Podcast appearances and mentions of gary kraftsow

There is so much to say about this episode! You will want to have a pen nearby, as the quotable quotes are nonstop. Gary Kraftsow is one of the master teachers of our time, and he's here to talk about yoga, chakras, and becoming your own guru! His wealth of knowledge is beyond compare, and this conversation will show you what a vast array of yoga topics and techniques that are available to us on our own personal journeys. I hope you are inspired to learn more, and definitely look into a training with Gary. He makes these elevated topics personal and relevant.  Here are some of the key moments to listen for: 6:20 Gary's whole life inner journey through all the traditions 8:35 “The journey is about the path up the mountain.” 10:30 Vedic chanting 12:30 Chanting activates our own wisdom; Using mantra as deep transformation 16:15 Connecting to lineage (Do you need to be given a mantra by your teacher?) 18:00 Let's talk chakras!! 21:00 A practical image of the chakra system 30:00 What happened when Gary came out of a coma? 34:00 Jess gets an answer to her big Yoga Sutras question 39:00 Learn about Gary's teacher training 47:00 What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? 52:00 A story about a yogi demon, and what happens at the moment of your death About Gary Kraftsow Founder and Director of the American Viniyoga Institute. Gary Kraftsow has been an innovator in the transmission of yoga for health, healing, and personal transformation for over 40 years. He began his study of yoga in India with T.K.V. Deśikācar in 1974 and received a Viniyoga Special Diploma from Viniyoga International in Paris, France in 1988. Gary graduated with a BA, Magna Cum Laude, from Colgate University in 1976 and received his Masters Degree in Psychology and Religion from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983.  Around that time, he opened Maui School of Yoga Therapy.  In 1999, he founded the American Viniyoga Institute, LLC.  Since then, he has become a renowned speaker and teacher of the Viniyoga methodology at many conferences and schools nationally and internationally. Read more about Gary: https://viniyoga.com/about/gary-kraftsow/ Learn more and connect with Gary Kraftsow:  https://viniyoga.com/about/gary-kraftsow/ Teacher and Yoga Therapist training: https://viniyoga.com/train/viniyoga-foundations-program/ https://viniyoga.com/train/ https://www.facebook.com/AmericanViniyogaInstitute https://www.instagram.com/americanviniyogainstitute/ https://www.youtube.com/c/GaryKraftsowViniyoga More about Jess: Website jessgoulding.com Resources: Chakra Savvy: Reset Your Life Game Plan ⁠Chakra Savvy Quickie Quiz⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Chakra Check-In Self Assessment⁠ ⁠ Chakra Savvy Cheat Sheet ⁠ Embodiment Online Course. Harness the energy of chakra one, and set a new foundation built on connection, gratitude, and trust in the world. Use coupon code PODCAST! More resources, links, and a form for thoughts and questions are at ⁠Jessgoulding.com/podcast.⁠ Connect with Jess:  Facebook⁠⁠, @jessgyoga, and the Jess G Yoga Facebook Group, ⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠, @jessgyoga   YouTube⁠⁠ @jessgoulding LinkedIn: Jessica (Jess) Goulding  @jessgyoga TAGS awareness,  mindfulness,   self study,   svadyaya,   self awareness,    chakras,    yoga,   yoga therapy, self improvement, transformation, spirituality, self help, yoga, meditation, philosophy, psychology

Gary Kraftsow shares his background and experiences studying with Krishnamacharya and Desikachar. He discusses the teachings he received and the impact they had on his life. He also talks about the relationship between Krishnamacharya and Desikachar and their teaching methods. Kraftsow explains the concepts of Viniyoga and Vinyasa and how they are applied in yoga practice.  www.viniyoga.com | @americanviniyogainstitute Connect

