Podcasts about ashtanga yoga

What does it take to build a successful yoga business while staying true to your values? In this episode, Kino MacGregor sits down with business leader and longtime mentor Bruce Barkus to explore the intersection of yoga, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. Drawing on decades of executive experience leading global companies and years of dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice, Bruce shares practical insights for yoga teachers, studio owners, and wellness entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses. Together, Kino and Bruce discuss the realities of running a yoga business, from creating business plans and understanding financial metrics to building strong teams, developing company culture, and making strategic decisions for long-term growth. They also reflect on the lessons learned through Miami Life Center and Omstars, and the importance of balancing authentic practice with the demands of business ownership. In this episode: Why yoga teachers need to think like business owners The importance of business plans, KPIs, and financial awareness Common blind spots that hold yoga businesses back Building community before opening your doors Leadership lessons from both yoga and business How to hire the right people and create a values-based culture Balancing service, purpose, and profitability Marketing, growth, and sustainable business practices Staying connected to your own practice while running a business Why success is built through relationships, mentorship, and support Whether you're teaching classes, running a studio, building an online platform, or dreaming of turning your passion into a profession, this conversation offers practical guidance for creating a business that can support both your livelihood and your values. Practice with Kino and worldclass master teachers on Omstars.

Send us Fan MailDr. Rose Erin Vaughan is a prominent and multi-disciplined expert in the fields of acupuncture, yoga, and meridian therapy. With a robust background in Ashtanga and Dharma yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture, Dr. Vaughan has masterfully integrated her deep knowledge of anatomy and energy channels into her practice and teachings. She is particularly renowned for her work in merging the practices of yoga and acupuncture, resulting in a unique therapeutic discipline focused on Yin yoga teacher trainings and advanced acupressure techniques. Dr. Vaughan is also a celebrated author of several books, including “Science of Self” and her detailed guides on energy lines and meridians.Visit Dr. Rose Erin: https://www.scienceofselfytt.com/Key Takeaways:Dr. Vaughan's development of the Meridian Yoga technique integrates acupuncture and yoga for a holistic therapeutic approach.The importance of experiential learning in understanding and feeling energy channels like meridians and chakras is emphasized throughout Dr. Vaughan's teachings.Acupuncture and yoga practices should focus on seeking root causes of physical imbalance rather than merely addressing pain.Incorporating ancient practices, such as those from the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika," into modern yoga sequences enhances meditative and energetic experiences.Regular mantra practice, like the Gayatri Mantra, can refine the practitioner's focus and intention, grounding their yoga and meditation sessions.Check out:

Mae reflects on a powerful realization: understanding pain is not the same as feeling it. As she explores long-buried anger, grief, and self-abandonment, she discovers that healing may begin not by fixing pain, but by finally sitting beside it.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

This week Clint and I sat down with Jessica Jollie. Jessica is the owner of Yoga Landing in Signal Mountain Tennessee. Jessica by all accounts and reports is one of the best in the region. Take a class from her and you will know her skill. Over thirty years ago Jessica found her way to Yoga due to a snowboarding injury in the high mountains of Ca. Her recovery and practice went from student to teacher to studio owner. Jessica shares her journey with us today and also how yoga has a place for everyone. I have been blessed to practice with Jessica for several years and like many I came to heal my body from injury. What I found was a better balance for my daily living and a fitter healthier body. Jessica calls herself a Yoga Universalist. This means that any form or perspective that awakens clarity, strengthens and heals the body, and energizes the spirit, she supports wholeheartedly. Personally, she connects most with Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Hot Elemental, and Yin Yoga. She is also a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and holds a Master's degree in Counseling. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com Powered by: Mountain View Auto Dealers This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Mae reflects on how “The Carrier” became a survival identity rooted in preserving connection. Through her relationship with her family and father, she explores the hidden cost of understanding others too early, and the grief of realizing she had learned to carry instead of expecting to be held.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

In this insightful interview, Chad Herst shares his transformative journey through yoga, personal grief, and coaching. He discusses the profound lessons from his book 'The Performance Trap,' exploring themes of vulnerability, surrender, and self-acceptance. Chad began practicing Ashtanga Yoga in 1993, with David Williams as his first teacher, and was authorized to teach by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2003. He made the pilgrimage to Mysore for fourteen years, studied with Tim Miller, Chuck Miller, and Eddie Stern, and went on to found three Mysore-style programs. He still practices today. He's also a former licensed acupuncturist and has spent the last twenty years coaching high performers. His new book, The Performance Trap, is in part a reckoning with what the practice did to his body, and with the harder question underneath: why he kept going back long after he knew better, and what it means to still be on the mat at fifty-something. He lives in Northern California with his wife, Melissa.   Main Topics: ·       The impact of grief on personal growth ·       The role of discipline and surrender in yoga ·       The importance of honesty and vulnerability in coaching ·       How the desire for success can mask deeper ache Websites: herstwellness.comChad's Book:  The Performance Trap: The Ache No Success Will Ever Fix Listen to the first chapter in Chad's voice: herstwellness.com/chapter-one  Full audiobook, EPUB, and PDF for anyone who wants to read the whole thing herstwellness.com/book  SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf FULL PODCAST LIST https://www.keenonyoga.com/keen-on-yoga-podcast-guests/   CONNECT WITH ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga LISTEN Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

