Leadership and Yoga

This is an unedited, straight from the heart JUNGLE SPECIAL. In this stream of consciousness style episode I take you through my stories of abundance and lack, deep fear, following passions all the way through, changing my life and the magic and synchronicities that have lead me here. This is not a "normal" episode but I felt called to share and be seen in this way. Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad FEBRUARY 27TH:https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpadFind me on instagram:@shawnakruLeadership and Yoga IRL info MAY 8-12:https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl 00:00 Journey to the Jungle: A Dream Realized02:11 The Struggles of Pursuing Passion06:30 Radical Responsibility and the Magic of Life10:39 Facing Fear: Embracing the Unknown20:25 The Power of Giving: A Transformative Experience30:27 The Ripple Effect of Kindness39:11 Embracing Change: The Path to Growth46:30 Listening to the Signs: Synchronicity in Life

Attention is the most valuable currency. If you have a message, it needs a platform to be heard. Stop setting unrealistic goals and set the small ones you’re afraid to set because you know that you can actually do it. This episode is full of massive mindset shifts that you can switch on right NOW. Sharing from a state of lack only creates more lack. Start to answer your own questions, and I bet along the way other people will start to resonate with your ideas big time. This is part 1 one. We will talk tangible tips for small creators on social media / instagram. In part 2 I share my road to 10k, and lift the veil on everything I can, including what I was paid for my first sponsored reel on instagram. Social media tips for yoga instructors. Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad FEBRUARY 27TH:https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpadFind me on instagram:@shawnakruLeadership and Yoga IRL info MAY 8-12:https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl Time stamps:00:00 Intro01:00 Start acting like the artist you are. 03:45 You can’t control the fish, only cast a line to the universe.05:20 Getting over my aversion to wanting 10k.9:28 If we can tap into a sense of joy for the sake of creating then we are dangerous. Creating from lack only creates more lack. 11:15 The 3 switches of creatorship 18:30 Don’t feel ashamed to want people to hear your message. 19:30 Wellbeing is the starting place. 22:30 Write: what is your knowledge, what are your gaps? Then you won’t get distracted by consuming advice you don’t need.26:00 Establish a true north and why to get over the fear of failure.28:40 Busy work is the enemy.32:00 Have enough structure so that you can break it. 35:30 If you learn to believe in yourself that will take care of everything.40:00 Pivoting. Reading from Parallel Universes of Self43:00 Get your shit together and get started, that’s step -2.47:00 How to create the REAL value. 49:00 The magazine effect on your page.

Today I sat down with Kimia Hajian for a behind the scenes look into her recent move to Portugal and fulfilling a lifelong dream, her content creation journey, the reality of being a yoga teacher, her experience with body image and learning to appreciate yoga off the mat. I adore Kimi’s energy and this little coffee/tea chat and I hope you enjoy it as well!! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE WITH KIMI PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thank you!! <3Find Kimi on instagram:@kimiahajianThe 12 hour bird of paradise video that is referenced:https://www.instagram.com/p/C6MNHRnMATx/?hl=en Find me on instagram:@shawnakruTime stamps:00:00 Welcome01:00 Get to know Kimi03:00 Agenda04:00 Moving to Portugal06:30 A tool for making hard decisions12:00 Kimi’s story, why she started yoga 15:00 Transforming the shallow admiration of the body to getting hooked on the practice19:00 Now write! Learning about the chakras 20:00 Difficulty teaching yoga in the beginning and Kimi’s teaching journey.25:30 Kimi is not a morning person, she is an evening person. What her morning’s look like29:30 Kimi’s creative process.31:50 Ultimate act of self-love. I need to grow now 35:00 Social media and how Kimi’s posting evolved 40:00 Advice for getting started using your voice45:00 So what. Non-attachment. 50:00 The billboard message.Key words:yoga, personal growth, teaching, Portugal, self-discovery, yoga journey, morning routine, mental health, therapy, online presence, creativity, yoga, social media, authenticity, leadership, self-love, content creation, vulnerability, personal growth, Prague yoga, mindfulness

