Keen on Yoga Podcast

Adam delves into the complex sensations associated with stretching in yoga. He discusses the importance of understanding the right kind of stretch, emphasizing that the feeling of stretch can often be misleading. Instead of seeking the immediate sensation of stretching, Adam encourages practitioners to focus on creating a sense of pressure and energy within the body. He explores the balance between body awareness and mental engagement, highlighting the need for a deeper connection to the body's energy. The conversation also touches on the nuances of pain and discomfort in practice, offering insights on how to navigate these sensations effectively. "Pain is a sign to back off." www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga     LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      The sensation of stretch can be misleading. ·      It's important to understand the body's signals during stretching. ·      Yoga should be viewed as a work in, not just a workout. ·      Creating pressure and energy in the body is essential. ·      Discomfort can be part of the journey in yoga practice. ·      Finding balance between body awareness and mental engagement is crucial. ·      Pain is a signal to back off, while discomfort can be part of growth. ·      The feeling of stretch should lead to a sense of space and freedom. ·      Dynamic postures in yoga serve multiple purposes, including health and emotional release. ·      The practice of yoga is about catharsis and energy work.

Adam, Edward, and Laurie explore the themes presented in their book 'Yoga and the Body: The Future of Modern Yoga in the Studio and Beyond.' They discuss the definitions of yoga, the differences between asana and vinyasa, the importance of rituals in yoga practice, and the role of community versus individual practice. They also delve into the intersection of science and yoga, address myths and misconceptions, and contemplate the future of yoga practice, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and the potentiality of the body in understanding reality. Edward Clark: www.tripsichore.com   | @tripsichore  Laurie Green: www.laurieagreene.com  "The body is what creates consciousness." 25% discount code: ADC25 (if you buy at Routledge using the link below) https://www.routledge.com/Yoga-and-the-Body-The-Future-of-Modern-Yoga-in-the-Studio-and-Beyond/Clark-Greene/p/book/9781032731032?srsltid=AfmBOorPp_QbYARmzZA2XImxMY9txiuBk7x3QQZlLVMVuLkmxNcPUTV9 LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Notes ·       Yoga is the study of self and reality. ·       The body creates consciousness, making it central to practice. ·       Rituals in yoga enhance the experience and create community. ·       Community in yoga can sometimes overshadow individual practice. ·       The future of yoga lies in the hands of practitioners, not texts or gurus. ·       Science and yoga can coexist, but yoga also explores the experiential. ·       Myths in yoga often conflate physical ability with spiritual attainment. ·       Potentiality in yoga encourages exploration beyond traditional practices. ·       The context of a yoga practice influences its effectiveness. ·       Yoga should be a discipline that encourages questioning and personal growth.

Ep 223 Keen on Yoga Podcast - Ian Whicher Ian Whicher shares his insights on the Yoga Sutras, emphasizing the importance of self-study, compassion, and the nature of the mind. He challenges traditional interpretations of chitta vritti nirodha, presenting it as a means of liberation rather than mere cessation. The discussion explores the interplay between Purusha and Prakriti, the role of ego, and the responsibilities of yoga practitioners in the world. Whicher's unique perspective encourages a deeper understanding of yoga as a path to authentic living and engagement with life. www.umanitoba.ca/arts/ian-whicher  LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      Yoga is not about withdrawing from life but engaging with it. ·      Chitta Vritti Nirodha is a liberating cessation of the mind's confinement. ·      The self is already liberated; we just need to realize it. ·      Understanding the mind's nature is crucial for true happiness. ·      Duality in teachings serves as a concession for understanding non-duality. ·      Asmita, or ego, is an activity rather than an entity. ·      The practices of yoga purify the mind and enhance discernment. ·      Engaged yoga emphasizes responsibility in our interactions with the world. ·      Suffering can be a teacher if we learn to face it consciously. ·      The essence of yoga is about aligning with our true nature.    

