Keen on Yoga Podcast

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.    

BERNIE CLARK – YOGA RELATED INJURIES (www.yinyoga.com | @bernieclark7528In this episode, Bernie Clark discusses knee issues in Ashtanga yoga. He explains the anatomy of the knee joint and the role of ligaments in preventing excessive movement. Bernie shares his personal experience with knee injuries and the different approaches to healing, including surgery and non-surgical methods. (more below) Bernie emphasizes the importance of strengthening the knee muscles and finding a balance between flexibility and stability. Bernie also addresses the idea of symmetry in yoga practice and the need for individualized approaches based on each person's unique body.  This conversation explores the topics of symmetry vs. balance, the cultural protocol of crossing legs, hip structure and range of motion, hip pain and lotus position, hip issues and solutions, understanding pain and discomfort, the impact on personal practice, carrying angles and individual differences, and recognising pain vs. discomfort. Key Points ·      Hyperextension of the knee is a natural movement and is not necessarily harmful. ·      Meniscus tears are more common than ACL ruptures in yoga. ·      The knee joint does not have a good blood supply, which makes healing difficult. ·      Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help support the joint and prevent injuries. ·      Asymmetry is natural in the body, and it is more important to focus on functionality rather than achieving perfect symmetry in yoga practice. Seek balance, not symmetry, in your practice. ·      Individual differences in hip structure and range of motion can affect poses like lotus position. ·      Various factors, including overuse and structural differences can cause hip pain. ·      Understanding the difference between pain and discomfort is important for practising safely. ·      Personalise your practice based on your body's capabilities and limitations.     To find out more about Professor Stuart McGill and see his books and videos: https://www.backfitpro.com/  

#155 Adam & Theresa – Keens Xmas Chat (www.keenonyoga.com | @keen_on_yoga ) In this episode, Adam and Theresa discuss their background stories, their journey with Ashtanga practice and teaching, and their experiences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also talk about starting an online presence and the Keen on Yoga Podcast. Theresa shares her experience working in corporate events and how she transitioned to running a yoga retreat centre. They discuss the benefits of teaching and practicing online, including the autonomy it gives to students. Overall, they emphasise the importance of adapting and finding new opportunities in challenging times. In this conversation, Adam and Theresa discuss various aspects of yoga teaching and practice. They explore the sustainability of online yoga, the benefits of online teaching for improving in-person teaching skills, and the role of Mysore in yoga practice. They also discuss the evolution of Ashtanga teaching and the need for flexibility and inclusivity in the approach. Adam shares his desired changes in Ashtanga teaching, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and individualization. They touch on the loneliness of teaching and express their desire for more connections and stability. Adam talks about finding inspiration for his writing and shares his gratitude for inspirational figures in yoga. They end the conversation by discussing their guilty pleasures and expressing their gratitude to the listeners. SUPPORT US 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot J 👉 We work in a lot of cafes, 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 👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keen_to_go/ 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com    Key Points   ·      Online yoga offers sustainability and flexibility for practitioners, allowing them to practice at their own pace without the pressure of competition or strong adjustments from teachers.   ·      Teaching online can improve in-person teaching skills by providing a broader perspective and allowing teachers to see different bodies and variations in practice.   ·      Mysore style yoga has its benefits, but it may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to approach teaching with inclusivity and flexibility, allowing students to progress at their own pace.   ·      The method of Ashtanga should be focused on encouragement and individual exploration, rather than strict adherence to rules and perfecting postures.   ·      Developing connections and finding stability in teaching and personal life are important goals for Adam and Theresa.   ·      Adam finds inspiration for his writing through his years of teaching experience and his passion for yoga philosophy.   ·      Mark Darby and Sharath are inspirational figures for Adam in his yoga journey.   ·      Adam's guilty pleasure is sitting in a cafe, enjoying a croissant and black coffee while reading philosophy or yoga books.   ·      Adam and Theresa express their gratitude to the listeners and their hopes for a positive and fulfilling new year.  

