Monthly Archives: April 2024

Dr. Jivasu ~ The Science of Bliss: Understanding the Biological Basis of Spiritual Experiences

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In this insightful episode, we are introduced to the multifaceted Dr. Jivasu, whose journey from a pediatrician to a spiritual teacher is as profound as it is enlightening. Touching on everything from Kundalini experiences to the foundational elements of Soma Yoga, Dr. Jivasu provides a glimpse into the deep connections between our physical existence and the universal forces of energy and consciousness.

Visit Dr. Jivasu on his website: https://www.jivasu.org/
Follow him here on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jivasumd/
On Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@SomawithJivasu

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Jivasu had a transformative Kundalini experience that has shaped his life and teachings since 1984.
  • Soma, Dr. Jivasu’s program, is a holistic approach to health and fulfillment, integrating practices from various yoga traditions and Chinese medicine with a focus on science and biology.
  • The concept of Soma parenting emphasizes nurturing children according to their unique temperaments while providing emotional safety and encouraging their inherent potentials.
  • Dr. Jivasu’s philosophy is grounded in reclaiming the individual’s intrinsic biological rhythm, aiming to unclog the body and mind from traumas and conditioning.

Embracing Somatic Wisdom: Nurturing Body and Mind for Holistic Health and Fulfillment

Our lives are complex tapestries woven from the threads of experiences, relationships, and the quest for inner peace and fulfillment. In an engaging dialogue with Dr. Jivasu, listeners are invited into an exploration of somatic wisdom and holistic health, bridging ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and a transformative approach to life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Jivasu’s transformative experiences and the development of Soma Yoga emphasize the body’s potential as a source of healing and fulfillment.
  • Soma Parenting acknowledges the individual temperaments of children, focusing on nurturing their innate potential.
  • The interconnectedness of emotional, mental health problems, and environmental crises are discussed, with somatic practices suggested as personal pathways to global healing.

From Kundalini Awakening to Somatic Practices

Dr. Jivasu’s journey from a pediatrician to spiritual explorer presents a fascinating interplay between traditional medical training and profound spiritual experiences. He recounts a pivotal moment of intense physical and existential transformation, which he describes as a Kundalini awakening. This experience catalyzed a shift in his perspective, inspiring him to delve deeper into the intersections of health, energy, and spirituality.

“I felt a massive, massive surge of energy in my body… everything seemed rather painting-like as it had no real substance as it was made up of paper.”

This testimony highlights the transformative power of mind-body experiences. Dr. Jivasu’s subsequent development of Soma Yoga is grounded in this recognition of the body as a conduit for energy and consciousness. Soma Yoga is characterized by intuition-led movements, where one’s internal sense informs physical postures, suggesting profound implications for our understanding of health and self-healing.

The Science of Soma: A Biological Perspective on Spiritual Practices

Dr. Jivasu’s Soma teachings bridge the gap between science and spirituality without relying on mystical or metaphysical concepts. He emphasizes the body’s intrinsic capability for bliss and creativity, supported by its biochemistry and neurobiology.

“Our body and brain is the largest pharmacy containing all the molecules, hormones, and chemicals which will give us peace, passion, and bliss.”

This assertion underpins the emergence of Soma Yoga and Soma Parenting programs, underscoring a science-backed approach to spiritual practices. By tapping into the body’s natural pharmacy of happiness-inducing chemicals, Dr. Jivasu’s methodologies offer tangible pathways towards fulfillment and well-being. His ideas echo a shift in the holistic health paradigm, where spiritual experiences are understood through the lens of biological science.

Nurturing Future Generations: The Roots and Wings of Soma Parenting

In discussing Soma Parenting, Dr. Jivasu presents a compelling vision for nurturing children’s innate potential. He envisions a dual approach: rooting children in emotional safety and cultivating their unique temperaments, allowing them to develop like gardeners—observing and protecting rather than sculpting.

“So because children have to be rooted in a family, in a culture… they give them wings. So when a time comes, they could fly in the freedom in the vast space on their own.”

This perspective is a refreshing take on parenting and education, marrying the need for stability with the freedom for authentic self-expression. The broader implications of such an approach can significantly impact societal attitudes towards child rearing, with potential ripple effects on future generations’ mental and emotional health.

Reclaiming Personal Space: The Practice of Somatic Breathing

In a practical demonstration of his teachings, Dr. Jivasu guides listeners through somatic breathing—a practice aimed at reclaiming one’s peripersonal space and enhancing presence and self-awareness. By directing attention to the breath and synchronizing it with the movement of the arms, the exercise becomes a meditation in motion, expanding one’s sense of presence beyond the physical body.

