CHITHEADS with Jacob Kyle (Embodied Philosophy)

Prentis Hemphill is a movement facilitator, Somatics teacher, and practitioner, and working at the convergence of healing, collective transformation, and political organizing. Prentis has spent the last 15 years bridging wellbeing and power building as a part of movement building organizations, most recently as the Healing Justice Director at Black Lives Matter Global Network. In 2016, Prentis was awarded the Buddhist Peace Fellowship Soma Award for community work inspired by Buddhist thought. At present, Prentis is the co-founder of Resilient Strategies, a project intended to deepen movement practice and understanding of politicized healing. Prentis is also a teacher of Somatics with Generative Somatics and with Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity.  In this episode we discuss: What is healing? How do we heal? How does somatics shift the paradigm of traditional therapy? What is healing justice and how does it differ from other approaches to social justice? Recovering pre-colonial practices in a post-colonial context through the lens of somatics. Healing individual and collective trauma. Critiques of the wellness industry and the structures that deny access to healing for everyone. Queer spiritual purpose, supporting repair and stretching the parameters of belonging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss: The roots of pastoral care and chaplaincy  Incorporating the frameworks of Vendantic, yoga philosophy in Hindu chaplaincy Contemplative dimensions of pastoral care, bringing radical compassionate presence in spiritual accompaniment Obstacles to cultivating spiritual health and the epidemic of loneliness in the globalized westernize world  The three elements of Sādhanā: Tapas, Svādhyāya, Īśvarapraṇidhāna Building inner resilience Intimate and personal experience of the Supreme Vineet Chander is the Coordinator for Hindu Life and Hindu Chaplain at Princeton University and a Religious Life Leader at the Lawrenceville School.  He has also served as an adjunct professor, attorney, and communications consultant. His areas of specialty include Bhakti theology, models of pastoral counseling, and the Hindu-American diaspora community. His writing has appeared in a number of publications, and he is co-author of Hindu Chaplaincy (Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, 2017) and co-editor of Hindu Approaches to Spiritual Care: Chaplaincy in Theory and Practice (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019). A student of His Holiness Radhanath Swami for more than two decades, he is a sought-after speaker and teacher in his own right— particularly known for his ability to infuse ancient wisdom with humor, relevant examples, and avenues for application. He has spoken at a number of conferences and educational institutions, including the American Academy of Religion, the Global Dharma Conference, the Global Chaplains Conference, Yale University, Cornell University, and the Harvard Divinity School at Harvard University. In addition, he has offered wisdom teachings in a number of temples, ashrams, and yoga studios, including the philosophy portions of YTT courses at Gratitude Yoga (Princeton, NJ), Prana Yoga Shala (Princeton, NJ), and Onyx Yoga (Warren, NJ). He is a regular speaker at, and past board member of, the Bhakti Center (New York City).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss: Post-Daoism as a philosophy reinterpreting depth psychology, qigong, and Daoism MogaDao as a practice at the intersection of somatic, queer, and socioerotic inquiry Socially imposed self-images versus deeply personal mythopoetic self-images The democratization of desire in all forms and socio-erotic experiences Spiritual significance of sex, sexuality, and desire as authentic expressions of a soul’s original virtue Consumeristic paradigm of sexuality as another attribute of power  The importance of trans people in society as leaders in and examples of radical authenticity Zhenevere Sophia Dao is a poet, novelist, playwright, and the director of the SACRa Theater Company. She has been a Stegner Fellow at Stanford University and has published fiction with Penguin Books. An independent scholar, she is the founder of the philosophy of Post-Daoism and the practice tradition of MogaDao, which incorporates original “mythosomatic” qigong forms and meditations, and spiritualized asana, in combination with academic studies in mythopoetics, comparative philosophy and religion, Depth Sexology, socioerotic and sociopolitical inquiry, and queer studies. A transgender woman, she is also the founder of The Transgender Necessity, a platform for public discourse which underscores the cultural necessity of transgender individuals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss:1. The philosophy of yoga nidra, the goddess of yoga nidra and the four states of consciousness. 2. Yoga nidra as a state and as a systematic guided relaxation. 