Ellen Johannesen – Buddhism & Ashtanga Yoga (  www.ashtanganepal.com | www.onyoga.no | @ashtanganepal ) Ellen Johannessen shares her journey from studying dance to discovering Ashtanga yoga and eventually delving into Buddhist philosophy. She explains the differences between yoga and Buddhism, emphasising the importance of compassion and wisdom in both traditions. Ellen discusses the integration of Buddhist teachings in her Ashtanga yoga practice and how it enhances the overall experience. She also reflects on her time teaching and practising in Nepal and the impact of long retreats. Finally, Ellen opens up about her hip replacement surgery and the recovery process. In this conversation, Ellen discusses her decision to have hip replacement surgery after years of pain and limited mobility. She shares her recovery process and her challenges in regaining her yoga practice. Ellen emphasizes the importance of adapting the practice to accommodate physical limitations and finding joy in alternative movements. She also talks about her plans for the future, including online teaching and organizing yoga adventures in Nepal. Key Points ·      Yoga and Buddhism share common principles of compassion, interconnectedness, and self-realisation. ·      The integration of Buddhist teachings in yoga practice can deepen one's understanding and enhance the overall experience. ·      Long retreats and intensive practices provide an opportunity for focused self-reflection and growth. Hip replacement surgery can be a necessary step in maintaining physical well-being and continuing a yoga practice. Hip replacement surgery can provide relief from chronic pain and improve mobility.     Recovery from surgery requires patience and a gradual return to physical activity.     Adapting the yoga practice to accommodate physical limitations is essential for maintaining a consistent practice.     Exploring alternative movements and practices can bring joy and fulfilment to the yoga journey.     Online teaching and creating a supportive community can enhance the yoga experience for practitioners.

In this episode, Adam discusses his journey from studying philosophy to finding solace in Ashtanga Yoga. He shares his disappointment with the philosophy department and the lack of wisdom and inspiration he found in his professors. Adam explains how Ashtanga Yoga helped him deal with negative emotions and how the practice stimulates the spine to release stored emotions. He emphasizes the importance of a yoga lifestyle and provides tips for processing and digesting negative emotions in the practice. Takeaways Ashtanga Yoga can be an effective tool for dealing with negative emotions and trauma. The practice stimulates the spine and releases stored emotions and trauma. A yoga lifestyle, including diet, sleep, and social interactions, is essential for processing and digesting emotions. Breathing and compression techniques can enhance the effectiveness of the practice in releasing emotions. SUPPORT US 👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot J 👉 We work in a lot of cafes, 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 👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keen_to_go/ 👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com        

