Podcasts about ashtanga yoga

In this episode, we explore what it really means to be ready for Ashtanga Yoga's Intermediate Series. Second Series is often approached through its physical landmarks: deeper backbends, leg-behind-the-head postures, arm balances, inversions, and demanding strength transitions. But the deeper preparation for Nadi Shodhana is not only physical. It is the development of a mind that is steady enough to meet intensity without becoming overwhelmed. We look at the difference between being able to perform an asana and truly integrating it into daily sādhana, why Primary Series and Intermediate Series have different energetic intentions, and how nervous system regulation, mental steadiness, and consistent practice become essential as the work deepens. The episode also explores readiness for Second Series beyond rigid physical benchmarks, the role of Kapotasana, leg-behind-the-head postures, Karandavasana, the seven headstands, and why the closing sequence is such an important part of integrating the intensity of Nadi Shodhana. Ultimately, the question is not simply whether the body can perform the postures, but whether the practitioner can maintain the thread of practice with patience, consistency, steadiness, and compassion. Join us September 1 to 21 for the Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series Challenge on Omstars. Explore Second Series through step-by-step tutorials, targeted drills, counted vinyāsa classes, and guided practices designed to help you understand the method behind the postures. Enter your email on the challenge page to receive a free downloadable Second Series practice chart, get the first three days of the challenge free if you are not already an Omstars member, and enter for a chance to win a one-year Omstars membership. You can also join the challenge on Instagram. Follow @omstarsofficial, @kinoyoga, @lottasebzdayoga, @chandanabhowmickyoga, and @heidikayoga. Share your daily practice, tag the hosts, and use #theworkofsecondseries.

The Battlefield within.We spend so much of our lives trying to become secure, happy and fulfilled. Yet everything we normally depend upon—our bodies, possessions, relationships and circumstances—is constantly changing.So are we looking for lasting happiness in a place where nothing lasts?The Bhagavad-gita begins with a crisis. Arjuna finds himself overwhelmed, confused and unsure how to move forward. It is at this moment that Krishna begins to reveal a radically different understanding of life:You are not the body. You are an eternal spiritual being.But if spiritual reality lies beyond matter, how can we actually know it? Can we discover it simply through our own minds and efforts—or does spiritual truth have to be revealed to us?In this opening talk from our six-part retreat, “The Bhagavad-gita — A Guide for Life,” we explore the foundation upon which the Gita's teachings rest: who we really are, why material life can never provide the permanence we seek, and how genuine spiritual knowledge is received.The Bhagavad-gita isn't a book to simply read once and put back on the shelf. It is a guide to return to throughout life—as our questions deepen and our understanding grows.Chapters 00:00:20 Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita as a guide for life ‎ 00:04:15 The purpose of the Gita: freedom from material ignorance ‎ 00:08:28 Impermanence, anxiety, and the eternal spiritual self ‎ 00:19:57 Studying the Gita requires patience, humility, and sincere inquiry ‎ 00:26:02 Bodily identification, selfie culture, and external validation ‎ 00:33:13 Two paths of spiritual realization: ascending and descending ‎ 00:40:19 Human limitations and the need for revealed spiritual vision ‎ 00:46:16 Patanjali, Ashtanga Yoga, and surrender to Ishwara‎ 00:51:01 Krishna, envy, and moving beyond self-centeredness ‎ 00:55:12 Krishna's authority and gradual engagement with difficult questions ‎ 00:57:45 Personal experience, impersonalism, and correcting misconceptions about God ‎ 01:01:06 Closing guidance: questions, patience, and overcoming ignorance#BhagavadGita #GuideForLife #SpiritualWisdom #Krishna #YogaWisdom #SelfRealization #SpiritualLife #VedicWisdom #BhaktiYoga

This episode explores the history, culture, and evolving practices of Mysore in the context of Ashtanga Yoga. The host shares personal experiences and insights into the significance of Mysore as a spiritual and community hub for practitioners worldwide. Key  Topics ·      History and significance of Mysore in Ashtanga Yoga ·      Personal experiences practicing in Mysore with Pattabhi Joice and Sharath ·      The evolution of the Mysore practice and community dynamics ·      The role of authority, lineage, and myth in yoga traditions ·      The impact of modern practices and global spread of Ashtanga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA: 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  

From Gross to Subtle: The Journey of Ashtanga Yoga Practice In this episode, Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann explore the two ends of the yoga spectrum: the gross and the subtle, the dynamic and the still, the effortful and the refined. Ashtanga Yoga asks us to inhabit both worlds, jumping through, sweating, moving the body with strong discipline, and then turning inward, softening into breath, subtle sensation, and the quietude of mind. Drawing from Sanskrit roots and classical teachings, Kino and Tim explain how sthūla, gross or dense practice, and sūkṣma, subtle or refined practice, are not opposites but complementary gateways into yoga. They discuss how the foundational tools of the practice, āsana, prāṇāyāma, and dṛṣṭi, can carry practitioners from surface-level sensation toward deeper layers of awareness. The conversation unfolds around Patañjali's timeless definition of yoga, yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ, the stilling of the mind's movements. Kino and Tim share stories, personal reflections, and practical lessons on balancing abhyāsa, steady practice, with vairāgya, letting go. Along the way, they remind us that contentment, santoṣa, is not resignation but a doorway into clarity, and that every choice plants seeds in the soil of karma. Whether through strong postures, subtle meditation, or the quiet discipline of daily practice, this talk invites us to see yoga as both gross and subtle, both active and still, always guiding us toward the inner horizon of awareness. Practice with Kino, Tim, and our global community on Omstars. Explore thousands of yoga classes, in-depth courses, live practices, meditation, prāṇāyāma, and more at Omstars.com.

