Yoga Inspiration
Join Kino MacGregor, one of the world's master yoga teachers, as she shares yoga life hacks to translate the wisdom of yoga into a happier, more peaceful, more loving life. Listen to authentic, raw conversations and talks from Kino on her own and with real students about what yoga is really all about. Ignite or rekindle your inner spark to get on your mat and keep practicing.
Episodes
#236 From Effort to Stillness: The Journey of Ashtanga from Gross to Subtle
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, su
#235 Patience in Yoga Practice: Abhyāsa, Vairāgya, and the Wisdom of Stages
In this episode we explore one of yoga's most essential lessons: patience. Drawing from Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras 3.6 and 1.12, we reflect on why everything in yoga unfolds in stages and why true progress comes through the twin practices of steady effort, abhyāsa, and non-attachment, vairāgya. Through personal stories, including my struggle with Pincha Mayūrāsana and unexpected ease in Mayūrāsana, w
#234 The Work of Second Series: Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series
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
#233 The Three Pillars of Tristhāna with Tim Feldmann
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 ab
#232 Living as a Yogi: Sincerity, Sattva, and the Eightfold Path
What does it really mean to be a yogi? In this episode, Kino explores the heart of yogic life beyond postures and performance. A yogi, she reminds us, is someone sincerely committed to realizing the Self and who understands that cultivating sattva (clarity, harmony, and balance) is an essential step along the path. Drawing from Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra and the teachings of the three guṇas (sattva, r
#231 The Business of Yoga: Leadership, Marketing, Pricing & Growth with Bruce Barkus
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 practic
#230 Yoga is Mind Training: How to Steady the Mind Through Practice
Yoga is more than flexibility or physical strength. At its essence, yoga is the training of the mind. In this episode, Kino MacGregor explores how yoga philosophy, breath, and daily practice help steady the mind, re-pattern habitual thinking, and cultivate inner awareness. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gītā, the Yoga Sūtra, and the teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois, Kino reflects on the deeper purpose of
#229 Deep Practice, Full Heart: Why Consistency Changes Everything
What does it really mean for practice to deepen? It is not a bigger backbend or a more dramatic shape. It is the quiet transformation that comes from showing up day after day. In this talk, Kino explores how steady effort widens our capacity to feel the full spectrum of life. The highs may feel brighter, and the lows may feel deeper, yet the work is to meet both with awareness rather than attachm
#228 The Benefits of Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Practice: From Nectar Drop to Ocean with Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor
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 trans
#227 Beyond Asana: The Complete Path of Yoga with Srivatsa Ramaswami
Srivatsa Ramaswami is one of the last direct students of the legendary yogi Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often regarded as the father of modern yoga. He studied with Krishnamacharya for over three decades, receiving a deeply traditional education in āsana, prāṇāyāma, chanting, and classical yoga texts. He is widely respected as a teacher and scholar of yoga, known for preserving and sharing the Viny
#226 Avidyā: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance in Yoga
Avidyā: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance in Yoga Ignorance is rarely felt as ignorance. In yoga, this root affliction is called avidyā, the veil that causes us to mistake impermanence for permanence, suffering for joy, and the non-self for the Self. In this episode, Kino MacGregor explores the meaning of avidyā through the Yoga Sūtras, the Upaniṣads, and Buddhist teachings. Rather than a simple lack
#225 Grief as a Teacher: Remembering SharathJi
Grief is a powerful teacher. It doesn't ask for permission before it arrives—it simply comes, dismantling everything we thought we knew about love, faith, and permanence. It turns the familiar inside out, leaving us raw and exposed to the mystery of loss. In this heartfelt episode, Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Joseph Armstrong, Edgar Navarro, Frances Cole Jones, Heather Serna, and many others co
#224 Viveka-khyāti: Seeing Clearly in an Age of Confusion and Acting Without Losing the Heart amidst Conflict
Yoga has never been a path of withdrawal from the world. It is a path of learning how to stand within it without losing clarity. In this episode, we explore the yogic concept of viveka, the capacity to see clearly and discern what is essential from what is transient. Drawing from the Yoga Sūtra, the Bhagavad Gītā, and traditional teachings, we look at how viveka-khyāti, steady and luminous discern