Reema Datta (www.reemadatta.com | @reemayoga) In this conversation, Reema Datta shares her journey of discovering yoga and becoming a teacher. She discusses her background growing up in a family immersed in yoga and Ayurveda. Rima also talks about her experience with Larry Schultz and the perception of yoga appropriation. She emphasises the need for a holistic approach to yoga, including integrating mind practices. Rima suggests that ancient texts should be translated and made applicable to modern life to deepen the understanding of yoga. The conversation explores the importance of incorporating mental aspects in yoga and the need to go back to the original teachings of yoga. It discusses the role of translations in understanding yoga texts and the significance of cultural appropriation and respect in yoga. The meaning and pronunciation of Namaste are explored, along with the importance of respecting yoga traditions and practices. The conversation also delves into overcoming the fluctuations of the mind and the gift of yoga to humanity. It highlights the need to improve the representation of yoga and the use of yoga sequences to work with emotions.  The conversation concludes with discussing the need for a feminine touch in yoga and the mind-body experience in yoga. The chapter ends with a reflection on inspiration and guilty pleasures. Highlights Yoga can be practised in various ways and is not limited to asana.        The perception of yoga appropriation can be divisive and counterproductive. ·       There is a need for a holistic approach to yoga that integrates mind practices. ·       Ancient texts should be translated and made applicable to modern life to deepen the understanding of yoga. Incorporating mental aspects in yoga is essential to honour the original teachings of yoga. ·       Translations of yoga texts can greatly impact our understanding and practice of yoga. ·       Cultural appropriation in yoga should be approached with respect and understanding. ·       The meaning and pronunciation of Namaste can vary, but the intention behind it is what matters. ·       Respecting yoga traditions and practices includes understanding the symbolism and significance of statues and other elements. ·       Yoga helps overcome the fluctuations of the mind and promotes unity and connection. ·       Yoga is a gift to humanity and should be represented with integrity and authenticity. ·       Yoga sequences can be designed to work with specific emotions and promote emotional well-being. ·       Including more feminine perspectives in yoga can bring balance and depth to the practice. ·       The mind-body experience is an integral part of yoga and should not be suppressed or denied. ·       Honesty and authenticity are inspiring qualities in yoga and in life. ·       Taking time for guilty pleasures, such as watching movies and enjoying snacks, is important for self-care. You can find links to Reema's book, Sacred Sanskrit Words for Yoga, Chant, and Meditation and her two mantra albums on her website: www.reemadatta.com  You can also follow her on Instagram @reemayoga Sources:  Eknath Easwaran's translations of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads are excellent. He taught at the University of California, Berkeley for decades, and was an amazing bridge between India and the West. His translations are easy to read and full of relatable stories. Roopa Pai has written The Gita for Children and The Vedas and Upanishads for Children. They are both excellent books if you'd like to share with your kids and learn with them! Even for adults, these books are a great introduction to these texts, which carry the original wisdom teachings of yoga that focus on the mind.  You can learn more about Niguma from H.E. Kalu Rinpoche.  Reema offers a free online community gathering on the last Sunday of each month to discuss aspects of yoga philosophy and engage in a short practice of mantra, pranayama, and meditation together. Everyone is welcome to join. You can register online and receive a link. She also has a few online courses that combine asana, mantra, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy. www.reemadatta.com

In this solo episode, Adam talks about the challenges facing yoga teachers and how he manages them.  Support Us Subscribe, like, comment and share with your friends Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Become a Patron:  https://keenonyoga.com/membership/  Connect With Keen On Yoga Instagram Keen on Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/keen_on_yoga/ Instagram Adam Keen: https://www.instagram.com/adam_keen_ashtanga/ Website: https://keenonyoga.com/

#149 John Tattva & Marta Magdalena - Ashtanga Yoga, Love & Community (Ashtanga Nilayam Singapore | @ashtanganilayam.sg ) Yin and yang | Yoga community in Singapore | Finding Ashtanga Yoga | Pranayama & Chanting | Manifesting | A Gateway to Self-realisation | What’s in the sequences? | Sharing the joy of connecting to your own breath | Not following blindly | Managing knee issues | Yoga as a lifestyle | Removing obstacles | Finding your truth  Marta Magdalena is a co-founder of Nilayam and a dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher of Astanga Yoga. With over 20 years of experience on the mat, Marta's dedication to her daily self-practice of asana and pranayama is truly inspiring. Passionate about the holistic approach to wellness, Marta emphasises the importance of breathing practices, Ayurveda, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside the physical aspects of yoga. She firmly believes these elements should always go hand in hand, creating a harmonious balance for overall well-being.  In her spare time, Marta delves into the study of Vedic mantras, seeking a deeper understanding of the mind-body-soul connection. She understands that exploring a wide range of practices that bridge the physical and metaphysical realms unlocks the gateway to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. John Tattva is a co-founder of Nilayam and a passionate advocate of yoga. From his early days as a primary school apprentice, John has immersed himself in yoga, constantly expanding his knowledge and expertise. Today, he stands as a seasoned instructor, sharing his deep-rooted passion and wisdom with students daily for over a decade. He truly believes in the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga, a practice that has become the cornerstone of his teachings. Yearly trips to Mysore allowed him to deepen his understanding and receive the blessing to teach from his teacher, Sharath Jois, reaching an Authorization Level 2. John also embraces therapeutic yoga, spreading positivity and healing through his teachings. Join him on a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being.