Mae uncovers what may be one of the core kizukis of her life: beneath her patterns of independence, achievement, and difficulty receiving was an old question about whether she was worthy of existing at all. What begins as an exploration of money leads her back to childhood, worthiness, and the realization that she no longer has to apologize for taking up space.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 der Podcast Folge 179 geht es darum, warum kleine Schritte viel sinnvoller sind als große Vorsätze und Pläne. Shownotes: Meditation am Morgen Abendmeditation und -entspannung Chapter ONE – 14 Tage Yogakurs Schön, dass du dabei warst. Wenn dir die Podcast Folge gefallen hat schenke mir gerne eine 5-Sterne Bewertung auf Spotify, iTunes oder der Podcast App deiner Wahl. Ich freue mich auch immer über dein direktes Feedback per Nachricht oder als Kommentar auf Spotify. Wenn du magst spendiere mir gerne was in meine Kaffeekasse. Teile meinen Podcast bitte unbedingt weiter mit Menschen, für die diese Themen auch interessant sein könnten. Ich danke dir sehr! Christine Transkript erstellt mit KI: Speaker A: Hallihallo und ganz herzlich willkommen beim Yogisch by Nature Podcast, dem Podcast rund um undogmatisches Yoga, bodenständige Spiritualität und ganzheitliche Gesundheit. Ich bin dein Host Christine Raab und ich freue mich sehr, dass du da bist, und wünsche dir ganz viel Freude mit der heutigen Podcastfolge. Willkommen bei einer neuen Folge hier im Yogisch by Nature Podcast. Ich bin Christine Raab und ich freue mich sehr, dass du auch heute hier wieder dabei bist, und ich freue mich auch sehr, dass ich es schaffe, dir direkt hier schon wieder auch eine neue Folge aufzunehmen. Und ich nehme sie heute auf, am Mittwoch, den 12. August, pünktlich zum Neumond bzw. auch zur Sonnenfinsternis, weil ich irgendwie gedacht habe, ich will diese ganz besondere Energie hier auch noch ein bisschen mitnehmen und quasi im Podcast verewigen. Und letzte Woche habe ich auch drüber gesprochen, ja, warum Yoga auch so viel mehr ist als nur Bewegung und warum ich eben auch glaube, dass Yoga unser ganzes Leben verändern kann. Und heute möchte ich drüber sprechen, warum kleine Schritte oft mehr verändern als die ganz großen Vorsätze warum das gerade im Yoga auch besonders relevant ist. Denn da denken wir ja ganz oft, wir müssen mindestens eine Stunde Praxis machen, damit überhaupt sich irgendwas tut. Und das führt dazu, zumindest kenne ich das von mir, dass man sich dann vornimmt, jetzt mache ich das jeden Tag. Und dann macht man das mal eine Woche und dann kommt irgendwas dazwischen und dann ist es auch schon wieder vergessen. Und dann wird es auch alles eigentlich schon wieder viel zu groß, um überhaupt damit zu starten. Und wenn ich sage, Yoga kann das Leben verändern oder Yoga hat mein Leben verändert, dann klingt das ja erst recht ziemlich groß und vielleicht auch ein stressig. Also keine Sorge für dich, das ist jetzt kein weiteres To-do auf deiner Liste, was du jetzt auch irgendwie noch umsetzen musst, ne? Sondern es geht wirklich heute darum, dass ganz, ganz kleine Schritte ja eine gute Sache sind und du dir wirklich für jeden kleinen Schritt, den du tust, egal in welchem Bereich, wirklich dir auf die Schulter klopfen kannst. Denn irgendwie leben wir ja in so einer Leistungsgesellschaft, dass wir ganz vergessen, uns über die kleinen Dinge zu freuen und auch die kleinen Fortschritte zu freuen. Und auch das, was wir jeden Tag so quasi nebenbei irgendwie wuppen und bewerkstelligen. Also vielleicht einfach jetzt in dem Moment schon mal tief ein- und ausatmen und dir selber mal ganz gut auf die Schulter klopfen und stolz auf dich selber sein. Genau. Also wie gesagt, ich kenne das selber sehr gut und würde auch sagen, ich habe das Zaubermittel noch nicht dafür gefunden, dass es dann wirklich langfristig auch klappt. Mit wenigen Schritten zu starten, sondern ich neige auch immer noch dazu, mir dann zu viel vorzunehmen und zu denken, ich gehe jetzt dreimal die Woche zum Sport und ich ernähre mich gesünder, ich schlafe mehr, ich gehe jetzt früher ins Bett, ich trinke genug Wasser und überhaupt ab morgen oder manchmal auch ab Montag oder dann im neuen Jahr wird alles anders. Und dann, wie gesagt, vergesse ich es wieder und brauche tatsächlich für mich irgendwie so ein bisschen kleine Reminder, die mich einfach auch immer wieder daran erinnern, das zu machen. Das ist gar keine gar nicht, dass die Motivation bei mir nicht da wäre, sondern das Dranbleiben ist ja oft so ein Problem, ne. Wir brauchen oft so ein bisschen diese Motivation dranzubleiben. Und da kann natürlich helfen, jetzt beim Yoga zum Beispiel, dass man einen Kurs hat, wo man hingehen muss, oder dass man online eben auch einen festen Termin hat oder einen Coach hat. Also ich mache auch so Einzelberatungen oder Einzeltermine, und da ist natürlich so, wenn ein Termin fix ist, dann steht er im Kalender, und dann möchte man bis dahin ja auch etwas quasi getan haben oder mit einem, mit einer Art Plan, den man dann abhaken kann. Und ja, gerade weil ich das eben kenne, möchte ich über was sprechen heute, was für mich eben immer wichtiger geworden ist im Laufe dieser ganzen Jahre und auch gerade durch meine metastasierte Krebserkrankung noch mal einen größeren Stellenwert eingenommen hat. Denn du musst nicht viel machen, damit sich etwas verändern kann. Das ist tatsächlich das, was ich für mich schon festgestellt habe, dass diese ganzen großen Veränderungen, die ich mir so vornehme, dass die dann einfach zu viel sind und dass einfach, ja, wie gesagt, das Leben dazwischen kommt, irgendwas aus irgendeinem Grund nicht passt. Zum Beispiel waren wir gerade eben noch spontan mit unserem Hund beim Tierarzt und dadurch ist jetzt eben auch ein bisschen Zeit flöten gegangen, ne. Aber das war jetzt ein wichtiger Termin, also war jetzt kein vorab geplanter Termin, sondern war jetzt eben, weil eine kleine Auffälligkeit war und ich das gerne abgeklärt haben wollen abgeklärt haben, hatte, wollen. Jetzt komme ich irgendwie nicht mehr mit dem Satz klar. Egal, du weißt, was ich meine. Aber so was passiert ja. Das ist einfach das Leben. Wir machen schön Pläne und das Leben kommt dann einfach dazwischen. Und deswegen ist es viel, viel besser, kleine Schritte sich einzuplanen, die dann wirklich machbar sind. Wir Menschen, wir lieben diese Neuanfänge. Wir lieben das auch, wenn an Silvester wir uns ja Vorsätze machen oder dass wir dann sagen, ab Montag, ab Januar, nach dem Urlaub, wenn ich wieder gesund bin. Ja, so, wir haben immer so dieses Wenn-dann-Denken. Ja, wenn jetzt erstmal diese ganzen Termine vorbei sind, dann wird es besser. Und das kenne ich auch. Also ich sitze hier nicht und bin die große Erleuchtete, sondern ja, ich kenne das alles ganz genauso und bin auch immer noch mal so ein bisschen in dieser Wenn-dann-Denke gefangen. Aber gerade wenn nicht so viel geht, also gerade wenn irgendwie ich in Situationen war, zum Beispiel bei mir jetzt natürlich krankheitsbedingt, wo ich gar nicht so viel machen konnte, dann fand ich es aber auch immer gut, gut, wenn ich wenigstens ein kleines bisschen was gemacht habe, dass ich irgendwie kleine Dinge für mich machen konnte und eben auch schauen konnte, was ist denn überhaupt möglich. Manchmal habe ich mir tatsächlich auch dann schon so Listen erstellt und gesagt, wenn es mir besser geht, dann mache ich dies und das und jenes. Manchmal klappt es dann auch, das umzusetzen, und manchmal führt es aber dazu, dass ich mir einfach noch mehr Druck mache, dass ich dann merke, ich kriege Druck und will das dann auch alles irgendwie erledigt haben. Und eigentlich ist das ja auch schon wieder kontraproduktiv, denn wir wissen ja alle, dass Druck irgendwie zu Stress führt und Stress nicht gesund ist. Da werde ich auch noch mal in einer Podcastfolge, vielleicht sogar in der nächsten direkt schon, was drüber erzählen. An der Stelle übrigens auch immer die Info: Podcast ist ja immer so ein Ding, dass man zu Hause alleine im Kämmerchen sitzt und ins Mikro spricht. Oder überhaupt, das ist bei vielen Social-Media-Content-Dingen irgendwie so, dass man ja alleine im Kämmerchen sitzt und ich bin eigentlich ein Typ, ich mag Gemeinschaft, ich brauche Gemeinschaft, ich brauche andere Menschen und ich mag auch gerne dieses direkte Feedback, was man beim Podcast ja