#223 In Conversation with Dr Raj: The Stories Behind The Poses
Episode Description In this conversation, Kino sits down with Dr. Raj Balkaran to explore the deeper dimensions of yoga practice beyond physical postures. Together they discuss mythology, meaning, and the role of story in shaping how we understand and embody yoga. Dr. Balkaran shares the origins of The Stories Behind the Poses and explains how myth functions as a living teaching tool rather than
#222 Grief, Presence, and the Courage to Stay Human with J.S. Park
In this episode of The Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with hospital chaplain, writer, and grief expert J.S. Park for a deeply grounding conversation about grief, presence, and what it means to live with an open heart in a world that can feel overwhelming. They explore why grief is not something to fix or overcome, but something to honor, carry, and let transform over time. Kino
#221 In Conversation with Andrew Tanner of The American Yoga Council
In this episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor is joined by Andrew Tanner, yoga teacher of over 20 years, founder of the American Yoga Council and the Berkshire Yoga Festival, and author of So You Want to Open a Yoga Studio. Together they explore what it truly means to be a yogipreneur and how to build a sustainable livelihood in yoga without losing the heart of the practice. Andr
#220 The Astrology of 2026 - the Year Everything Changes with Gahl Sasson
In this episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, I sit down with astrologer and teacher Gahl Sasson for a thoughtful conversation on cycles, change, and finding meaning during times of transition. Together we explore how astrology and yoga intersect as tools for self awareness, timing, and personal growth. Gahl shares insights into understanding cycles of challenge and opportunity, the importance
#219 Healing Through Grief: How Yoga, Practice, and Community Carry Us Forward When Everything Falls Apart
This episode is a reflection on a year marked by grief, loss, and profound inner reckoning. I share openly about the death of my teacher, the unraveling of relationships I once trusted, and the disorienting experience of being misunderstood, judged, and rejected in ways I did not expect. What began as a single loss rippled outward, touching every area of my life. Along the way, I was forced to c
#218 Is Yoga Inherently Healing? Trauma, Activation & the Power of Presence with Terri Cooper and Kino MacGregor
In this episode, Kino speaks with trauma-informed yoga educator and activist Terri Cooper to explore the deep connection between yoga and healing. What is trauma, really? Is yoga inherently trauma-sensitive? And how can teachers and students use yoga to navigate emotional activation and create space for true transformation? Terri shares her insights from years of work with Connection Coalition, a
#217 Walking in the Light of the Guru: Lineage, Faith & Living Wisdom
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. This was written in July 2025, the first Guru Purnima Day, after Sharath Jois passed. Our hearts were still heavy with grief and we contemplated what it truly
#216 The Importance of a Teacher, the Meaning of Being a Student and the Power of Transmission.
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 ro
#215 Dialogue and Discipline, Rethinking Authority in Ashtanga Yoga
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, h
#214 The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence
Podcast notes The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence One of the most frustrating instructions I ever received in a meditation class was deceptively simple: Close your eyes and quiet the mind. I remember thinking, if I could do that, I wouldn't be here learning how to meditate. Like so many others, I was searching for peace amidst the chaos of my own thoughts. Fo
#213 Abhyāsa: The Sacred Art of Returning, Practice, Repetition, and Inner Cultivation
What does it really mean to practice yoga not just once in a while, but again and again, across years, through resistance, joy, boredom, and transformation? In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of abhyāsa, the Sanskrit word often translated as "practice," but whose roots reveal something far more enduring: the committed, intentional act of returning. They weave this with th
#212 Understanding the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Invocation: Etymology, Meaning & Inner Alchemy
The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn't matter what shapes your body can or can't make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us and it weaves us into a community of fello
#211 A Supported Practice: Finding Balance Between Yoga and Strength Training with Kino MacGregor and Wade Oakley
In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training. Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey quickly took him to India to study with Sharath
