Keen on Yoga Podcast

   www.yogaphilosophy.com | @yogaphilosophy_com | amazon books Dr. Shyam Ranganathan discusses explores the themes of yoga, anti-colonial philosophy, and action-focused guide to practice. He highlights the concept of the Linguistic Account of Thought (LAT) and how it has led to cultural filtering and colonialism. He also explains the difference between understanding and belief, emphasizing that action is about choice, not belief. Dr. Ranganathan challenges the Western appropriation of yoga and the secularization of Indian philosophy, advocating for a more nuanced and responsible approach to understanding other cultures.  Support Keen on Yoga 👉 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf 👉 PayPal: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot  Connect 👉 Website: www.keenonyoga.com 👉 Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com   Key Points ·      The Linguistic Account of Thought (LAT) has led to cultural filtering and colonialism, as it restricts understanding to what is culturally familiar. ·      Understanding and belief are distinct concepts, with understanding being an engaged event and belief being a passive state of existence. ·      It is possible to look at another culture without imposing one's own interpretive box, but it requires adopting a different method and being open to learning. ·      Action is about choice, not belief, and belief can hinder understanding and autonomy. ·      The Western appropriation of yoga and the secularization of Indian philosophy perpetuate white supremacy and overlook the rich philosophical traditions of South Asia. ·      There are four basic ethical theories, including virtue ethics, and sovereignty and autonomy are important in yoga practice. Yoga encompasses different ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, and bhakti yoga. ·      Consequentialism in yoga focuses on reducing suffering as the ultimate goal. ·      Deontology in yoga emphasizes mastering certain actions and fulfilling one's special obligations. ·      Bhakti yoga starts with devotion to the ideal of the right and leads to personal autonomy. ·      Yoga is a practice of devotion to Ishvara and helps individuals overcome trauma and internalized experiences.  

In this engaging conversation, Paul Grilley, a pioneer of Yin Yoga, reflects on his unique yoga journey. He shares insights into the evolution of yoga in the West, highlighting the shift from traditional practices to dynamic forms like Power Yoga. Paul reveals his personal realization about the limitations of his practice, which led him to embrace the slower, more introspective approach of Yin Yoga. He discusses the importance of holding poses longer and the significance of anatomical variations in fostering a deeper understanding of one’s practice.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga Adam explores the concept of pushing in yoga and why we feel the need to push ourselves in our practice. He discusses the influence of modern capitalism and societal pressure to compete and achieve, as well as the cultural belief that suffering and pushing ourselves will lead to purification and progress. Adam emphasizes the importance of letting go of the guilt associated with pushing and highlights the limitations and drawbacks of pushing too hard.  Support Keen on Yoga 👉 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf 👉 PayPal: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot  Connect 👉 Website: www.keenonyoga.com 👉 Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com  Key Points ·      Pushing in yoga is influenced by modern capitalism and societal pressure to compete and achieve. ·      The belief that suffering and pushing ourselves will lead to purification and progress is deeply ingrained in Western culture. ·      Letting go of the guilt associated with pushing is important for a more balanced and sustainable practice. ·      Embracing a more subtle and technique-focused approach can lead to deeper experiences and a sense of satisfaction in the practice.    

  www.mrjamesnestor.com | @mrjamesnestor James Nestor, author of 'The Breath, The New Science of a Lost Art,' discusses the importance of breath and the prevalence of breathing dysfunction in society. He shares his personal journey of discovering the power of breath to improve his own health. Nestor explains the concept of bad breathing and the impact it can have on overall health. He also delves into the role of carbon dioxide in breathing and the benefits of proper breathing techniques.  Key Points   ·      Breathing dysfunction is prevalent in society, leading to various health issues. ·      Proper breathing techniques, such as nasal breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, can improve overall health. ·      Carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in breathing and can be used therapeutically. ·      Jaw structure has a significant impact on breathing, and industrialized foods have contributed to narrower airways. ·      Fresh air is essential for good health, and poor air quality can have detrimental effects. ·      Teaching proper breathing techniques in yoga and exercise practices is crucial for optimal health.    