leider nicht hat. Aber an der Stelle, wenn du jetzt irgendwas hörst bei mir, jetzt schon bisher die letzten paar Minuten oder was jetzt auch noch kommt, dann freue ich mich immer mega, wenn du mir ein Feedback dazu gibst. Das kann, ich glaube, bei Spotify ein direkter Kommentar sein. Da weiß ich aber auch nicht, ob man angemeldet sein muss oder ob jeder das kommentieren kann. Das weiß ich auch wieder alles nicht. Es kann aber auch immer in Form von einem Kommentar sein bei beispielsweise bei Instagram oder Facebook. Da mache ich ja auch immer einen Podcast-Post und sage eben, dass es jetzt diese neue Folge gibt. Aber wenn das alles nicht geht, dann freue ich mich auch echt immer über eine E-Mail über www.christine-raab.de, also über meine Website. In den Shownotes ist ja auch eigentlich immer alles verlinkt. Und da wirklich einfach mal eine Nachricht schicken und sagen, hier, das fand ich spannend, oder das habe ich dazugelernt. Das freut mich echt mega. Und ich habe das tatsächlich bei meinem letzten Newsletter so gemacht, dass ich auch darum gebeten habe, aus dem allergleichen Grund mir einfach mal zu antworten und habe wirklich so viele schöne Nachrichten auch bekommen. Und ich sag mal, im Endeffekt mache ich das ja dafür, ja. Ich erzähle es ja nicht einfach nur, damit es jetzt irgendwo in die Welt rausgeht und niemand das mitkriegt, sondern eigentlich mache ich das ja, und wahrscheinlich machen alle Menschen, die solche Dinge machen, das, um andere Menschen damit zu erreichen, um anderen Menschen damit irgendwie zu helfen, in welcher Form auch immer. Das kommt ja dann immer drauf an, was es auch ist. Und wenn es einfach nur ist, dass du dich jetzt gut unterhalten fühlst, ist ja auch schon fein. Also Jetzt bin ich kurz irgendwie abgeschweift, aber genau, wir wollen ja eigentlich nicht uns mit diesen ganzen Dingen noch mehr Druck und Stress machen. Wir wollen uns ja eigentlich nur was Gutes tun. Und dann nehmen wir uns das immer so vor, diese Selbstfürsorge, und dann wird es am Ende wieder eine weitere Aufgabe, die wir auf unsere To-do-Liste packen und wo wir irgendwie denken, das muss ich jetzt auch irgendwie noch erledigen. Und da kommt eben wieder Yoga ins Spiel. Denn bei Yoga ist ja so, es ist ja sehr vielseitig, und für die meisten ist Yoga vor allem das, was man auf der Matte tut. Also ich sage ja manchmal so ein bisschen flapsig das Turnen auf der Matte. Das trifft es aber eigentlich nicht richtig, denn nur dieses Turnen auf der Matte ist eigentlich nicht das, was Yoga meint, sondern es geht bei jeder einzelnen Übung, sage ich jetzt mal, die wir im Yoga machen, also jeder einzelnen in Anführungsstrichen Turnübung, um eine Haltung. Das wird immer als Haltung bezeichnet. Also der Name Asana, was ja in den ganzen Übungen drinsteckt, Und das bedeutet immer so viel wie Haltung. Und das ist etwas, was wir wirklich dann auf der Matte üben, aber auch stellvertretend üben für unser Leben. Wir üben da, eine Haltung einzunehmen. Ich sage jetzt mal eine, zum Beispiel eine Drehsitzhaltung. Und bei diesen Drehungen sage ich immer auch gerne so was wie, dass es einlädt, mal die Perspektive zu wechseln, weil wir ja einfach auch mal anders sitzen. Oder dass man auch drauf spüren kann, dass man innerlich stabil bleibt, weil die Wirbelsäule ist natürlich in einer gewissen Art und Weise stabil oder die Knochen in uns sind alle stabil. Und gleichzeitig sind wir aber auch flexibel, wenn wir uns hier zur Seite drehen oder in eine bestimmte Richtung drehen. Und das ist ja das, was wir körperlich direkt merken und was aber im besten Fall uns auch dann weiter ins Leben begleitet. Und das sind jetzt wirklich nur die Asanas, also diese körperlichen Übungen. Und da ist es auch nicht so, dass man einfach auf die Matte geht und startet und sofort alles kann. Sondern es braucht auch da so ein bisschen Zeit reinzuspüren, auch vielleicht wahrzunehmen, wie ist denn diese Haltung jetzt für mich? Fühle ich mich da drin wohl? Ist das etwas, was mir schwerfällt? Sieht es bei mir genauso aus wie bei jemand anderem? Wobei ich da ja auch immer sage, Yoga findet auf der eigenen Matte statt. Das ist also völlig egal, wie das beim Nachbarn aussieht, denn es kann sein, dass einfach aufgrund von anatomischen Gegebenheiten eine andere Person diese gleiche Haltung nicht so ausführt wie du. Und das kann ja, ich sag jetzt mal, besser oder schlechter sein, obwohl es am Ende nie besser oder schlechter ist. Es ist immer so, wie es für einen selbst auch eben machbar ist. Und ich habe ja gerade auch noch mal eine Yogatherapieausbildung gemacht, ein Jahr lang. Also habe ich jetzt vor kurzem beendet. Ich weiß gerade gar nicht mehr das Datum genau. Und habe während dieser Ausbildung wirklich auch festgestellt, wie viel davon ich so auch schon unterrichte und praktiziere. Aber habe natürlich noch mal viele Feinheiten dazugelernt. Vor allem eben auch in diesem Modifizieren. Also wie ich eben etwas anpassen kann. Und das finde ich auch wirklich sehr, sehr wichtig und kann jeden nur ermutigen. Also egal, ob man jetzt mit mir Yoga praktiziert, vor Ort im Studio oder auch online, zum Beispiel in dem Chapter-One-Kurs, falls du dir den geholt hast. Wirklich, ich sage es glaube ich immer, mach es so, wie es für dich passt und geht. Und es kann einfach sein, dass wir da das besser machen, wenn wir auf einem Stuhl sitzen, weil die Hüfte sonst das nicht hergibt und wir auf dem Boden gar nicht gut sitzen können für zum Beispiel die Sufi-Kreise oder so. Und dann ist es kein Rückschritt oder ist nicht schlechter, das zu machen. Im Gegenteil. Dann ist es sozusagen besser, auch hier wieder in Anführungsstrichen, zu erkennen, dass ich mich besser auf den Stuhl setzen sollte und dass es mir dann leichter fällt, diese Übung auszuführen. Dann bin ich nicht ein besserer oder schlechterer Yogi wie jemand anders, der jetzt auf dem Boden sitzt, zum Beispiel. Na ja, und dann kann man eben auch starten, indem man einfach mal den Atem beobachtet. Oder indem man merkt, dass bei bestimmten Bewegungen die eine Seite anders ist als die andere. Oder dass irgendwas geht, was gestern so nicht ging. Oder dass ich heute gut auf einem Bein stehen kann und nächste Woche nicht mehr. Also das ist eigentlich das Schöne, dass Yoga auch viel mit diesem, ich sage jetzt mal, Selbstbeobachten zu tun hat und es eben kein Sport in dem Sinn ist. Also kein Hoch, Runter, Vor, Zurück. Auch wenn es mit Sicherheit so Power-Yoga-Stunden gibt oder eben auch manche Yoga-Stile wie das Vinyasa-Yoga oder Ashtanga-Yoga dann eher, ja, so eher einen sportlichen Charakter haben. Zumindest ist das die Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe, so wie es hier jetzt bei uns unterrichtet wird. Aber eigentlich ist Yoga wirklich eine Lebensphilosophie und etwas, ja, was uns das ganze Leben begleitet. Und wo auch dann im ganz Ursprünglichen eben die Yogalehrer:innen über lange Zeit begleitet haben und ein Stück weit ja auch sozusagen das Leben dann begleiten, ne, und eben auch immer wieder Impulse geben fürs Leben. Und das ist einfach was Schönes, was ja, was im Yoga so sehr präsent ist und worum es mir auch geht. Und es gibt zum Beispiel in der Yogaphilosophie den Begriff Abhyasa, und Abhyasa, das bedeutet so viel wie regelmäßiges Üben oder beharrliches Üben. Ich glaube, da hatte ich sogar in der— ich weiß gar nicht, ob es die vorletzte Folge war. Auf jeden Fall habe ich, glaube ich, schon mal drüber gesprochen, entweder im Podcast, auf jeden Fall im Moksha Club habe ich schon drüber gesprochen. Das ist ja meine Online-Membership, wo wir uns eben einmal im Monat auch treffen für gemeinsames Journaling und wo ich aber immer einen Impuls gebe. Und jetzt 2026 sind wir da eben schwerpunktmäßig in den Yoga-Begriffen drin. Und da ist es eben so, dass es nicht darum geht, jetzt was ganz besonders toll zu machen oder jetzt die Beste zu sein, sondern es geht wirklich darum, immer wieder zurückzukommen. Im besten Fall natürlich würden wir jeden Tag Yoga üben, wobei das nicht immer heißt, wir turnen auf der Matte rum, sondern es können auch einfach nur 5 Minuten sein. 5 Minuten, wo wir etwas für uns tun. Ob das jetzt eine Atembeobachtung ist, ob es eine Art Mini-Meditation ist. Da gibt’s ja auch von mir im Podcast hier eine Meditation für den Morgen und auch eine für den Abend. Das könnte schon eine tägliche Yoga-Praxis sein, wenn du dir einfach diese Meditation zum Beispiel für den Morgen jeden Morgen anhörst, irgendwann vielleicht für dich auch alleine machen kannst, und dann hast du schon eine tägliche Yoga-Praxis. Aber egal, wie oft man auch wieder aufhört oder das vergisst oder irgendwas dazwischenkommt, wir können immer wieder anfangen. Wir können immer wieder damit anfangen, und das meint Abhyasa, ja. Und wenn es heute keine 20 Minuten sind, keine 60 Minuten, dann ist es vielleicht wirklich nur diese kurze 5-Minuten-Praxis, oder es ist dieses kurze bewusste Atmen, und Und das ist genau das, was ich am Anfang gemeint habe, dass wir oft denken, dass wir lange Praxis brauchen und dass 5 Minuten gar nichts bringen. Aber im Endeffekt, 5 Minuten ist etwas, was, ich behaupte jetzt mal, jeder, auch du, jeden Tag machen kann. Also wer mir sagt, dass man keine 5 Minuten am Tag hat, die man für sich selbst mal jetzt irgendwie nutzen kann, dann weiß ich wirklich auch nicht. Und ich weiß, das ist auch manchmal bei Müttern tatsächlich ein Ding, dass die überhaupt gar nichts alleine machen können. Da habe ich jetzt ein bisschen die Hoffnung, dass man wenigstens alleine ins Bad gehen könnte und vielleicht da 5 Minuten für sich hat. Aber wenn man nicht unbedingt alleinerziehend ist, dann sollte man auf jeden Fall die Partnerperson hier mit ins Boot holen. Denn auch das, ja, es ist wichtig, ne, dass man eben auch da wieder nicht nur nach den anderen schaut, sondern eben auch nach sich selber schaut und eben immer wieder auch das eigene, sozusagen das eigene Energielevel füllt und nicht immer nur gibt, gibt, gibt, bis man komplett ausgeschöpft ist, ne. Das ist eben auch ganz, ganz wichtig. Also, aber ich glaube wirklich, 5 Minuten kriegt man immer irgendwie hin. Und ich behaupte auch, wenn man das wirklich mal schafft, eine regelmäßige Zeit, ich sage jetzt mal vielleicht, weiß ich nicht, mal einen Monat oder zwei. Es braucht ja auch immer so ein bisschen, bis Gewohnheiten sich etabliert haben. Aber wenn man es wirklich mal schafft, da sich diese 5 Minuten zu nehmen und zum Beispiel für den Start mal eine Morgenmeditation macht oder eben gar nichts konkret macht, aber reinspürt, dann führt es dazu, dass du ein viel besseres Gespür für dich bekommst. Dass du früher merkst, wenn du angespannt bist. Dass du in bestimmten Situationen deinen Atem wahrnimmst und dann bewusst tiefer atmest. Und dann führt es eben langfristig auch dazu, dass wir achtsamer mit uns selbst im ganzen Leben sind. Also das ist auf jeden Fall die Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe. Und auch das, was mir wirklich regelmäßig gefeedbackt wird von Menschen, die ich jetzt schon länger yogisch begleite. Also zum Beispiel Teilnehmerinnen, die jetzt bei mir hier vor Ort in einem Kurs sind und auch jetzt schon Jahre bei mir sind, die mir immer wieder auch sagen, dass ihnen einfach die Yoga-Praxis dann im Leben, im Alltag sozusagen hilft. Und gar nicht nur, dass man auf der Matte besser ist. Das ist auch so ein netter Nebeneffekt, dass das natürlich auch besser wird. Aber dass es vor allem im Leben einen großen Unterschied macht. Und gerade an den Tagen, wo eben die Energie begrenzt ist, wo man eben nicht so diese Energie hat. Also wie gesagt, kann ich ja ein Lied von singen aufgrund meiner metastasierten Brustkrebserkrankung. Und gerade auch an Therapietagen oder so. Da ist die Yoga-Praxis vielleicht gar nicht das wilde auf der Matte Rumturnen. Da ist es vielleicht wirklich nur mal tief atmen oder es ist eben eine Meditation hören, einfach mal in Stille liegen. Aber es kann eben auch trotzdem sein, dass ich mal die Matte, also nicht ausrolle, weil ich habe einen Platz, wo meine Matte immer ausgerollt ist, aber dass ich draufgehe und einfach mal anfange und dann ja eben die Bewegung auch mache, die mir dann gut tun. Und oft ist es auch so, dass eine 5-Minuten-Sequenz dann auch dazu führt, dass man doch noch mal das eine oder andere dazu macht, aber dass es eben kein Muss ist. Also ich kann wirklich Yoga jeden Tag praktizieren, was nicht heißt, dass ich jeden Tag eine Stunde auf der Matte rumturne. Und ich sage ja auch immer gern, die Matte ist so ein bisschen stellvertretend für den eigenen Safe Space. Das muss gar nicht unbedingt die Matte sein. Je nachdem, wie es einem eben geht, kann es auch einfach der Stuhl sein. Man kann ganz viele Übungen, körperliche Übungen, aber auch Atemübungen oder Meditationen wunderbar auf dem Stuhl machen oder auf der Couch oder Bettkante oder zu zum Teil auch liegend im Bett oder auf der Couch. Also das ist ja das Schöne, dass Yoga sich einfach immer an das eigene Leben, an die eigene Befindlichkeit anpassen kann und dass man eben so trotzdem immer etwas für sich tun kann. Ja, und deswegen, also ich will jetzt nicht sagen, dass dann die ganzen kleinen Schritte, dass es jetzt irgendwie auch dann dazu führt, dass man da irgendwie sich Druck macht oder so. Also bitte nicht sagen, ich muss jetzt jeden Tag mindestens 5 Minuten Yoga machen, ne. Das ist ja nur der Druck anders gemacht. Aber man könnte es wirklich mal ausprobieren, ja, und schauen, was eben geht, und für sich eben auch lernen, dass Yoga eben nicht heißt, dass ich wild auf der Matte rumturne, sondern dass es eben einfach auch eine Atemübung sein kann. Und da ist auch wirklich eine Sache, die eine große Rolle spielt und was im Moment so in aller Munde ist, das berühmte Nervensystem. Das hörst du vielleicht im Moment dauernd, dass jeder davon spricht, dass wir unser Nervensystem regulieren müssen. Und es stimmt auch, also wir sind alle komplett überall nervensystemtechnisch, was einfach auch, ich sag mal, an unserer aktuellen Lebenssituation liegt, dass wir den ganzen Tag Input haben, sei es durch das Handy, durch ein Radio, durch andere Leute. Also wir haben eigentlich permanent diese Reize und haben gar nicht mehr richtig diesen Erholungsfaktor, nenne ich es jetzt mal, oder diese langfristige Erholung, wo eben nichts passiert. Und da ist es tatsächlich so, dass ganz viele dieser Nervenregulationstechniken auch aus dem Yoga kommen. Also angefangen wirklich bei der tiefen Atmung, bei meditativen Techniken oder bei Achtsamkeitsübungen, da ist ganz, ganz viel, was eben ja aus dem Yoga kommt. Deswegen denke ich bei vielen Dingen, auch bei Breathwork oder so, warum nicht einfach das Original benutzen, ne? Also warum nicht einfach ja da bleiben, wo es jetzt sozusagen herkommt, ne? Oder wo wir es jetzt schon lange eben herkennen. Aber auch da mache ich vielleicht noch mal eine extra Folge über das Nervensystem, weil es wirklich auch ja sehr umfassend ist und auch vielleicht gut mit dem Stress zusammenpasst. Vielleicht passt es zusammen in eine einzige Podcastfolge oder so. Oder ich unterrichte vielleicht auch mal wieder eine Online-Stunde fürs Nervensystem. Da gibt es nämlich auch ganz viele tolle Übungen, kleine Übungen, die man wirklich sehr gut auch im Alltag umsetzen kann. Aber ich möchte dir gerne 3 Fragen mitgeben hier an der Stelle für deinen Alltag. Und Und die kannst du dir eigentlich auch immer stellen, wenn du— und deshalb möchte ich dir 3 Fragen mitgeben für deinen Alltag. Und die kannst du dir auch eigentlich immer stellen, wenn du was verändern möchtest. Also erstens: Was würde mir gerade jetzt wirklich gut tun in diesem Moment? Nicht: Was muss ich jetzt noch tun? Was steht eigentlich noch an? Was habe ich noch auf dem To-do-Zettel? Sondern: Was tut mir jetzt gerade gut? Was brauche ich? Zweite Frage: Was wäre der kleinstmögliche nächste Schritt? Wir denken oft in sehr großen Schritten. Wir denken oft einfach ganz groß. Also ich nehme jetzt mal das Beispiel: Ich muss noch Essen kochen. Und dann wäre der kleinste Schritt: Ich schneide jetzt erstmal vielleicht die Zwiebeln oder die Tomaten oder die Paprika. Oder ich hole schon mal meinetwegen das Glas raus, wo die Tomaten drin sind oder so. Also wirklich: Was wäre der kleinste Schritt, der jetzt auch machbar ist? Und dann eben drittens: Kann ich diesen Schritt heute, jetzt tatsächlich machen? Wenn die Antwort nein ist, dann schau mal, ob du den Schritt vielleicht noch kleiner machen kannst. Und das klingt vielleicht jetzt total banal irgendwie, aber ich glaube, dass wir wirklich oft in zu großen Schritten denken, dass wir einfach uns zu viel vornehmen, weil wir das auch so gewohnt sind, dass