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for one of my most powerful episodes of all time… seriously. This is everything I know about how we can actually change our lives without forcing things. It’s fun, it’s intense and inspirational and yet it is soft. Because sure we can force ourselves to change and be successful and struggle every day with stress and fighting ourselves, and we may do it, but at what cost? Here’s another way. It’s more than manifestation, it’s synchronization.  Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl  Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 02:00 My story with anxiety and changing my identity.  6:00 Synchronization not manifestation. Parallel Universes of Self. 07:30 The seed of intention  9:20 Why our identity creates our reality.  13:30 Half built houses in Peru, like abandoned dreams. 18:00 Why just get started is bad advice.  21:00 Step in and join me. 27:30 Nature knows! Isn’t that beautiful?  28:30 Proof that identity shapes what we won’t do. 31:00 The beast games example of greed.  35:40 Why the identity of yogi changed my life. 39:45 Warning: Why nothing changes and things aren’t made manifest.  43:00 Go through a ritual to cement your new reality, 44:50 Homework :) 

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an epic interview with Adam Keen. This will be an episode that will further develop your understanding of Ashtanga, and it will be Ashtanga-newbie friendly. I found Adam’s podcast, Keen on Yoga, long before I had my own, over two years ago, when I was trying to figure out what Ashtanga yoga really was. Adam has been practicing yoga since 1999 and teaching Ashtanga since 2004. He is one of the very few practitioners anywhere to have completed the Advanced A series in Mysore under the guidance of Sharathji and received level 2 authorization in 2012. Find Adam on instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga Adam’s website: https://www.keenonyoga.com/  Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga and Adam Keen 03:04 Adam's journey into yoga and documenting its history 06:07 The evolution of Ashtanga yoga 09:05 Understanding the Ashtanga community 11:59 Misconceptions about Ashtanga yoga 14:49 The role of the spine in yoga practice 17:52 The importance of structure in yoga 20:52 Personal transformation through yoga 23:57 The connection between body and mind 27:01 The role of the gut in mental health 30:29 The impact of yoga on digestion 32:00 Jumping back and through: A key Ashtanga technique 33:55 Is Ashtanga yoga for everyone? 36:55 The importance of breath in yoga 40:08 Understanding Mysore style yoga 44:59 Self-practice: The essence of yoga 50:54 Qualities of an exceptional leader 54:46 The billboard question: Be yourself (and a long subtitle)

Hi friends!! Today’s episode theme hit me BIG TIME this week. If you feel that urge to slow down, and tune into a way of living that feels deeply inspiring, I am here for you. Finding my way back to little magic moments ultimately built the bridge to the most insane, life-changing magic moments I’ve ever experienced and I’m here to share the one secret that started it all. Grab a tea, light a candle, decorate your space with fresh cut flowers or leaves and let’s begin. It’s poetic wisdom meets motivational speech and personal storytelling time.  Our incredible sponsor. (Click for cute llamas, trust me.🦙) @mountainviewexperience Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl  Time stamps: 00:00 I didn’t change my screen saver for 7 YEARS.  03:30 The hand perspective trick. 10:30 When you feel in the fog funk.  14:00 My story reconnecting to the magic.  15:40 Did I play a tune to myself across the webs of spacetime??  17:00 Stop rushing. Rushing is a general distrust in life.  20:30 You cannot plant in winter. 23:30 What would be your desert island flute?  25:45 Follow through: make a decision. 27:00 If you are not doing something creative you may be destroying something. 29:45 How to see new things in your life. 31:30 Mountain View Experience magic 34:30 I was a kid for the llamas. 36:00 Don’t sacrifice. Going for what you want brings magic. 38:30 In the mornings you are closer to the magic. 42:00 Magic moments can be created in your mind. My story changing my life through magic.

Today I sat down with Chelsea Williams Hofer, also known as chelseasyoga in the online world. Chelsea is a Seattle-based yoga instructor and full-time content creator that I’ve been keeping up with for quite some time and finally got to meet in person!  Tune in to dive into Chelsea’s journey with yoga, how social media has shaped her practice, and why morning rituals are a game-changer for self-care. She opens up about the transformative power of yoga, going through a divorce, the beauty of vulnerability, and how she started hosting retreats. We talk about balancing family life with personal fitness goals and creative pursuits.  IF YOU ENJOYED THIS INTERVIEW WITH CHELSEA, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thank you!! Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Find Chelsea on instagram: @chelseasyoga Chelsea’s website: https://www.chelseasyoga.com/  Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:30 The viral fail video 05:30 How Chelsea started to share on social media and when she found yoga. 08:30 Falling in love with ashtanga yoga. 09:56 Chelsea’s morning rituals  10:30 How to actually get up early 13:30 Getting her start on social media and getting traction 18:30 Starting handstands at 34 and vulnerability 24:30 Going through divorce and shaking up her practice 26:53 From e-book to global retreats 28:30 Hosting 7 retreats in her first year hosting retreats. 30:27 Exploring family and fitness goals 31:57 Chelsea’s running routine 33:31 The shift towards community and connection 35:31 Balancing work, life, and creativity 39:12 Understanding and nurturing creativity 43:34 The art of pivoting in life 46:15 Lessons from influential books and authors 54:58 Leadership qualities in yoga and beyond 58:33 Billboard message