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga  Adam delves into the nuances of Ashtanga Yoga, discussing the balance between traditional practices and modern adaptations. He emphasizes the importance of vinyasa, the role of the diaphragm in breath control, and the need for practitioners to amend their practices to suit individual needs while still respecting the core principles of Ashtanga. The conversation highlights the evolution of yoga practices over time and the significance of both collective and individual experiences in yoga. LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga  Key Points ·      You're free to amend the practice and still practice traditional Ashtanga. ·      Vinyasa is the heart of Ashtanga, focusing on diaphragm use. ·      Tradition is a moving target that must evolve with time. ·      Recognizing the process of the diaphragm is crucial in practice. ·      The body and mind are intertwined; both must be considered in yoga. ·      Collective practice is important, but individual needs should be prioritized. ·      Use Hatha Yoga as a tool for change in consciousness. ·      The way you stretch matters more than just achieving the posture. ·      Practitioners should be allowed to make the practice their own. ·      Consistency in practice is beneficial, but variation is equally important.      

Renowned Ashtanga yoga teacher David Swenson talks to Adam about his new book, 'Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow.' They explore the development, adventures, and inspirations behind his memoir, which offers a candid look into Swenson's life and yoga journey. Swenson shares anecdotes from his early life in Texas, his struggles and successes, his deep dive into Ashtanga yoga under legendary teachers, and his diverse pursuits including surfing and the Hare Krishna movement.  The episode also covers his teaching philosophy, his challenges with the mainstream Ashtanga community, and his unique approach to life and yoga. Listeners get an intimate view of Swenson's personal and professional evolution, and the episode concludes with insights into his future plans and the continuing influence of his book. Book Link: https://onlydeadfishflow.com/  Get 15% off during Presale with Code ODF15 (May / June 2025 Delivery) IG: @davidswensonashtanga LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga          

  www.keenonyoga.com  | @adam_keen_ashtanga "It's a text for modern life." Adam explores the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing its relevance to modern life and the importance of understanding karma yoga, dharma, and the complexities of action and desire. He discusses the historical context of the text, the metaphor of the civil war, and the interplay between desire, emotion, and perception. Adam also highlights the significance of personal experience and autonomy in spiritual practice, advocating for a practical approach to the teachings of the Gita.  https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      The Bhagavad Gita is a practical text for modern life. ·      Karma yoga emphasizes action in the world rather than withdrawal. ·      Understanding the context of the Bhagavad Gita enriches its teachings. ·      The civil war metaphor illustrates the complexity of human desires. ·      Desire and emotion cloud our perception of reality. ·      Karma and dharma are interconnected in our actions and responsibilities. ·      Acting according to one's nature leads to fulfilment of dharma. ·      Desire creates a cycle of action and consequence. ·      The mind-body connection is crucial in spiritual practice. ·      Personal experience is the ultimate guide in understanding spiritual truths.

www.simonborgolivier.com  | @simonborgolivier.com Adam speaks with Simon Borg-Olivier, a qualified physiotherapist and expert in applying anatomy to yoga. They discuss Simon's book, 'Applied Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga,' focusing on safe and effective stretching techniques, the importance of active movement in yoga, and the role of breath and bandhas. Simon emphasizes the need to shift from a workout mentality to a work-in approach, promoting a practice that fosters love, connection, and natural breathing. New book:  'Applied Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga for a 30% discount email simon@simonborgolivier.com Listen on Podcast Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN  Watch Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga Support Keen on Yoga: Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ Follow Adam Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      The feeling of stretch is not as important as flexibility. ·      Active movement is crucial for safe stretching in yoga. ·      Flexibility can be achieved without the sensation of stretch. ·      Bandhas play a significant role in stabilizing the body during practice. ·      Breath control is essential for effective yoga practice. ·      Pranayama should focus on breathing less, not more. ·      Natural breathing is what you do in your sleep. ·      Yoga should promote a sense of love and connection within the body. ·      Avoid overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system during practice. ·      Shift the focus from workout to work-in for better health.