so Sachen, ja, das einfach so viel gemacht werden muss. Und das ist alles das, was ich meine mit yogisch. Yogisch by Nature ist ja der Name vom Podcast, ja, weil wir alle yogisch eigentlich von Natur aus sind oder von Natur aus leben. Aber wir haben es irgendwie vergessen, wir haben irgendwie ja das alles durch so viele andere Sachen überlagert. Also Yoga heißt nicht, dass wir unseren Körper in eine bestimmte Form bringen oder dass wir ja, wie gesagt, wild auf der Matte rumturnen, sondern Yoga ist eher, dass wir lernen, bewusster wahrzunehmen, dass wir achtsamer sind mit uns, mit unserem Leben, dass wir merken, was gerade passiert, dass wir auch nicht jedem Gedanken und jedem Impuls direkt hinterherlaufen müssen, sondern dass wir auch manchmal einfach das nur wahrnehmen können. Es gibt ja auch zum Beispiel das Yoga-Sutra. Das ist eine von den ziemlich bekannten yogischen Schriften. Und da stehen auch verschiedene Schritte drin, wie wir quasi, ich sage jetzt mal ganz vereinfacht gesprochen, gut in unserem Leben klarkommen. Dann gibt es nämlich die sogenannten Kleśas. Das sind die Hindernisse auf unserem Weg. Ich sag mal, glücklich zu sein. Ich glaube, da habe ich sogar auch schon mal eine Podcastfolge zu gemacht, die ist aber schon länger her. Wenn ich dran denke, verlinke ich die auf jeden Fall in den Shownotes bzw. in dem zugehörigen Blogpost zu dieser Podcastfolge. Also da gerne noch mal reinschauen, wenn ich mich jetzt nicht täusche. Wenn ich mich täusche, dann habe ich mich halt geirrt, dann habe ich es irgendwo anders mal besprochen, wahrscheinlich auch im Moksha Club. Und dann sagt eben dieses Yoga Sutra, und das sind die Schritte, die dir helfen, die Kleśas zu überwinden. Und dann kommt eben sowas wie die Yamas, die Niyamas, und dann aber auch eben die Asanas, Pranayama, also die Atemübungen, aber eben auch noch andere Dinge, zum Beispiel Pratyahara, das Zurückziehen der Sinne, oder auch, dass wir uns auf etwas Bestimmtes fokussieren, oder dass wir eben dann in die Meditation auch gehen können, ne. Also das sind eben alles Dinge, die dann uns irgendwie helfen können. Und das ist vielleicht jetzt die, ja, die Übung, die, die heute jetzt vielleicht relevant ist, also das, was du jetzt hier dir mitnehmen kannst, dass wir immer wieder zurückkommen, immer wieder anfangen können, Und ja, immer wieder auch zurückkommen können zu uns selbst, zu unserem Körper, zu unserem Atem. Das ist ja etwas, was wir immer dabei haben und was für die meisten Menschen auch einfach geht. Also was für viele problemlos zu spüren ist, der eigene Atem. Nicht für alle Menschen, aber für die meisten Menschen. Und genauso eben auch der Körper zu spüren ist und wir so vielleicht auch immer mehr zu uns selber zurückkommen können, ohne das jetzt zu bewerten, ohne direkt zu sagen, ich kann meinen Atem gut oder spüren. Ich kann meinen Körper gut oder schlecht spüren. Oder manche Menschen spüren auch den Herzschlag. Und wenn du das jetzt nicht spürst, dann ist es gar nicht schlimm, ja, sondern das einfach nur mal wahrzunehmen, ohne gleich das zu bewerten. Und deswegen, vielleicht magst du dir für die Woche mal eine ganz kleine Aufgabe suchen. Nicht irgendwie gleich die nächsten 5 Sachen, nicht direkt dir vornehmen, was du jetzt alles auf einmal ändern willst, sondern wirklich nur eine Sache. Vielleicht starte einfach wirklich mal mal, indem du jeden Morgen meine Morgenmeditation hörst oder am Abend meine Abendmeditation. Vielleicht sind es 5 Minuten Yoga, vielleicht besteht dieses Yoga einfach aus dieser Meditation, vielleicht aus bewussten Atemzügen, vielleicht aus einer bewussten Pause am Nachmittag, vielleicht aber auch aus, ja, 5 Minuten Zeit auf der Matte oder auf dem Stuhl. Und wenn du jetzt denkst, ja, das würde ich total gerne machen, aber ich weiß so gar nicht, was ich eigentlich machen soll, ich sitze dann da und habe wie so ein Brett vorm Kopf und, ja, weiß nicht, wo ich anfangen soll, dann möchte ich an der Stelle gerne auf meinen neuen Kurs hinweisen. Chapter One heißt der, ein 14-Tage-Onlinekurs, und da bekommst du tatsächlich 14 Tage lang jeden Tag eine ungefähr 5 Minuten andauernde Übung. Also wirklich nicht lange, es sind sogar manchmal unter 5 Minuten, manchmal auch drüber, aber im Schnitt sind es 5 Minuten mit wirklich einer Miniübung, die du machen kannst und wo du einfach 14 Tage gut durchgeführt wirst und als Bonus auch noch mal eine kleine 15-Minuten-Praxis dann mitbekommst. Und das wäre auf jeden Fall ein super Anfang, So könntest du starten, hättest 14 Tage schon diese tägliche Anleitung und könntest dann am Schluss dir diese 15-Minuten-Praxis anschauen, ob die so für dich passt. Und so hättest du schon eine gute Möglichkeit, etwas für dich zu tun. Und wie gesagt, vielleicht werden aus den 5 Minuten auch dann 15, vielleicht auch nicht, ist auch wieder komplett dir überlassen und so, wie es für dich eben passt. Und ich kann nur sagen, also den Kurs gibt es noch nicht lange, ich glaube seit 2, 3 Wochen jetzt, wenn die, wenn ich die Folge gerade aufnehme. Und die Feedbacks da sind auch wirklich richtig, richtig gut. Also auch da versuche ich dran zu denken, in die Shownotes das zu packen und zu verlinken. Aber gerade diese 5 Minuten ist wirklich das, was für alle richtig gut ist und was mir alle eben als positiv zurückmelden, ja, dass man eben diese 5 Minuten machen kann, dass die Übungen so einfach sind. Und mir schreiben auch alle tatsächlich, dass sie sich auf den nächsten Tag freuen und es auch schon schade finden, wenn es dann vorbei ist mit den 14 Tagen. Also vielleicht mache ich mal irgendwann einen 365-Tage-Kurs, denke ich mir jetzt gerade spontan. Und das sind Beispiele, das war jetzt ein spontaner Gedanke von mir. Das heißt nicht, dass ich mich jetzt sofort hinsetzen muss und diesen Kurs entwickeln muss, sondern ich kann erstmal das mir irgendwo aufschreiben und vielleicht irgendwann noch mal drauf zurückkommen, vielleicht auch nicht. Also das ist das, was auch dann yogisch ist da. Es muss nicht alles immer sofort dann gleich passieren. Also gut, ich versuche dran zu denken, all die Sachen in die Shownotes zu packen, in den Blogartikel zu schreiben, was ich angesprochen habe. Aber an der Stelle zum Abschluss: Du musst nicht alles verändern. Du darfst nur immer wieder auch anfangen, bei dir anzukommen. Und das wünsche ich dir wirklich sehr. Vielleicht ist der Anfang 5 Minuten, das wäre wunderbar. Vielleicht sind sogar nur 2 Minuten, oder vielleicht nur eine Minute. Stell dir deinen Handywecker auf eine Minute und ja, machst vielleicht einfach mal eine Minute nichts. Ich freue mich, von dir zu hören an der Stelle. Ich freue mich, dass du dabei warst. Ich freue mich aufs nächste Mal. Ich merke einfach, dass ich gerade auch wieder richtig viel Lust habe, hier im Podcast drüber zu sprechen. Es ging mir schon Anfang des Jahres so, dass ich ja im Moksha Club auch schon so viel über die Yoga-Philosophie gesprochen habe und mir das einfach so viel Spaß gemacht hat. Und ich freue mich einfach sehr, dass es jetzt auch gerade zeitlich und auch energetisch bei mir klappt, dass ich wieder hier hoffentlich jetzt regelmäßig auch ein paar Podcastfolgen wieder aufnehmen kann für den Yogisch by Nature Podcast. Denn den gibt es ja wirklich jetzt schon lange, seit 2017. Und ich freue mich eben drauf, das hier auch zu teilen und vielleicht so auch noch den ein oder anderen Menschen für Yoga begeistern zu können und auch das Bild, was alle von Yoga haben, damit so ein bisschen verändern zu können. Also vielen Dank, abonniere gerne den Podcast, schreib mir wie gesagt ein Feedback, empfiehl es auch weiter. Das ist auch immer super und hilft mir eben sehr, dass auch andere Menschen den Podcast finden und so eben wir möglichst viele Menschen erreichen. Und ja, dann freue ich mich, wenn wir uns dann beim nächsten Mal wieder hören, und schicke dir ganz liebe Grüße. Alles Liebe und Gute für dich und bis zum nächsten Mal. Tschüss! Vielen Dank, dass du heute dabei warst und mir deine Zeit geschenkt hast. Wenn dir die Folge gefallen hat, dann würde ich mich total freuen, wenn du es auch mit deinen Freunden teilst oder mir eine positive Bewertung gibst. Lass es dir gut gehen, genieß jeden Tag, jeden Moment, und Und bis zum nächsten Mal! Der Beitrag 179: Warum kleine Schritte sinnvoller sind erschien zuerst auf Christine Raab.

