitioners are reevaluating their relationship to Ashtanga. How Pilates can illuminate blind spots in yoga practice. The difference between “quiet quitting” and making a public exit. How tradition evolves when the guru is gone. What it means to root practice in self-inquiry rather than external approval. Guest Bio: Meghan Marshall Meghan Marshall has been teaching Ashtanga yoga for over 15 years. A Canadian by birth, she now calls Philadelphia home, where she runs Mysore Yoga Philadelphia, a thriving Mysore-style studio. Known for her humor, honesty, and supportive teaching style, Meghan blends the rigor of Ashtanga with insights from her Pilates training, helping students connect to their bodies with clarity and compassion. Links & Resources: https://mysoreyogaphiladelphia.com/https://mysoreyogaphiladelphia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mysoreyogaphilly/ Earlier episode with Meghan: A Stroke of Insight (July 16, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-harmony-podcast/id1508928138?i=1000621286211 Check out Harmony's upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/

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In this deeply reflective solo episode, host Harmony Slater addresses a heated debate currently circling the global Ashtanga yoga community: certifications and their legitimacy. Drawing from her own decades of practice and personal memories of studying with Sharath Jois, Harmony offers her perspective on what certification really means — and what it doesn't. She invites us to step back from the noise of division and instead consider the larger crises happening across our world: climate disasters, hunger, war, and the erosion of human connection. With tenderness, honesty, and wisdom, Harmony explores grief, impermanence, and the essence of yoga as union—not fracture. Through stories, reflections, and quotes from Sharath, she reminds us that yoga is not a piece of paper, nor is it found in hierarchy, but in how we live, love, and treat one another. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why certification has never truly defined a yoga teacher How grief and loss are showing up in the yoga community The role of impermanence in practice and in life Stories and teachings from Sharath Jois that reveal his heart The importance of Yamas and Niyamas—especially Ahimsa—in today's world How division distracts us from the crises that actually need our energy A call to action: turning practice into presence, compassion, and service Check out Harmony's upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/

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Why do so many brilliant, intuitive, powerful women keep ending up in the same relationship dynamics or repeating the same painful dating patterns? Why do we keep attracting the same patterns, partners, or situations, even after doing so much inner work?In this soulful conversation, Kate is joined by her dear soul sister Marianna Clark— an intuitive guide, spiritual coach, and radical truth-teller — to unpack the real reason women stay stuck in painful relational loops.Together they explore:The core wound that keeps women repeating the same storyWhy shifting your mindset isn't enough without embodied integrationHow to finally shift the energy that attracts the same pattern over and overThe liberating power of presence, truth, and choosing differentlyThis episode is a transmission. And a loving reminder that freedom is always available — when you're willing to look in the mirror and take responsibility for your part.Resources & Next Steps:FREE Discover Your Saboteur Mini Course: https://www.theunscriptdwoman.com/discover-your-saboteurSubscribe to The New Truth & leave a review if this episode resonates deeplyExplore The Immersion with Kate: https://www.theunscriptdwoman.com/the-immersionTo book a Free Call to explore working with Kate - click the link below: https://calendly.com/expanded-love/exploration-call-cloneAbout the Guest: Founder and Director of 'Travel Within Retreats', Marianna has been a self-development practitioner for more than 20 years offering women one-to-one coaching and group retreats.Travel Within Retreats evolved from her love and passion for personal growth and wellness, travel, and cultural exploration, giving birth to the notion of travelling 'within' and exploring oneself whilst being in peaceful and nurturing environment.She is certified in Life and Leadership Coaching, CBT, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga, and is a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). With a Masters Degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, she has developed a unique method that employs writing and physical theatre in combination with metaphysics, psychophysics, and quantum energy healing to help people identify and move through unconscious blocks and connect them to their untapped potential in life, relationships, and career.Marianna has been a consultant for people from all walks of life including executives in the media industry, high-net-worth business individuals, performing artists, and anyone simply desiring to transform day-to-day obstacles or pain into a life of joy, success, and true fulfilment. Website: https://travelwithinretreats.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelwithin.retreats/About the Host:Kate Harlow is the founder of The Unscriptd Woman, the creator of The Expanded Love Coaching Method, and host of The New Truth podcast - ranked in the top 1.5% globally. With over 15 years of experience teaching, coaching and facilitating transformational retreats worldwide, Kate has helped hundreds of thousands of women break free from outdated relational patterns, old patriarchal ways of thinking and unspoken rules to live...

This conversation explores the lived experience of practicing and teaching Ashtanga as a visible minority, and what it takes to evolve a lineage without losing its heart. We examine how unspoken norms, lack of clear standards, and performance-driven culture can exclude people, and what a more inclusive, structured, and compassionate approach looks like in real rooms. What You'll Hear Identity, visibility, and belonging in traditional Ashtanga spaces Why standards matter, and how “no structure” quietly creates inequity Mixed messaging around asana achievement vs yoga as healing Practical inclusion: bodies, props, pacing, and permission Decolonizing the mat and having necessary, uncomfortable conversations Teachers' responsibility around food, body image, and modeling care Reframing progress when life, injury, or anatomy write the rules Community dynamics after leadership changes in Mysore Privilege, access, and taking practice to underserved communities Key Takeaways Clear standards protect students and teachers and reduce bias. Inclusion is practical: adapt sequence, use props, cue options, honor cycles. Your value is not your vinyasa. The practice is a lab for self-knowledge. Community health > cults of personality. Build learning organizations, not pedestals. About Our Guest Jamaica-born and South Africa–based, Shakira Bouwer is an Ashtanga yoga teacher authorized in Mysore. She began yoga in 1999 while working in corporate finance, later earned an MBA, and ultimately followed dharma into full-time teaching. Her work centers on accessibility, decolonizing the mat, and creating spaces where every body can practice with dignity. Connect + Resources As shared in the episode: Instagram and Threads: @kirasadhana Email shared in-episode: kirasadhana@gmail.com COMMUNITY Here is the link for free access to our community.
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Send us a textCarroll Ann Friedmann is the co-owner of Ashtanga Yoga Charlottesville, a yoga studio in Charlottesville, Virginia, alongside her husband, Liam Buckley. She has a strong background in Integral Yoga and transitioned to Ashtanga Yoga after exploring different styles. Carroll Ann has spent extensive time training in Mysore, India, under the guidance of Saraswati Jois, daughter of the renowned Ashtanga guru Pattabhi Jois. Besides teaching, she has authored a book on the Yoga Sutras, emphasizing practical application for personal growth and self-reflection.Visit Carroll: https://www.ashtangacharlottesville.com/Key Takeaways:Personal Transformation through Yoga: Carroll Ann's personal journey showcases the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga.Yoga Studio Management: She discusses the intricacies of running a yoga studio, emphasizing the need for adaptability and community focus, especially amid rising costs and external pressures.Evolving Ashtanga Practice: Carroll Ann stresses the importance of flexibility within the Ashtanga tradition, advocating for adaptations like Black Lotus Yoga to avoid injuries and enhance accessibility.Female Leadership in Yoga: Highlighting Saraswati Jois's pivotal role as a woman in the Ashtanga lineage, Carroll Ann touches on the significance of female-led teaching in a traditionally male-dominated sphere.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Miranda Mitchell, is a beacon of wisdom, insight, and deep connection. She is a true light warrior who fearlessly explores her shadows to illuminate the path to embodied leadership and energetic alignment for herself and others. In 2012, Miranda's journey commenced with the sacred practice of Ashtanga yoga. Here, she dove deep within herself, moving beyond the need for external validation to embrace her inner truth. Through this inward exploration, she freed herself from the constraints of past experiences and beliefs, uncovering the essence of her being residing within the core of her physical form. This crucial moment signaled the beginning of Miranda's exploration into the realms of Human Design and the Gene Keys. She saw them as embodiments of both masculine and feminine energies in the cosmic dance of existence. Immersed in this wisdom, Miranda peeled away layers of conditioning and bravely embarked on a journey to release all that she once believed defined her. With each revelation, she drew nearer to her authentic self, revealing the magic nestled within the depths of true understanding. With determination, Miranda immersed herself further into these sacred teachings, weaving them into her life. Through this process of integration, she discovered a sense of grounding and inner wisdom. Her journey evolved into a sacred pilgrimage of healing, self-acceptance, and empowerment. Today, Miranda stands as a masterful guide, extending her hand to others embarking on their own transformative journey. As an Embodied Leadership Guide, she shares her boundless wisdom with compassion and authenticity, encouraging authentic self-expression and the discovery of one's true voice. Through personalized sessions and transformative group offerings like the EmBODHIed Voice, and Dancing With Shadows & Stillness, Miranda empowers individuals to embrace their innate potential, creating a sacred space of acceptance for all aspects of their being. https://www.miranda-mitchell.com/free-human-design-chart-video Enter in your birthdate, time , city and state (country) to get your FREE Human Design Chart! Want to be a guest on Unconditioning: Discovering the Voice Within? Send Whitney Ann Jenkins a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1631293280445x277643368444412160

