The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

Integrating western science with mystical ideas helps to give us a fuller understanding of how to use gemstones and crystals in healing work and in our daily lives. It's work that our guest, Nicholas Pearson has devoted his life to. In this episode we'll discuss how various gemstones and crystals can be used in relationship to the Chakra systems that so many are familiar with in our current day and age.  Nicholas Pearson has been immersed in all aspects of the mineral kingdom for more than 20 years. He began teaching crystal workshops in high school, later studying mineral science at Stetson University while pursuing a degree in music. He worked for several years at the Gillespie Museum, home to the largest mineral collection in the southern United States. A certified teacher and practitioner of Usui Reiki Ryoho, he teaches crystal and Reiki classes throughout the United States. He is the author of The Seven Archetypal Stones and the recently released Crystals for Karmic Healing both of which are available anywhere books are sold. Special Guest: Nicholas Pearson www.theluminouspearl.com www.innertraditions.com Creator & Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

The United States is reaching a new threshold of acceptance for cannabis with recent legislation in numerous states allowing medicinal and, in some cases, recreational use of the plant depending on the state. It seems as though the US is moving towards national legalization, in large part due to recognition of marijuana's medicinal benefits and to it becoming more socially accepted by people all over the country. While the conversation is usually framed around its medicinal qualities, what about its connection to spiritual traditions? Join us with special guest Stephen Gray as we discuss the use of cannabis in both modern and ancient spiritual settings and how it is being used by people to deepen and expand their spiritual experience. Stephen Gray is a teacher, workshop organizer, public speaker and writer on spiritual subjects and sacramental medicines. He has worked extensively with Tibetan Buddhism, the Native American Church, and with entheogenic medicines. He is the author of Returning to the Sacred World: A Spiritual Toolkit for the Emerging Reality and the editor and co-author of Cannabis and Spirituality: An Explorer's Guide to an Ancient Plant Spirit Ally. Special Guest: Stephen Gray www.cannabisandspirituality.com Creator & Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn written in the 16th century by the poet Tulsidas. People have been reciting the chalisa for hundreds of years and it is a testament to its impact on the life of those who recite it. What story does the Chalisa teach us and how might it change our lives? Join us with return guest Naren Schreiner as we discuss the Hanuman Chalisa in the latest episode of the Sivana Podcast. Naren lived as a monk for fourteen years in the ashrams of Paramahansa Yogananda, before leaving monastic life to continue his spiritual practice out in the world. In 2012, he founded Sangita Yoga, to help spread the yoga of music through lectures, workshops and sacred music. Free Hanuman Chalisa Course by Naren Schreiner and Lopamudra Bose http://courses.sangitayoga.com/courses/sri-hanuman-chalisa Special Guest: Naren Schreiner www.sangitayoga.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Our understanding of consciousness and the mind has changed dramatically in recent years. But what do we even mean when we say consciousness? How does it relate to or differ from the mind? What and where is the mind? What have the latest developments in brain research taught us? Join us with physicist turned neuroscientist, Paul Nunez, as we explore the latest understandings of consciousness from a modern western perspective. Paul Nunez has written multiple books about consciousness and the mind, including his latest work, The New Science of Consciousness: Exploring the Complexity of Brain, Mind, and Self, available anywhere books are sold. Special Guest: Paul L. Nunez www.prometheusbooks.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