Have you ever failed to stop feeling envy? Or wanted someone to just give you a chance, boost you to fame, to do the hard part for you? Or find yourself unable to destroy your hidden agendas? The ticket to where you are trying to go is non-transferrable. Nobody can just print one off for you. It’s not willy wonka and the chocolate factory golden tickets where only the select few get lucky enough. It’s not about luck. It’s about excellence and staying inspired. It’s not about chasing clout or letting jealousy rule your life. Clout blindness can also mean that you are unable to see your OWN greatness. So let’s talk about what we can do about it.  Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl  Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 02:00 We need influence. But what is clout blindness? 06:30 The ticket to where you are trying to go is non-transferrable.   09:00 My life’s work up to this point is OPEN.  15:00 Gene Keys: A copy paste approach leads to unalignment. 18:40 Jealousy. A major key to release it.  23:00 Stop feeling entitled to people’s time.  26:15 All hidden agendas must be exposed and destroyed.  33:00 Social climbing is low energy.  34:40 Trust that you can do it for you, don’t be a leech.  36:50 Clout alone cannot cure imposter syndrome.  41:00 Learn from my mistake: the danger of jealousy.  43:00 No matter who you think “owns it” success is high energy.  45:00 It’s sand. You can’t put a fence around it or hold it as your own. 48:45 The sleeping giant in everyone. 

In this episode of the Leadership in Yoga podcast, I sit down with Matt Meko to dive into his inspiring journey—from working in the entertainment industry to fully embracing yoga and tantra. Matt opens up about the power of self-acceptance and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin. We also get into the concept of naked yoga, and he shares an insightful presentation on tantra, highlighting the balance of energies and how creating a safe space can foster exploration and growth. Our conversation touches on the intricate dynamics of masculine and feminine energies, the principles of tantra, and the role of surrender and chaos in personal growth. Matt breaks it down with practical examples, showing how these ideas can help us find more balance and wholeness in life. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Matt Meko's Journey 02:29 Finding Comfort in One's Skin 04:47 The Transition from Performance to Yoga 08:11 The Naked Yoga Experience 10:31 Curiosity and the Naked Yoga Community 13:27 Embracing Curiosity in Tantra 18:53 Understanding Tantra: Permission to be Whole 32:36 Embracing Chaos and Surrender 34:23 Illustrating the Four Quadrants 41:25 Understanding the History of Tantra 50:05 Practicing Tantra: Principles and Experiments 01:02:10 The Importance of Transparency in Tantra 01:09:51 Final Thoughts: The Blank Billboard Message Find Matt: https://www.mekosun.com  Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info:https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode intertwined with wisdom from the Gene Keys on why there is something deeply transformative about not being good at something. The original title was going to be “5 reasons you are bad at things you want to be good at” and there is some of that motivational energy in here.  Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl  Time stamp: 00:00 Welcome 01:00 What are the Gene Keys?  04:30 Disclaimer: A teacher can only ever be a finger pointing at the moon.  07:00 Agenda!! And exciting things.  11:30 Hidden gifts and the compost effect.  12:30 Not a perfectly trimmed rose garden.  15:30 Emma Kok on “Voilà”  22:00 The vacuum effect.  23:30 Find better problems & you might not actually be bad at it. 27:00 Make space. Your limiting beliefs can be a product of your relationships.  29:45 Maybe there’s nothing wrong with you, it’s about catching the wave.  32:30 Fast food line: sunk cost fallacy. 36:15 The dragonfly Gene Keys reading: You need to know what it feels like to do something out of character.  38:50 The water from its old life drives its mutation from nymph to dragonfly.  42:00 You need to have nothing to lose.  43:00 Living with disappoint? Impossible is probable.