Wakenings

Most of us know that life works better when we’re fully present—when we’re actually here, meeting the moment as it unfolds. And yet, despite our best intentions, something seems to pull us out of the now again and again. This conversation explores exactly what stands in the way of presence, why even seasoned meditators struggle with the same emotional loops and repetitive patterns, and how a new methodology I’ve developed—Luminous Coherence—offers a way through. Luminous Coherence lies at the intersection of Tantric Kriya meditation, mindfulness, neuroscience, and quantum principles. It’s a practice designed not just to calm the mind, but to rewire the brain’s patterned responses, heal emotional imprints, and bring coherence to the parts of us that have long lived in fragmentation. Key Takeaways      •    Why so many people—even dedicated meditators—struggle to stay in the present moment.      •    How the brain relies on old memories to “guess” our emotions, keeping us stuck in repetitive loops.    •    Why focus-based and mindfulness-based practices often fall short of producing lasting change.    •    How Tantric Kriya techniques correlate with modern neuroscience, especially the downregulation of the default mode network.      •    What coherence truly means—and how observing our emotional triggers from unified awareness transforms them.      •    How neuroplasticity allows us to overlay new, holistic responses onto old memories and patterns.      •    The early results from practitioners who report resilience, joy, and healing through this work.

A true teacher is not the source—they are a vessel. The real power lies not in the personality of the teacher, but in the timeless teachings that move through them. Teachers are human, beautifully flawed like the rest of us, but the wisdom they carry—when offered with sincerity and presence—can awaken something profound in us. It's important to remember: the transformation you feel in practice isn’t a gift from the teacher, but a return to what’s already within you. Seek out those who help you feel more connected to yourself, not to them. Let the teacher remind you of your own depth, not distract you from it.

Rod Stryker sheds light on Kundalini Yoga, distinguishing between modern interpretations and its ancient roots. He explores the critical roles of the root and navel centers, emphasizing that true practice involves purification, not mere provocation of energy. Insights about Bhuta Agni illustrate how inner fire can transform limitations into creative potential. Rod advocates for a systematic approach towards personal transformation, encouraging practitioners to engage deeply with traditional teachings and embrace their inherent non-duality.

Rod Stryker sheds light on the true nature of Kundalini Yoga, distinguishing its ancient roots from modern interpretations. He explores the historical origins found in the Upanishads and articulates how Kundalini represents untapped potential linked to non-duality. With insights into the transformative role of the navel center and systematic methodologies for awakening, Rod invites practitioners to approach this profound practice with discernment and intent. It's a captivating journey into deep consciousness and personal transformation.

Dive into the diverse world of meditation techniques and discover the importance of choosing the right practice for your needs. Different approaches can create vastly different outcomes, guiding you towards calm, insight, growth, or spiritual awakening. Learn how foundational breath meditation can calm the mind before exploring heart-centered practices and the cultivation of inner power. Ultimately, the journey leads to a transformative union with Source, transcending the physical locations of practice.

Can yoga truly help us navigate today's chaotic world filled with anger and anxiety? What if self-inquiry is the missing ingredient in our practice? The discussion emphasizes that yoga without self-reflection can lead us to repeat harmful patterns. With insights from the Yoga Sutras, the host explores transforming negativity into compassion and understanding. Understanding our inner wounds and recognizing the impact of judgment are essential for genuine growth. The episode encourages integrating self-study to reclaim yoga's promise of freedom and thriving.

A far-ranging conversation on why human beings developed and continue to practice meditation. Research confirms that meditation improves quality of life. It enhances the immune system and positively impacts the brain. However, are there more compelling, even existential, reasons that help explain why it evolved and continues to be practiced. Might the impetus for meditation have something in common with the use of drugs in general and more specifically, psychedelics? In the end, we all sense that there is more than what we normally perceive. If we are to find peace, and some level of certainty in the midst of so much uncertainty, loss and even death, there is a natural seeking to “see” beyond our rational mind. Being able to do so is essential if we are to find a meaningful way navigate the larger challenges of what it means to be alive. Some of the topics covered include… - The limits of the five senses and the conditioned mind - “We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.” (credit: The Talmud & Anais Nin) - Clinical studies have shown that psychedelics can change perception sometimes, permanently, in the treatment of trauma, prolonged mental illness, chronic despair in those facing end-of-life-related distress, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. So too, does meditation… - Experiencing what lies beyond normal perception can change the brain (increase neural plasticity). - Meditation is a means to step beyond the confinement of the mind and step into the boundless, the sacred, Source. - The 3 stages of meditation - The four categories of meditation practice - Meditation activates meta-cognition and can promote self-compassion - Everything in nature contains the intelligence to be the fullest version of itself - Beyond ego, fear, and death

A conversation about the breadth and potential of teaching that begins with a confession: Even after more than 40 years of teaching yoga and meditation, I hesitate and am a bit embarrassed to identify myself as a "yoga teacher.” The conversation continues and touches upon the following themes: · What does it mean that you teach yoga? · Distinguishing between teaching “asana” and teaching “yoga.” · Yoga is not just something you do, yoga also refers to a “state.” · Potential intentions of teaching/sharing actual yoga include physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual. · Three orientations for impacting the mind through practice: stability, stillness and insight. · Yoga practice as a tool for energetic transformation. · Introduction to yoga as a spiritual practice, wherein we touch on kundalini yoga---not the brand but rather, the ancient understanding of the process of becoming more conscious/awake. · Closing notes on how we more positively impact the sustainability of the practice and those that are practicing it.