Mary Bue is a songwriter, Nada yogi, traveler, runner, vegan, retreat guide, music + yoga teacher based out of Minneapolis, often roaming this beautiful world. Named Best Songwriter of 2020 by City Pages, her music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, triumph, dreams, and the natural world. A longtime student of yoga and psychology, Mary weaves sacred subject matter into her songs, seeking of deeper levels of consciousness, and deep concern for the environment mixed into her sometimes crass, real-world hue. Mary Bue is a registered yoga teacher (e-RYT 500), an indie musician, and a teacher in the Viniyoga tradition, a breath-centered, flowing practice that believes in adapting postures to fit the whole person (not forcing a person to fit into a posture!). Mary received her certification at Whole Life Yoga in Seattle, WA by Tracy Weber, (student of Gary Kraftsow, student of T.K.V. Desikachar) and her 300 hour from Yoga Center Retreat (formerly Yoga Center of Minneapolis). In 2020, Mary received an additional 200 hour certificate in Nada Yoga (the Yoga of Sound) from Nada Yoga School in Rishikesh India. Connect with Mary marybue.com instagram.com/MaryBueMusic Patreon.com/marybue Where to connect with Andrea Website: https://andreaclaassen.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/seasonalandrea Seasonal Living Collective: https://andreaclaassen.com/seasonal-living-collective Andrea Claassen Bio Andrea Claassen is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula, RYT 500 hour yoga teacher, and Wild Woman Circle leader who has been in the wellness space since 2007. Her mission is to help you start to live a cyclical life by living in alignment with the seasons using Ayurveda as your guide. She does this by teaching her Peaceful Power Practices centered around movement, mindfulness & mother nature through an Ayurvedic lens. You can hear more from Andrea on her Peaceful Power Podcast where she aims to deliver actionable takeaways for you to live a more holistic lifestyle. Connect with Andrea on her website at www.andreaclaassen.com

Gary Kraftsow, founder of the American Viniyoga Institute, talks with J about the historical, philosophical, and religious context in which yoga appeared. They discuss the origins and substance of teachings given by TKV Desikachar at Colgate University in 1976, Patanjali's interest in the phenomenon of faith rather than the metaphysical nature of the godhead, qualified non-dualism, escaping the materialism of asana, from alternative to complimentary medicine, and transformation that addresses the fragmentation of our times.   To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.   Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.    

Leslie chats with one of his oldest yoga friends, Gary Kraftsow about their personal and mutual origins in yoga therapeutics.Gary is one of the key students of T.K.V. Desikachar and has been a true pioneer in the development of yoga education in the West. This free-ranging discussion covers a variety of topics about the origins, methods and history of yoga as a therapeutic practice and profession.American Viniyoga Institute (viniyoga.com), founded by Gary at the behest of his teacher, T.K.V. DesikacharGary's latest, up-to-date offerings via The Shift Network

Become a member of the Inner Circle and gain early access to new episodes, exclusive bonus episodes and podcast archives.https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepathOriginally published October 2018On this episode, I speak with yoga therapy pioneer Gary Kraftsow. Gary has been instrumental in the development of yoga therapy in America over the past 40 years. He began his study of yoga in India with T.K.V. Desikachar in 1974 and received his Masters Degree in Psychology and Religion from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983. In 1999, he founded the American Viniyoga Institute. Since then, he has become a renowned speaker and teacher and has authored two books that I highly recommend, Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation.Gary's Website: https://www.viniyoga.comGary's Books: Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member of the Medicine Path Inner Circle and gain early access to new episodes, exclusive bonus episodes and full podcast archives. https://plus.acast.com/s/medicinepath.