3. Obstacles to rest in our culture.4. Working with trauma and the importance of safety in moving toward rest.5. The science of yoga nidra, accessing the place of healing and rejuvenation.6. The relationship between liminal space and creativity.7. How to set up a supportive yoga nidra nest. Tracee Stanley was introduced to the practice of yoga nidra in 2001. She immediately recognized it as a healing salve for the world and began to incorporate it into her life and her yoga teaching. She left her high-stress career as a Hollywood film producer to delve deeper into the study of the practices that were empowering and rejuvenating her, so she could share them with others. With over 20 years of experience practice and teaching in the Himalayan Tradition, Tantra and Sri Vidya, she also understands the demands of life as an entrepreneur, wife, and stepmom. Her effortless way of sharing ancient teachings in accessible ways is her superpower. She travels extensively to offer yoga nidra, meditation, self-inquiry, teacher trainings and workshops. As a gift to all of our listeners, Tracee is offering a 30% discount on her book “Radiant Rest” which is now on pre-order from the publisher’s site with the code RR30 until 3/31/21 at https://www.shambhala.com/radiant-rest.html.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss: How yoga communities and the industry have changed during the Covid pandemic. The inspiration for Tia’s new book “The Practice is the Path”. Being comfortable living with uncertainty. Identity and attachment. The significance of dreams and the role of the dream state in breaking the spell of the everyday life.   Emphasizing the “not doing” and shifting the default mode to be one of rest Yoga and the art of seeing - the role of being seen and heard in relationship and healing. About Tias Little: Tias Little’s unique and skillful approach enables students to find greater depth of understanding and awareness in their practice, both on and off the mat. His approach to the practice is inter-disciplinary, passionate, intelligent, innovative and full of insight. Tias synthesizes years of study in classical yoga, Sanskrit, Buddhist studies, anatomy, massage and trauma healing. Tias began studying the work of B.K.S Iyengar in 1984 and lived in Mysore, India in 1989 studying Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Pattabhi Jois. Thus his teaching brings together precision of alignment, anatomical detail and a profound meditative experience. Tias is a licensed massage therapist and his somatic studies include in-depth training in cranial-sacral therapy. His practice and teaching are influenced by the work of Ida Rolf, Moshe Feldenkrais and Thomas Hanna. Tias is a long-time student of the meditative arts and Buddhist studies beginning with Vipassana and continuing in Tibetan Buddhism and Zen. His teaching style is unique in being able to weave together poetic metaphor with clear instruction filled with compassion and humor. Tias earned a Master’s degree in Eastern Philosophy from St. John’s College Santa Fe in 1998. Tias is the author of four books, The Thread of Breath, Meditations on a Dewdrop, Yoga of the Subtle Body, and The Practice is the Path.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss: Growing up Indian in a majority white culture, shame and the impact of disconnection from culture. The value of yoga and mindbody practices in medicine and education. Stress, trauma and burnout, and ways in which embodied practices can help. The impact of the pandemic and isolation on us as social beings and the value of yoga and stress relief in times of Covid. Practicing compassion, stress relief, and strategies to generate compassion for self and others.  Yoga and the importance of taking into consideration who you are and where you’re at; reducing harm with a better understanding of yogic practices. Cultural appropriation of yoga and Indian culture and how to honor lineage and context. Shailla Vaidya, MD MPH CCFP(EM) C-IAYT is a Physician/Yoga Therapist practicing Mind-Body Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. She studied Medicine at Dalhousie University, did her residency in Family and Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa, and completed a Master’s in Public Health (Management and Policy) at Harvard University. She has also served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and the University of Toronto.   Dr. Vaidya grew up in a cultural tradition of Yoga and Ayurveda and has been bridging Eastern Wisdom with Western Medicine throughout her 20 years of medical practice. She completed her yoga teacher training and yoga therapy training with the Mohans and the Svastha Yoga Therapy. She is the creator of the Yoga of Stress Resilience Burnout Recovery Program, and the Reconnect Concussion program, both of which combine the path of yoga with the science of human function for healing and recovery. As a “Compassion-it” Change Agent, she is effecting change within the health care system by healing our healers and by bringing a more holistic approach to the management of stress-related illnesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss: Understanding the culture of Contemporary medicine and medicine as an industry. The Ayurvedic approach, addressing the physical, energetic and mental realm. Quantum biology and the Siddha texts - healing from the inside out.  Role of intuition as it informs mastery in healing and any field of work. Science of Sound, biological translation to energy and meaning.  