“Feel that arc or circle, because that is your personal space… Your asmita peeling it for another minute and then are slowly opening of rise.”

The practice illustrates the intimate relationship between mind, body, and space, suggesting a holistic approach to personal well-being that can be integrated into everyday life.

As we navigate through the complexity of modern life, perspectives like Dr. Jivasu’s offer a beacon of hope. Through intuitive embodiment, nurturing of innate potential, and a conscious connection with our surroundings, we find the essence of holistic health and fulfillment—a call to return to our fundamental nature and unlock the reservoir of tranquility that resides within.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Support the Show.

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Cathy Louise Broda – How Yoga Can Support Women During Pregnancy and Motherhood

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Cathy Louise Broda is an experienced yoga teacher based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over three decades of teaching history, Cathy has a wide range of expertise in working with families, children, and babies. She is the founder of Purple Yoga and is passionate about sharing her love for yoga with others. Cathy’s teaching style is influenced by her background in Ashtanga Yoga and her commitment to creating a supportive and empowering environment for her students.

Visit Cathy on her website here: https://purpleyoga.com/
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpleyogahawaii/
Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Hqc9YxZmS7U

Key Takeaways:

  • Cathy Louise Broda has over three decades of experience in teaching yoga and has a diverse background in working with families, children, and babies.
  • Yoga can be a transformative practice that not only benefits the physical body but also supports mental and emotional well-being.
  • Finding a supportive community and having a dedicated yoga practice can help individuals navigate challenging times and find balance in their lives.
  • Cathy emphasizes the importance of listening to the body and practicing yoga in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Nurturing the Journey of Yoga and Motherhood: Insights from Cathy Louise Broda

Introduction: In this thought leadership article, we delve into the insightful conversation between Todd McLaughlin and Cathy Louise Broda on the Native Yoga Toddcast. Cathy, a seasoned yoga teacher with over three decades of experience, shares her journey in the world of yoga and her passion for working with families, children, and babies. We explore the challenges and joys of practicing and teaching yoga in Hawaii, the importance of having a supportive community, and the transformative power of the Ashtanga yoga method.

The Transformative Power of Ashtanga Yoga Ashtanga yoga, with its dynamic and structured sequence of postures, has been a constant in Cathy’s life. She shares her experience of practicing Ashtanga yoga in New York City and London, where she encountered influential teachers such as Beryl Bender Birch, David Life, and Sharon Gannon. Cathy explains how Ashtanga yoga provided her with a strong foundation and a sense of discipline, helping her navigate the challenges of life and motherhood.

According to Cathy, Ashtanga yoga offers a transformative experience that goes beyond physical fitness. She states, “It’s all about empowering the woman, the baby. And it’s interesting because a lot of women, their babies ended up crawling quite early… I think it’s because we do so much with them.” This highlights the holistic benefits of Ashtanga yoga, not only for the practitioner but also for their children. The practice helps build confidence, strength, and a deep connection between mother and baby.

The Importance of a Supportive Community Living and teaching yoga in Hawaii presented its own set of challenges and rewards. Cathy discusses the high cost of living in Hawaii and the need for a strong support network, which she found in her family and the local yoga community. She highlights the importance of having a community that understands and supports the unique journey of motherhood, providing a space for women to connect, share experiences, and find solace.

Cathy emphasizes the significance of finding a supportive community, stating, “It’s all about empowering women to know that you can move a baby front to back up, down, and they’re only going to get stronger.” This highlights the role of the community in empowering women to trust their bodies and embrace the changes that come with motherhood. By creating a safe and inclusive space, women can find strength and support in their yoga practice and in their relationships with other mothers.

Empowering Women through Yoga Cathy’s experience teaching pregnancy yoga and mom and baby yoga classes has allowed her to witness the transformative power of yoga in women’s lives. She emphasizes the importance of listening, being present, and providing a safe space for women to explore their bodies and connect with their babies. Cathy encourages women to trust their bodies and embrace the changes that come with motherhood, while also finding strength and empowerment through their yoga practice.

Cathy’s approach to teaching pregnancy and mom and baby yoga focuses on creating an environment that fosters confidence and connection. She states, “We need strong children to take the world to a better place.” By empowering women to trust their bodies and embrace their unique journey, Cathy believes that yoga can play a vital role in shaping the next generation of strong and compassionate individuals.