#210 Living Legacy: Sri Shubha on Krishnamacharya, Yoga, and Teaching from the Heart
In this rare and heartfelt conversation, Kino MacGregor sits down with Sri Shubha, daughter of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya, to share stories and insights from the man often called the father of modern yoga. Sri Shubha offers a deeply personal glimpse into her upbringing in a household where yoga was not just a practice, but a way of life. She reflects on her father's presence, rituals, and te
Bonus Episode: The Spiritual Hustle: Build Your Authentic Yoga Business Without Losing Your Soul
This bonus episode is a gateway into The Spiritual Hustle, an honest, practical, and soul-centered approach to building a yoga or wellness business. The conversation traces the roots of practice, the call to teach, and the leap of faith it takes to create an online presence that stays true to authentic voice. You'll hear about: • The real challenges (and gifts) of shifting from student to teacher
#209 Roots & Branches: Writing, Teaching, and Living Yoga with David Swenson
In this warm and inspiring episode, Kino MacGregor welcomes her dear friend and legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher David Swenson for a conversation about his new book, Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow. David shares what sparked the idea for the book — a collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom from decades of living yoga on and off the mat. He offers an inside look at the writing journey:
#208 The Many Shades of Devotion in Yoga
Join Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Wade Oakley and Chandana Bhowmick as they discuss what devotion means for each of them. Finding the fuel of devotion in their practice is more sustainable than the fuel of ambition. Hear how they each found the student's heart of love in their relationship with their teachers and how they carry the flame of the practice forward today. In the yogic path, we of
#207 How Yoga Teaches Us to Stand Up for Justice Without Losing Our Peace
In a world filled with conflict, injustice, and harm, how do we respond as yogis? In this episode, Kino explores the powerful yogic concept of *kṣānti*—forbearance, patience, and compassionate endurance—through scriptural sources including the Bhagavad Gītā, the Bodhicaryāvatāra, and the Yoga Sutras. We talk about how yogic activism is possible—and necessary. With examples from Arjuna's awakeni
#206: Dharma Talk: Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga with Kino and Tim
Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga and Why We Hope You Keep Practicing Too Dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice is a powerful journey worth pursuing, even decades after your first class. Reflecting on more than 25 years of practice, we've discovered profound reasons to stay committed, which we captured in a recent series on why we are still practicing Ashtanga Yoga.
#205: Dharma Talk: The Discerning Eye of the Yogin — Becoming Connoisseurs of Spiritual Knowledge
We are, by nature, discriminating beings. We develop taste — for art, food, fashion, architecture. We learn to tell what is real from what is imitation, what is durable from what is fleeting. We become connoisseurs of culture, cuisine, aesthetics. So what happens when that same discriminating capacity is turned inward? This is what yogic philosophy demands. It says: if you can be discerning wi
#204: Dharma Talk: The Grace of the Guru
In the sacred journey of yoga, the figure of the guru—the teacher, the revealer—is not merely someone who instructs us in techniques. The guru is the light that removes darkness, the presence that dispels confusion, and the voice that calls us back to the Self. The Sanskrit word guru itself is formed from gu, meaning darkness, and ru, meaning remover. The guru is not the source of light—but the on
#203: An Ocean of Grace, Saumanasya - The Cheerful Disposition of the Yogi's Mind
Many of us come to yoga seeking relief. Relief from pain, from restlessness, from uncertainty. And sometimes we find it. But over time, what we discover is more lasting than relief. We discover presence. We discover steadiness. We discover a kind of joy that doesn't have to shout. It only has to be. So we practice. Not to get rid of pain, but to know it. To meet it with clarity and care. And in th
#202: How Yoga Grows a Heart of Unconditional Compassion
In the closing prayer of the Ashtanga practice, we chant: svasti prajābhyaḥ pari-pālayantāṁ, nyāyena mārgena mahīṁ mahīśāḥ, gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubham astu nityaṁ, lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu. These ancient words are an offering — a prayer for all beings to be protected, for the rulers of the earth to walk the path of righteousness, for all sacred beings to be blessed, and for every living soul ac
#201: Tears of the Path: Saṁvega and the Ocean Within — A Reflection on Feeling Deeply, Seeing Clearly, and Walking the Path with Urgency
As we go deeper on the spiritual path—whether through yoga, meditation, or self-inquiry—we often discover a paradox: We feel more peace… but we also feel more pain. The highs become transcendent. The lows, unbearable. We start to feel everything more intensely. This intensity is not a mistake. It is the heart of the path. The Buddha says: you have felt more grief than the ocean holds water. This
#200: The Benefits of Strong Practice in Cultivating Tapas
Sometimes we may not understand why it is necessary to engage in strong practice. This talk dives into how the effects we put into asana practice cultivate a powerful internal fire of purification. This was a talk given after a 4 day immersion with Kino and Tim in Bangkok. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com. Limited tim
#199: Honoring the Lineage and Understanding Merit in Ashtanga Yoga
Kino and Tim discuss how to honor the lineage in the absence of our teachers. They further dive into the definition of what constitutes merit in the practice of Yoga. Ending with a Q&A that captures the spirit of the conclusion of their first week of teaching in Bali Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offe
#198: The Lifelong Path of Yoga: Kino MacGregor on Insightful Self-Discovery
Why yoga? Anyone who has practiced for a decade, two decades, or even a lifetime knows that the answer to this question is anything but simple—or perhaps so simple that words fail to capture it. Some truths can only be understood through embodied knowledge, a form of wisdom that arises not from intellectual effort but from deep receptivity. Yoga is a path of insight, not just the accumulation of
#197: Tristhana Unveiled: Breath, Body, and Mind in Ashtanga Yoga with Kino & Tim
Join Kino and Tim as they explore Tristhana, the foundational framework of Ashtanga Yoga that unites breath, body, and mind. Whether you are new to the practice or have been teaching for years, this episode offers a deeper look at how these three elements work together to cultivate presence, focus, and transformation. Breath serves as the bridge between body and mind, asana creates embodiment an
#196: Astrology Talk with Kino MacGregor and Gahl Sasson
Astrology is more than just predictions. Join Kino and Gahl for a conversation about spirituality, past lives, and how astrology can help guide us along our journey Gahl Sasson makes Kabbalah, astrology and psychology engaging, illuminating, and fun. His book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, (published by Simon & Schuster and co-written with Steve Weinstein), blends wisdom and metaphors from cultures
#195: Discipline, Method and Studentship in Ashtanga Yoga
With set sequences, rules, and repetitions, Ashtanga is often seen as a devotion to discipline. But if you look closely, it is a delicate orchestration where breath, movement, and focus unite to reveal the clarity within. In today's episode, we reflect on the purpose behind the method, exploring how every inhale, every exhale, and every asana carries intention. Ashtanga challenges us to set aside
#194: The Pillars of Happiness with Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman
Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman join us to share timeless insights exploring how impermanence and interconnectedness form the foundation of a meaningful life. With wisdom rooted in years of spiritual practice, they reflect on the paradox of happiness – not as something to chase but as a natural state revealed through presence and self-awareness. Our conversation invites us to look beyond rigid str
#193: Honouring Lineage When the Teacher is Gone
The lineage of Ashtanga has always been a living tradition carried forward by devoted practitioners. But what happens when the Guru who once held the lineage are no longer present? Without an Acharya to guide us, the responsibility shifts to each of us – to show up, to practice, and to nurture the teachings within ourselves. And it's not about perfection or mastery. It's about presence. The simple
#192: Living The Lineage: Dedication in The Face of Change
Ashtanga Yoga is more than a personal ritual - it's a living tradition carried forward by generations of teachers and students. Those who came before us made sacrifices to do so and as yogis, we share a responsibility in keeping the lineage alive. So in this episode, we explore what it means to honor our teachers. Not through idolization, but by asking: How do we sustain a lineage that has given u
#191: Accessibility in Ashtanga: Honoring Tradition And Embracing All Bodies
Ashtanga Yoga reminds us that practice is not about perfection, it's about presence. And while this truth features throughout life's ups and downs, let's take a moment to reflect on this through the lens of accessibility. There is, after all, great power in offering adaptations that make the practice available to all bodies and abilities… And what does it mean to stay connected to practice throug
#190: The Hidden Knowledge of Yoga Within
While our practice connects us to a lineage of timeless teachings, its essence is deeply personal and woven into our breath, our movement, and our awareness. It's here within this space that we begin to understand the true source of the practice - our being - and the resilience it cultivates both on and off the mat. Yet, the journey is not always easy. Life's challenges whether physical, emotiona
#189: Honouring the Teachings of Sharath Jois: A Memorial
As we honor the life and teachings of Sharath Jois, we are reminded of the deep roots and enduring spirit of the Mysore yoga tradition. This episode invites us to reflect on the profound relationship between teacher and student – a connection built on humility, surrender, and a flow of wisdom passed through generations. Grief, like yoga, requires us to sit with discomfort, to embrace impermanence,
#188: Yoga and War: Hala Okeili on Holding Space for Peace in Lebanon's Crisis
As Lebanon endures yet another wave of conflict, Hala speaks candidly about the heartbreak of leaving her homeland to protect her young son while holding fast to her role as a guide and healer for her community. Her journey reminds us that yoga is a practice far beyond the mat – it's a call to connect, to serve, and to hold space even in the most difficult of times. In this conversation, Hala open
#187: The Humble Practice of Non-Attachment
Yoga is an invitation to meet ourselves just as we are, embracing both the ease of sukha and the discomfort of dukkha with presence and patience. It's a practice that calls us to observe the fluctuations of the mind – our desire for comfort, our resistance to pain – and, through each cycle of breath, to cultivate a quiet resilience that meets both without reaction. Much like life's trials, yoga al
#186: The Quiet Strength Within - Redefining Success in Yoga
Perfection is enchanting—but it promises an end destination that doesn't exist. Yoga, if you listen carefully, asks us to turn inward, embracing tapas - disciplined effort - not as a demand for perfection but as a gentle guide through life's ups and downs. Let's be humbled by the reminder that yoga is not a performance after all. It's a daily ritual that meets us exactly where we are. It's a lett
#185: Satya and the Limits of Cognition
In a world where we often seek certainty, clear answers, and the comfort of knowing, yoga offers a humbling reminder: truth is rarely as simple as it seems. It's in this awareness of our behavioral patterns we can take the opportunity to question our reality… Or maybe we don't get a choice. It's easy to assume that our view of the world is objective but by returning again and again to our mats, th
#184: No Hierarchy, No Race In The Ashtanga Practice
For many, the allure of yoga is wrapped in ideals of achievement – perfect poses, precise counts, and the polished image of a seasoned yogi. Yet, the heart of the practice invites us to embrace something far deeper. Being a student means showing up with an open mind, being willing to stumble, and finding peace in not knowing the big answers. It means recognizing that every teacher - no matter how
#183: Swadhyaya's Call to Introspection and Devotion
Self study offers a bridge between practice and self-understanding, yet in a world where achievement is often measured by what we know or what we can do, Swadhyaya gently redirects us toward a more introspective path. Here, memorization becomes an act of devotion - a way to internalize the teachings, grounding our practice in respect and humility. But humility in yoga isn't about diminishing ourse
#182: To Grow With Ashtanga, We Must Embrace The Fire
Life has a way of challenging us - pushing us to the edge of our comfort zones - and it's in those moments that we often find our true strength. Ashtanga yoga practice mirrors this perfectly, presenting us with both physical and emotional hurdles that test our discipline and resolve. It's time to delve into the heart of what it means to engage with tapas and accept that it's not about forcing our
#181: The Heart of Ashtanga: Exploring the Yamas
From the first step onto the mat to the deeper journey inward, Ashtanga offers more than just physical transformation. It introduces us to the yamas, the ethical principles that lay the foundation for a truly holistic practice. These yamas - non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, ethical conduct, and non-attachment - invite us to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and interactions both on and of
#180: Consistency As A Spiritual Necessity
How often do we consider the profound impact of consistency in our yoga practice? Because it's in moments of resistance and wavering minds that we can witness the full loving force of yoga. It is here where we receive an invitation. And every time we RSVP "yes", we open up our capacity for growth… We start to see that Ashtanga invites us to move beyond the physical into a journey with spiritual es
#179: Sacred Lineage: Celebrating Yoga's Generational Wisdom
Walk far enough down the yogic path and it will soon become clear that the guidance of a teacher and the support of our communities is invaluable. On Guru Purnima Day, we pause to reflect on the profound impact of our gurus and mentors who illuminate our journey. Yet, while this path is often illuminated by such wisdom, it is not without its challenges. Personal struggles—whether physical, emotio
#178: Transforming Judgement into Discernment
The truth is, we each have a library's worth of past experiences and conditioning that can cloud our vision, trapping us in looping thoughts. And while that sounds uncomfortable, this is the instinctive reality of the human mind. Every day we face the urge to judge. Meanwhile, discernment (or Viveka) offers a different path. One of turning inward, reflecting deeply, and distinguishing between wha
#177: Through the Looking Glass: Using Meditation for Transformation
Meditation holds the promise of transformation, but its path is not always straightforward. For some, it is a retreat from the chaos of daily life–a space to recharge. For others, it is a crucible, challenging the mind and revealing its deepest patterns. No matter what experience we affix onto the practice, meditation invites us to sit with ourselves, observe the mind's incessant chatter, and c
#176: Letting Go of False Promises And Embracing Impermanence
Many come to the mat believing yoga will erase all suffering, bringing perpetual bliss and prosperity. Yet, the true essence of yoga offers something more profound and enduring. It's time to explore the ancient wisdom that yoga imparts, teaching us to embrace the inevitable changes and hardships with grace, wisdom, and compassion. Because it's not about achieving a flawless practice or a pain-free
#175: Revealing Our Highest Truth with Sadhana
Sadhana allows the waters of spiritual practice to simmer within us, gradually revealing the light within. It teaches us the value of patience and perseverance, emphasizing that the journey of yoga is a lifelong pursuit. Because truly, yoga is not something that can be mastered in a weekend, a month, or even a year. While a year of practice can establish a solid foundation, true understanding and
#174: Transcending Discomfort of the Mind, Body and Senses with Tim Feldmann
As we delve deeper into this yogic path, we appreciate the practice not just for physical prowess, but for emotional and spiritual resilience too. Whether we're striving to show up daily despite life's demands or digging deep to overcome generational trauma, commitment is key to our growth. But what about once we're on the mat? How easily do our thoughts wander with our curious senses? By explorin
#173: The Sacred Now and the Transformative Power of Mudita
As life progresses—with its inevitable busyness, ageing, or delving into the role of teacher—finding time for personal practice becomes even more crucial. We must continually adapt, acknowledging that our physical abilities might change and accepting these shifts not as setbacks but as opportunities to deepen our understanding of yoga's true essence. It's about evolving our practice to fit our cha
#172: Doubt, Shame and Blame: How Your Shadows Can Deepen Your Practice
The first time we step onto a yoga mat is the first step on an unexpected journey towards transformation. As we immerse ourselves deeper, repeating movements and dedicating our energy, we witness a shift in our lives but more notably, we encounter the humanness of frustration, shame and blame. Yet, it is in these moments where yoga reveals its subtler spiritual layers offering us tools not just to
#171: Encouraging Sangha: The Importance Of Community in Yoga
Without a doubt, yoga is an invitation for introspection and growth. It holds a mirror to who we truly are and generously serves as our unwavering support throughout the trials of life. But as we move through this journey, how often do we consider our contribution to the yoga community? Much like the unwavering support of our own practices guiding us through arduous human experiences, community pa
#170: Does Mastering More Asanas Make a Better Yogi? The Confronting Lessons of Ashtanga
Yoga does change your life if you tend to the practice every day. But is it compassionate enough to show up on the mat when your body is begging you for a break? You get to choose: you could show up to your Ashtanga practice once a week giving your everything or you could show up every day with just 50% - even 10% - of what you've got. With this decision, you get the invitation to reflect upon wh
#169: From Pregnancy to Pranayama with Katy Scherer
The belief that one metaphorical door closing is the chance for another one to open couldn't speak to Katy Scherer's story more. When pregnancy placed a sudden limitation on her running career, a redirection emerged that she never expected; she traded laces for bare feet and the gravel beneath them for a yoga mat. But this isn't a conversation about life's surprises, this is in fact an exploration
#168: Healing Roots: From Quick Fixes to The Intricacies of Lineage and Diversity