Mae shares the first episode in a deeply personal new series exploring a domino effect of transformative realizations. In this episode, she uncovers “the Endurer” identity — a survival pattern formed through emotional abandonment that slowly became intertwined with her sense of self. Through psychological insight, she explores bracing, resistance, self-pressure, and the possibility of no longer building identity around struggle.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Send us Fan MailJessica Rigal is a seasoned clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma care, particularly in hospitals. Raised amidst a milieu of activism and scientific inquiry in New York City during the 60s and 70s, Jessica was introduced to meditation early on, a practice that has become central to her professional and personal life. She studied pre-med and journalism and holds an advanced degree from the New School of Social Research. Jessica is an advocate of blending meditation with Ashtanga yoga, and she actively practices and teaches these methods, emphasizing their therapeutic benefits.Visit Jessica here: https://yogabyjessica.com/Key Takeaways:Jessica Rigal's life reflects a unique blend of activism, scientific curiosity, and holistic healing practices.Meditation and yoga are central to Jessica's approach, offering profound tools for recovery and personal growth.Listening to the body and maintaining a mindfulness practice can be crucial in overcoming physical limitations and improving mental health.Jessica emphasizes a flexible approach to both yoga and life, focusing on finding joy in the present and accepting each moment as it comes.The idea of practice as a reflection of daily life, rather than a set series of poses, invites listeners to integrate mindfulness into every aspect of their being.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

A tender bedtime conversation with her son Ayden turns into an unexpectedly funny and profound reflection on family, normalcy, and the way children make sense of the world. Through Ayden's innocent logic, Mae explores how our personal experiences shape what we believe reality is.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Samadhi: O Regresso a Casa e o Fim da Ilusão 

Send us Fan MailMaria Margolies is a seasoned yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience. Based in New York, Maria has carved a niche for herself as an advocate for celebrating the natural human body and all its changes. She is known for her engaging and empowering workshops and retreats for women globally, emphasizing body positivity, connection with nature, and holistic well-being. With a background in Ashtanga yoga, Maria has evolved her practice to focus on more inclusive, body-positive yoga forms. She is also a vocal critic of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by various industries and is committed to fostering an environment where individuals can embrace and honor their natural selves.Visit Maria: https://www.holixtic.com/Key Takeaways:The Power of Reframing Beauty: Maria encourages redefining beauty standards that have been historically shaped by industries seeking to profit from insecurities, emphasizing the beauty seen in nature's imperfections.Yoga's Role in Self-Acceptance: Utilizing yoga as a tool for fostering self-love and acceptance, Maria shifts her focus to practices that embrace all body types and physical changes.Pelvic Floor Health Awareness: Maria highlights the lack of education surrounding pelvic floor function in yoga practices, advocating for a more balanced approach that focuses on natural body awareness.Unity in Diversity: Maria calls for collective action to change societal narratives, emphasizing collaboration between genders to redefine beauty and embrace human diversity.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Mae explores the subtle but life-changing difference between living from preference and living from permission. Through reflections on desire, self-expression, and personal power, she examines how easily people unconsciously place their fullness behind external conditions—and what shifts when they stop waiting for permission to become themselves.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Reflecting on the disorienting process of untangling herself from lifelong patterns of pressure, perfectionism, and survival, Mae explores who she is beyond those things. Through a deeply personal exploration of identity and self-worth, she shares the terrifying yet liberating realization that she may not be losing herself at all, but rather the pressure system she once believed was her identity.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Recorded at Nøsen Yoga Retreat in Norway, Kino and Tim explore the deeper benefits of traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice. Together, they reflect on Yoga as both a drop of nectar and an ocean, drawing on the Yoga Sūtra, the Bhagavad Gītā, and the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā. From strength and vitality in the body, to balance in the nervous system, to the quiet of meditation, they share how tradition transforms practice into a path of peace, humility, and self-realization. If this conversation resonates, you can continue your practice inside Omstars. Explore full-length classes, guided series, and teachings from master instructors rooted in tradition. Begin your journey with a 7-day free trial and experience the depth of practice for yourself.

A deeply personal two-week loop comes to a close with an embodied realization: what once felt like hope was, in part, a subtle form of fear. Through physical release and self-inquiry, Mae reflects on long-held patterns of bracing for pain—and the shift into meeting life as it is, without preemptive fear.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

A sweet moment between her two sons has Mae reflecting on a deeper truth about growth, control, and connection. Through parenting, she uncovers how a subtle shift from “no” to a “basis of yes” can keep relationships open—and how this same principle applies to the way we live our own lives.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Kashi, a longtime yoga practitioner and former monk, to explore the deeper layers of yoga philosophy and what it really means to live the practice. From his early days in Israel to years spent studying in India, Kashi shares a powerful journey shaped by discipline, self-inquiry, and a commitment to understanding the roots of yoga.We dive into how yoga extends far beyond the physical, touching on themes of community, personal transformation, and the role of philosophy in navigating modern life. A central part of our conversation explores trauma-sensitive yoga and how supportive environments can help people reconnect, heal, and feel seen through shared experience.Kashi also reflects on his transition from monastic life to becoming a householder, offering an honest perspective on change, identity, and staying true to your path even when it challenges expectations. We discuss the relevance of classic yoga texts like the Bhagavad Gita and how their teachings can still guide us through uncertainty, growth, and everyday life.This episode is for anyone seeking a deeper connection to their practice, a better understanding of yoga philosophy, or a grounded perspective on how to stay consistent and authentic on the path.What You'll Learn:• Why community plays a key role in healing and growth• How yoga supports trauma awareness and emotional resilience• The importance of discipline and long-term practice• How yoga philosophy applies to modern life• What it means to evolve while staying true to yourselfListen if you're interested in: yoga philosophy, trauma-sensitive yoga, meditation, personal growth, and building a sustainable yoga practice.Listen to Kashi's lecture on BG hereCheck out Kashi's retreat hereListen & subscribe for more conversations on yoga, healing, and personal growth.