Send us a textRohil Jethmalani is an esteemed yoga instructor and meditation practitioner, currently residing in Bali, Indonesia. His journey in yoga began during his upbringing in India, where he was influenced by his yoga-practicing parents. Rohil holds a deep connection with various styles of yoga, including Hatha, Iyengar, and Ashtanga Vinyasa. Apart from asana, he has a profound experience in Vipassana meditation in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. As an educator, Rohil has taught at yoga teacher trainings around the world, sharing his knowledge of yoga philosophy and yoga history. Today, he runs Ashtanga retreats in Bali, blending personal development and yoga practices for a holistic experience.Visit Rohil at: https://shivatman.yoga/On IG: https://www.instagram.com/shivatman.yoga/?hl=enKey Takeaways:Rohil's Journey: Rohil shares his transition from a childhood steeped in yoga practice to being a renowned yoga instructor in Bali, intertwining his personal and professional evolution with yoga.Yoga Philosophy in Modern Life: Discussions center on how traditional yoga philosophies, like the five kleshas, can be introduced and integrated into contemporary understanding while maintaining their depth and authenticity.The Role of Technology in Yoga: Rohil speculates about how AI and technology may impact yoga teaching, highlighting the irreplaceable value of personal connections and experiential learning.Karma and Action: Rohil elaborates on karma, emphasizing its intrinsic manifestation in the actions themselves rather than a delayed cosmic reward or punishment.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Hey Superhuman,A little about Kavi!I'm a Trauma-Informed Certified Yoga Teacher. For the last 5 years I have been teaching all over the world, online and as of now in Mumbai and London. With a trauma informed approach, I teach Yin, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga which all include Pranayama, Meditation and Yoga Nidra. If you would like to join one of my classes and be one of my clients, please reach out to me on:Instagram : @yogawithkaviLinkedIn : Kavita KananiOr book a free consultation call with me : https://calendly.com/yogawithkavi/15minCan't wait to serve you on your Yoga Journey☺️Follow this channel for more, like this video if you enjoyed it and press the bell icon for more value!Helping healers and spiritual coaches attract high paying clients online - https://hamzaccoaching.comMore value on my Instagram Page:https://www.instagram.com/hamzachitalwalla/Want to build a community/following? The best platform out there to do that:https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=2d6fb796d8c14b04a6493f19c3cc9c59.Equipment:Digitech 2-1 Mic - https://amzn.to/4ia4ijfGrenaro Mic - https://amzn.to/4i1QVBLYou can listen to my podcast on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/63Lc55mkIfLpqM03ohQ5Y7?si=a4a66d9bb7cd4aa7My social media handles for more such content:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hamza.chitlwalla/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzachitalwalla/#growth #selfdevelopment #goals #coaching #spirituality #travel #digitalnomads

Adam interviews Stuart Ray Sarbacker, a scholar and practitioner of yoga, discussing his journey into Ashtanga yoga, the definitions and roots of yoga, and the evolution of yoga traditions from Brahminical to Buddhist influences. They explore the distinctions between yoga and Buddhism, the relevance of modern asana practice, and the goals of yoga, particularly focusing on the concept of Samadhi. Stuart also shares insights into his upcoming work on the relationship between yoga and psychoactive substances.  www.liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/directory/stuart-sarbacker LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN   WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga   SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/   FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga   Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga   Key Points ·       Stuart Ray Sarbacker has a deep academic and personal connection to yoga. ·       Ashtanga yoga has been transformative for Sarbacker, shaping both his practice and scholarship. ·       Yoga can be defined as a mind-body discipline that enhances human capacities. ·       The concept of tapas is integral to the development of yoga practices. ·       Yoga's roots can be traced back to Brahmanical and Shamanic traditions. ·       The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism contributed significantly to yoga's evolution. ·       Yoga and Buddhism share similarities but differ in their views on self and existence. ·       Modern asana practice can benefit from Buddhist mindfulness techniques. ·       The goals of yoga include both the pursuit of powers and liberation from suffering. ·       Sarbacker's upcoming book will explore the relationship between yoga and psychoactive substances.    

Esta luna nueva estrenamos la segunda parte de la preciosa conversación con Alexia Pita ✨.En este episodio, Alexia nos abre su corazón y comparte su experiencia viajando a Mysore durante una temporada muy especial y llena de emociones: aquella en la que comenzamos a transitar el duelo de nuestro querido maestro Sharath Jois

ANTHONY PREM CARLISI was in Guruji’s doorstep in Lakshmipuram, Mysore with the first group of westerner Ashtanga students. He has also done in depth Ayurvedic study with the reknowned Ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Vasant Lad. His biographical book is The Only Way Out is In. www.ashtangaworld.com

When we first rolled out our mats, we had no idea what we were getting into. From awkward fumbles to unexpected breakthroughs, Natalie and Adrienne spill the top 10 things we wish someone had told us when we started Yoga.We're talking about the myths we believed, the pressure we put on ourselves, and the surprising lessons that unfolded—like how blocks are actually your best friend, why your breath is more important than your backbend, and how touching your toes is not the goal (but falling in forward fold could happen! ).Whether you're new to Yoga or a seasoned teacher, you'll laugh, nod, and maybe cringe along with us. Because Yoga isn't just about poses—it's about progress, presence, and learning to be okay with farting in class.Unroll your mat, hit play, and let's get real. Send us a textWanna be on the show? Click here to fill out our guest info form or drop us a email at yogachanged@gmail.comFollow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yogachangedFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yogachanged/For more, go to https://howyogachangedmylife.comThe theme music for this episode, “Cenote Angelita”, was written and produced by Mar Abajo Rio AKA MAR Yoga Music. Dive deeper into this and other original yoga-inspired compositions by visiting bio.site/mcrworks. For the latest updates on upcoming events featuring his live music for yoga and meditation, be sure to follow @maryogamusic on Instagram.

In this multidimensional episode, Harmony Slater sits down with long-time friend and deeply intuitive healer, Angelika Anagnostou. From clearing the evil eye in childhood to becoming a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher and practitioner of Life Alignment Therapy, Angelika shares her incredible journey through spiritual awakening, depression, soul retrieval, and psychic training. Raised in Greece and trained in London at the College of Psychic Studies, Angelika opens up about the real work of reclaiming our energetic sovereignty and how true healing starts when we stop outsourcing our power. Whether you're a yoga teacher, healer, or simply someone who feels everything (and then some), this episode offers grounded tools and energetic insight on how to work with your intuitive gifts—without burning out or bypassing your body in the process.

Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga and Why We Hope You Keep Practicing Too   Dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice is a powerful journey worth pursuing, even decades after your first class. Reflecting on more than 25 years of practice, we've discovered profound reasons to stay committed, which we captured in a recent series on why we are still practicing Ashtanga Yoga.   Ashtanga Yoga is a lifelong commitment. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga for over 25 years has taught us patience, humility, and dedication. It's not just about achieving the poses but about continual inner transformation. Each practice is a conversation between breath, body, and mind, an honest reflection, and an act of devotion to the lineage. Yoga is a sacred thread that connects us deeply, beyond the physical practice.   Yes, the practice is intense. It asks everything of you and sometimes more than you're ready to give. It is understandable why people question it. Injury and struggle are real. But maybe the story of Ashtanga Yoga begins when the struggle shows up, not when it's avoided.   Discipline doesn't mean dogma. Ashtanga Yoga can help us learn the difference between discipline and rigidity. There's room for softness inside structure. There's compassion inside tradition. It's not about forcing your body, it's about meeting yourself over and over again and being willing to adapt and evolve.   The practice is a mirror, not a performance. The practice has never been about what the body looks like. It's about the inner mirror it holds up every single day; thoughts, ego, avoidance, learning, resilience, loss, and sometimes, quiet strength and joy.   Injury can teach us how to listen, not quit. Injury sometimes comes both in practice and in teaching. But injury doesn't mean the practice failed. It means we need to learn biomechanics, breath, patience, humility. Ashtanga can also teach us how to heal.   To practice Ashtanga Yoga means embracing a lineage, a timeless tradition passed down from teacher to student.  Continuing this practice is our way of honoring their legacy and ensuring the teachings live on authentically and respectfully. Lineage is not just a hierarchy, but a sacred thread. It connects teacher to student, breath to breath. It holds memory, presence, devotion. When the teacher is gone, the practice becomes the prayer that keeps them alive.   One significant reason to continue is the incredible community. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga fosters deep relationships built on shared experience, empathy, and understanding. Each practitioner is part of a global family that supports and uplifts one another through the trials and triumphs of daily practice.   What Keeps Us Here: The breath that expands The sweat that purifies The silence that clarifies The posture that humbles The surrender that opens the heart It's not about flexibility or form, it's about returning home. Every session on the mat is a reminder of my inner strength and resilience. Ashtanga Yoga cultivates mental fortitude and personal empowerment, teaching me to meet challenges with grace and equanimity. It's not about conquering the practice but embracing the journey. We are still practicing because this path continues to transform us, not into someone "better," but into someone more honest, more grounded, and more alive. For us, this is not a trend. It's a life path. We hope you join us, as friends and colleagues, on the path so we can walk together.   Lastly, if you've left the practice, we honor your reasons. There's no one right way. But if you ever want to return, know that this breath, this mat, this practice is still here, waiting, quiet, ready, without judgment. Yoga Sutras as a Guide for Continued Practice Our teachers often referenced the Yoga Sutras as guidance for encouragement to keep practicing. We share three of the key Sutras that they shared with us to help stay on the path of practice. Three key Yoga Sutras offer powerful encouragement to persist and deepen our Ashtanga practice:   Yoga Sutra 1.14:   sa tu dīrgha-kāla-nairantarya-satkārāsevito dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ   Translation: Practice becomes firmly grounded when continued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincere devotion.    This Sutra reminds us that persistence and consistency, practiced with genuine respect, lay the foundation for true mastery and personal growth.   Yoga Sutra 2.43:   kāyendriya-siddhir aśuddhi-kṣayāt tapasaḥ   Translation: Through disciplined practice (tapas), impurities diminish, leading to mastery over body and senses.   Ashtanga Yoga is a practice of purification. The discipline required each day refines our body, senses, and ultimately our spirit, granting us clarity and vitality.    Yoga Sutra 2.44:   svādhyāyād iṣṭa-devatā-samprayogaḥ   Translation: Through self-study (svādhyāya), one attains union with the chosen deity or guiding principle.   Continuous self-inquiry, central to Ashtanga, fosters deeper connection to one's inner wisdom and guiding truths, enriching our spiritual journey. The Journey Forward   Our encouragement to every student—whether you're just starting or have practiced for decades—is to keep showing up on the mat. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the growth, and remember that each step forward is a step toward greater clarity, strength, and spiritual awakening.   We practice because it continually transforms us, grounding our lives in meaning, tradition, and profound connection. We invite you to explore your own reasons, keep practicing, and remain inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras.   Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here!  Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

What does it take to hold space for both structure and sensitivity in modern yoga practice? In this warm and wide-ranging episode, Harmony and Russell talk with Leo Castro and Samira Eidi, co-founders of Coletivo Mysore, a thriving Ashtanga yoga community in downtown São Paulo, Brazil. Together, they explore how somatic intelligence and bioenergetic therapy can be integrated with traditional yoga practice to create more inclusive, emotionally aware spaces. Sami and Leo share their personal stories—how Leo transitioned from a life in aviation to becoming an Ashtanga teacher, and how Sami's deep dive into bioenergetics has transformed her understanding of embodiment and healing. This episode is a thoughtful examination of tradition, adaptation, and the courage it takes to meet people where they are — whether they're seeking strength, softness, or something in between. Harmony also shares exciting news: she'll be teaching a Mysore intensive at Coletivo Mysore this October! Details below.

Adam Keen(@adam_keen_ashtanga) returns to the mic to unpack decades of experience as a yoga practitioner, teacher, and deep thinker. Practising since 1999 and one of the rare few to complete the Advanced A series in Mysore under Sharathji, Adam shares insights that only years of dedication can offer—cutting through the fluff of modern yoga while still teaching with compassion, humour, and nuance.Drawing on his experience running a Mysore programme in London for over a decade and his time immersed in the roots of Ashtanga at Purple Valley Goa, we explore; spinal stimulation, aging as a teacher, spiritual bypassing, social media illusions, and whether yoga is becoming just another performance art. For those interested in intelligent, inclusive, and reality-based yoga, this episode offers clarity, humility, and some laugh-out-loud truths.Adam now shares his reflections through the Keen on Yoga podcast, YouTube, and social media—Whether you're a newer teacher or a long-time student, this conversation offers sharp insight into how we can honour yoga's roots while teaching in today's world-—and why sometimes the most revolutionary thing we can do is admit we're still figuring it out.YOGA TEACHERS - join my 75 hour mentor and education programme - https://tr.ee/uzn6xj - or deepen your skill in my weekly online teachers practice on the Honestly Unbalanced studio - https://tr.ee/GCQdTB - or join me on my trainings around Europe - https://tr.ee/3KKLdz-WANT TO BE A YOGA TEACHER? - training in London, UK every Spring and Fall at triyoga Camden - https://tr.ee/1UILsE-WANT TO RETREAT WITH ME? - next stop, a Lake District castle - https://tr.ee/t4NViA-MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW US …@adamhusler - https://tr.ee/b8QKyF@honestlyunbalanced - https://tr.ee/i1PXpT @iamhollyhusler - https://tr.ee/0ORJPX-PERKS FOR YOU10% off Liforme yoga mats with code HUSLER10 - https://tr.ee/PEju3010% off expert validated wellbeing brand at Healf via this link - https://tr.ee/dPMj2Y 10% off Colorful Standard clothing with code ADAMHUSLERCS10 - https://tr.ee/R1ugsk20% off Vivobarefoot shoes with code HUSLER20 - https://tr.ee/3Hs8kU5% off Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation device with code ADAMH5 https://tr.ee/CCbg8x25% off our online studio full of yoga, sound and meditation, with code HONEST25 (25% off single 12 month membership or reoccurring monthly membership until cancellation) - https://tr.ee/GCQdTB

Adam discusses the importance of the Intermediate Series in Ashtanga Yoga, arguing against the common gatekeeping practices that prevent students from exploring these postures. He emphasizes the complementary nature of the Primary and Intermediate Series, advocating for a more integrated approach to practice. Keen highlights the significance of understanding the foundational principles behind each posture rather than merely striving for the ideal shape. He encourages practitioners to make a start with the Intermediate Series, regardless of their current abilities, and to seek guidance that fosters a deeper understanding of their practice. LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      Everyone should do the intermediate series. ·      It's wrong to withhold the intermediate series from students. ·      The two series complement each other in practice. ·      Practicing both series can prevent injury and enhance flexibility. ·      Understanding the foundations of postures is crucial for safe practice. ·      The emotional temperament of the Intermediate Series differs from the Primary Series. ·      Gatekeeping in yoga can hinder personal growth and exploration. ·      Practitioners should focus on function over form in their practice. ·      It's important to modify postures to suit individual capabilities. ·      The primary and second series are all you need for a fulfilling practice.