Adam discusses the difference between physical assistance and physical adjustments in yoga. He explains that physical assistance is essential for developing a yoga practice, while physical adjustments can be harmful and lead to injuries. Adam emphasizes the importance of endorsement, alignment, and breathing in physical assistance.  Support Keen on Yoga 👉 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf 👉 PayPal: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot  Connect 👉 Website: www.keenonyoga.com 👉 Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com  Key Points ·      Physical assistance is essential for developing a yoga practice. ·      Physical adjustments can be harmful and lead to injuries. ·      Endorsement, alignment, and breathing are key aspects of physical assistance. ·      Adjustments should be approached with caution and consideration of the potential risks and consequences. ·      A slow and steady approach to yoga practice is recommended. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Physical Assistance vs Physical Adjustments 13:31 The Importance of Self-Practice in Yoga 16:50 Endorsement: Supporting the Natural Shape of the Body 20:38 Alignment: Connecting the Body Together 25:49 Giving a Taste of Something: Holding in a Strength Thing 28:40 Cautions and Considerations for Adjusting Students in Yoga 34:03 Conclusion: Balancing Risk and Long-Term Well-Being

Peter Blackaby, an advocate for improving movement patterns in yoga, discusses the importance of sensory feedback, learning through repetition, and challenging unwanted patterns in yoga practice. He emphasizes the balance between pushing oneself and being mindful of limits for personal growth. The conversation also delves into the interconnectedness of the body, regulating the nervous system through yoga, and philosophical aspects of human nature.

Gary Kraftsow shares his background and experiences studying with Kṛṣṇamācārya & Deśikācar. He discusses the teachings he received and the impact they had on his life. He also talks about the relationship between Kṛṣṇamācārya & Deśikācar and their teaching methods. Kraftsow explains the concepts of Viniyoga and Vinyasa and how they are applied in yoga practice.  www.viniyoga.com | @americanviniyogainstitute Connect 👉 Website: www.keenonyoga.com 👉 Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com  Key Points Gary Kraftsow studied with Krishnamacharya and Desikachar and shares his experiences and the impact they had on his life. Krishnamacharya and Desikachar were both revered teachers who adapted and made yoga practices relevant for practitioners. Viniyoga is the adaptation of yoga practices to suit the needs of the practitioner and apply them appropriately. Vinyasa refers to the sequence and order in which postures are placed in a yoga practice. The teachings of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar emphasized the transformation of the body and the practitioner's highest potential. Adapt postures to suit individual needs and functional benefits. The breath is essential in linking the mind and body during yoga practice. Yoga is an integrated practice that includes yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, and meditation. Release valves are compensating mechanisms that occur when the body cannot stabilize a certain part. Find a sustainable yoga practice that supports overall well-being and prepares for the end of life.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga Adam explores the topic of community in the context of yoga, specifically Ashtanga yoga. He discusses the importance of community and belonging, as well as the challenges and drawbacks that can arise within a community. Adam also touches on the role of the teacher, the need for autonomy within a community, and the balance between a firm center and expanding edges. He emphasizes the importance of open discussion and the preservation of individuality within a collective. Support Keen on Yoga 👉 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf 👉 PayPal: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot  Connect 👉 Website: www.keenonyoga.com 👉 Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com  Key Points  Community is essential in yoga, providing a sense of belonging and support. However, communities can have drawbacks, such as strict rules and a lack of autonomy. The role of the teacher is important in creating a healthy community dynamic. Balancing a firm center with expanding edges allows for growth and dialogue within a community. Preserving individuality and autonomy is crucial within a collective. Open discussion and the ability to question and express doubts are essential in a community. The modern yoga center can play a role in fostering inclusivity and community. Community should extend beyond the yoga class and into daily life. The concept of sangha, or community, has always been important in spiritual practices.  

www.rodneyyeeyoga.com/ | @rodneyyeeyoga   Rodney Yee is an American yoga instructor who rose to prominence in the mid-1990s when he was featured on the cover of Yoga Journal magazine and starred in some of the first-ever yoga instructional videos and DVDs with Gaiam/Living Arts. After his interview with Oprah in 1999, both Yee personally and yoga were catapulted into the mainstream spotlight. Support Keen on Yoga 👉 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf 👉 PayPal: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot  Connect 👉 Website: www.keenonyoga.com 👉 Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com   Key Points From dance to yoga Starting with Iyengar yoga Working with Richard Rosen There was no such thing as a yoga career in those days The need to study yoga Creating Gaiam yoga videos On Oprah in 1999 Sold a million videos the day after Fulfilling the map of your skin Being in a place where there is no you Yoga and self reflection The pyramid of yoga Giving a touch of the yoga landscape Even in a bad asana class something else happens Staying relevant in yoga teaching Questing for meaning Teaching this new generation It was easy for us to out do our parents I’m inspired by anyone who is enquiring deeply  

Adam discusses the concept of short forms in Ashtanga Yoga. He explains that while the traditional practice involves doing the entire series every day, it is not always practical or beneficial.  Key Points Short forms in Ashtanga Yoga can be a sensible approach when time, energy, or inspiration are limited. Variation in practice is important to prevent stagnation and maintain enthusiasm. Short forms should still incorporate the principles of posture, counter posture, building, and vinyasa. Grounding and ending the practice with a focus on the parasympathetic nervous system is essential. Practitioners should listen to their bodies and make adjustments to their practice as needed.