In this quieter, more introspective episode, Mae chooses not to rush clarity while in the middle of a personal process. Instead, she offers a poem that reflects surrender, trust, and the unfolding nature of becoming.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae shares two grounded shifts around self-love: moving away from self-improvement as a form of self-rejection, and learning to stand by yourself most when results aren't showing. A concise and practical reflection on what it really means to love yourself. Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae reflects on how early life experiences shaped her sense of living with depth. Through personal stories and a gentle but powerful realization, she explores how it may not be depth itself that isolates us—but how we hold it in relation to others.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae reflects on the Japanese concept of ma and the power and beauty of intentional space. Through everyday moments like walking, cooking, and choosing to be without needing to do, she explores how leaving room in life allows awareness, insight, and experience to truly land.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae shares a school incident with no clear truth and expands it into a wider realization: in moments where life offers no “correct answer,” what matters most is how we choose to show up—not only for others, but in the way we live, respond, and listen to each other.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

If you're a spiritual entrepreneur with a big heart who wants to help people but often finds yourself overwhelmed, overworking, or on the edge of burnout, this episode will feel incredibly familiar. Many wellness entrepreneurs start their businesses with a deep calling to serve. But without strong boundaries, sustainable systems, and nervous system regulation, that passion can quickly turn into exhaustion. In this episode, I'm joined by Harmony Slater, a certified mastery coach, breathwork trainer, and one of only twenty women worldwide to hold the highest-level Ashtanga Yoga certification. Harmony has spent over 25 years guiding students across 33 countries through yoga, meditation, energy work, and somatic healing. We talk about why so many spiritual entrepreneurs struggle with burnout, how nervous system dysregulation impacts business decisions, and the simple practices that can help you regulate your energy and grow your business in a way that actually supports your life. If you've ever felt like you're constantly hustling, second-guessing yourself, or stuck in cycles of overwhelm and exhaustion, this episode will give you a new perspective on what sustainable business growth really looks like.   In This Episode, We Discuss Why spiritual entrepreneurs often burn out faster than they expect The hidden patterns of undercharging, overgiving, and people-pleasing How nervous system dysregulation affects creativity and productivity The role of trauma and deeper emotional work in entrepreneurship Simple breathwork and embodiment practices to regulate stress How to create boundaries while growing a heart-centered business Why rest and recovery are essential for sustainable success   Resources Are you a health coach in need of done-for-you content? Visit yourhealthcoachbiz.com and save 40% using code GO40. Ready to launch your own podcast or need full podcast management services? Learn more here: https://rachelafeldman.com/the-healthy-hustle-podcast-agency/   Connect with Harmony Slater Website: https://harmonyslater.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/harmonyslater TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harmonyslaterofficial Podcast: Finding Harmony Podcast Free Resources from Harmony Manifestation Activation: Rewire Your Mind & Magnetize Aligned Wealth https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation Free Breathwork Audio: Reduce Overwhelm in 2 Minutes https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin   Why Spiritual Entrepreneurs Experience Burnout Spiritual entrepreneurs often enter business because they genuinely want to serve others. But that heart-centered intention can sometimes lead to patterns that make burnout more likely. Many healers, coaches, and wellness professionals struggle with pricing their services, valuing their time, and setting boundaries. Harmony explains that burnout often happens when entrepreneurs build a business where they end up working for the business instead of having the business support their life. Harmony: "You're building a company or business for yourself, but then you are working for your business rather than having your business work for you."   The Pattern of Undercharging and Overgiving Many spiritual entrepreneurs have been conditioned to believe their soft skills or healing work are not truly monetizable. As a result, they may undercharge, overdeliver, and try to do everything themselves without support. Harmony describes how these patterns often stem from scarcity beliefs and difficulty valuing their own time and expertise. Harmony: "They're undercharging, overgiving, not really valuing their time, not having great boundaries around their time."   When Misalignment Shows Up in Your Nervous System Misalignment doesn't always appear as obvious burnout at first. Instead, it often shows up through nervous system dysregulation. This can look like: Procrastination Overworking Constant overwhelm Fear of visibility Creative blocks Second-guessing decisions Harmony explains that when entrepreneurs stay in these fight-or-flight states too long, burnout becomes inevitable. Harmony: "Nervous system dysregulation often shows up… operating in fight or flight, freeze, or fawn."   The Importance of Doing Your Own Inner Work One of the deeper themes in this episode is that burnout often reveals unresolved inner patterns. Many coaches and healers help others process trauma or emotional blocks, but avoid doing the deeper work themselves. Harmony explains that spiritual growth isn't only about love and light — it also requires shadow work and addressing deeper emotional patterns. Harmony: "We want to be the teacher or the healer, but doing our own deeper work is often the uncomfortable part."   Simple Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System When you feel overwhelmed or frozen, the key is learning how to bring your body back into a regulated state. Harmony shares several simple techniques that can help regulate your nervous system in the moment: Slow breathing Lengthening the exhale Humming or singing Gentle movement Pausing to feel emotions in the body These practices bring awareness back to the body and help calm the nervous system. Harmony: "Breath is one of the number one keys for regulating your nervous system and bringing you into the present moment."   Creating Boundaries as a Spiritual Entrepreneur Boundaries are essential for building a sustainable business. Harmony emphasizes that one of the most important steps is identifying your priorities and scheduling time for yourself before filling your calendar with obligations. Many entrepreneurs prioritize clients, business tasks, and responsibilities while neglecting their own well-being. Harmony: "Schedule yourself first." Rest Is Not Laziness — It's Productive Another important reminder in this episode is that rest is a crucial part of productivity. Sometimes the most effective solution during overwhelm is simply to pause, step away from work, and allow the body to reset. Harmony shares that even a short break or a 20-minute rest can help restore clarity and energy. Harmony: "Resting is productive."   Finding Your Own Path as an Entrepreneur One of the most empowering messages from this conversation is that there is no single "correct" routine for success. Many entrepreneurs try to copy the habits, routines, and productivity systems of others, even when those approaches don't actually support their lifestyle or energy. Harmony encourages entrepreneurs to experiment and find what truly works for them. Harmony: "Find your own path and what really works for you." Growing your business does not require constant hustle, exhaustion, or sacrificing your well-being. By learning to regulate your nervous system, creating supportive boundaries, and building a business aligned with your values, you can scale in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling.