Amy talks with Dr. Lisa Kaley-Isley about chanting in the yoga tradition. Dr. Lisa is a Clinical Psychologist and certified Yoga Therapist who integrates the wisdom and techniques of both eastern and western philosophy and psychology to understand the human condition, alleviate suffering and promote holistic growth and transformation. She is a dedicated yoga practitioner and experienced yoga teacher in the Sri Vidya tradition of the Himalayan Institute, as taught by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Rolf Sovik, and Rod Stryker.Lisa studied Yoga Therapy with Gary Kraftsow of American Viniyoga in the lineage of TKV Desikachar and Sri Krishnamacharya. She has conducted and published yoga research and presented on various yoga topics at conferences around the world. Lisa is a founding member of the Global Consortium on Yoga Therapy (GCYT) and a member of the Accreditation Committee of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Lisa is also a member of the teaching faculty at the Yoga Therapy Institute and presents the ‘Yoga Psychology: philosophy and practice for anxiety and depression relief workshop. Amy and Lisa discuss Lisa's background, Lisa's travel adventure, Chanting & Japa mantra meditation, Adapting and moving her practice online during the pandemic, Initiation and what it means and a lot more. They talk about the following:Lisa's background and journey as a spiritual seeker living in this human bodyLisa and her husband's adventures and moving to Europe to fulfill life dreamsHow she started her chanting groups online during the pandemic and found the positive in online teachingChanting & Japa mantra meditation and the underlying mechanisms for growth, healing and beyond The Idea of initiation into mantra meditation and why it is essentialLisa's thoughts on inner transformation and how chanting can assist in the process  If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF's for download.Topics you can choose from include: • Yoga Therapy & Mental Health• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox• Yoga & Indian Philosophy• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Today's podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal Statehttps://theoptimalstate.com/  We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month's payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!Link to click in the description: http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonationCheck out Amy's website http://www.amywheeler.comChant with lisahttps://www.facebook.com/LisaLifeTreeYogaUK/ Check out lisa's websitehttps://lifetreeyoga.com/

On today's episode, we meet with Kristine Kaoverii Weber, who created the program "Yoga Ethics for Transforming Racism" with Kiesha Battles. Kristine is an internationally recognized Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher trainer who has presented internationally and founder of the Subtle Yoga, the first training for behavioral health professionals in the country. Kristine has trained thousands of people around the world since 2003. Her journey with Yoga began in middle school when she joined the "Yoga Club" that one of her teacher's provided. She remembers the transformational experience she had. Yoga continued to be a constant in her life when she moved to Washington, D.C to San Francisco, and on to Japan to teach English. From there, she was drawn to explore Yoga even more and decided to tour India for 2 years. After her experiences in Ashrams and with her teachers, she knew she had to share what she learned to those struggling with mental health upon returning to the States. Subtle Yoga was born in 2006 and in 2009, she began presenting at the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville. Kristine is married to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist so many of their conversations have centered around the intersection of Yoga and Mental Health. Back then, Yoga wasn't as trauma-informed as it is today and she found a niche in training Mental Health professional Yoga to bring to their clients. In 2012, she started her first 200-hour training that was also supported by a major continuing education provider. She continued to find how powerful it was to put Yoga training in the hands of professionals who were already trauma-informed and had strong ethics. It has been her mission to bring more professionalism to Yoga. She began offering courses online 2 years ago and her reach continues to broaden. Kristine's Subtle Yoga is accessible, person-centered, low-risk, and low-cost as an intervention. It can be applied in a therapy space, Yoga studio, gym, etc. One of her teacher's, Gary Kraftsow(Viniyoga), has influenced her development of Subtle Yoga. There are lots of repeated poses and moving with the breath. Kristine thinks about sequencing poses in regards to the nervous system. "I think about my sequencing in terms of where do we want to take the nervous system; do we want to go in the direction of energy and nourishment, do we need to stimulate the system a little bit, do we need to go in the direction of letting go and lightening or helping folx to feel more relaxed." Fast forward to 2016, Kristine was asked to speak at an Integrative Health Conference in Charlotte, NC right after Keith Lamont Scott was murdered. She found that no one was talking about the protests and what was happening right outside the conference. She decided to speak to social, economic, and environmental determinants of health that account for the majority of health outcomes. "I've felt very passionate about social justice for a long time and I see it as intimately connected to the Yoga process." Earlier in 2020 when the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum, Kristine reached out to Kiesha Battles, a former student of hers, and asked if she would be willing to collaborate on a course regarding racism as viewed from the lens of the Yamas and Niyamas, the yoga ethical principles. "Where they really shine is when you operationalize them and you think about them in terms of a particular problem, in this case racism, and then really how do I use these ethics to take right action in the world?" In her career, Kristine has been influenced by Gary Kraftsow, the founder of Viniyoga, Susan Andrews, a Yoga teacher in Brazil, Gabor Mate's book "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts," Bessel Van Der Kolk's book, "The Body Keeps the Score," Barbara Frederickson's book, "Love 2.0," and her husband Brett Sculthorp. In Charlotte, Kristine is inspired by Kiesha Battles, a Yoga Instructor, Samantha Leonard of Davidson Yoga Therapy, Sherry Lyerly Tarner, of Pure Wellness and Healing, all of the owners of Yoga Studios navigating COVID-19, and Dr. Lisette Holland, a Physical Therapist. Kristine wants to help others heal because she has received so much from Yoga and for her, there is no other choice but to give it back. Her advice to those seeking healing is to find a good therapist and trust yourself. Find more about her program, "Yoga Ethics for Transforming Racism."

What does the process of owning your yoga look like? What is the role of a yoga teacher in helping you to get there? And what is the ultimate value (or the point) to doing the work to create yoga that is uniquely yours? These are some of the things we talked about in this juicy conversation with yoga therapist and physiotherapist, Libby Hinsley. We go deep into the heart of teaching and practicing yoga guided by Libby’s wide-ranging wisdom, experience and passion. A fabulous discussion about many concepts that are dear to our hearts and our practice!We talked about...Cultivating an internal practice rather seeking to master external alignment cues - the yoga of knowing yourselfInteroceptive cues and the overlap of hyper mobility and agingShould we teach our students anatomy?Is it up to us as teachers to set the goal for the practice?Why having the perspective of anatomical variability will put a lot of people at ease.What messages we send with the language that we useWorking with chronic painHow yoga can help you answer the question, ‘what matters to me?’How yoga creates a vital space for community that is key to “heart happiness.”Anatomy bites: http://www.anatomybites.com/cuesResources & Mentions:Libby Hinsley: https://www.libbyhinsley.com/Paul Grilley’s bone gallery: https://paulgrilley.com/bone-photos/Krishnamacharya Yoga MandiramHypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Did you know how important your breath is besides sustaining life? Learning techniques of "Yoga Breath" can: Help prevent stress. ... Keep calm and relax. ... Set fire to those calories. ... Level up your energy. ... Use your lungs to the full capacity. ... Do more yoga to balance your heart rate after performing strenuous yoga. ... Improve digestion. We have an amazing guest, Gary Kraftsow, who will talk to you about the science and techniques of this often overlooked method of breath control. ..and as a bonus, we have our very own Stacey Loop joining in who is Modern Holistic Health's Yoga Breath Therapist! Gary Kraftsow has been a pioneer in the transmission of yoga for health, healing and personal transformation for over 40 years. Gary has successfully developed protocol for two National Institutes of Health studies: “Evaluating Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain” and “Yoga Therapy for Generalized Anxiety” In1983 Gary opened Maui School of Yoga Therapy.  In 1999, he founded the American Viniyoga Institute™, LLC - where he is not the Director and Senior Teacher.  Since then, he has become a renowned speaker and teacher of the Viniyoga methodology at many conferences and schools nationally and internationally. ******************************************************* What you need to know about TribeTalk - TribeTalk LIVE is a community platform to ask questions to health experts, and give and receive support from your community. - TribeTalk is FREE - You can join TribeTalk LIVE by PC, MAC, or mobile device by going to https://tribetalk.modernholistichealth.com  - Learn more on how to participate by visiting our website or Facebook Page https://www.modernholistichealth.com https://www.facebook.com/ModernHolisticHealth/

