Keen on Yoga Podcast

#166 Andrea Ferretti – The Human Side of Yoga Teachers (@andreaferretti | www. jasonyoga.com/yogaland-podcast/ ) Andrea Ferretti shares her journey into yoga, starting in the 90s and finding her passion for Ashtanga. She discusses the challenges of early yoga classes and the evolution of yoga studios, as well as her transition to working at Yoga Journal and the opportunity to study with different yoga teachers. Andrea shares her struggles with mental health and how yoga and meditation have been transformative for her. She also discusses the phenomenon of imposter syndrome in the yoga teaching community. They also touch on the purpose of yoga, the impact of yoga on mental health, navigating life as a cancer survivor, and starting the Yoga Land podcast.  Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of self-compassion, curiosity, and authenticity in the yoga teaching journey. Key Points ·      The yoga community in the 90s was small and intimate, with studios often fitting only a handful of students. ·      Personal insight and experience are essential in yoga practice, and teachers should encourage students to find their own path. ·      Yoga can be a powerful tool for mental health, providing a refuge and a sense of connection. ·      Imposter syndrome is common among yoga teachers, but it can be managed by acknowledging it and focusing on personal growth. ·      The evolution of yoga has led to a more diverse and inclusive practice, with a focus on individual needs and experiences. Coping with imposter syndrome involves acknowledging and accepting one's flaws and mistakes, rather than trying to be perfect. ·      The role of the yoga teacher is to have genuine interest and care for students and to provide tools for self-inquiry and turning inward. ·      Yoga helps individuals observe themselves and spend time looking inside, providing a sense of quiet and self-awareness. ·      Embracing imperfection and learning in public is essential for growth as a yoga teacher, as it allows for continuous learning and improvement. ·      Yoga can have a profound impact on mental health, providing tools for managing anxiety and stress. ·      Being a cancer survivor can change one's perspective on life and priorities, leading to a greater appreciation for what truly matters. ·      Starting a podcast can be a way to share conversations and teachings with a wider audience, and it can be a platform for personal growth and learning. ·      Nerve-wracking and difficult interviews can be valuable learning experiences, teaching resilience and adaptability.   SUPPORT US 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot  👉 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf 👉 Support us directly: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa 👉 Become a Patron for €10 monthly: https://keenonyoga.com/membership/   CONNECT WITH US 👉 Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/keen_on_yoga/ | https://www.instagram.com/adam_keen_ashtanga/ 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com

In this solo podcast episode, Adam discusses his personal journey with emotional healing through yoga practice. He emphasizes the importance of using the body to resolve and purge emotions, as emotions are stored in the body. He explains that the practice of yoga, particularly in the tantric tradition, allows for the digestion and integration of past experiences and emotions. Adam also highlights the significance of creating a ritual space for oneself, where emotions can safely arise and be processed. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-trust and the potential pitfalls of over-practicing and suppressing emotions. Key Points ·      Yoga practice can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and purging stored emotions in the body. ·      The tantric tradition of yoga emphasizes using the body to resolve and integrate past experiences and emotions. ·      Creating a ritual space for oneself allows emotions to arise and be processed in a safe and supported environment. ·      Self-trust and commitment to a daily practice can lead to a sense of integrity and personal growth.

164 Tomas Zorzo – Mysore Since 1985  (  www.yogashtanga.com | @centro_yoga_ashtanga) Mysore in 1985 | $300 for one year | 2 students in the room | Sivananda ashram | First time seeing Ashtanga yoga | The practice was different | 10 breaths, not 5 | No jumping between sides in sitting | Each student had individual practice | One practice was 4.5 hours | The birth of the led class | Hooked on prana | Ego crisis | BNS Iyengar | Pattabhi Jois as a healer | 20 trips to Mysore | Adapting for older students | What is your reason for practice? | AG Mohan | Yoga is being in touch with your inner self  

In this solo podcast episode, Adam discusses various aspects of teaching yoga. He shares his journey of becoming a yoga teacher and the different experiences that led him to teaching. Adam emphasizes the importance of readiness to teach and the role of enthusiasm and appreciation in sharing the practice. He also discusses the qualifications and proficiency required for teaching, highlighting the significance of care, interest, and connection with students. Adam addresses the issue of burnout and the need for self-care as a teacher. He concludes by discussing the challenges of losing students and the importance of adapting teaching methods to suit individual students. Key Points Readiness to teach comes from personal experience, enthusiasm, and appreciation for the practice. Being the best practitioner is not a qualification for teaching yoga; care, interest, and connection with students are more important. Burnout is a real concern for yoga teachers, and it is essential to take breaks and prioritize self-care. Teaching adaptations and making the practice accessible to students is crucial for their progress and engagement. Continued learning, exploring different perspectives, and having