Mae explores how early experiences of feeling unprotected by authority unknowingly shaped her relationship with power and leadership. She discovers that stepping into her own authority doesn't mean becoming what she once feared; she gets to decide what kind of authority she becomes.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 episode, Niall speaks with Liam McClintock, a Yale graduate, former Buddhist monk, and founder of FitMind, a meditation training platform that helps people move beyond stress reduction into deeper states of awareness and well-being. After leaving a career in finance, Liam spent three years training in monasteries across Asia, studying under Bhante Vimalaramsi and learning advanced meditation practices, including jhana states and forgiveness meditation. He recently published his first book, “FitMind”, which brings together neuroscience and contemplative practice in practical tools for everyday life. In this conversation, they explore: — Why happiness supports meditation, not the other way around — How predictive processing theory helps explain why meditation reduces suffering — The neuroscience of jhana states and their role in reshaping the mind — A forgiveness practice for letting go of emotional baggage — The four-step framework for training attention: recognize, release, relish, and remain You can learn more about Liam's work at fitmind.org. --- Liam is the founder of FitMind, a mental fitness training platform that provides evidence-based programmes for individuals and organisations, including Uber. After studying history at Yale University and briefly working in finance, he left his career in 2018 to become a certified yoga and meditation teacher in Bali. His interest in the mind grew from a childhood diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), leading him to explore psychology, lucid dreaming, and a wide range of contemplative traditions. His training has included Theravada Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia; Indigenous shamanism in Peru and Mexico; Boabom, an ancient Tibetan martial art, in Chile; Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga in Indonesia and Nepal; Tibetan Buddhist practices in Bhutan; and Dzogchen, Mahamudra, Qi Gong, and other contemplative disciplines in the United States. Liam later completed a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London, where his dissertation examined the neural correlates of advanced nondual meditation. Liam has since become a Buddhist monk to deepen his meditation practice and has participated in consciousness research at Harvard University. He has also advised on advanced meditation training for Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Drawing on both scientific research and first-hand contemplative experience, Liam's work bridges neuroscience and ancient wisdom traditions to help people cultivate greater mental fitness, resilience, and wellbeing. He believes that making mental fitness an accessible and enjoyable part of everyday life has the potential to improve both individual lives and society as a whole. --- Interview Links: — Liam's website: https://fitmind.org — Liam's book: https://amzn.to/3RJGOum — Fitmind Courses: https://fitmind.org/module — Fitmind Podcast: https://fitmind.org/learn