The distinction between mantra and aphorism; using mantra and devotion to connect to  your soul’s intention. Alzheimer’s as a mutable disease and alternative practices to support conditions. Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary’s combined expertise in both modern neurology and the ancient science of health known as Ayurveda has uniquely positioned her as an expert able to pull from the broadest possible base to treat her clients. She is passionate about raising awareness for the need of a paradigm shift in contemporary medicine that focuses on patient empowerment and a health-based (rather than disease-based) medical system. Dr. Chaudhary is a regular guest on the Dr. Oz show, where her teachings about Ayurvedic medicine have been applauded by a national audience. Dr. Chaudhary is the author of The Prime and Sound Medicine. She is also a neuroscientist and has participated in over twenty clinical research studies in the areas of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Her research includes groundbreaking work in stem cell therapies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and drug development for the treatment of ALS. Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary spends her time doing research in Siddha Medicine in Tamil Nadu, India and seeing patients for Integrative Medicine consultations from San Diego, CA.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss: Invocation as a tool to invoke the divinity from within us. The celebration of Diwali and the purpose of celebrating festivals. Idols as means to connect to the God within us.  Chanting mantra, contemplating deeper truths, and the main sadhana of Kali Yuga.  The many names of Shiva - infinite expressions of infinite glories. How to understand karma and taking responsibility for your life. Spiritual practices for facing challenging times with strength and clarity. Swami Swatmananda is one of the most dynamic leaders of Chinmaya Mission. An Acharya of Chinmaya Mission-South Mumbai, he completed the Vedanta Course from Powai from 1998-2000. He has been serving in Chinmaya Mission Mumbai since 2000. He expounds the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta through talks on the Bhagavad Geeta, Upanishads and other texts of Vedanta & bhakti through camps, meditation retreats, interactive sessions and discussions for youth & adults. Chinmaya Pradeep is one of its kind outdoor Vedantic Vision Park based on the life and teachings of Swami Chinmayananda at Powai, Mumbai. He has conceptualised and executed it. He is also a playwrite and has written and directed two theatrical performances. “Adrshya – Quest for the Unseen” based on Saraswati Civilization & Developed India was written and directed by him in 2009. 9 shows of Adrshya have been performed by Chinmaya Yuva Kendra Mumbai in Mumbai, Pune, Allahabad and Chennai. “Just Like That”- A play based on the Bhagavad Geeta in the life of Anand-Family and how they discover harmony by applying the principles of Geeta was written and directed by him in 2015. 6 shows of the play have been performed in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai. His simplicity, foresight, peaceful nature and a balanced approach endear him to everyone. Swami Swatmananda can be reached through his social media handle @ChinmayaShivam or “Chinmaya Shivam” on Youtube, Instagram, FB, Twitter, Podomatic, Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Google podcast & LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical anthropologist Alberto Villoldo has studied the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and Andes for more than 25 years. He is the founder of the Four Winds Society, which trains modern shamans in the practice of energy medicine. He directs the Center for Energy Medicine in Chile, where he investigates and practices the neuroscience of enlightenment. Over the course of two decades with the shamans in the jungles and high mountains of the Andes, Villoldo discovered a set of sacred technologies that transform the body, heal the soul, and can change the way we live and die.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss: Daniel Simpson’s upcoming book, The Truth of Yoga. Daniel shares his intention and inspiration behind this comprehensive overview integrating contemporary history with scholarly history Differentiating yoga history and yoga philosophy as evolutionary systems of ideas Debunking commonly misunderstood concepts and myths of yoga evolution Connection points to tradition within modern practices Postural practice and being definitive about the unknown Reinterpreting yoga traditions, cultural appropriation and exploitation of yoga The nature of ultimate and relative truths in yoga Daniel Simpson teaches yoga philosophy at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, on teacher trainings and online. He earned his Masters degree in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS (University of London), the home of the pioneering Hatha Yoga Project. He is the author of The Truth of Yoga, a comprehensive guide to the history of practice, which will be published in January by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. His website is http://danielsimpson.infoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.