JAMES RAFAEL (www.jamesrafael.com | @jamesyoga ) James Rafael shares his journey from mental health and addiction to health through yoga and meditation. He emphasises the importance of embodiment and finding balance in yoga and meditation practices. James also discusses the role of trauma-informed approaches in these practices. He advocates for incorporating strength training into yoga practice and shares his daily routine. James addresses common concerns about strength training impacting flexibility and encourages a long-term perspective on physical well-being. In this conversation, Adam and James Rafael discuss various aspects of yoga and movement. They explore the practical applications of yoga in daily life, the techniques used in contortionism, the incorporation of different movement modalities, the relationship between embodiment and meditation, the challenges of addictive tendencies, and the importance of creating kind and compassionate spaces. James shares his journey and emphasizes the need for balance and self-awareness in one's practice. Key Points ·      Embodiment is a key aspect of yoga and meditation practices, allowing individuals to connect with their bodies and address deeper traumas or shame. ·      Strength training can be beneficial for yoga practitioners, helping to create balance, and stability, and prevent injuries. ·      Finding a balance between different practices, such as yoga, meditation, and strength training, is essential for overall well-being. ·      Incorporating trauma-informed approaches into yoga and meditation practices can lead to more holistic and helpful experiences. ·      Taking a long-term perspective on physical well-being and training for the body you want in the future can guide your yoga and strength training practices. Yoga can be used as a tool for feeling comfortable in one's body and living a fulfilling life. ·      Contortionism involves technique and strength and can be a valuable addition to a yoga practice. ·      Incorporating different movement modalities can enhance one's understanding and practice of yoga. ·      Embodiment and meditation are interconnected, contributing to a deeper sense of presence. ·      Maintaining balance and self-awareness is crucial in managing addictive tendencies. ·      Creating kind and compassionate spaces is essential for fostering growth and healing in yoga communities.

ADARSH WILLIAMS (www.ashtangayogagroningen.nl | www.smartstretch.com | @ adarshw) Adarsh Williams and Adam discuss various aspects of yoga practice, including its mental and physical benefits, the blending of yoga with fitness culture, and the importance of adapting the practice to individual bodies. They also explore the significance of consistency and enthusiasm in teaching, as well as the role of community and history in the practice of Ashtanga yoga. In this conversation, Adam and Adarsh discuss various aspects of building a Mysore program, teaching yoga to different types of students, the importance of breath, the framework of Ashtanga Yoga, and the benefits of cold exposure. They emphasise the need for teachers to meet students where they are and create a supportive community. They also highlight the significance of movement nutrition and breath hygiene for overall well-being. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the transformative power of tapas. Key Points ·   Yoga was originally intended as a mental practice and a moving meditation, rather than solely a physical exercise. ·      Ashtanga yoga should be approached as a mental practice with functional movement, rather than a fix for physical ailments. ·      Adapting the lotus work in Ashtanga to individual bodies and incorporating functional movement can make the practice more accessible and beneficial. ·      Consistency and enthusiasm are key in yoga practice, and being a new teacher can bring a fresh perspective and energy to the practice. ·      The discipline and restraint of yoga practice can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of oneself. Building a Mysore program requires meeting students where they are and creating a supportive community. ·      Teachers should focus on movement nutrition and breath hygiene for overall well-being. ·      The framework of Ashtanga Yoga provides a structure for self-connection and growth. ·      Cold exposure, such as ice baths, can have curative properties and promote mental and physiological well-being. ·      Tapas, the practice of embracing discomfort, can lead to personal transformation.

