Living In Alignment

Savira Gupta comes from a family of strong women rooted in the Arya Samaj Tradition; founded in April 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who wanted to revive the Vedic way of life and the need to create a just society for all.  She spent her childhood in Malaysia, formative years in India, teenage years in France and adult years in the UK, Europe and the USA, and this has given Savira the foundation to relate to people from all walks of life and culture. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Savira approaches yoga through the lens of a sadhaka and seeker. Her approach to teaching invites exploration, and understanding how yoga is a way of life not just modern postures.  Her holistic style of teaching encompasses the understanding of the physical, subtle and causal body. Her classes are interactive; combining the key principles of the teachings with a dash of humour. IN THIS EPISODE: --Savira's path living yoga, and moving from student to yoga teacher --Fascinating insight and wisdom from the Arya Samaj tradition that empowers women --Considerations around what Westernised yoga is lacking --Unpacking the role of a yoga teacher --Essential reflections when considering what is behind the aspiration to teach yoga for so many people --Savira's personal guidance for more depth on your path CONNECT WITH SAVIRA: Website: https://www.saviragupta.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvirag/ -- ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He’s the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition. IN THIS EPISODE: -Insight into Jivana's extensive history of teaching yoga and advocating within communities in the US, along with the inspiration of his Grandmother -Some major misunderstandings of what accessible yoga actually is -How ethics create accessibility -The core ABC's of accessible yoga -Financial accessibility, financial ethics, and the white saviour complex CONNECT WITH JIVANA: Website & books: https://www.jivanaheyman.com/ Courses: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/ -- ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

WELCOME TO SEASON THREE! Tova Olsson is a scholar of religion, author and yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience in educating. She is appreciated for her deep knowledge, her ability to explain esoteric ideas and philosophical concepts in an accessible way, and for her skillful storytelling and humorous approach. As a scholar-practitioner, she strives to combine academic, critical understanding with the dedicated experience of a long-term practitioner, offering courses that provide liberating knowledge - on many different levels. Tova holds an MA in religious studies from Gothenburg University and is currently working on her PhD at Umeå University, where she researches gender constructs in contemporary tantra in Europe. She lectures internationally on the history, philosophy and mythology of yoga and tantra and runs the online school Saraswati Studies.  IN THIS EPISODE: -Tova's story of how she came to yoga, tantra, shaktism and scholarship -Meanings of the Sanskrit word, Shakti -Insight into the revered goddesses, Saraswati and Matangi -Tova's book, a resource for serious practitioners and yoga teachers -Stories, symbolism, and a wealth of more wisdom! CONNECT WITH TOVA: Online courses: https://saraswati-studies.teachable.com/ "Taste" course: https://anjabergh.com/taste India retreat: https://www.mysticart.org/retreats Purchase Tova's book: https://www.motilalbanarsidass.com/products/yoga-and-tantra-history-philosophy-mythology?srsltid=AfmBOopLNOuw9zKGDqVENHuEInm-GXlRX8LkkUi7RhqaT5uiNxbghH4o -- ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Sophie Duncan, Founder of Aaoka Beauty, shares Ayurvedic beauty wisdom, emphasizing nature connection, mental-emotional impact on the face, and natural aging acceptance. She recommends tools like jojoba oil and rose water, and discusses postpartum care, aging radiantly, and joining her Radiance Rhythms membership for holistic nourishment.

Born in Texas in 1953, Dr. Robert Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. After being ritually initiated into the Pokot tribe of northern Kenya as its first white member in June 1973 he moved to India, where he lived from during the 70’s and 80’s, receiving his Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from the University of Poona in 1980.  In his final year of study at the Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya he won all but one of the University of Poona’s awards for academic excellence in Ayurveda, including the Ram Narayan Sharma Gold Medal. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. Author of over a dozen books, Dr. Svoboda has traveled extensively In the years since 1986, spending three months per year on average in India. You can find out more about his work and study online with Robert at www.drsvoboda.com and follow him on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. IN THIS EPISODE: Learn of Dr Svoboda’s most pivotal moments across his life Sanskrit words that help to illumine a greater understanding of death The rich significance of Benares (Varanasi) and cremation grounds How to understand and work with the planet Saturn through the lens of Vedic Astrology  Dr Svoboda’s book recommendations His favorite temple in India And the new book coming soon from Dr Svoboda! RESOURCES: Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Deepika) Ka, by Roberto Calasso  Learn from Robert via his huge library of online courses: https://drsvoboda.teachable.com/

Laura Poole is a Vedic meditation teacher and founder of Mahasoma – supporting Vedic meditators and teachers with feminine-led Vedic wisdom, embodiment practices, and community. Laura has trained intensively over the past 15 years with great masters in Australia and India. She currently resides in Noosa on her 3-acre homestead, growing a syntropic food-forest and biodynamic vegetable garden.  Laura shares the transformative wisdom of Vedic meditation, Vedanta, and Ayurveda, in an engaging, relevant, and humorous way that allows people to make deep discoveries about themselves and their purpose.  She is a dedicated leader in the meditation space. Passionate about community and aware of its transformative power, Laura brings people together in uplifting shared experiences through Vedic meditation courses, events, and India retreats. Her intention is to share simple ‘how-to’ techniques for creating awakening, balance, and harmony while supporting people to live a heart-based life in flow with nature. Laura was also an original co-founder/co-creator of 1 Giant Mind Australia and its free Learn to Meditate app. To learn Vedic meditation with Laura you can head to laurapoole.com and mahasoma.com IN THIS EPISODE: - Hear of how Laura came to Vedic meditation specifically - Learn what Vedic meditation is, where it comes from, and its lineage and history - Listen to Laura's experiences of India, and her time immersed in tradition - Laura's recommended reading and upcoming offerings MENTIONED: — Tao Te Ching (translation by Stephen Mitchell) — Bhagavad Gita (commentary by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi) — Mahabharata (Ramesh Menon) — The Ringing Cedars by Vladimir Megre