EPISODE 557 - Ronald Okuaki Lieber - The Long Journey Out - from the place where I now am, the diary of that journeyAuthor's BioI am of Japanese and Jewish lineage, born in Tokyo, a late post WWII baby. I grew up moving every year until the age of 14 when my parents settled in Petersburg, VA. I graduated with a BS in Biology from the College of William and Mary, then served two years as a Peace Corp volunteer in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. I returned to live in NYC and eventually graduated from the MFA Program at Columbia University. I later began psychoanalytic training at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. After graduation, I became the Director of the institute and editor of its journal, Modern Psychoanalysis. I have been in private practice since 2001 as a licensed psychoanalyst and recently completed a plant medicine guide training program at the Center for Medicine Work in Philadelphia.My entrance into poetry begins with these lines from “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798” by William Wordsworth:And I have felt A presence that disturbs me with the joy Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime Of something far more deeply interfused, Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns, And the round ocean and the living air, And the blue sky, and in the mind of man: A motion and a spirit, that impels All thinking things, all objects of all thought, And rolls through all things. Those lines form the basis of my book The Long Journey Out. I was a sophomore in college, adrift in the back of the room in a second semester composition class when the professor read those lines. They woke me from my stupor. There, in those lines, I heard a kindred voice that spoke to an experience I had, an LSD trip, that was, to borrow a cliché, awash in the ineffable, a boundless sense of oneness where any distinction between self and other sundered. That voice joined with another, “An unexamined life is life not worth living,” from which a path emerged, unknown to me at the time--and forgive if what follows sounds pretentious--that took me to Jung, the Peace Corps and Costa Rica, Gurdjieff, poetry, eastern doctrine through The I Ching and the Bhagavad Gita, the TS Eliot of The Four Quartets, Heidegger's Being and Time, the gospels of the New Testament, and too many other books to enumerate, and an abiding curiosity about the unconscious, thus the study and practice of Freud and psychoanalysis, meditation, making do in the East Village of the early 80s, Ashtanga yoga, domestity and two wives and two children, dabbling along the way into neuroscience, windsurfing, and cosmology. The book The Long Journey Out is, from the place where I now am, the diary of that journey.https://www.ronaldokuakilieber.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor share authentic wisdom from their new book, Feeling Happy: The Yoga of Body, Heart, and Mind. Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor have both studied yoga for over 50 years. Together they teach workshops and training throughout the world and have authored several influential books. Their new book, Feeling Happy, draws from their decades practising and teaching yoga, meditation, and Buddhism to explore what happiness is and to offer practical steps toward cultivating happiness as a deep, embodied expression of life. Freeman and Taylor offer insights from yoga philosophy and Buddhism as well as accessible practices to help readers develop true happiness, (self)compassion, and equanimity.Richard Freeman has studied Ashtanga, Iyengar, bhakti, and traditional hatha yoga; Western and Eastern philosophy; and Sanskrit, all of which he incorporates into his Ashtanga yoga practice. Richard teaches at his studio, the Yoga Workshop, in Boulder, Colorado, as well as at studios and conferences throughout the world. He is also a frequent contributor to Yoga Journal and his video series, Yoga with Richard Freeman, inspires many people to take up yoga. Mary Taylor is the cofounder, with Richard Freeman, of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado, which they started in 1988. Mary travels and teaches Ashtanga yoga throughout the world, both independently and in collaboration with Richard. In addition to teaching, Mary works closely with programs focused on bringing contemplative and yoga practices into the health care system for integrative therapies and self-care, and she is active in Donna Karan's Urban Zen Foundation.

SUE BUSHELL is a multi-award-winning writer transformed by over 25 years of dedicated yoga practice. Her exploration of this ancient discipline has shaped her understanding of wellness, spirituality, and extensive contributions to the media and publication industries. We talk about her new book, “Radiant Bliss” which offers a holistic approach to yoga, covering not just physical postures but also mental and spiritual practices. She also talks about the power of cultivating “the beginner's mind.”   Beyond personal practice, Sue has completed rigorous training, including a three-year Ashtanga yoga teacher program and intensive studies at the Hard Light Meditation Centre. These experiences ground her approach in both tradition and contemporary wisdom. Dru Yoga, a dynamic and holistic style with roots in Gandhian philosophy, has been her focus for the past 15 years. Sue is a certified Dru Yoga and Meditation teacher, specializing in Kids and Teens, with advanced studies in Post Graduate Mastery and Steps to Enlightenment. Sue discusses:   Core Themes of Transformation and Wellness, such as personal transformation, wellness, and how yoga can be a tool for profound life changes.   Yoga and Modern Life: EShe explores the book addresses the challenges of modern life and how yoga can be integrated into busy schedules to promote mental and physical health.   Scientific Insights: We talk about the research and scientific studies that back the yoga practices emphasizing the benefits proven by science.   Holistic Approach to Yoga: Personal Stories or Case Studies: roup.    Yoga for Mental Health and Tips for Integrating Yoga into Daily Life:    Radiant Bliss also extends beyond the physical, unveiling yoga's profoundly spiritual heart - the sacred dance of dynamic movement and soul-pervading stillness. You'll harmonize your life's trajectory through teachings on ethical principles, breathwork, and more. www.radiantbliss.yoga

Peter A Levine, Ph.D., is the developer of Somatic Experiencing®, a naturalistic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma. He holds doctorates in both Biophysics and Psychology. He is the Founder and President of the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International and has received Lifetime Achievement awards from Psychotherapy Networker and from the US Association for Body-Oriented Psychotherapy. He continues to teach trauma healing workshops internationally. Dr. Levine's books including his latest book, An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey is available at: Ergos Institute, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon UK, Inner Traditions, Books A Million, and Bookshop.org Learn more at:  www.somaticexperiencing.com | @drpeteralevine LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga   Key Points ·       Peter A. Levine's work focuses on the connection between trauma and the body. ·       Somatic Experiencing helps individuals process trauma without reliving it. ·       Animals naturally release trauma through physical responses, unlike humans. ·       Trauma is often a disorder of presence, where individuals are stuck in the past. ·       Intuition plays a crucial role in healing and understanding trauma. ·       The importance of having an empathetic presence during trauma recovery. ·       Healing trauma involves completing the body's natural responses. ·       Practical exercises can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions. ·       The relationship between trauma and spirituality is intrinsic and significant. ·       Current projects include a book on trauma and spirituality.

Want to feel younger, stronger, and more confident in your body as you age? In this episode, I'm joined by yoga instructor, Nicky Yazbeck, to talk about how yoga is one of THE MOST powerful tools for aging well, especially for women in midlife.We explore how yoga supports physical strength, posture, nervous system regulation, and emotional awareness. And why it's also a powerful mind-body-spirit tool that helps us reconnect with ourselves.In this episode you'll learn:Why yoga is so much more than stretching and how to tone and strengthen your entire bodyHow yoga helps you live longerThe sneaky way poor posture is aging you, and the one yoga pose that can make all the difference How to improve confidence and feel more powerfulHow to reverse the stress responseTips for getting started (even if you've never set foot on a mat and can't touch your toes!)The #1 mistake beginners make and how to avoid it "What I love about yoga is that it's accessible for everybody at any age, even people with disabilities, people with injuries. And it's one thing that you can get better at as you age." -NickyYazbeckHighlights04:22 How Yoga Prevents Age-Related Decline 07:31 Finding Your Yoga Style08:43 Look Younger by Improving Your Posture15:55 Build strength and boost confidence 16:29 Improve sleep, Calm Your Nervous System, and Support Hormonal Balance17:53 Build Lean Muscle and Enhance Joint Stability21:45 Reset Your Stress Levels and Slow the Biological Aging Process29:11 Where and How to Start a Yoga PracticeImportant LinksGrab your FREE Rev Up Your Metabolism Guide: Powerful Strategies for Women in Midlife, Menopause & Beyond to Fire Up Their Metabolism, Release Weight, and Reclaim Their HealthWebsite: SarahHaasWellness.comFacebook: Sarah Haas WellnessInstagram: SarahHaasWellnessYoutube: Sarah Haas WellnessNicky Yasbeck is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Podcast Host, and Certified Yoga Teacher. Over the last 20+ years she has completed over 1000 hours of training in various yoga styles and disciplines, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Hatha, Chair Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and Integral Yoga.She works with her clients to reach the next level of their practice, as well as those newer to yoga seeking a deeper awareness of their bodies through a playful, focused, and alignment-based practice. She is skilled in working with a diverse range of individuals, ranging from professional athletes to those with physical limitations or injuries, while also leveraging her knowledge of anatomy, technique, and alignment to create a balanced and well-rounded practice, tailored around the client's goals, needs, and desires.Website: https://nickyyyoga.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickylovesyogaThanks for Listening:Thanks so much for listening to the Boss Body podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. 