Legendary yoga teacher Gary joins me to discuss, yoga therapy, self-care and COVID, breath work, Viniyoga, the multi-dimensional model of being human, breath-centric asana, sankya, lineage and innovation, preparing for death, resilience and loss, being happy and resting in pure awareness. A practical and deep one, relevant to our times. Viniyoga.com

Wake Up Transformation Project on Wellness Force Radio: How do we let go of self SABOTAGE in a world that profits from our insecurity? Get 15% off your CURED Nutrition order with the code WELLNESSFORCE   ---> Get The Morning 21 System: A simple and powerful 21 minute system designed to give you more energy to let go of old weight and live life well.   JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP | *REVIEW THE PODCAST* About the wake up tribe: We create authentic self love and daily courage in our lives by supporting each other and doing the work everyday. We are inspired, optimistic, and happy about who we are. We appreciate the people in our lives and wonder at the possibilities of what life has to offer. We know we are more capable than we originally thought and the interviews with the world changers in Wake Up are proof that we are worthy and that anyone can do this. Their journeys shine a spotlight on three truths: You are capable, you are worthy, and you deserve to love your life and be happy. Feldmann Sheehan’s directing career started with a series of short documentary pieces on healthcare for designer Donna Karan’s philanthropic foundation, Urban Zen. Feldmann Sheehan also functioned as the foundation’s Executive Producer responsible for media. During the two years of establishing the Urban Zen brand alongside Karan, Feldmann Sheehan worked with a who’s who of the world of Western medicine such as Mehmet Oz, Woody Merrill, and celebrities such as Edie Falco, Michael J. Fox, Richard Gere, Christy Turlington, and the most respected yoga gurus in the Western world including: Rodney and Colleen Saidman Yee, Mary Dunn, Gary Kraftsow, Richard Freeman and motivational authors and speakers Deepak Chopra and Tony Robbins. Feldmann Sheehan’s documentary feature debut was “Mr. Prince” fro OvationTV about the legendary Broadway director and producer Hal Prince. Feldmann Sheehan was recently the President of the Board of The Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck New York. She helped initiate the theatre’s Next Stage Capital Campaign, and was instrumental in developing its sold-out film series, which has brought artists such as Frank Oz, Penelope Cruz, Pedro Almodovar, Kevin Costner, Guillermo Del Toro and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu to pre-screen films such as “Babel”, “Pan’s Labyrinth”, “Volver” and “Mr. Brooks” and to conduct Q & A’s with the audience. Feldmann Sheehan attended Bedales School and graduated from Wellesley College. She is an avid goldsmith, cook and gardener.     Join The #WellnessWarrior VIP Club **Click on the photo above to get exclusive discounts on new wellness tools, be first in line for new podcasts, get access to invite-only events, and so much more.** [spacer height="20px" id="2"] More Top Episodes 226 Paul Chek: The Revolution Is Coming (3 Part Series) 131 Drew Manning: Emotional Fitness 129 Gretchen Rubin: The Four Tendencies  183 Dr. Kyra Bobinet: Brain Science 196 Aubrey Marcus: Own The Day 103 Robb Wolf: Wired To Eat Best of The Best: The Top 10 Guests From over 200 Shows Get More Wellness In Your Life Join the #WellnessWarrior Community on Facebook Tweet us on Twitter: Send us a tweet Comment on the Facebook page  