www.keenonyoga.com  | @adam_keen_ashtanga "Not everything can be our yoga." Adam explores the essence of yoga, discussing what differentiates it from mere stretching and how it affects consciousness. He delves into the distinctions between classical and Hatha yoga, emphasizing the importance of spinal stimulation and the right tension in yoga practices. Adam also addresses the significance of breath and the need to break free from past conditioning to achieve a clearer perception of reality. Ultimately, he defines a 'line in the sand' for modern yoga practices, advocating for a mindful approach to yoga that fosters self-awareness and personal growth. LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      Yoga is about affecting positive change in consciousness. ·      Classical yoga focuses on stillness and cessation. ·      Hatha yoga involves physical practices to stimulate the mind. ·      The spine plays a crucial role in yoga practices. ·      Right tension in the body is essential for effective yoga. ·      Breath control is vital for creating internal pressure. ·      Yoga can help break free from past conditioning. ·      Mindfulness in yoga allows for clearer perception of reality. ·      Not everything can be considered yoga; it must stimulate the spine. ·      The practice of yoga should be approached with the right dosage.    

Adam and Bernie Clark delve into the complexities of hip health, particularly in relation to yoga practice. They discuss the anatomy of the hip, common causes of pain, and the implications of conditions like impingement and arthritis. Bernie clarifies misconceptions about yoga causing hip replacements, emphasizing that flexion and internal rotation are not inherently harmful. The conversation also covers advancements in hip replacement surgery, recovery expectations, and the importance of individualized care in rehabilitation. www.yinyoga.com | @bernieclark7528 The book trilogy: https://yinyoga.com/ybyyt/  Stuart McGill’s website: https://www.backfitpro.com/about-us/ https://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/playing-the-fear-of-god-card-in-yoga/ https://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/playing-the-fear-of-god-card-in-yoga/#comments   Listen on Podcast Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN   Watch Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga   Support Keen on Yoga: Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/   Follow Adam Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga   Key Notes   ·      Yoga does not cause hip replacements; correlation does not equal causation. ·      Flexion is not the problem; it's the combination with internal rotation that can lead to issues. ·      Understanding hip anatomy is crucial for addressing pain and injuries. ·      Recovery from hip replacement surgery is generally quick and effective with modern techniques. ·      Individual anatomy varies greatly; what works for one person may not work for another. ·      Impingement can be a natural part of movement; it's the excessive strain that causes problems. ·      Yoga can be therapeutic for conditions like avascular necrosis if practiced mindfully. ·      It's important to listen to your body and avoid pushing beyond your limits in yoga. ·      Consulting multiple healthcare professionals can provide a broader perspective on treatment options. ·      Gentle movements and maintaining joint health are key post-surgery.    

Ep 216 Adam Keen – Hip Replacement Surgery - My Personal Journey "You can regain power by learning."  www.keenonyoga.com  | @adam_keen_ashtanga Adam shares his personal journey leading to a bilateral hip replacement, discussing the reasons for his decision, the role of yoga in his injury, and the importance of understanding individual anatomy in practice. He emphasizes the need for transparency in the yoga community regarding injuries and the necessity of modifying practices to suit individual needs. The conversation also touches on the psychosocial factors influencing yoga practice and the balance between strength and flexibility. LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/FOLLOW ADAM Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga KEY NOTES ·      Adam discusses his upcoming bilateral hip replacement surgery. ·      He reflects on the stigma of being a yoga teacher with injuries. ·      The importance of transparency in the yoga community is highlighted. ·      Yoga can be both healing and injurious depending on the approach. ·      Genetics and pre-existing conditions play a significant role in injuries. ·      Modification of asanas is essential for individual safety. ·      The practice of yoga was originally designed for younger bodies. ·      Psychosocial factors can impact how injuries are perceived in yoga. ·      Strength training is necessary to support joint health in yoga. ·      Adam plans to continue discussions on injuries and recovery in future episodes.