Ellie Freestone —teacher, mother, retreat leader—opens up about navigating the sacred tension of being a single mother and a leader.We explore:The season where she stepped away from business completely—and what it taught her about yoga off the mat and into the worldThe embodied journey of coming back to her missionWhy motherhood isn't a detour from your mission—it's a portal for all life's lessonsAnd how holding both devotion and desire is what makes a woman truly limitlessThis is a tender, truthful conversation about coming home to wholeness.You don't have to choose between your child and your calling.You get to do both—and do them differently.BIO:Born & raised in Byron Bay, Ellie Freestone is an international Yoga Alliance 500HR E-RYT, devoted mother, sacred doula, student of Naturopathy and lifelong student of yoga, with over a decade of teaching experience.After completing her initial training in Ashtanga in 2014, Ellie deepened her journey by moving to Bali, immersing herself in its rich spiritual traditions and ancient yogic philosophy where she completed advanced training in Vinyasa, Hatha, pranayama, meditation, restorative and somatic yin, yoga nidra, Thai yoga massage, Vedanta, and women's therapeutic yoga.Ellie passionately curates and leads retreats and events internationally, blending timeless yogic wisdom with embodied knowledge. Her intention is to guide students home—to their own inner voice and truest state of being—through the healing power of breath, inspiration from the natural elements, and integrated embodiment, fostering resilience, wholeness, and self-compassion on and off the mat.Links:Website: https://www.ellieefreestoneyoga.comTuscany Retreat: https://formodewellness.com/retreats-tuscanyMentawai Retreat: https://www.lobaofficial.com/pages/mentawais-retreat-2025Show Links:Stay connected with Amber on IGGrab your early bird ticket to HERE FOR MORE LIVE 2025

Adam presents an engaging A to Z exploration of Ashtanga Yoga, discussing key concepts and personal insights. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of Ashtanga, the significance of breath and energy locks (bandhas), and the need for enjoyment in practice. Keen also addresses common misconceptions, the role of injuries, and the evolution of yoga practice in the modern world, including the impact of online classes. This comprehensive discussion encourages practitioners to question traditional teachings and adapt their practice to their individual needs. www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga  LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      Ashtanga is fundamentally a style of Hatha yoga. ·      Bandha should focus on the relationship of the spine's curves. ·      Catching in backbends may not be suitable for everyone. ·      Drishti is essential for orienting the spine effectively. ·      Enjoyment in practice is crucial for a fulfilling experience. ·      Ujjayi breath should not lead to overstraining. ·      The specifics of hand positions are less important than overall tension. ·      Injuries should be taken seriously and not ignored. ·      Jumping back should not overshadow the asanas themselves. ·      Practitioners should question and engage with their teachers.  

Aimee Echo, founder of Community Yoga Club/Ashtanga Yoga Long Beach, talks with J about the carrying on of tradition and the evolution of practice. They discuss parallel scenes in 90's LA and NY, sub culture of Mysore rooms, Patabhi Jois touring the US, studying with Sharath and Shruthi, authorization agreements and certification, Jois Yoga, aftermath of Sharath's death, a new "active" series, hands on adjustments, comparing Ashtanga and Desikachar, listening, and casting a shorter net to invite more serious inquiry and practice.   To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.    

Send us a textThis enlightening episode of the Native Yoga Todcast, brings together a diverse group of yoga practitioners to explore the profound impact of yoga on their lives. From managing anxiety to improving physical health, each guest shares unique perspectives on how their yoga journeys have evolved, inviting listeners to delve into the transformative power of practice.About the Guest(s):Mandy Coleman: A yoga practitioner who finds solace and mental peace through yoga, specifically in managing anxiety and reconnecting with her inner self.Ilicia Koslow: Introduced to yoga after a car accident, she focuses on the emotional and mental healing aspects of yoga, utilizing mantra and yogic philosophy to overcome challenges.Barbara Dar: Found yoga initially as a pain management tool, which later evolved into a grounding and stabilizing practice for her mental health.Emily Content: Practices Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, which helps her manage anxiety and improve physical health, muscle control, and mindfulness.Polly Barr: A long-time practitioner of Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, she values the meditative and focus-building aspects that aid her in personal progress and adaptation with age.Maria Claudia: Utilizes yoga for physical mobility and mental balance, emphasizing the importance of movement for maintaining joint health.Steve Sanders: Yoga has helped him find relaxation and spiritual grounding amidst physical tightness and the complexities of life.Paula DeFabrizio: Enjoys the strength and balance yoga brings to her life, providing a mental and physical sanctuary from daily stressors.Jane Li: Discovered yoga during a retreat and a life-changing trip to India, leading to a holistic appreciation that combines physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

In the closing prayer of the Ashtanga practice, we chant: svasti prajābhyaḥ pari-pālayantāṁ, nyāyena mārgena mahīṁ mahīśāḥ, gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubham astu nityaṁ, lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu. These ancient words are an offering — a prayer for all beings to be protected, for the rulers of the earth to walk the path of righteousness, for all sacred beings to be blessed, and for every living soul across all worlds to experience happiness and freedom. The final invocation, Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ, repeats the call for peace three times — for peace in the outer world, peace within ourselves, and peace in the unseen cosmic realms.   This spirit of universal love is the very heart of yoga. In Sanskrit, the word for this love is prema — drawn from the root pri, meaning “to love” or “to gladden.” Prema is not an ordinary affection tied to desires; it is a pure, selfless love that flows naturally into service — seva. In the Bhakti Sūtras, it is said: sa tu prema-rūpā — “True devotion takes the form of pure love.” When we step onto our mats each morning, struggling and surrendering through the rhythm of breath and movement, we are invited into this deeper practice: not merely to perfect poses, but to offer every breath, every effort, as an act of prema — love — and seva — service — to all life.   Thus, Ashtanga yoga becomes more than personal discipline; it becomes a ritual of the heart. Every vinyāsa is an offering. Every challenge faced with patience is a prayer. Every fall and every rise is an act of love made visible. Through this spirit, we fulfill the timeless prayer: lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu — “May all beings everywhere be happy and free.”   Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.   Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here!   Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com  

Over three thousand years ago, yogis knew what scientists are discovering today: The mind has the power to destroy us or to propel us to greater peace, vitality, and freedom.  Yet yoga's profound teachings on the mind and consciousness are often overlooked in contemporary practices, which tend to focus primarily on physical postures and breathwork. Today, my guest, Reema Dutta, will share these timeless teachings with us, emphasizing the practices and principles we can adopt to enhance our lives. Reema Datta is the founder of the Yogi's Way, a holistic method that integrates movement, breathing, and consciousness practices with a focus on emotional well-being. She is certified to teach Ashtanga yoga and Tibetan heart yoga and is an Ayurvedic therapist. Since 2002, she has taught yoga training and retreats in over twenty countries across five continents. Her students include Sting, Paul Simon, Edie Brickell, Zainab Salbi, Sujatha Baliga, and thousands of other practitioners globally. In this interview, Reema offers lessons and practices rooted in yogic wisdom, cutting-edge science, and the realities of modern life. These can empower us to break free from our minds' destructive tendencies and experience lasting peace.

When a beloved teacher passes, what remains? In this poignant conversation, Harmony and Russell sit down with fellow Canadian Ashtanga teachers David Robson and Jelena Vesic to explore how a community carries the torch of tradition through grief, transformation, and time. They share personal stories about lineage, legacy, and leadership following the sudden loss of Sharath Jois. Together, they reflect on the challenges of upholding authenticity, adapting practices, and fostering community while honoring a tradition that shaped their lives. Whether you are a seasoned Ashtangi or new to the practice, this conversation offers a deeply moving and honest look at what it means to continue walking the path when the road ahead feels uncertain. Episode Breakdown How grief and lineage shape a yoga community David and Jelena's journey through authorization, certification, and responsibility How the loss of a teacher changes the role of students and senior teachers Stories of vulnerability, growth, and learning to lead without rigid structures Reflections on community, tradition, and finding new meaning after loss The evolution of Ashtanga Yoga in a changing world The importance of Sangha (community) in sustaining spiritual practices Guest Bios David Robson is a senior Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Toronto, Canada, with more than two decades of dedicated study and teaching. Known for his traditional approach and deep devotion to the Ashtanga lineage, David has guided thousands of students worldwide and was recently certified by Shruti Jois and the Joyce family following Sharath Jois's passing. Jelena Vesic is an authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga teacher who brings a background in dance, discipline, and devotion to her teaching. She is passionate about creating safe, structured, and welcoming spaces for students while preserving the authenticity of the Mysore method. Relevant Links Learn more about David Robson: Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto Follow Jelena Vesic on Instagram  Follow David Robson on Instagram   *** Sign up for Harmony's FREE Pranayama Master Class!*** Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!) Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com Finding Harmony Community  https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching Find Harmony on Instagram⁠ Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠ Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz! Call to Action If today's conversation moved you, please share this episode with your friends or yoga community. You can also leave us a review to help others find Finding Harmony and be part of this ongoing story of resilience, devotion, and growth. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss upcoming episodes! Sign up for Harmony's FREE Pranayama Master Class Join this LIVE workshop on Saturday, May 10 or Sunday, May 11 and learn the sacred breathing science that transforms stress into calm and fatigue into energy—in as little as 90 seconds.  Reserve your spot today!