An evening at a chic Tokyo restaurant unexpectedly revealed a deeper realization in Mae. As she navigates feelings of belonging, authenticity, and preemptive judgment, she uncovers how our assumptions about how others will receive our truth can limit our world before anything even happens. Through this moment of awareness, she explores how embracing the “dissonant note” in ourselves may be what allows real connection to emerge.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

In this milestone episode, Mae responds to two listeners navigating quiet misalignment in careers and relationships. She introduces the four-step Kizuki Cycle—insight, choice, embodiment, and connection—explaining how meaningful change happens not by chasing a destination, but by becoming who you truly are.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae reflects on growing up in a vertical culture of hierarchy and unexpectedly becoming “sensei” herself. Through her resistance to pedestals and followers, she explores how hierarchy soothes anxiety but distorts worth, and why true leadership is not about standing above — but standing level.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae shares a striking realization from her Life Brief retreat: that beneath her ambition and talk of alignment was a subtle fantasy of being “carried” by the right opportunity. In this episode, she unpacks the modern damsel archetype—not waiting for a prince, but for a breakthrough—and explores the grief and power that come with choosing sovereignty instead.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae explores the subtle but critical difference between taking responsibility and turning inward with blame, using a vivid dream to show how the same mistake can lead to grounded repair or unnecessary self-punishment. The episode invites listeners to grow through clarity, not inner violence.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Josh's guests: Chris McQuale - Speaks of his friend George Booth cartoonist for the New Yorker for 50 years Richard Fischer, DDS Problems associated with Fluoride in the public water supply. Why do Germany, England, France, Sweden not fluoridate their public water supply? Mathew Darling - teacher, Ashtanga Yoga a student of Pattabhi Jois What are the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga?  find us at: www.HeresToYourHealthWithJoshuaLane.com  

Mae reflects on an unexpected comment from her TEDx talk and uses it as a doorway into a deeper exploration of judgment, resonance, and separation. Drawing from music, gaming culture, and a Paulo Coelho story, she invites listeners to notice how awareness can dissolve judgment—and reveal the unseen roles that allow the world to work.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Mae reflects on an ordinary day that once would have spiraled into self-judgment, and the small but pivotal realization that marked her growing out of self-improvement. She explores the difference between self-control and self-trust, and how choosing not to assign meaning can become a powerful act of self-relationship.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling MAE Y method™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Send us a textSathu Jois is a dedicated Ashtanga yoga teacher rooted in a rich lineage as the granddaughter of Pattabhi Jois and daughter of Manju Jois. Immersed in yoga from birth, she deepened her practice during the COVID-19 pandemic while studying with her father. A former dance major, Sathu blends discipline and joy in her teaching and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Yoga Therapy and Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, with hopes of working with veterans.Visit Sathu: https://joissathu.com/Key Takeaways:Sathu Jois combines her Ashtanga lineage with modern yoga therapy to cater to a diverse range of students, including those with therapeutic needs.The integration of joy and exploration in yoga practice can help soften strict perceptions and promote a holistic approach to personal and communal growth.Sathu's work aims to support veterans by applying yoga's transformative tools to relieve physical and mental stress.Understanding the female cycle and the impact of daily variances reflects in Sathu's yoga practice and her teaching philosophy.Sathu aspires to create a community-focused yoga retreat and farm, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and joy.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Mae reflects on an exchange with her father and a fleeting, unspoken wish—revealing how love doesn't always need to become action to be real, and how sometimes, the smallest thoughts carry the deepest connection.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling MAE Y method™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