ADARSH WILLIAMS (www.ashtangayogagroningen.nl | www.smartstretch.com | @ adarshw) Adarsh Williams shares his journey into yoga and how it helped him overcome anxiety and insomnia. He started with self-taught yoga practice using library books and later transitioned to Ashtanga Yoga. Adarsh emphasizes that yoga is a tool that can be applied in various ways and does not necessarily require a spiritual context. He also discusses his experiences with Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois, highlighting their consistency and dedication to the practice. In this conversation, Adarsh Williams discusses his time with Sharath and the transition he went through after the passing of Pattabhi Joyce. He reflects on Sharath's pressure to fill his grandfather's shoes and how he has grown into his role as a teacher. Adarsh emphasizes the importance of tolerance and understanding in the yoga community, as well as the need for a pragmatic approach to the Ashtanga method. He shares his experience with injuries and how he incorporates functional movement into his teaching. Adarsh concludes by revealing his guilty pleasure of being a professional wrestling fan and expressing his inspiration from his yoga students. In this conversation, we discussed the importance of effective communication and explored various strategies to improve communication skills. We covered topics such as building trust and rapport, active listening and empathy, non-verbal communication, managing conflict, cultural sensitivity and diversity, and effective feedback. These themes highlight the key aspects of communication that can lead to successful interactions and relationships. By implementing the strategies discussed, individuals can enhance their communication skills and achieve better outcomes in personal and professional settings. Key Points ·      Yoga can be a powerful tool for managing mental health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. ·      Self-taught yoga practice can be effective, especially when combined with reading and learning from various sources. ·      Ashtanga Yoga offers a structured and efficient practice that can lead to physical and mental transformation. ·      The guru-disciple relationship in yoga can vary, and it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and not idealize the teacher. Transition and growth are natural processes in any practice or role. ·      Tolerance and understanding are essential in the yoga community. ·      A pragmatic approach to the Ashtanga method can benefit students of all levels and abilities. ·      Incorporating functional movement can help prevent injuries and enhance the practice. ·      Finding inspiration in yoga students and their dedication can motivate teachers to continue their work. Effective communication is crucial for successful interactions and relationships. ·      Building trust and rapport is essential for effective communication. ·      Active listening and empathy help in understanding others and fostering better communication. ·      Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in conveying messages. ·      Managing conflict requires effective communication and problem-solving skills. ·      Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness are important for inclusive communication. ·      Providing constructive feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.    

Adam Keen - Injuries in Yoga, Managing and Healing From Them (@adam_keen_ashtanga | www.keenonyoga.com ) Adam discusses the topic of injuries in yoga and the upcoming injuries conference. He emphasizes that injuries are not the fault of the yoga practice itself, but rather the approach and individual factors. Adam encourages practitioners to adapt the practice to their own bodies and focus on the feeling in the body rather than accomplishing postures. He also shares his personal experiences with injuries and highlights the importance of rest, seeking different approaches, and strengthening the body. The episode concludes with an invitation to the injuries conference.  Key Points  ·       Injuries in yoga are often the result of individual factors and the approach to the practice, rather than the practice itself. ·       Adapting the practice to suit one's own body and focusing on the feeling in the body can help prevent injuries. ·       Injuries can be seen as opportunities for growth and learning, and seeking different approaches and opinions can be beneficial. ·       Resting the injured area, strengthening the body, and considering alternative therapies can aid in the healing process. ·       The injuries conference provides a platform for discussing and addressing yoga-related injuries and healing.  

MC Yogi (www.mcyogi.com | @mcyogi ) MC Yogi (Nicholas Giacomini) shares his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a renowned yoga teacher and musician. He discusses the transformative power of yoga and breath, and how it helped him find peace and purpose in life. MC Yogi also talks about his mentor, Larry Schultz, and the development of Rocket Yoga. He reflects on the counterculture vibe of early yoga and the cathartic nature of yoga practice. Finally, he shares his experience as a musician and the role of music in his spiritual journey. In this conversation, MC Yogi discusses the power of words and mantras in his music. He explains how he remembers his lyrics and mantras through somatic movement and neural programming. MC Yogi also shares his influences from various genres of music and the cultural influences of growing up in the Bay Area. He emphasizes connecting with the spirit and seeking the inner kingdom. MC Yogi's guilty pleasure is driving fast, and his inspiration comes from the awe-inspiring force of the breath. Key Points ·      Yoga can transform and bring peace and purpose to one's life. ·      The breath is a powerful tool for self-awareness and connection. ·      The counterculture vibe of early yoga created a sense of community and acceptance. ·      Music can be a powerful tool for spiritual expression and connection.      

In this conversation, Adam discusses how to stay motivated and inspired in a yoga practice that can sometimes feel repetitive. He explores the challenges of maintaining focus and setting realistic goals, emphasizing the importance of individuality and avoiding comparison. Adam also highlights the need for self-reflection and finding meaning in one's practice. He shares personal experiences and offers practical advice for staying motivated, such as creating a consistent practice space and routine, and being flexible in approach. Adam concludes with New Year's wishes and encourages listeners to continue their yoga journey with confidence and perseverance. Key Points Maintaining motivation in a yoga practice requires setting realistic goals and avoiding comparison with others. Finding meaning in one's practice is essential for long-term motivation and perseverance. Creating a consistent practice space and routine can help in staying focused and committed. Building self-trust and confidence is crucial in overcoming challenges and making better choices in practice and in life.