Renowned yoga teacher Eddie Stern discusses his transformative journey, moving away from Ashtanga practice to explore new asanas and sequences. He shares his realization of no longer desiring his old practice, emphasizing the importance of being present amidst change. The discussion touches on fluidity in practice, personal growth, and finding what truly serves us.
Transitioning from traditional Ashtanga to personalized practice emphasizes adaptability in yoga journey.
Awareness and mindfulness in yoga practice unlock inner growth beyond techniques and sequences.
Importance of respecting Guru teachings while evolving personal practice based on experience and insights.
Deep dives
Eddy Stern's Personal Reflections on His Ashtanga Yoga Journey
Eddy Stern shares the evolution of his Ashtanga yoga practice that spanned over 30 years, highlighting a period of transition away from traditional Ashtanga towards a personalized practice. Stern emphasizes the need for individuals to listen to their bodies and adapt their practices over time, acknowledging that what works for some may not work for others.
The Essence of Yoga and the Role of Awareness
Stern delves into the essence of yoga, stressing the importance of awareness and mindfulness in one's practice. He emphasizes that techniques and sequences are secondary to the inward journey and growth that yoga facilitates. By focusing on cultivating awareness, individuals can discover deeper experiences and states of bliss irrespective of the specific techniques practiced.
Exploring Parampara and Teacher-Student Dynamics
The discussion expands to explore the concept of Parampara and the dynamics between teachers and students in the yoga tradition. Stern reflects on the lineage of knowledge transmission, emphasizing the respect for teachings while also recognizing the need for individuals to discern and evolve their personal practices based on their experiences and insights. He discusses the role of the Guru as a stream of knowledge rather than a singular individual, advocating for a nuanced understanding of the teacher-student relationship.
Teaching Traditions and Behaviors in the Guru Tradition
In the podcast, the discussion focuses on the teachings of the Guru tradition and the importance of following the guidance of a Guru, regardless of their outward behavior. It emphasizes the significance of learning from good behaviors displayed by Gurus, rather than imitating poor behaviors. The podcast highlights the instructions given to students upon completing their studies, encouraging them to speak the truth, follow their Dharma, and not repeat the mistakes of others, emphasizing respect and higher standards in behavior.
Exploring Cross Midline Movements and Spatial Awareness in Asanas
The conversation delves into the significance of cross midline movements in yoga poses for enhancing spatial awareness and body-mind connections. It explains how specific asanas, like Utthita Hasta Padaṅgusthasana and Badraasana variations, promote the development of spatial awareness and cognitive abilities. The podcast emphasizes the role of intentional asana practices in aiding neurological functions and repairing developmental stages, offering insights into the physiological benefits of asanas beyond physical movements.
In today's episode, we dive into the transformative journey of renowned yoga teacher Eddie Stern.
Over the last three years, Eddie has radically altered his approach to practicing asanas, moving away from the Ashtanga practice that defined his teaching to embrace a path of growth and exploration. He embarked on a journey of incorporating new asanas and adjusting sequences, eventually leaving behind old structures entirely in favor of his own asana and pranayama experiments.
We speak to about his new realization: that he no longer practices or desires to practice as he once did and we explore how he has recaptured the curiosity and joy that initially drew him to yoga.
Eddie's experience sheds light on the fluid nature of practice and the importance of being present and aware in the face of change. Join us as we explore Eddie's evolution, the challenges of maintaining "my practice," and how to find what truly serves us.