What happens when a scholar who studies death for a living discovers she must learn to truly live in her body? This haunting conversation explores literature, yoga, and the long road to embodiment. IN THIS EPISODE: Introduction to Finding Harmony Podcast Meet Jessica Murphy: Gothic Literature Scholar & Ashtanga Practitioner Teaching English Literature at the University of Iceland Jessica's Literary Works: Wishbone, Ossa Vivi, Moss & Rose Poetry, Novellas, and the Gothic Genre Victorian Literature vs. Romantic Period: Claiming Jane Austen and the Brontës Existentialism, Death, and Childhood Philosophy with Her Father Father's Influence: TM, Hippie Culture, and Zen Catholicism Coming to Ashtanga Yoga at Age 39 The Challenge of Backbends vs. Hip Openers & Arm Balances Using the Body to Be Embodied: Balancing Cerebral and Physical Work Kapotasana and the Death Drive: Flirting with Mortality Eating Disorder History and Ongoing Body Image Work Why Backbends Bring Up Old Wounds and Feelings of Not Enoughness The Beginner's Mind in Yoga Practice Creating False Equivalencies: Yoga Series as Academic Degrees LSD, Academic Structures, and Her Father's Generation Jack Kerouac's Journey and the Beats Memorization in Education: What We've Lost Reciting Shakespeare: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" William Blake's "The Tiger": Fearful Symmetry Reading from "The Face in the Window" (Gothic Short Story from Ossa Vivi) Visual Imagination and Playing with Language Meeting Her Husband: Two 19th Century Literature Scholars in Iceland Looking for Someone Like Herself vs. Someone Opposite Balancing Creative Writing with Academic Pressures The Difference Between Tenure Track and Department Member Positions Her Husband's Prolific Academic Output: Philosophy and Literature Writing as a Labor of Love vs. Academic Requirement Being "High on Life": Creativity and Sensitivity Why Creative People Struggle with Depression and Anxiety The World Feeling Like "Too Much": Colors, Sounds, People Artistic Pursuits as Protection from Overwhelming Sensations The Quiet Life with Cats and Writing and Yoga Russell's Invitation (That Got Declined) Victorian Tea Ceremonies and Paying for Art The Japanese Tea Ceremony as Art Form: Greg Kinsey's Story Bad Art, Bad Writing, and Bad Asanas Harmony's Inner Circle Mentorship Program Invitation This episode is a deep, insightful exploration of navigating life as a highly sensitive creative person, balancing intellectual pursuits with embodied practice, and finding home in your body after years of disconnection.   GUEST BIO: Having taught at Vanier College, Dawson College, and Université de Montréal in Montréal, Qc, Canada in the past, Jessica Murphy, Ph.D. currently lives in Reykjavík, Iceland and teaches English literature at the University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands). Her areas of interest and expertise are Victorian and Romantic literature as well as detective novels, gothic fiction, and children's literature. In addition to publishing a novella entitled Wishbone (available on Amazon) and having her poetry published in an anthology featuring the works of poets from around the world entitled Words Apart: A Globe of Poetry, she has co-authored an epistolary novella, Moss and Rose and a collection of gothic short stories, Ossa Vivi, with Mae Kellert. Her scholarly publications include "'[T]he world's a beast, and I hate it!': Naturalism in Amy Levy's The Romance of a Shop" and an article on Arnold Bennett's The Old Wives' Tale. At present, she is working on a chapter on the double in Susanna Kaysen's Girl, Interrupted that will be included in a book, published by Routledge, featuring various essays on the doppelgänger. A cat lover and an avid Ashtangi, she has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for the last seven years. CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjcats/ Books available on Amazon and major retailers KEY TAKEAWAYS: Gothic literature and yoga philosophy both explore transformation, duality, and the shadow self Backbends can bring up body dysmorphia and old wounds—this is part of the healing work The poses that challenge us most teach us the most about ourselves Writing autobiographical fiction can be a powerful healing practice Highly sensitive creative people often need embodied practices to balance intellectual work Surrender doesn't mean giving up—it means releasing control of outcomes You can care for people without carrying their burdens Success in yoga isn't about mastery—it's about growth and self-discovery Memorization and recitation connect us to literary tradition and embodied knowledge FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Send us a textChristiane Coste Cacho is an accomplished yoga instructor and social justice advocate. With a background in classical ballet and a Master's in Human Rights Studies from Columbia University, Christiane has seamlessly merged her passion for movement with her dedication to humanitarian work. She has worked with Freedom House, focusing on activists and journalists at risk in Latin America, while also delving into academia as a professor. Christiane now runs a successful yoga studio in Seattle with her husband, Brendan Smullen, where they emphasize community-driven yoga practice that is inclusive and socially responsible.Visit Christiane: https://www.theyogashalaseattle.com/Key Takeaways:The Role of Yoga in Resilience: Christiane explains how yoga helped her process the challenging emotional impacts of her work in human rights and social justice, providing a somatic outlet for stress relief.Community-Centric Business Model: Emphasizing inclusivity through sliding scale payments and constant support for diverse communities is a key aspect of their studio's success.Navigating Cultural Crossroads: Insights into balancing Mexican cultural values with life in the U.S., especially in understanding family dynamics and respect for the elderly.Motherhood and Practice Evolution: Motherhood has shaped Christiane's approach to yoga, advocating for adaptations in practice that honor one's current life stage and physical capabilities.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Mae reflects on a slow New Year's beginning in Japan and a journaling insight about nervous system safety. She explores how balance and equanimity are not achievements but natural states that arise when the body feels safe—offering a reframe on rest, regulation, and trust in nature.Mae YoshikawaMae Yoshikawa is the creator of the Kizuki Journaling MAE Y method™, a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation. A pioneer in wellness and personal development, Mae was the first Japanese woman authorized by the founding school of Ashtanga Yoga in India in 2006. Her work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, shaped by profound life experiences—including the loss of her mother, the sudden passing of her husband, and her ongoing journey as a mother to two sons. Mae's upcoming books share her path of healing and becoming, and her online community, MAE Y, continues to support a growing circle of those on their path of inner growth. She has served as a global ambassador for adidas since 2015.Kizuki Journaling Website: KizukiJournaling.comPersonal Website: https://maey.live/Instagram: ⁠@maeyoshikawa

Send us a textSantina Giardina-Chard is a dedicated Ashtanga yoga teacher, having mastered all levels up to the fourth series. Alongside her yoga practice, Santina is a certified gestalt therapist with a master's degree, tirelessly working with clients to explore how their past influences their present experiences and relationships. Her holistic approach combines yoga and gestalt therapy to offer profound insights into personal development and self-awareness.Visit Santina here: https://insanyoga.com/Key Takeaways:Integration of Yoga and Therapy: Santina illustrates how Ashtanga yoga and gestalt therapy synergize to promote self-awareness and personal growth.Freedom Through Deep Self-Contact: The practice of turning towards personal challenges and emotions with curiosity can lead to liberation from past patterns.Phenomenological Observation: Understanding one's physical and emotional reactions in the present moment is essential for overcoming past influences.Horizontal Relationship Dynamics: Gestalt therapy emphasizes creating a non-hierarchical, safe space for exploration and healing.Continual Learning in Practice: Both yoga and gestalt therapy require ongoing personal development to effectively support others.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