Conclusion: Cathy Louise Broda’s journey in yoga and motherhood offers valuable insights into the transformative power of Ashtanga yoga and the importance of a supportive community. Her experiences highlight the need for individualized practice, listening to one’s body, and finding a balance between discipline and self-compassion. As we navigate the challenges and joys of life, Cathy’s wisdom reminds us to trust the process, embrace change, and find strength in our own unique journey.

Cathy’s approach to yoga and motherhood serves as an inspiration for women seeking to find balance and empowerment in their lives. By practicing yoga, building a supportive community, and embracing the transformative power of motherhood, women can cultivate strength, resilience, and joy. As Cathy states, “Practicing be happy.” This simple yet profound message encapsulates the essence of her teachings and serves as a guiding principle for all who embark on the journey of yoga and motherhood.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Susan Marrufo – Exploring the Intersection of Yoga and Sacred Sexuality

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In this episode of the Native Yoga Toddcast, host Todd McLaughlin interviews Susan Marrufo on the topics of yoga, sacred sexuality, and death. 
Susan shares her personal journey and how she discovered the connection between these three subjects. She explains that yoga, for her, is a system for self-realization and direct knowledge of the truth of being. 
Susan delves into the practice of self-inquiry and the importance of questioning our beliefs and identities to uncover our true nature.

Visit Susan on her website: https://www.samarasacenter.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Yoga is a system for self-realization and direct knowledge of the truth of being.
  • Self-inquiry is a powerful practice that involves questioning our beliefs and identities to uncover our true nature.
  • Sacred sexuality is about exploring intimacy and healing in the context of relationships, using sexual energy consciously to deepen connection and experience communion with the divine.
  • Tantra encompasses both classical teachings and Neo Tantra practices, with classical Tantra focusing on a small percentage of sexual practices.
  • Integrating these experiences into everyday life and relationships is essential for personal growth and spiritual development.

Exploring the Depths of Yoga: A Path to Self-Realization When we hear the word “yoga,” we often think of physical postures and exercise. However, yoga is much more than that. Susan Marrufo, a yoga teacher and practitioner, views yoga as a system for self-realization and direct knowledge of the truth. She practices Jnana yoga, the yoga of direct knowledge, which involves the direct experience of one’s true nature. This practice involves asking the question, “Who am I?” and listening to the silence for the answer.

For Susan, yoga is a journey of self-inquiry and introspection. It is about questioning our beliefs, letting go of attachments, and discovering the truth of our being. Through her own practice and teaching, she guides others to find their own answers and connect with their true selves.

Sacred Sexuality: Exploring Intimacy and Energy Sacred sexuality is an integral part of Susan’s journey and the curriculum she teaches in her Yoga, Sex, and Death course. It is about exploring intimacy and working with one’s own energy to create a deeper connection with oneself and others. Sacred sexuality is not solely focused on physical pleasure or procreation but involves conscious merging and dissolving into love.

In sacred sexuality, the energy of the second chakra rises up to the heart, creating a merging and dissolution of the self. This can be a transformative and blissful experience, but it can also be scary for many people. The fear of losing oneself and the vulnerability that comes with intimacy can create unconscious patterns and defense mechanisms that hinder true connection.

Through conscious practices and energy work, individuals can expand their energetic container and learn to hold space for intimacy and vulnerability. This involves exploring and healing any trauma or blockages in the body, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and others.

Death: A Portal to Transformation Death is often seen as the end of life, but in the context of yoga and self-realization, it is a portal to transformation and a reminder of the impermanence of existence. Just as yoga and sacred sexuality involve merging and dissolving, death is the ultimate dissolution of the self.

In the Yoga, Sex, and Death course, Susan explores the connection between death and yoga. She emphasizes that death is not something to be feared but embraced as an opportunity for growth and transformation. By facing the reality of death, individuals can let go of attachments and illusions, leading to a deeper understanding of the true nature of existence.

Conclusion: Embracing the Depths of Yoga, Sacred Sexuality, and Death Yoga, sacred sexuality, and death are interconnected aspects of the human experience. They serve as portals to self-realization, intimacy, and transformation. Through yoga, individuals can embark on a journey of self-inquiry and direct knowledge, exploring the depths of their being. Sacred sexuality offers a conscious practice of intimacy and energy work, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and others. Death, often seen as the end, is an opportunity for growth and a reminder of the impermanence of life.

By embracing these aspects and delving into their depths, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the divine. It is through this exploration that true transformation and self-realization can be achieved.

