Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler The Journey Beyond Life: Exploring Yoga, Mortality, and Legacy with Leslie Howard
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast. In today's episode, we are joined by the remarkable Leslie Howard, a distinguished yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and yoga researcher. Leslie delves into the profound and mystical experiences she encountered during Savasana Pose, also known as Corpse Pose, experiences that defied modern explanations. But that's just the beginning of Leslie's journey. She shares her transformational path towards becoming a Death Doula, an unexpected realization that drew a profound connection between yoga and the preparation for the inevitable. In a world where the essence of yoga often gets overshadowed by modern practices, Leslie brings to light its ancient purpose: preparing us for the profound journey of death and dying. Through her Death Cafe's, Leslie invites candid conversations about mortality, offering insight and answers to questions that surround the preparation, the moments themselves, and the mysteries beyond. She sheds light on the unsettling medicalization of death in contemporary society, where the focus is on prolonging life, often at the expense of a peaceful transition. Leslie also emphasizes the significance of legacy and the enduring impact of even the smallest acts of kindness. In a thought-provoking discussion, she prompts us to reflect on how we would live our lives if we knew our time was limited, revealing that research suggests people would prioritize quality time with loved ones over material pursuits. As we explore this profound subject, Leslie offers a treasure trove of book recommendations and insights into the art of being present for our loved ones during those final moments of farewell. If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation, embracing both the concept of your own mortality and that of your loved ones, then this episode is sure to resonate with you.
Quick Summary:
- Leslie Howard, a renowned yoga teacher, therapist, and researcher, shares her extraordinary experiences in Savasana Pose.
- Her journey towards becoming a Death Doula and the surprising realization that death preparation is inherently linked to yoga.
- The lost essence of yoga's role in preparing us for death in modern yoga studios.
- The establishment of Death Cafe's to foster open conversations about mortality and its various aspects.
- Discussing the medicalization of death and society's focus on prolonging life at the expense of a peaceful transition.
- Exploring the significance of legacy and the enduring impact of acts of kindness and contribution.
- Reflecting on how our lives might change if we lived with the awareness of limited time, with research suggesting a shift towards prioritizing quality time with loved ones.
- Leslie's book recommendations to further explore the topic.
- The art of being present for loved ones during their final weeks, days, or moments.
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Website: http://lesliehowardyoga.com
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