This Christmas, we did something completely different. Instead of planning our usual year-end reflection, we handed control to AI—specifically ChatGPT—and asked it to curate 15 topics based on who we are, what we've experienced this year, and what needs to be said. The result? Well, you're just gonna have to give it a listen! Join Harmony Slater and Russell Case as they explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology through discussions that span quantum consciousness, psychedelic healing, the Ashtanga yoga world's reckoning, and the art of finding beauty in life's broken moments. This isn't your typical year-in-review episode—it's a deep dive into what happens when you let "Gaia Earth Consciousness" (as Russell calls AI) guide a conversation about transformation. What We Explore:

Send us a textBrendan Smullen is a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher and co-owner of a yoga studio in Seattle, where he and his partner specialize in Ashtanga and progressive variants of this practice. With a rich background in both traditional and Rocket yoga, Brendan is known for fostering inclusive and community-driven yoga experiences. Through his teaching, Brendan emphasizes discipline, practice consistency, and the importance of community in the yoga journey. He has studied with notable instructors, including Christina Martini and Manju Jois, blending traditional teachings with innovative modifications to support diverse practitioners.Visit Brendan here: https://www.theyogashalaseattle.com/Key Takeaways:Yoga practice adapts to life changes, such as new parenthood, requiring flexibility and understanding rather than strict adherence to routine.Strong partnerships, whether in personal or professional life, can enhance the teaching and practice of yoga through shared goals and mutual support.Creating a vibrant yoga community involves fostering environments where organic connections and support systems, like meal trains, can flourish.Modifying traditional Ashtanga practices allows for greater accessibility and inclusivity, supporting a diverse range of practitioners.Sustainability in yoga practice benefits from an emphasis on personal practice and self-guided sessions, steering away from dependency on external motivation.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

In this discourse, Shunyamurti reveals the Eightfold Path of the Netra Tantra—a radical understanding of Ashtanga Yoga. Moving beyond the outer practices of posture and breath, this teaching unveils the ascent of the soul through the divine eye of Shiva toward the throne of light, where all identity dissolves into God-Consciousness.

Each year, under the bright full moon of Guru Purnima, yoga practitioners and seekers around the world pause to honor the timeless presence of the Guru, the teacher who removes darkness and reveals the light that has always been within us. But what does it truly mean to walk in the light of the Guru? In the ancient yoga tradition, the Guru is far more than just a transmitter of techniques or philosophy. The Guru is the living embodiment of wisdom, a steady flame passed from teacher to student, generation after generation. The Guru: Not Just a Teacher, but a Living Embodiment Our ancient texts speak clearly about this. The Mundaka Upanishad (1.2.12) tells us: तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम् ॥ Tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet Samit-panih srotriyam brahma-nishtham "To realize that Supreme Knowledge, one must approach a Guru alone, carrying fuel in hand, who is learned in the scriptures (srotriya) and firmly established in Brahman (brahma-nistha)." These two qualities, srotriya and brahma-nistha, reveal the heart of the true Guru. Srotriya (श्रोत्रिय) comes from sruti (श्रुति), meaning "that which is heard," the revealed wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads. Etymologically, sru means to hear and -triya means possessor of. A srotriya is one who has fully mastered the sacred teachings, the outer mastery of scripture, tradition, and precise method. Brahma-nistha (ब्रह्मनिष्ठ) brings us deeper still. Brahman is the undivided reality, the ultimate truth. Nistha means "firmly established," from nis (down, firm) and stha (to stand). A brahma-nistha is one who stands unshakably rooted in the living truth of Brahman. This is the inner realization that breathes life into the outer knowledge. Together, they remind us: Without srotriya, the teaching drifts. Without brahma-nistha, the teaching is lifeless. How the Guru Lives in Our Lineage In the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, we have seen these qualities alive in the teachers who came before us. K. Pattabhi Jois was a true srotriya, deeply rooted in Sanskrit, the Vedas, and the subtle method of Ashtanga Yoga. Yet his real power came from being brahma-nistha too: his whole life was practice, devotion, and direct living example. He did not just talk about yoga, he was yoga, every dawn, every breath, every student who came to him. Sharath Jois, Guruji's grandson, embodies this same living thread. His srotriya shines through in the precise count, the unwavering discipline, the commitment to preserve the parampara, the unbroken lineage. But what touches people most is his brahma-nistha: the quiet steadiness, the humility, the simple, living truth that shows through his presence and service to this path. A true Guru does not make you a follower. A true Guru shows you how to find the light that has always been yours. The Guru Cultivates the Inner Flame As Patanjali reminds us in the Yoga Sutra (1.20): श्रद्धावीर्यस्मृतिसमाधिप्रज्ञापूर्वक इतरेषाम् ॥ १.२० ॥ Sraddha-virya-smrti-samadhi-prajna-purvaka itaresam "For others, samadhi comes through faith (sraddha), vigor (virya), remembrance (smrti), deep absorption (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna)." These qualities are the hidden garden the Guru nourishes in us: Sraddha: faith, the quiet trust that steadies us when doubt arises. Virya: courageous effort, the strength to keep going. Smrti: remembrance of who we really are and why we practice. Samadhi: deep absorption, the merging of mind, breath, and heart. Prajna: clear insight, the wisdom that sees through illusion. The outer Guru lights this lamp. The inner Guru keeps it burning. A Prayer on Guru Purnima When we bow on Guru Purnima, we do not bow only to a person, we bow to the entire living thread that connects us to truth: our teachers, our daily practice, our inner wisdom. May our lives be our offering back, our sraddha, our virya, our willingness to stand firm in the truth when the world wavers. May we carry this flame forward, bright and steady, for all those who will come after us, seeking the same light that our Gurus kept alive for us. ॐ श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः। Pranam to all Gurus, visible and invisible, past, present, and yet to come. Closing Thought May Guru Purnima remind you that the Guru is not far away. The true Guru lives in your daily breath, your sincere effort, and the quiet voice inside that whispers, keep going. May we keep this light alive, together. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars. Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. 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 am teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com .