What is Vedic Astrology and how does it differ from Western Astrology? Join us with Kari Field as we discuss some key ideas in Vedic astrology, dive into ancient stories of demons swallowing the sun, and explore important astrological moments in the weeks and months ahead. Kari Field (Anandashree) is a San Francisco based Vedic Astrologer and spiritual advisor, as well as a professional musician and Yoga/Pilates instructor.  Special Guest: Kari Field www.anandastrology.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, BKS Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, TKV Desikachar. These are all names that many in the yoga community are familiar with and are considered by many to be the pioneers of modern yoga. But thanks to the work of modern yoga scholars like Elliott Goldberg, we are learning about numerous other figures who influenced the modern practice of yoga. Who were these characters and how did they affect how yoga evolved in modern times? Join us with Elliott Goldberg, yoga scholar and author of The Path of Modern Yoga: The History of an Embodied Yoga Practice, as we discuss a figure named Yogendra Ji who paved the way for the modern yoga teacher and set the stage for how hatha yoga would be taught in the west. His sessions lasted about an hour and culminated in savasana, not  meditation. Many of his views, such as his feelings on guru yoga and the practical benefits of Hatha Yoga, echo in many modern yoga teachers today. Special Guest: Elliot Goldberg www.innertraditions.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Often called the Hindu Bible, the Bhagavad Gita is considered by many to be the greatest spiritual text from India. What is this story about? When and where does it take place? What are its most important and relevant messages and can we apply them to our modern daily lives? Join us with Vanamali Mataji as we discuss the Gita and why it's more important now than ever. Vanamali has written numerous books on the gods of the Hindu pantheon, including Hanuman, Shiva, Shakti, The Complete Life of Krishna and more! She is the founder and president of Vanamali Gita Yoga Ashram, dedicated to sharing the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma and charitable service too children. She lives at the Vanamali ashram in Rishikesh, India. Special Guest: Vanamali Mataji www.vanamaliashram.org Creator & Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

What would happen to the practice of western medicine if doctors were taught mindfulness and self-care more often in medical school? What does mindfulness in medicine look like in actual practice? How can patients practice mindfulness and how might it help them in difficult medical moments? We explore these ideas and more in this great conversation with world renowned Doctor Ronald Epstein. Dr. Ronald Epstein is a practicing family physician and professor of family medicine, psychiatry and oncology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is an internationally recognized educator, writer, and researcher, who has been named one of America's Best Doctors every year since 1998 by US News & World Report. In his new book, Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity, Dr. Epstein builds on his world-renowned, innovative programs in mindful practice and uses wonderfully human clinical stories that give insight into the challenges we face with modern medical care and possible solutions on how doctors and patients can work more effectively together to provide the best quality care for everyone. Special Guest: Dr. Ronald Epstein www.ronaldepstein.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Gemstones and crystals have been appreciated and used by cultures since ancient times, but what uses do they have in our modern daily lives? Is there a way to discuss this topic while including both mystical ideas and science? Join us with expert Nicholas Pearson, author of the Seven Archetypal Stones, as we discuss the practical uses of gemstones and crystals in our every day life. We'll explore major categories of gemstones and crystals, their basic qualities, and how to find out which stones are the best fit for you. Nicholas Pearson has been immersed in all aspects of the mineral kingdom for more than 20 years. He began teaching crystal workshops in high school, later studying mineral science at Stetson University while pursuing a degree in music. He worked for several years at the Gillespie Museum, home to the largest mineral collection in the southern United States. A certified teacher and practitioner of Usui Reiki Ryoho, he teaches crystal and Reiki classes throughout the United States. Published by Inner Traditions, his book The Seven Archetypal Stones is available anywhere books are sold. Special Guest: Nicholas Pearson www.theluminouspearl.com www.innertraditions.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Most people believe that yoga, meditation, and prayer have positive effects on the mind, body, and spirit, but what does science say? What sort of research is being done in these fields? Join us with Dr. Amitava Dasgupta as we discuss some of the amazing work being done to further our understanding of how meditation, yoga and prayer can affect us, and what we can learn from these ancient and modern practices. Dr. Amitava Dasgupta was born in Calcutta, India and came to the United States in 1980 and received his Ph.D. in 1986 in Chemistry from Stanford University. He is board certified in both Toxicology and Clinical Chemistry by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Currently, he is a tenured Full Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School. Dr. Dasgupta has published 214 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is on editorial board of five international journals. Although a toxicologist by profession, Dr. Dasgupta learned yoga and meditation from his teachers in India. His new book The Science of Meditation, Yoga and Prayer is published through Blue River Press and Cardinal Publishers Group, and is available where ever books are sold. Special Guest: Dr. Amitava Dasgupta Email: Amitava.Dasgupta@uth.tmc.edu Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com Enter to win our weekly contests at: www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/