After joking that she wanted to “do something bad,” Mae is unexpectedly confronted with a Tokyo exhibition that invites visitors to steal. What begins as a humorous exchange with a friend leads to a much deeper realization: she wasn't craving rebellion at all. She was longing for freedom from the constant inner supervision that had shaped her life for years. In this episode, Mae explores the difference between self-control and self-trust—and the freedom that begins when we stop constantly watching ourselves.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

After a scene of an Italian family gathered around a long dinner table lingers in her heart, Mae realizes that what she's been searching for was never romance—it was belonging. Through stories from her childhood and reflections on the communities she has built over the years, she discovers that the table she thought she had lost never disappeared. It only became bigger, making room for others to feel seen, safe, and at home.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 episode of Yoga Inspiration, Kino answers student questions about the Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series, traditionally known as Nāḍī Śodhana. We explore the structure and purpose of Second Series, including its deep backbends, leg-behind-the-head postures, arm balances, inversions, and the seven headstands. Kino also explains how to know when you are ready to begin Intermediate Series, why perfect postures are not the goal, and how consistency in Primary Series creates the foundation for deeper work. The conversation also covers struggle poses, practicing six days a week, balancing Ashtanga Yoga with running or strength training, building the strength needed for Intermediate Series, working with transitions, and finding a teacher who supports dialogue rather than gatekeeping. Beyond physical progress, Kino reflects on the deeper purpose of Nāḍī Śodhana as nervous system cleansing and energetic refinement. The practice asks us to approach each posture with patience, humility, reverence, and respect. Listen in for a practical and honest exploration of Ashtanga Yoga Second Series, readiness, progress, and the inner work of practice. Continue your practice with The Work of Second Series on Omstars, featuring step-by-step tutorials, targeted drills, and guided practice classes with Kino MacGregor.