From summer camp serendipity to university days solace, yoga can meet us in the most unsuspecting times. It plants tiny seeds of inspiration into our awareness so that our yogic journeys can fully bloom when the time is right. And it's in these moments - where many of us find yoga's healing qualities as a soothing balm to insomnia or back pain - that we meet the real essence of yoga. The deeper di
#167: Slowness, Discernment and Gurus: A Dharma Talk From Mysore
Limitlessness and opportunity – the inertia of pacy modern life can serve as fuel for realising our purpose in this lifetime. But much like this two-month immersion in Mysore that serves as a grounding balance to our proactive compulsions, finding the right teacher will surely keep us all on the right track. At the very least, it will help us avoid complete burnout. Yet while living in a world of
#166: When Life Gets Hard: Finding Guidance in Spiritual Endurance
If we expect somehow to only show up for our practice when things are feeling good and do a good job from the external standards, then we'll lack the kind of spiritual fortitude that's really required. And, in this modern age, it's all too easy to lose our grip of patience when immediacy permiates our every chance to make a decision. We may be fortunate to live in a world of advancements that bett
#165: Overcoming Challenges by Remembering the Gifts of Yoga
As we journey on the spiritual path, we seek answers for our ever questioning minds. What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose? Can I really be bothered to do primary series today? Healthy questioning offers us meaningful personal growth but it is indeed part of the practice to remain the observer of thoughts. Once we step into the rabbit hole questioning ourselves, our yogi paths, and even
#164: Navigating Humanness and Perfection Through Yoga
What brought you to yoga? For many, the instant access to other people's lives online fuels them to chase aspirational goals. But where does a path lit up by comparison lead? For instance, to be excitedly motivated by the idea of mastering a headstand or flexibility draws in so many people to yoga - this would be fine if our self-perception didn't become so easily warped in the pursuit of perfecti
#163: From Women's Empowerment to Global Healing: Dina Ghandour's Story as a Palestinian Yogi
Openly, vulnerably and courageously, Dina Ghandour shares her experience as a Palestinian Yogi throughout this conversation. Her journey began with practising asanas with a VHS tape in her bedroom at 15 to now, a Jivamukti Yoga certified yoga teacher and bodyworker based in Duba leading community classes and worldwide retreats. Tapping into her belief that yoga is a practice of liberation and that
#161: The Yogi's Journey to Devotion and Discipline with Tim Feldmann
No matter how much passion we have for our yoga practice, it's our relationship to discipline that profoundly shapes our experience. And, even if two people had the same passion for yoga yet one was regimented and the other was averse to consistency, neither one of them will have a perfectly smooth journey. But isn't finding balance the point? Isn't an opportunity to dive deeper into our being the
#160: Can a Yogi be Wealthy? Spiritual Entrepreneurship with Beatriz Yepes
Whether it is morally correct to pursue wealth, business, or even simply charging for services has perhaps been a question on many wellness practitioners mind. It's this question weaves its way throughout this episode as we explore both the philosophical and the practical side to running a spiritual business. It's improtant to acknowledge that this inner conflict is deeply rooted yet we must remem
#159: Yoga's Foundational Trilogy: Exploring Tristana with Tim Feldmann
At the heart of our yoga practice, we engage mindfully with asanas to awaken the whispers of our subconscious and dive into layers unseen. Yet what is central to the symphony of ashtanga is the tristana method – a trilogy of asana, breath, and gaze. While it may be a simple structure for the mind to understand, truly how many years does mastery take? Along with Tim, in this episode we explore how
#158: The Power of Yin Yoga and Finding Balance with Jo Phee
In this conversation, we explore the type of yoga that almost all of us have thought "it looks so easy" but turns out to be one of the most challenging styles. World-renowned yoga trainer, Jo Phee, walks us through the world of yin yoga and how she went from corporate life to teaching this quietly powerful style. Yin yoga is stillness, reflective, and meditative. And if we're all seeking more of t
#157: Seekers, Teachers and the Challenges of Yoga with David Swenson
Can you remember day 1 of your yoga journey? How compelling the practice was even when your body was exhausted? That's dedication, right? In this episode, world-renowned and trailblazing yoga teacher, David Swenson, reminds us that the essential awareness of push and pull with yoga can be almost non-existent at the beginning, especially if you're like David who likens his younger yogi self as an o
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