DC Yoga Podcast episode 25- Gopi Kinnikutt "mantra clenses the mirror of the Heart" - Moving to the USA - Yoga, spiritual practice and depression - Living in an Ashram - Intense physical practice as gateway to feeling the body and living meditation - The body as a vehicle to express truth but also to cover up truth - Bhakti Vinyasa - The purpose of Asana practice - Giving back - Jainism - Mantra Meditation - Dualism and the exchange of love - Exploring who we are separate from the story we tell ourselves - The wonderful, mystical city of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna - And tree hugging For more about Bhakti Yoga Studio: www.bhaktiyogadc.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bhakti-Yoga-DC/1165151800165276 Retreats: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=233017&stype=-8&sVT=53&sView=day&sLoc=0 Yoga Teacher Training: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=233017&stype=-8&sVT=46&sView=day&sLoc=0 About Gopi: Gopi Kinnicutt is a dynamic Bhakti-infused yoga teacher who has developed her own unique teaching style. She organically creates and designs dynamic fluid yoga sequences, infused with deep spirituality. In her classes she incorporates mantras, breath work and Kriyas to release untouched energy and Prana. She bridges the philosophy of Yoga and the authentic traditions coming from India, making them accessible to the modern 21st century Yogi. Gopi leads National and International yoga retreats. She has been the head of RYT 200 hour and 300 hour teacher trainings . Gopi has trained extensively with Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest and Gary Kraftsow, and is certified and trained in trauma-sensitive yoga. Gopi also lived in a Bhakti Yoga ashram for 10 years, where she studied and taught Indian philosophy and mantra meditation. Gopi is certified in Thai Yoga Body Work and Ayurvedic Body Work, offering a vigorous herbal oil body massage (Vishesh) and a deep relaxation head treatment called Shirodhara.

Gary Kraftsow is an old friend and mentor to Commander Divine. He is also the founder of the American Viniyoga Institute. Listen in as they discuss the current state of yoga in the US as well as the deeper meaning of yoga as a practice rather than simply an exercise. Learn about: Gary’s idea of the Yogi, the Bogi and the Rogi and the genuine teachings of yoga. How yoga actually preceded any religious practice, including Hinduism The importance of breath control as a first step to a focused mind Listen to this episode to hear more about the ancient practice of Hinduism and yoga and to understand yoga as part of a “science of spirituality.”

Gary Kraftsow is an old friend and mentor to Commander Divine. He is also the founder of the American Viniyoga Institute. Listen in as they discuss the current state of yoga in the US as well as the deeper meaning of yoga as a practice rather than simply an exercise. Learn about: Gary's idea of the Yogi, the Bogi and the Rogi and the genuine teachings of yoga. How yoga actually preceded any religious practice, including Hinduism The importance of breath control as a first step to a focused mind Listen to this episode to hear more about the ancient practice of Hinduism and yoga and to understand yoga as part of a "science of spirituality."

On this episode, I speak with yoga therapy pioneer Gary Kraftsow. Gary has been instrumental in the development of yoga therapy in America over the past 40 years. He began his study of yoga in India with T.K.V. Desikachar in 1974 and received his Masters Degree in Psychology and Religion from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983. In 1999, he founded the American Viniyoga Institute. Since then, he has become a renowned speaker and teacher and has authored two books that I highly recommend, Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation.Gary’s Website: https://www.viniyoga.comSupport the Podcast!1. Leave a review on iTunes, or share with your friends on social media2. Become a Patreon supporter at http://patreon.com/brianjamesteaching and gain access to podcast extras and hours of yoga practice resources including vinyasa sequences, breathwork, chanting and guided meditations.3. Leave a one-time donation at http://paypal.me/medicinepathyogaAbout Brian JamesBrian James is a yoga teacher, integrative coach, musician and artist currently living in Montréal, Canada with his wife, astrologer Debbie Stapleton and their Boston Terrier, Kingston (RIP Sweetie). He has been exploring the intersection of music, yoga and shamanism for over 20 years.medicinepathpodcast.combrianjamesyoga.cominstagram.com/brianjames_medicinepathtags: gary kraftsow, yoga, viniyoga, tantra, tkv desikachar, krishnamacharya, death, dying

Mirka Scalco Kraftsow, cofounder of the American Viniyoga Institute, brings her special brand of shakti to the podcast and talks with J about the spirit that guided her to her teachers Gary Kraftsow and TKV Desikachar, and her ongoing journey to bring the teachings of yoga to light. They discuss her childhood in Italy, her time with Rajneesh/Osho, how she met Gary and her relationship with Desikachar, the progression of Viniyoga, and the simple sadana of ordinary life. This episode is sponsored by Yogalifestyle.com and Karmasoft.   This episode is part of our premium podcast subscription. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.  

Gary Kraftsow, founder of the American Viniyoga Institute, author of Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation, talks with J about his precedent-setting career in yoga and yoga therapy. They discuss his relationship to TKV Desikachar and the impact it had on his teaching, why the efforts to create a national organization were thwarted, the story behind him using the name Viniyoga, TKV's son, yoga in healthcare, the definition of yoga therapy, and the true spirit of the teachings. This episode is brought to you by YogaAnatomy.net.   This episode is part of our premium podcast subscription. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.  

In Episode 026, the Thanksgiving edition of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing I share space with one of the most creative, curious and supportive souls in my life, the owner and healer behind Davidson Yoga Therapy, Samantha Leonard.   In addition to her work with Davidson Yoga Therapy, Samantha is the founder and creative director of MyBackPainGuru, Learn2TeachYoga and has led education, professional development and mind-body wellness programming for the Carolinas Healthcare System, Davidson College and The Sanger Heart Clinic.  As part of her thriving practice with Davidson Yoga Therapy, she works with people with conditions from ulcerative colitis and ischemic stroke, to anxiety and anorexia, diabetes and low back pain.   As you will hear in the podcast, the intersection of my healing journey both professionally and personally with that of Samantha's is beyond rational explanation. First connecting as part of an initial session of the American Viniyoga Institute's Yoga Teacher Training, we have continued to remain close, tied geographically by the shared homes of my grandparents and Samantha in Davidson, North Carolina.   In this conversation, Samantha shares some incredible insights and vulnerable wisdom as part of her own journey through life, exploring her spiritual self and the fascinating practice we have both come to know as Yoga.   Digging into questions such as   What is Yoga and more specifically Yoga Therapy?   What does it mean to be a Yoga Teacher vs a Yoga Therapist? What kind of training is required?   Grounding in faith we explore some curious concepts and questions surrounding Christianity and Yoga: Where exactly does Jesus fit into the practice and can I meditate and still remain a Christian?   Being left wordless on more than one occasion, this conversation is filled with nourishment and inspirational ideas that will likely leave you seeking, if not already, a road of self exploration through more purposeful contemplation and reflection. Samantha is pioneering a field of healing through yoga therapy and I can only imagine the possibilities for greater collective wellness through the continued training and promotion of certified yoga therapists as part of integrative and multidisciplinary care teams.   I am so lucky to have met Samantha and all of the engaging souls with the American Viniyoga Institute including our teacher Gary Kraftsow.   I am blessed to offer, through this engaging conversation, at least a small sampling of some of the most enlightening teachings as part of my brief time with Gary and our nurturing yoga family.   And with that let's breathe into the show!   Keep up with Davidson Yoga Therapy:  https://www.davidsonyogatherapy.com   Follow Davidson Yoga Therapy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonYogaTherapy/   Listen to our previous conversation using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

Tami Simon speaks with Gary Kraftsow, a pioneer in the transmission of yoga for health, healing, and personal transformation for more than 30 years. Gary is a teacher of the viniyoga methodology and founder of the Maui School of Yoga Therapy. He is the author of the book Yoga for Wellness, and with Sounds True has released four training DVDs, including Viniyoga Therapy for Anxiety and Viniyoga Therapy for the Upper Back, Neck and Shoulders. In this interview, Tami speaks with Gary about his work in research on yoga's health benefits, his understanding of the true purpose of yoga, and how that purpose might become a focus for the practice of yoga in the modern world. (53 minutes)