In a world where information is always within reach, it's tempting to believe we no longer need teachers. With a few clicks, we can access ancient texts, videos, and tutorials on nearly any aspect of yoga. But there's something that the internet cannot give you: transmission. Yoga is not simply learned; it is received. And it is only in relationship that this sacred transmission occurs. Our role as yoga teachers is not to entertain or perform. We are not here to serve up a random collection of poses or stories. Our job is to teach yoga to you, to help you understand the significance of the method. Especially in Ashtanga Yoga, where lineage matters and precision holds meaning, we offer a comprehensive system, not a fragmented sampler. What we offer is not just technique; it is a way of being. And that way of being is passed down through a living thread. To understand the teacher-student relationship in yoga, we must return to its roots, in the Sanskrit tradition, in the oral teachings of the Upaniṣads, and even in the deep etymology of the words we use in English. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. 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.  

In this deeply honest and sometimes difficult conversation, Melissa Matt, Kino MacGregor, Peg Mulqueen, Sarah Nelson, and Greg Nardi take a courageous step into the heart of Ashtanga Yoga's ongoing reckoning. This episode asks some of the most pressing and uncomfortable questions facing our community today: Who decides what practice looks like? How are poses given, and what happens when power, hierarchy, and silence intertwine? Drawing from recent events and decades of shared experience, the teachers reflect on accountability, lineage, and the urgent need for new models of integrity. The dialogue is raw, vulnerable, and imperfect but necessary.

Send us a textAndrew Eppler is a renowned yoga practitioner and documentarian with a deep-rooted connection to Ashtanga yoga. Having begun his yoga journey at the age of 14 under the guidance of his father, Andrew quickly became engrossed in the world of Mysore-style Ashtanga, which has profoundly shaped his life. Known for his insightful documentary "Mysore Yoga Traditions," Andrew has worked tirelessly to document and highlight the roots and evolution of yoga practices. He is also the driving force behind the Mysore Yoga conference, which invites practitioners to dive deeper into the cultural and practical aspects of yoga.Visit Andrew here: https://www.mysoreyogatraditions.com/Key Takeaways:Andrew Eppler's yoga journey began at a young age, significantly influenced by his father's connections and the transformative practice of Ashtanga yoga.The development and creation of Ashtanga yoga involve a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and personal influences, with significant contributions from Indian royalty and yoga masters.Andrew's documentary, "Mysore Yoga Traditions," seeks to uncover the mythical and historical roots of Ashtanga yoga, blending modern practice with ancient traditions.Engaging with Sanskrit and understanding its numerical and musical intricacies is crucial in truly grasping the depths of yoga philosophy.Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out:

Harmony and Russell talk with teacher and studio co-leader Joseph Armstrong about recovery, identity, the discipline that actually changes lives, and building inclusive community through the Queer Yoga Club at Miami Life Center. Joseph shares how a strong recovery container and a steady Mysore practice worked together, why expectations and boundaries matter, what it is really like to run a studio, and how to expand programs without losing lineage. In this conversation Addiction, relapse, and the turning point that made sobriety stick “90 in 90,” daily Mysore, and why discipline is the bridge Adjustments, consent culture, and student autonomy Running a studio in 2025, consumer expectations, and aggregator pressures Creating Queer Yoga Club, safety signals, and true welcome Community circles, story bowls, and being witnessed Travel, teaching, and what is next for Joseph and Edgar Guest bio Joseph Armstrong teaches yoga with feet planted firmly in tradition and gaze turned towards the future. His search for a more present and peaceful life first led him to the practice in 2008 and soon after he was studying in India. After finally overcoming a years long struggle with addiction, Joseph began experimenting with Ashtanga Yoga. He is Authorized Level 2 by his teacher, the late Sharath Jois. He and his husband Edgar are co-owners of Miami Life Center and teach workshops worldwide. Joseph teaches yoga because attempts to do any and everything else ended disastrously. But when he finally devoted himself to his passion, he became an asset to himself and others. His teaching is rooted in the hope that practice helps us become more loving, more awake, and, ultimately, able to exist gently. Links mentioned Joseph's Website: https://www.josepharmstrongyoga.com Joseph's IG: https://www.instagram.com/josepharmstrongyoga?igsh=MWE2MXNtYnU4OXh4Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Joseph's YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvV7ez9he51upLEc49U67_g Miami Life Center (studio home base): https://miamilifecenter.com/ LINKS   21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444 Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation Rewire Your Mind & Magnetize Aligned Wealth. ​A subconscious reprogramming meditation to unlock abundance, raise your frequency, and collapse time around your desires. Upcoming events: https://harmonyslater.com/events 21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz! https://harmonyslater.com/spiritual-entrepreneur-archetype-quiz BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/

What does it really mean to practice yoga not just once in a while, but again and again, across years, through resistance, joy, boredom, and transformation? In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of abhyāsa, the Sanskrit word often translated as “practice,” but whose roots reveal something far more enduring: the committed, intentional act of returning. They weave this with the concept of bhāvanā, the inner cultivation of the heart and mind, drawn from early Buddhist teachings. Through stories from the Ashtanga method and personal reflections on the power of repetition, Kino and Tim share how practice is not about performance or perfection, but about shaping who we become through presence. This episode is an invitation to see practice not as a means to an end, but as the path itself. The pose is not the point. Returning is the point. Cultivating presence, breath by breath, day by day, becomes the living path of yoga. When we stop running and return to the moment, we remember, this is the place we never truly left. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Registration is now open for Yogaversity! Join us for a transformative 12-month yoga education program. 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.

In this inspiring episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with David Knee, author of The Next Asana. David shares his deeply personal journey of living with multiple sclerosis, navigating forced retirement, and finding new vitality through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. From his first Groupon yoga class in Victoria to studying with Tim Miller and writing poetry inspired by the moon cycles, David's story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. Along the way, he reflects on family life, the challenges of step-parenting, and the healing power of consistent, adapted yoga practice. David reminds us that practice doesn't have to be perfect to be effective—it simply has to be yours. His story is not only inspiring for those living with MS, but also for yoga teachers, caregivers, and anyone seeking a path of renewal in difficult times. Topics Covered in This Episode: David's diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and his early symptoms How yoga supported his physical, cognitive, and emotional health The importance of adapting practice for chronic illness The role of breath, pranayama, and meditation in healing Lessons learned from teaching and community service in the MS world Transformation, patience, and the importance of cultivating hope The meaning behind the dragonfly on his book cover David's moon poems and reflections on love, practice, and resilience Resources & Links: David's blog: msasana.ca Poem: Harvest Moon by David Knee Harvest Full Moon it's a ray of light Farmers use it to work late at night It's harvest time, they reap what they sow They work underneath this Moon's bright glow Neil Young does sing that tune It goes like this: On this Harvest Moon I'd love to dance with the one I love This song's perfect under what is above On a warm late summer's eve underneath its glow Wouldn't it be awesome for us all to know To dance, to love, is all we really need This romantic mindset I think you believe I've gone on a tangent I love that song It embodies to me of a love so long Feel it, be it, take that big chance Just let it in, you bet it's romance I'll get back on track as I'm sure you know A breather's required it's not just for show Love is a song that we all know best Sing it out loud, then enjoy a good rest Links to Amazon - David's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Next-Asana-Ashtanga-Multiple-Sclerosis/dp/1779629974 https://www.amazon.ca/Next-Asana-Ashtanga-Multiple-Sclerosis/dp/1779629974 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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The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn't matter what shapes your body can or can't make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us and it weaves us into a community of fellow seekers. One of yoga's subtle gifts is clear seeing, not just of the body but of the mind and heart. Its promise is not mere physical skill, but an inner transformation that dissolves confusion and reveals freedom. At the start of every Ashtanga practice, we chant an invocation. It's not just ritual, it's a reminder of why we practice and what we're really here to transform. Key Line: Saṃsāra Halāhala Mohaśāntyai “For the pacification of the delusion (Moha) that is the poison (Halāhala) of Saṃsāra.” Quick Word-by-Word Meaning Saṃsāra (संसार): From sam- (together) + √sṛ (to flow) - the endless cycle of birth and death. Literally “the continuous flowing together.” Halāhala (हलाहल): Deadly poison - like the mythic poison Śiva contained in his blue throat. Symbolizes the toxic nature of worldly entanglement. Moha (मोह): Delusion - the ignorance that clouds clear seeing. Sāntyai (शान्त्यै): “For pacification” - calming the poison of confusion. Why It Matters This ancient line reminds us: the real work of yoga is inner alchemy. The Guru and the practice help neutralize the poison of confusion so we can see clearly and live freely. When we chant, we remember: the obstacles aren't just outside, they live inside us as fear, attachment, and illusion. The path of yoga transforms poison into nectar, chaos into calm, confusion into clarity. Listen in as we explore more hidden meanings behind this beloved chant and how it can deepen your practice. 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 my upcoming Live series in October on Omstars, Embodied Strength and get one year of Omstars+ membership free! 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.

In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training. Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey quickly took him to India to study with Sharath Jois. He reflects on practicing in Mysore, balancing academic research with daily sadhana, and what it means to approach yoga with both a beginner's heart and a scholar's mind. The conversation dives into Wade's personal evolution, from golf and weightlifting to yoga, from serious injury and reconstructive surgery to rehabilitation and “prehab” strategies that sustain long term practice. Together, Kino and Wade discuss the sometimes controversial topic of cross training, highlighting how mobility, strength, and yoga can complement each other for healthier movement and more sustainable teaching. Listeners will gain practical insights on the difference between flexibility and mobility, the physical demands of assisting in Mysore style classes, and how weight training can protect hypermobile bodies while deepening the yoga journey. Whether you are an Ashtanga student, a yoga teacher navigating injuries, or a practitioner curious about integrating gym training with yoga, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for building a supported practice. Highlights from the episode Wade's first encounter with Ashtanga Yoga and his early teachers Stories from his first trips to Mysore and practicing with Sharath Jois Recovering from major knee surgery through physical therapy and yoga The difference between flexibility and mobility How gym training can support safe assists and prevent injury Strategies for bridging yoga, strength training, and long term practice Practice with Kino and Wade on Omstars.com Practice LIVE with me on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7 day trial at omstars.com September special - sign up for my upcoming October live series Embodied Strength, and get one year free of Omstars+! Stay connected with us on social: @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga @wadeoakley Join Wade on Omstars for his upcoming Ashtanga Prehab Masterclass October 24th. Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings, and Mysore seasons. Learn more at kinoyoga.com