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga  Adam delves into the nuances of Ashtanga Yoga, discussing the balance between traditional practices and modern adaptations. He emphasizes the importance of vinyasa, the role of the diaphragm in breath control, and the need for practitioners to amend their practices to suit individual needs while still respecting the core principles of Ashtanga. The conversation highlights the evolution of yoga practices over time and the significance of both collective and individual experiences in yoga. LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga  Key Points ·      You're free to amend the practice and still practice traditional Ashtanga. ·      Vinyasa is the heart of Ashtanga, focusing on diaphragm use. ·      Tradition is a moving target that must evolve with time. ·      Recognizing the process of the diaphragm is crucial in practice. ·      The body and mind are intertwined; both must be considered in yoga. ·      Collective practice is important, but individual needs should be prioritized. ·      Use Hatha Yoga as a tool for change in consciousness. ·      The way you stretch matters more than just achieving the posture. ·      Practitioners should be allowed to make the practice their own. ·      Consistency in practice is beneficial, but variation is equally important.      

When Mandela Leola Van Eeden was a child roaming the South African outback, her father would run a flag up a tall pole above their cabin so that she and her dog would be able to find their way back home. Her mother is from Valier, on Montana's Hi-Line, and Mandela grew up mostly in Billings, steeped as much in the Montana outdoors culture as she was in her father's native South African farming and ranching world. She is a hunter and an angler, an international whitewater rafting guide and explorer,  musician, Ashtanga yoga teacher, and host and producer of the hugely popular podcast The Trail Less Travelled. The foundation of her life and her work is the beauty and power of the natural world, conserving it, honoring it, being a part of it. Mandela serves on the board of the Montana Wildlife Federation, and is a critical voice in African conservation efforts, from the Zambezi River to watersheds in the Atlas Mountains. Join us for a conversation that is almost- but not quite- as wide-ranging as our guest. -- The Podcast & Blast with Hal Herring is brought you by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and presented by Silencer Central, with additional support from Decked, Dometic, and Filson.  Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for your wild public lands, waters, and wildlife to be part of a passionate community of hunter-angler-conservationists.  BHA. THE VOICE FOR OUR WILD PUBLIC LANDS, WATERS AND WILDLIFE. Follow us: Web: https://www.backcountryhunters.org Instagram: @backcountryhunters Facebook: @backcountryhunters    

In this week's episode, Mia, Adrienne and Natalie interview Jorge. Jorge is a Yoga teacher and civil engineer from El Paso, Texas. Jorge started his Yoga journey with Ashtanga and over the years has grown into an incredible Yogi and teacher. You can follow Jorge on social media @jorgerocksandomsSend us a textWanna be on the show? Click here to fill out our guest info form or drop us a email at yogachanged@gmail.comFollow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yogachangedFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yogachanged/For more, go to https://howyogachangedmylife.comThe theme music for this episode, “Cenote Angelita”, was written and produced by Mar Abajo Rio AKA MAR Yoga Music. Dive deeper into this and other original yoga-inspired compositions by visiting bio.site/mcrworks. For the latest updates on upcoming events featuring his live music for yoga and meditation, be sure to follow @maryogamusic on Instagram.

Renowned Ashtanga yoga teacher David Swenson talks to Adam about his new book, 'Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow.' They explore the development, adventures, and inspirations behind his memoir, which offers a candid look into Swenson's life and yoga journey. Swenson shares anecdotes from his early life in Texas, his struggles and successes, his deep dive into Ashtanga yoga under legendary teachers, and his diverse pursuits including surfing and the Hare Krishna movement.  The episode also covers his teaching philosophy, his challenges with the mainstream Ashtanga community, and his unique approach to life and yoga. Listeners get an intimate view of Swenson's personal and professional evolution, and the episode concludes with insights into his future plans and the continuing influence of his book. Book Link: https://onlydeadfishflow.com/  Get 15% off during Presale with Code ODF15 (May / June 2025 Delivery) IG: @davidswensonashtanga LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga          

This week, Harmony and Russell sit down with the dynamic and deeply grounded Amy Kokoszka—a Polish-Canadian Ashtanga Yoga teacher living in Ireland—whose journey weaves through Sivananda, Hatha, and eventually, Ashtanga yoga. But this conversation isn't just about yoga. Amy shares how the raw power of “Women Who Run with the Wolves” inspired her to create healing spaces for women through story, circles, and breathwork. She speaks candidly about the physical and emotional upheaval of perimenopause, the loss of her business during the pandemic, and how weight training helped her reconnect to her strength—literally and spiritually. We dive into what it means to be a “deviant” in a tradition-bound practice, how yoga becomes a ritual of remembering, and why sometimes the soul doesn't guide the body—the body guides the soul. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that our bodies, our stories, and our strength are sacred. Whether you're navigating hormonal shifts, looking to reclaim your power, or seeking community, Amy's voice is a balm and a rallying cry. In this episode, we talk about: Amy's multicultural upbringing and how it shaped her identity The journey from Hatha and Sivananda yoga to Ashtanga Reclaiming personal power during perimenopause How lifting weights revitalized Amy's yoga practice The sacredness of women's circles and storytelling Navigating injury, spondylolisthesis, and adapting the practice Breathwork as a tool for release, resilience, and self-connection Challenging orthodoxy in yoga traditions The influence of Women Who Run with the Wolves on Amy's path Balancing discipline with wild intuition Why rest, ritual, and reclaiming strength matter as we age   Learn more about Amy:  Amy Kokoska leads immersive women's retreats that integrate yoga, breathwork, and ritual. A seasoned yoga educator, retreat leader, and storyteller, she has over 20 years of experience in Ashtanga, Yin, and trauma-informed practices.   Rooted in the wisdom of Women Who Run with the Wolves, Amy weaves movement, mythology, and deep soul work to guide women on a journey of self-reclamation. She explores the vast space of Chitta Akasha (the inner sky of consciousness) where wild imagination, ancestral wisdom, and embodied movement meet. She previously owned a yoga studio and now devotes her work to leading retreats and deep-dive workshops that bridge ancient wisdom with modern embodiment practices. She is the founder of Women & Wolves, a workshop series exploring the Wounded Healer and Wild Woman archetypes through movement, storytelling, and ritual.   Ashtanga yoga was Amy's first love and remains the practice she continues to turn to for strength, discipline, and self-discovery. It deepened her relationship with self-practice, fostering resilience, devotion, and inner transformation. She also offers a monthly Primary Led Ashtanga class in Cork, sharing the profound power of the practice with her community.   Discover her work at hayokayoga.org.   Connect with Harmony:   Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz! Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!) Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com Finding Harmony Community  https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching Find Harmony on Instagram⁠ Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

Kate O'Donnell is the author of four books on Ayurvedic cooking, lifestyle, and women's health, including the bestseller The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. With 25 years of experience studying the Vedic arts, she is an international presenter, a senior Ashtanga yoga teacher, and the founder of The Ayurvedic Living Institute—an online community space dedicated to Ayurveda education.In today's conversation, we dive into the inspiration behind her first bestseller and its newly revised 10th-anniversary edition. We break down what Ayurvedic cooking truly is, the role of tapas (discipline) in Ayurveda, and the ongoing Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian debate. We also explore how to balance pleasure with discipline, navigate changing desires, and find harmony between rigidity and flexibility in lifestyle choices.This conversation was a full-circle moment for Sasha, reconnecting with Kate after first crossing paths in India five years ago. We know you'll love this discussion as much as we did.Send us a textSupport the showTo learn more about us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram

Have you ever wondered how two yoga teachers with diverse backgrounds and experiences come together to create something magical? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow yoga instructor, Tony Lupinacci, to explore our journeys in the yoga world and our upcoming retreat in Portugal. Tony and I dive deep into our personal stories, discussing how we found yoga and the transformative power it's had in our lives. We share vulnerable moments, from dealing with loss to overcoming self-doubt, and how these experiences have shaped our teaching styles.Tony has been practicing and teaching yoga for over a decade in an attempt to metabolize deep grief and to understand the human condition through his own. After countless hours of practice and self-study, he began to shed the protective layers of his personality. Eventually, he found himself thinking less and feeling more, coming to a simple yet profound truth: our true nature is to love and to move from a space of open-hearted compassion. Tony's classes weave Ashtanga, Kundalini, Gosh and Katonah Yoga together to create a rigorous inward exploration of the self. He also uses vedic meditation, mantra and kriya as tools to reach higher states of consciousness through the physical form. His goal is for practitioners to leave with a stronger connection to themselves and to all sentient beings. The Power of Community and RetreatsWe're both excited about our upcoming retreat at Cocoon in Portugal, a 250-acre forest farm that promises to be a magical experience. We talk about the special bond that forms during retreats and how they allow for deeper connections, personal growth and are also a fantastic way to make new friends! Join us this Summer in Portugal from July 31st - August 6th. Topics CoveredHow we navigate teaching and practicing for many years while staying authenticThe importance of blending different practices and respecting lineagesOur personal journeys with yoga and how it's transformed our livesThe power of saying "yes" to new opportunitiesWhy retreats are so special and transformative Guest Info:Tony's InstagramTony's Website Get in Touch:Benshen.co WebsiteBenshen MembershipBenshen.co InstagramRate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Send us a textBianca Oliveira is a seasoned Ashtanga yoga instructor originally from Brazil, now residing and teaching in Katowice, Poland. With a rich history of yoga practices extending over multiple international locations, Bianca has dedicated much of her professional life to mastering and teaching Ashtanga yoga. She is an authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher, achieving this distinction under the tutelage of Sharath Jois. Previously, Bianca lived in the United States, where she contributed to the vibrant yoga community and further honed her teaching skills. She is also a dedicated mother and integrates her family life deeply within her yoga practice and teachings.Visit Bianca on her website https://www.ashtangayogakatowice.com/Key Takeaways:Bianca Oliveira's journey from a novice to an authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher illuminates the transformative power of dedicated practice and global exploration.The unexpected passing of Sharath Jois serves as a poignant reminder of life's impermanence and the importance of maintaining a multifaceted approach to yoga practice that includes philosophical study.Bianca's story illustrates the importance of support networks within the yoga community, especially during times of collective grief and transition.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

What if the most important yogic posture was curiosity? That's how Paul Bramadat, a scholar and practitioner, approaches research on a personal passion. He describes his new book Yogalands as “a skeptical but devoted insider's perspective” on postural yoga and its place in the world.As we discuss, this involves nuanced thinking on its practical benefits, the role of religion, the significance of politics and ways to engage with contemporary debates about guru abuses and cross-cultural borrowing. The book emerged from interviews with teachers, reflecting diverse views on how “yoga is this, but also that”.Our conversation explores, among other topics:* What it might mean to teach “yoga for adults”* Tensions between yogic and academic worldviews* Why healing from trauma is such a common paradigm* Whether practitioners retreat into “anti-worlds”* If yoga is political, which values define itPaul works as a professor at the University of Victoria, where he is director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society. He also teaches Ashtanga yoga.

In this powerful episode of Finding Harmony Podcast, we welcome back Kate Winter, a registered psychodynamic counselor, yoga teacher, and former police detective, to explore the deep patterns that shape our behavior—and how we can break free from them. Kate shares her personal journey of moving through extremes—from marathon running and bodybuilding to Ashtanga yoga and psychotherapy—and how each phase of her life revealed deeper lessons about control, identity, and healing. Trigger Warning This episode discusses topics that may be sensitive for some listeners, including eating disorders, body image struggles, exercise addiction, trauma, and fertility challenges. If these topics are triggering for you, please listen with care or seek support from a trusted professional.   Key Topics Discussed: The patterns of competition and self-worth that drive overachievers Why resistance isn't something to fight—it's something to listen to The role of therapy in complementing yoga practice for deeper self-awareness How letting go of control allowed Kate to get pregnant after years of struggle The connection between somatic experience, psychotherapy, and healing trauma What happens when we stop pushing and start trusting our bodies This episode is a must-listen if you've ever struggled with perfectionism, discipline, or the fear of slowing down. Kate's story is a beautiful reminder that true transformation often begins with letting go. Kate Winter is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist based in Brighton in the UK.    As a former Police Officer and senior leader in a Rape Crisis Centre, Kate has spent the past twenty years working on the frontline of trauma. Moving away from the idea that trauma is something to be 'healed', Kate works on the premise that trauma can be used as a vehicle for individual and collective transformation.    With additional experience as an Ashtanga yoga practitioner and Personal Trainer, Kate uses traditional psychoanalysis, yoga philosophy and movement practices to help clients bring about lasting change.

 Ep 215 Keen on Yoga Podcast @markdarbyyogaAdam and Darby delve into the intricacies of Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga, exploring the manipulation of energy within the body, the significance of breath in practice, and the evolution of yoga teaching influenced by Western practices. Mark shares his personal journey with Pattabhi Jois, the challenges of teaching, and the changes he observed in the Ashtanga method over the years, emphasizing the importance of alignment and breath in achieving a deeper understanding of yoga. Listen on Podcast Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxNWatch Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga Support Keen on Yoga: Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ Follow Adam Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Notes ·      Hatha Yoga is about the manipulation of energy in the body. ·      Breath and movement are integral to the Ashtanga practice. ·      The Western approach to yoga has influenced traditional practices significantly. ·      Alignment is crucial for effective breathing and movement in yoga. ·      Not everyone has the anatomical ability to perform advanced yoga postures. ·      Teaching methods have evolved, reflecting the needs of diverse practitioners. ·      Mark's personal journey highlights the importance of consistent practice and adaptation. ·      The essence of yoga lies in the connection between breath and movement. ·      Pattabhi Jois's teachings emphasized the importance of breath in practice. ·      The Ashtanga method has become more rigid over time, impacting its accessibility. Breath is essential in controlling movement and preventing injury. ·      Many practitioners push too hard, leading to injuries. ·      Understanding bandhas is crucial for effective practice. ·      Common mistakes include overstretching and ignoring body signals. ·      Teaching methodologies should adapt to individual needs. ·      Practitioners should focus on their own progress rather than comparing to others. ·      The evolution of Ashtanga practices reflects changing understandings of yoga. ·      Personal growth in practice often comes from letting go of old habits. ·      Injury prevention is key to a sustainable yoga practice. ·      Enjoying the practice is as important as achieving goals       

What if the yoga practice you love isn't actually working for you? For years, women have molded themselves to fit the rigid structure of Ashtanga yoga—waking up at the crack of dawn, practicing through exhaustion, sidelining their intuition to follow the “correct” method. But what if we could embrace a softer, more fluid, more feminine approach to the practice without losing its power? That's exactly what The Ashtanga Women's Project is all about, and in this episode, Harmony sits down with its founder, Carmen Yagüe, to unpack what it means to show up fully as a woman in Ashtanga yoga. They dive deep into:

Send us a textSanna Kokkonen-White is a distinguished yoga teacher originally from Finland, now residing part-time in Bali, Indonesia. With a rich background in fitness and yoga, she encompasses various styles, bringing a unique blend of Ashtanga and Bhakti Yoga to her teachings. Sanna is an accomplished teacher who travels and instructs across Europe, particularly investing in yoga philosophy and mentoring others. Her commitment to animal welfare in Bali also highlights her compassionate nature, alongside her passion for Kirtan and spiritual growth through yoga.Visit Sanna Here: https://www.skyogini.com/Key Takeaways:Integration of Ashtanga and Bhakti Yoga: Sanna reveals how her practice and teachings combine the discipline of Ashtanga Yoga with the devotional aspects of Bhakti Yoga.Patience in Practice: Emphasizing the importance of patience, Sanna explains how this virtue has been a guiding force in her yoga journey.Holistic Healing through Yoga: Sanna discusses yoga as a tool for personal transformation, functioning as a pathway to overcoming mental challenges and deepening one's spiritual practice.Community and Mentorship: Highlighting her role as a mentor, Sanna outlines how virtual and in-person interactions help her support others in their spiritual and personal journeys.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Naomi Worth is a scholar and practitioner of yoga and Tibetan Buddhism. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, and helped found the Contemplative Sciences Center. Naomi tells us about her time in Mysore studying Ashtanga yoga and her travels to Dharmsala to study with the Tibetan Buddhist community. She also shares her retreat experiences in the practice of Tibetan Yoga at Namdroling.She has written several papers on these topics including, The Body as a Vehicle to Enlightenment: A Brief History of Physical Practices in Haṭha Yoga and Tibetan Buddhist TantraShe is currently teaching high school in New York City.quantumyouth.orgNaomi's websiteNaomi's publications on Academia.eduOur website: Somaticprimer.comFor upcoming live courses: Vidyamethod.comOur Online Learning PlatformPlease consider supporting the show with a monthly donation.As always thank you for listening and enjoy the episode Support the show

With set sequences, rules, and repetitions, Ashtanga is often seen as a devotion to discipline. But if you look closely, it is a delicate orchestration where breath, movement, and focus unite to reveal the clarity within. In today's episode, we reflect on the purpose behind the method, exploring how every inhale, every exhale, and every asana carries intention. Ashtanga challenges us to set aside rebellion, ego, and the need to control, humbling us and inviting trust in the wisdom of the practice rather than forcing outcomes. Through this lens, Ashtanga becomes more than a physical discipline - it transforms into a mirror for self-awareness and growth. By trusting the method and surrendering to its wisdom, we create space for inner stillness to emerge. Join us as we commit to cultivating presence, humility, and the quiet strength to return to the mat, again and again.   Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST. Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.  

This week's episode features an archival conversation from about four years ago during the pandemic with J. Brown, host of the Yoga Talks podcast. J. Brown has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and is widely known as a writer and industry-leading podcaster. His signature offering is a deeply breath-centered, therapeutic yoga practice inspired by the TKV Desikachar tradition, aimed at fostering well-being and reducing pain. J. Brown's journey into yoga began as a way to process his mother's death, seeking freedom from the grief and disillusionment that accompanied it. Starting with Ashtanga and Iyengar styles, J. eventually found his way to a therapeutic approach through the teachings of Swami P. Saraswati and the Krishnamacharya tradition. He teaches that yoga is not a linear progression but a practice of learning how to care for oneself. In this conversation, we explore the evolving dynamics of yoga practice and the teacher-student relationship. The discussion covers themes such as balancing devotion and discernment, the challenges of navigating modern spirituality, and common misconceptions about awakening. It highlights the importance of aligning one's practice, goals, and philosophical view to bring clarity to the spiritual path, offering valuable insights into the role of teachers and the transformative power of yoga.Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lineage of Ashtanga has always been a living tradition carried forward by devoted practitioners. But what happens when the Guru who once held the lineage are no longer present? Without an Acharya to guide us, the responsibility shifts to each of us – to show up, to practice, and to nurture the teachings within ourselves. And it's not about perfection or mastery. It's about presence. The simple act of stepping onto the mat, even amidst doubt or difficulty, keeps the fire of the tradition alive. Through practice, we honor not only the teachers who came before but also the community and future generations who will carry the lineage forward. Perhaps the greatest contribution we can make is to trust in the practice itself. By staying consistent and cultivating fertile ground within, we allow the teachings to flourish ensuring their vitality for years to come.   Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST. Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.  

— Yoga nidra, which is derived from the tantras, is a powerful technique in which you learn to relax consciously. In yoga nidra, sleep is not regarded as relaxation. People feel that they are relaxing when they collapse in an easy chair with a cup of coffee, a drink or a cigarette, and read a newspaper or switch on the television. But this will never suffice as a scientific definition of relaxation. These are only sensory diversions. T rue relaxation is actually an experience far beyond all this. For absolute relaxation you must remain aware. This is yoga nidra, the state of dynamic sleep. Yoga nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. The term yoga nidra is derived from two Sanskrit words, yoga meaning union or one-pointed awareness, and nidra which means sleep. During the practice of yoga nidra, one appears to be asleep, but the consciousness is functioning at a deeper level of awareness. For this reason, yoga nidra is often referred to as psychic sleep or deep relaxation with inner awareness. In this threshold state between sleep and wake­ fulness, contact with the subconscious and unconscious dimensions occurs spontaneously. In yoga nidra, the state of relaxation is reached by turning inwards, away from outer experiences. If the consciousness can be separated from external awareness and from sleep, it becomes very powerful and can be applied in many ways, for example, to develop the memory, increase knowledge and creativity, or transform one's nature. Valeria interviews Ruthie Ayzenberg — LMFT, LPCC, PMH-C, RYT-500, she is a compassionate psychotherapist with over a decade of experience, specializing in anxiety, depression and maternal mental health. Additionally, Ruthie is a dedicated yoga student and teacher with comprehensive training in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. She is the creator and host of the Na'aleh Yoga Nidra Journeys for Deep Rest+ podcast, where she shares the transformative power of Yoga Nidra, a practice that has deeply impacted her own life. When Ruthie was introduced to Yoga Nidra during her very first yoga teacher training, her life changed beyond what she could have imagined. What began as a personal journey soon evolved into a passion for sharing this gently transformative practice with others by crafting culturally-sensitive journeys steeped in reverence for both the Yogic lineage and Jewish tradition, while remaining inclusive to people of all cultures. Every episode is created from the heart with mindfulness and love.  In her private practice, Mental Fitness Therapy, Ruthie offers personalized holistic healing using a handful of modalities, Yoga Nidra guidance, and group sessions, helping clients manage stress, reconnect with their inner selves, and heal from within. Ruthie has 100% trust in her clients' abilities to heal themselves when given the right conditions.  Ruthie enjoys blending yoga, psychology, and spirituality throughout daily life and practices what she preaches.  To experience the benefits of Yoga Nidra, tune into Na'aleh Yoga Nidra Journeys for Deep Rest+ or connect with Ruthie through her practice. To learn more about Ruthie Ayzenberg and her work, please visit: https://www.mentalfitnesstherapy.org/ https://naalehyoga.podbean.com

Harmony Slater is joined by Angela Jamison, a certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher with over two decades of practice. Together, they reflect on the recent passing of their beloved guru, R. Sharath Jois, who left his body during a serene walk in the forest. Angela shares her profound experience of being present during his final moments, offering a unique perspective on grief, community, and the enduring legacy of a teacher's spirit.   The conversation delves into the teacher-student relationship, the sacredness of embodied practice, and how grief can open pathways for deeper connection. Angela and Harmony explore the power of community in navigating loss, reflecting on their shared experiences in Mysore and how they were shaped by Sharath's teachings. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the importance of joy, simplicity, and love in practice and in life.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: Angela's personal journey in Ashtanga Yoga and her spiritual connection with R. Sharath Jois. How the Ashtanga community came together after Sharath's passing to support one another in profound ways. Insights into the spiritual and emotional aspects of grief, and how yoga can help navigate this journey. The transformative power of embodiment and its role in accessing deeper states of consciousness. Sharath's legacy: the simplicity, joy, and love he infused into his teachings and community.   Connect with Angela Jamison: Visit Angela's yoga studio, Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor: Website Read Angela's writings on her blog: Inside Owl Connect with Harmony! Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz! Sign up for the Free Spiritual Entrepreneur Class! https://harmonyslater.as.me/Spiritual-Entrepreneur-Archetype-Class Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!) Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com Finding Harmony Community  https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching Find Harmony on Instagram⁠ Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠   The reflections and teachings in this episode are shared in loving memory of R. Sharath Jois and are intended to inspire listeners to embrace the depth and beauty of their practice.

Growing up half-Japanese in South Florida, Kino MacGregor spends a lot of time feeling uncomfortable in her own body. But her Japanese grandfather is always there for her, and they spend joyful hours together every day, playing hide-and-seek, cooking and eating, practicing aikido. Behind his joy, she learns only later, hides a profound grief — one that carries down the generations. In Kino's Ashtanga yoga practice, she finds the tools to process this grief and sadness she's unknowingly carried.Learn more about Kino: www.kinoyoga.comLearn more about Omstars, the world's first yoga TV network: www.Omstars.comEach episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.