So, let us embark on this journey together, embracing the depths of yoga, sacred sexuality, and death, and discovering the profound wisdom and liberation they offer.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Andrew Jones – Being Love: Embracing Compassion and Gratitude in Everyday Life

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Andrew Jones is a yoga teacher and practitioner who plays a vital role in Dharma Mittra’s yoga teacher training. He met his wife, Pam Jones, at Dharma Yoga Center in New York City. Andrew has been practicing yoga for many years and has transitioned from working in advertising to dedicating his life to yoga. He has worked at Dharma Yoga Center, help running the studio and teaching classes, and has been involved in teacher trainings for over 15 years. Andrew is also involved with an organization called Study Yoga, which offers online yoga programs and journeys for individuals looking to integrate yoga into their lives.

Visit Andrew on the Dharma Yoga Center website: https://www.dharmayogacenter.com/
Also at Yoga Study: https://studyyoga.com/our-guides/

Key Takeaways:

  • Andrew Jones found peace and a sense of calm through practicing yoga at Dharma Yoga Center, which led him to become a teacher and eventually work at the studio.
  • He plays a vital role in Dharma Mittra’s yoga teacher training and has been involved in teacher trainings for over 15 years.
  • Andrew emphasizes the importance of finding balance between business and yoga, as well as the need to prioritize personal practice and self-care.
  • He discusses the power of community in yoga practice and the benefits of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students.

Introduction

Welcome to the Native Yoga Toddcast, where inspirational speakers in the field of yoga, massage bodywork, and beyond come together to share their wisdom and insights. In this episode, Todd McLaughlin interviews Andrew Jones, a yoga teacher and practitioner who plays a vital role in Dharma Mittra’s yoga teacher training. Andrew shares his journey of finding peace through yoga and the importance of finding balance between business and yoga. He also discusses his involvement with Study Yoga, an organization that offers online yoga programs to help individuals integrate yoga into their lives. Throughout the conversation, Andrew emphasizes the power of love and connection in transforming ourselves and the world around us.

Finding Peace through Yoga

Andrew shares his personal journey of discovering yoga later in life and how it transformed his life. He explains that he initially turned to yoga as a way to find inner peace and calm amidst the stress and chaos of his advertising career in New York City. Through his practice at Dharma Yoga Center and studying with Sri Dharma Mittra, Andrew found a deep sense of peace and connection. He emphasizes the importance of finding a teacher or mentor who resonates with you and guides you on your yoga journey.

Andrew also highlights the role of yoga in his own healing process, both physically and emotionally. He shares how yoga helped him navigate through anxiety and trauma, and how it continues to be a source of strength and support in his life. Andrew encourages individuals to explore different aspects of yoga, such as breathing exercises and meditation, to find what resonates with them and brings them peace.

Balancing Business and Yoga

As someone with a background in advertising and marketing, Andrew discusses the challenges of finding a balance between business and yoga. He shares his experience of working at Dharma Yoga Center and running the studio, as well as his involvement with Study Yoga. Andrew acknowledges the importance of integrating his marketing skills to support the growth of yoga centers and programs, but also recognizes the need to prioritize his own practice and well-being.

Andrew reflects on the pressure that yoga teachers often face to meet certain expectations and achieve certain numbers. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not losing sight of the essence of yoga in the pursuit of business success. Andrew encourages teachers to find a balance between teaching and personal practice, and to prioritize their own well-being in order to better serve their students.

Study Yoga: Integrating Yoga into Daily Life

Andrew discusses his involvement with Study Yoga, an organization that offers online yoga programs designed to help individuals integrate yoga into their daily lives. He explains that Study Yoga provides personalized journeys for people based on their specific needs and goals. These journeys include a combination of poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and knowledge about yoga philosophy and diet.

Andrew highlights the accessibility and community aspect of Study Yoga, as participants have the flexibility to do the programs at their own pace and receive feedback and support from teachers. He emphasizes the importance of making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or level of experience. Andrew believes that by making yoga more accessible and sustainable, more people can experience the transformative power of the practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Andrew Jones shares his journey of finding peace and balance through yoga and emphasizes the importance of love and connection in our lives. He encourages individuals to explore different aspects of yoga and find what resonates with them, while also finding a balance between business and personal practice. Andrew’s involvement with Study Yoga highlights the importance of making yoga accessible and integrating it into our daily lives. Ultimately, Andrew’s message is one of love and connection, reminding us that by cultivating these qualities within ourselves, we can create a more harmonious world.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Practice with Andrew & Pam Jones at Native Yoga Center every Wednesday at 4:30pm

Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com