Beneath years of healing, grief, and self-discovery, Mae had also been deeply angry with Life itself. Through an imagined conversation with Life, she explores trust, pain, and what becomes possible when we stop resisting our most existential questions and allow honesty to become the beginning of healing.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 Japanese concept of mottainai (“what a waste”) and the subtle line between reverence and fear. Reflecting on cultural inheritance, nature's extravagant abundance, and her own relationship with receiving, she invites listeners to consider whether they've mistaken shrinking themselves for humility—and what becomes possible when they no longer apologize for abundance.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

At first glance, Ashtanga Yoga may look like a simple sequence of postures. But beneath the surface lies a subtle framework that carries the entire method: Tristhāna, the threefold support of breath, posture, and gaze. In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of Tristhāna. The word comes from Sanskrit, with tri meaning "three" and sthāna meaning "place" or "support." These three abodes are not just techniques. They are thresholds that guide the practitioner from gross sensation into subtle awareness. Breath is the golden thread linking body and mind. Posture is the seat that establishes presence. Gaze is the discipline that steadies perception. Together, they guide us inward, moving us from the visible body into the subtle body, from surface sensation into deeper stillness. Kino and Tim also reflect on how these pillars extend beyond the mat. Breath becomes a refuge, posture teaches resilience, and gaze becomes discernment. To practice Ashtanga is to realize that we are never not practicing. Yoga becomes alive in every moment of our lives. Listen in to explore how the three pillars of Tristhāna support the movement from external to internal, from gross to subtle, and discover how yoga is not just something you do, but something you live. Practice with Kino, Tim, and the Omstars community at Omstars.com, where you'll find guided Ashtanga Yoga classes, philosophy, meditation, and practice support for every stage of your path.

Mae explores the surprising discomfort that can arise when lifelong identities begin to dissolve. Through reflections on old roles, pathless woods, and the freedom of not needing a new job description, she invites listeners to consider that perhaps what's disappearing isn't who they are—but who they believed they had to be.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 series of quiet evenings led Mae to an unexpected realization: after letting go of old identities built around striving and endurance, the next chapter wasn't rebellion—it was learning to receive. Through ordinary moments with her family and a heartfelt exchange with her son, she explores how healing may be less about solving life and more about allowing love, happiness, and uncertainty to be fully received.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 powerful realization about how her nervous system unconsciously linked money with her father. Through this kizuki, she explores scarcity, trust, emotional safety, and the moment she began to unlink money from an old father wound so money could finally become what it is: simply a resource.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

After years of believing she wasn't an angry person, Mae discovers that anger may have been one of the most repressed emotions in her life. In this episode, she explores what surfaced when she stopped analyzing her pain and began feeling it, uncovering how anger can reveal our deepest values, boundaries, and capacity for gratitude. 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

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

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.

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:

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:

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.