Author of the best-selling book Ayurveda Cooking For Beginners and creator of numerous courses and trainings on Ayurveda, Laura Plumb promotes sacred, sumptuous living through the Vedic sciences of Ayurveda, Jyotish, Mantra, and Devi Sadhana. Laura is lead faculty for the Ayurvedic Integrated Nutrition 200-hour Professional Training and has studied with some of the great masters of our time, practicing and sharing what she has learned from the heart-centered wisdom schools of the world. Laura’s blog is an inspirational resource for Ayurvedic nourishment and delight. She is widely recognized for understanding and sharing the deeper principles of various Vedic traditions while making them accessible and relevant to modern life. In this episode: - Laura's story as to how she felt pulled to India and came to learn of the various Vedic traditions - Laura's fascinating and pivotal first trip to India many years ago - How we can amalgamate Vedic traditions into daily life - How Ayurveda and Jyotish overlap - The concept and approach to remedies through the Vedic lens - The purpose behind Laura's first book, Ayurveda Cooking For Beginners - Two of Laura's book recommendations - Three of Laura's daily practices to align with Vedic wisdom - So much beauty, metaphor, and more! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese The Upanishads CONNECT WITH LAURA: Website: https://lauraplumb.com/ Blog: https://food-alovestory.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraplumb/ USE CODE: Plumb10 for 10% off a Jyotish Vedic Astrology consultation with Laura.

Maya Tiwari, Ayurveda expert with 35+ years of experience, discusses sadhana, Ayurvedic practices, women's healing, and aligning with natural rhythms. She shares her journey from battling ovarian cancer to promoting holistic wellness and connection with Mother Earth. The podcast explores breath, food, mindful living, feminine energy, nature's impact, and embracing challenges through observation and gratitude.

Kate O’Donnell is an international speaker, Ayurvedic practitioner, long-time yoga practitioner, and the author of four books, including best-selling The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. She has been studying in US and India for 25 years. Her new book Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health is available for pre-order now. Find her online at: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/ and https://www.instagram.com/kateodonnell.ayurveda/ Within this episode: Kate’s calling to India, her fun and fascinating story of coming to yoga and Ayurveda The philosophical unpinning of the Vedic lifestyle The four stages of life (ashramas) Insight into studying in India The deficit Westerners have coming to yoga Women’s transition into embodied wisdom The value of immersing in wisdom traditions within India A call to potentially hang up the asana The evolution of yoga through one’s lifetime The relevance of Ayurvedic Dhatus to our movement practices Ritucharya, movement with the seasons Kate’s book recommendations Kate’s new book (Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health) is due for release April 2024 with Shambhala Publications. Pre-orders available now. Resources mentioned: Ka by Roberto Calasso Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life by Dr Claudia Welch Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook by Kate O’Donnell

Kaya Mindlin is a trusted teacher guiding many of today’s yoga teachers and longtime practitioners. Mature seekers resonate with her authentic approach that synthesizes the mystical and practical. With over 20 years teaching experience and the blessing of her gurus as a steward of the vedic tradition, Kaya expertly weaves yogic practice, storytelling, sanskrit recitation, vedanta, shaktism, vedic astrology & ayurveda in her rich programs. Her Supreme Release Yoga works gently and deeply with the subtle spine as a sacred pilgrimage site. While many are first drawn to her fierce stewardship and commitment to breaking yogaland myths on social media, they find their yoga home in her inclusive and deep approach that prioritizes a loving teacher-student relationship in which anything can be fodder for spiritual growth. Kaya lives in the US with her husband, a masterful Vedic Astrologer and their two children. Some of the episode highlights: Learn of Kaya’s personal story, including how she was raised and then came to finding the Vedic traditions Guardianship and gatekeeping of the yogic tradition Ganesha’s relevance to protecting the sacred How we can qualify, be ready or eligible to receive the deeper teachings The concept of Adhi-Kāra What prepares us to be ready to receive the teachings The role of storytelling Weaving the teachings into daily life and embracing the householder tradition Motherhood and the divine mother Kaya’s reluctance to recommend books (& why) A couple of recommended Yogic texts to read The concept of Śruti and deep listening Receive 15% off ALL of Kaya's online offerings with the code: LIA15 Online courses to highlight: Nectar of Nidra (New class starts Nov. 3rd) - https://yogawithkaya.com/online-programs/nectar-of-nidra/ Nectar of Time (ongoing membership) - https://yogawithkaya.com/nectar-of-time-membership/ Nectar of the Gita (New class starts Jan. 11th) - https://yogawithkaya.com/the-nectar-of-the-gita/ All online offerings can be found here: https://yogawithkaya.com/online-programs/ Connect with Kaya: Website: https://yogawithkaya.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayamindlin/