Monthly Archives: October 2024

Pat Sperry ~ Scaling New Heights: Spiritual Pilgrimages with Peace Love Flourish

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Pat Sperry is a seasoned yoga instructor deeply rooted in the lineage of Iyengar Yoga, holding a notable certification that underscores his dedication to rigorous practice and teaching. Based in Mount Helix, San Diego, he is not only a practitioner but also a facilitator of enriching experiences. Pat is the founder of Flourish, a company that orchestrates transformative retreats and events worldwide. With extensive experience in yoga and meditation, Pat combines his athletic background and spiritual pursuits to create enlightening journeys for his participants.

Visit Pat on his website here: https://www.peaceloveflourish.com/?aff=nativeyoga
Follow him on his IG @beflourish here: https://www.instagram.com/beflourish/

Key Takeaways:

  • Pat Sperry highlights the transformational power of yoga, particularly Iyengar Yoga, even as it resonates differently with diverse individuals.
  • Men’s retreats run by Pat offer a safe space to explore masculine archetypes and grounding yoga practices.
  • Todd and Pat explore the balance between rigorous discipline and relaxed spirituality, revealing insights into the ebb and flow of personal meditation practices.
  • Insights are shared on how cultural, energetic, and spiritual experiences are integrated into Flourish’s transformative retreats.

Yoga’s Transformative Power: Insights from a Journey of Self-Discovery and Spiritual Growth

Introduction

In the beautiful interplay between the spiritual and the physical, yoga emerges as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. This enlightening dialogue between Todd McLaughlin and Pat Sperry on the podcast reveals the intricate journey of embracing yoga beyond the mat. The conversation unfolds as an exploration of personal transformation, the balance between discipline and freedom in spiritual practices, and the evolving roles of yoga in modern life for both genders. Drawing from their experiences, Todd and Pat illustrate how yoga can serve as a bridge to understanding one’s true self while navigating life’s challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Yoga, initially crafted for men, has evolved into a universal practice, offering profound personal and spiritual benefits to all genders.
  • The duality of spiritual practices embodies a balance between discipline and liberation, highlighting the necessity for personal adaptation in one’s journey.
  • Men’s groups and retreats offer a pathway to explore masculinity beyond societal constructs, allowing men to connect with their inner selves and embrace vulnerability.

The Historical Evolution of Yoga: From Masculine Roots to Universal Practice

Yoga’s journey from its inception to its current global phenomenon is a testament to its adaptability and profound impact on human evolution. Initially designed for the male Brahmin caste in ancient India, yoga has traversed cultural and gender boundaries, becoming a universally accessible practice. Pat Sperry eloquently recalls, “Yoga was originally created for men, more or less… intended for the Brahmin caste.” This historical context sets the stage for understanding yoga’s transformative potential across different demographics.

For men contemplating the practice, the initial hesitance due to cultural perceptions can be a barrier. However, as Pat explains, yoga was traditionally a male-centric practice, and its benefits transcend gender. “Having a male teacher helped me relate through the male mode of feeling, expression,” Pat shares, shedding light on the importance of relatable role models in making yoga more inclusive. By acknowledging yoga’s historical roots and embracing its modern-day relevance, men can forge a deeper connection with the practice, fostering both physical and spiritual growth.

Balancing Discipline and Freedom: A Journey Through Spiritual Practices

The transcript delves into the delicate balance between discipline and freedom in spiritual pursuits, as embodied in various meditation practices. Pat’s exploration of rigorous practices like Vipassana alongside more fluid ones like Transcendental Meditation highlights this dynamic interplay. “With yoga, Vipassana was one of those practices which was kind of hard… and it required a lot out of me,” he reflects, underscoring the transformative power of dedicated practice tempered with an easeful approach.

This balance is crucial for sustaining long-term engagement in spiritual explorations. As Pat notes, “It’s me giving myself the gift of not having to try so hard and just being able to connect.” Such self-compassion allows practitioners to weave their spiritual pursuits into daily life without the burden of perfectionism, fostering a more sustainable journey. Todd further emphasizes, “I’ve loosened my grip on the rules in Vipassana,” advocating for a personalized approach that respects one’s unique life circumstances and spiritual needs.

Embracing Vulnerability: The Role of Men’s Groups in Redefining Masculinity

In today’s rapidly changing world, men’s groups offer a crucial space for redefining masculinity away from traditional stereotypes. These groups enable men to explore their vulnerabilities and connect with their authentic selves. Pat emphasizes the meaningful impact of such gatherings, saying, “We give men a stone… that represents this weight that we carry… to acknowledge that this weight is within us.”

These interactions help men navigate personal challenges by creating a safe space for honest dialogues and emotional expression. By coming together in a supportive environment, men can begin to dismantle outdated constructs of masculinity, empowering them to engage more deeply in personal and spiritual growth. Pat’s work in facilitating men’s retreats underscores the importance of community in fostering transformation. “It’s the most meaningful work that I’ve been doing recently,” he states, highlighting the profound benefits men can gain from participating in these experiences.

Insights for Practicing Yoga and Embracing Spiritual Growth

Reflecting on the themes discussed, it’s evident that yoga and spirituality offer diverse paths for personal and communal evolution. The historical context of yoga as a practice originally designed for men provides an insightful backdrop for understanding its universal application today. By reflecting the initial masculine framework and reframing it for everyone, yoga has become a transformative tool for self-understanding and healing.

Finding balance in spiritual practices is essential for sustaining long-term growth and avoiding burnout. As Pat emphasizes, blending discipline with gentleness allows practitioners to connect more profoundly with their inner selves. This adaptive approach is echoed by Todd, who advocates for aligning practice with personal circumstances. Lastly, the role of men’s groups in redefining masculinity offers valuable insights into fostering authentic connections and embracing vulnerability.

In their conversation, Todd and Pat bring forth a thoughtful exploration of yoga and spirituality, encouraging us all to find our paths, embrace our uniqueness, and build communities that support holistic well-being. This dialogue not only inspires but also serves as a guide for those seeking to deepen their journey of self-discovery through yoga.


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. 

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

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

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

Jennifer Kenney-Smith ~ Redefining Success: From High Performance to Spiritual Fulfillment

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Jennifer Kenney-Smith is a seasoned yoga instructor and Ayurveda practitioner with a rich background in corporate management and business success. Having made a transformative journey from a high-pressure corporate career to a more spiritually aligned lifestyle, Jennifer harnesses her personal and professional experiences to guide others. She specializes in teaching yoga, sharing Ayurvedic wisdom, and leading life-changing retreats and courses like her signature program, Awaken. Her work focuses on integrating physical health with spiritual wellness, aiming to support individuals in their journey towards self-discovery and holistic healing.

Visit Jennifer on her website: https://www.jksyoga.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Morning Rituals and Ayurveda: Jennifer details her transformative morning rituals that integrate yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic principles to set a grounded tone for the day.
  • Identity and Transition: The conversation explores the challenges of shifting from a corporate identity to a spiritual one, mirroring Jennifer’s own journey of personal and professional realignment.
  • Hero’s Journey and Self-Discovery: The concept of the hero’s journey is presented as a path back to one’s true self, emphasizing inner healing and self-understanding.

Embracing Chaotic Uncertainty: The Path to Personal and Spiritual Transformation

Key Takeaways:

  • Embracing disruption and uncertainty can foster deep personal and spiritual growth.
  • The modernization of ancient practices, such as Ayurveda and yoga, remains pivotal in restoring personal health and balance.
  • The hero’s journey is a universal narrative that helps individuals connect back to their true selves, fostering resilience and growth.

The Transformative Power of Embracing Uncertainty

In a world teeming with uncertainty and rapid change, it can be easy to fall into the pattern of anxiety and fear. Yet, as Jennifer Kenney-Smith passionately shares, allowing oneself to be “pulled apart” by the chaotic energy of the times can be a powerful path to transformation. In her conversation with Todd McLaughlin, Kenney-Smith reflects on how aligning with the natural shift of seasons, particularly from summer to fall, presents unique opportunities for introspection and growth.

Kenney-Smith explains, “If we really allow this energy of this season to pull us apart instead of resisting it or just being completely unconscious to it, it can be a really beautiful support system to get us to that next layer.” The seasonal transition offers a metaphorical and literal release of what doesn’t serve us, inviting a deeper alignment with our true purpose.

This idea echoes through the transcript as McLaughlin and Kenney-Smith discuss how personal disruptions can be pivotal in fostering new growth. Rather than fearing uncertainty, welcoming it as an integral component of the human journey can lead to unexpected insights and opportunities. Their discussion transforms a daunting concept into an invitation to harness chaotic energy for inner evolvement.

Ayurveda and Yoga: Channels to Reclaim Health and Balance

Kenney-Smith’s perspective on health intertwines deeply with ancient practices like Ayurveda and yoga, which she reveres for their timeless wisdom. She introduces habits rooted in these traditions within her “Awaken” program, explaining their relevance for today’s challenges, particularly in combating disorder and disease.

“The antidote to the lost self and coming back to this identity of self is going to take you through the ways that the yogis, the wise ones, would do,” she notes, advocating for a return to nature and self. Practices such as having an “earlier, lighter dinner” and “earlier to bed” emphasize leveraging natural rhythms for wellness.

Her anecdotal success with her health journey, rejecting a proposed vertebra fusion, underscores the effectiveness of these ancient practices. Jennifer describes her decision to pursue alternative therapies and holistic health approaches, noting, “I healed my whole body using these habits.” Her narrative illustrates the significant, tangible impact of adopting Ayurveda and yoga in one’s health regimen, challenging modern assumptions about medical interventions.

The Hero’s Journey: A Return to the Self

Jennifer Kenney-Smith eloquently frames her personal evolution through the lens of the hero’s journey, a timeless narrative popularized by Joseph Campbell. She recounts transformative moments, such as her sojourn into yoga, leading her from panic attacks to realizing her self-worth. “I found myself in my late thirties for the first time in my life,” she confides, detailing her path from suffering to growth.

Their discussion frames the hero’s journey as a cycle of departure, initiation, and return that mirrors transformation in personal life. “The suffering ended with me. And then I got up and I started a whole new evolution,” Kenney-Smith shares, embodying the universal theme of the hero’s journey as a metaphor for returning to a deeper understanding of oneself.

By underscoring the deep personal impact of these journeys, Kenney-Smith and McLaughlin delve into how individuals resist or embrace their inner transformations. They explore how this journey back to the self is not only about personal healing but also about enriching the collective human experience by creating more authentic and connected lives.

In an era where digital noise and continuous uncertainty threaten individual and collective well-being, embracing these pathways can bring profound personal and communal benefits. Jennifer Kenney-Smith’s insights, deeply rooted in spiritual and wellness practices, emphasize that nothing external holds the key to fulfillment. Instead, true transformation comes from within, through courageously facing and embracing uncertainty and rediscovering one’s inherent power and wisdom.


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. 

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

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

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

Sara Ticha – Unlocking the Heart: The Transformational Power of Bhakti Yoga

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Sara Ticha is a renowned international yoga teacher and influencer celebrated for her unique integration of mindfulness and yoga practice. Sara has a notable presence on Instagram, where she shares inspiring content focused on positivity and personal growth. With experience teaching at various yoga festivals and hosting retreats, Sara is continuously expanding her influence in the yoga community. Her journey includes transitions from dynamic asana practices to experimenting with Bhakti yoga, where she’s embraced mantra chanting and playing the harmonium to deepen her spiritual connection and teaching breadth.

Visit Sara on her website: https://saraticha.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahticha/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaraTichaYoga

Key Takeaways:

  • Sara Ticha highlights the significance of pausing and reevaluating one’s path to ensure genuine growth and fulfillment.
  • The integration of Bhakti yoga into her practice has offered Sara profound insights and emotional release, aiding her personal development.
  • The power of openness and adaptability in yoga practice allows for a deeper connection and understanding of oneself.
  • Navigating the complexities of yoga teaching, from international travel to studio commitment, requires self-awareness and adaptability.

Embracing Change Through Yoga: Insights and Reflections from a Global Journey

Key Takeaways:

  • Embracing Stillness: Discovering internal peace and growth through yoga practice despite the hustle of a nomadic lifestyle.
  • The Power of Bhakti: An exploration of Bhakti yoga’s transformative abilities, from resistance to emotional breakthroughs.
  • The Teacher Within: Finding one’s true path in yoga by tuning into inner guidance and welcoming diverse teachings.

Embracing Stillness Amidst Movement

In today’s high-paced world, finding moments of stillness has become a profound necessity for many. Sara Ticha’s journey, as shared in her conversation with Todd McLaughlin, highlights the pivotal moments where she learned to pause and reflect amidst a life of constant travel and teaching. Her experience underscores an essential theme: the power of stillness and introspection in personal growth.

Sara recounts her realization during an intense week of movement—from teaching at festivals to managing familial responsibilities. She says, “I feel like when you pause, it’s when the body and mind can really notice what happened.” This pause allowed her to reevaluate her frenetic lifestyle, sparking thoughts of finding a more grounded living situation. She reflects on moving away from bustling cities like Prague and Bali, expressing a yearning for a more settled home: “I’ve been traveling quite a lot, and now I’m craving.”

This yearning for stillness amid chaos is not unique to Sara. Many yoga practitioners admire the glamour of an international teaching lifestyle, yet fail to see its inherent challenges. Todd McLaughlin resonated with this, sharing, “Watch my friends and colleagues traveling…I wanted that too.” Together, they reveal the often-unnoticed internal tug of war between the allure of constant activity and the peace of stability. These insights remind us of the importance of evaluating our paths and creating space—physically and mentally—to breathe and grow.

The Transformative Journey Through Bhakti Yoga

Sara’s foray into Bhakti yoga marks a transformative chapter in her spiritual journey, illustrating the potent emotional release it can bring. Initially skeptical and unsure of her musical ability, Sara found unexpected solace and connection in the practice of chanting. Her candid recollection of her first encounter with Bhakti yoga during a retreat illustrates this shift: “I started chanting, and then I started crying…And I just knew I needed to buy myself that instrument.”

Bhakti yoga touched a deep chord, leading her to challenges and breakthroughs unique to her journey. She describes the harmonium as a therapeutic release, akin to “a therapy I did not know I was looking for.” As both Sara and Todd shared their initial hesitations and subsequent embrace of Bhakti, it becomes clear that sometimes, transformation occurs when we let go of preconceived notions and simply surrender to experience.

Chanting in Bhakti invites practitioners to delve into a communal experience that transcends languages and personal barriers. As Todd shared his own story, he vividly described how chanting became “a balm” for his emotional turmoil. These experiences speak volumes about the innate power of Bhakti yoga to open hearts and foster a profound sense of unity with oneself and others. Bhakti serves as an invitation to not only embrace vulnerability but to celebrate it as a pathway to deeper self-discovery.

Listening to the Teacher Within

Within the myriad teachings and philosophies in yoga, Sara’s insights shed light on the essential idea of tuning into one’s own inner voice. Encountering different traditions and teachings can often create inner conflicts, as evidenced by Sara’s time at an ISKCON ashram. Despite being surrounded by fervent devotees, she felt misaligned, continually returning to her personal mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya.” Her experience illustrates a beautiful and crucial aspect of personal growth: the recognition and acceptance of one’s unique path.

This idea is further supported by Todd’s reflections on resisting external pressure to conform within spiritual communities. Sara’s acknowledgment of this resistance and her genuine pursuit of truth reflect a maturity that’s vital in spiritual practice. “My heart connects better to something different,” she admits, exemplifying the courage required to stay authentic amidst external influences.

The concept of listening to the internal teacher aligns closely with Radhanath Swami’s teachings, as discussed in their dialogue. His journey, extensively covered in his book “The Journey Home,” emphasizes finding guidance within while exploring external teachings. Sara encapsulates this by recognizing the divine in unexpected sources, echoing the sentiment: “The teacher is not just in one person, not just in one group.” This recognition encourages practitioners to embrace the diversity of lessons life offers, highlighting the importance of remaining open to the unexpected wisdom surrounding us.

Reflecting on Continuous Growth

Sara Ticha’s dialogue with Todd McLaughlin provides a tapestry of insights into the broader themes of rest, faith, and self-discovery. The interview serves as a roadmap for anyone feeling torn between life’s demands and the inner call for peace. It emphasizes the value of silence and reflection, particularly during times of transition, encouraging us to honor these pauses as essential steps toward clarity and transformation.

Bhakti yoga emerges as a powerful tool for navigating the complexity of emotions, offering a conduit for expression and healing that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. Sara’s journey through self-doubt to emotional catharsis highlights the potency of Bhakti in fostering genuine connection—to oneself and to others.

Ultimately, the exploration of one’s internal compass—the “teacher within”—is paramount. It inspires individuals to craft a path that aligns authentically with their values and needs. Through Sara’s experiences, we are reminded of the importance of embracing diverse teachings and listening for guidance from both the world around us and the world within. This openness and receptivity pave the way for an enriched, spiritually fulfilling life.

As we contemplate Sara’s wisdom and story, we are beckoned to remain open, to let the heart lead, and to trust in the unfolding journey—staying true to our unique path and welcoming the unknown with courage and curiosity.

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. 

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

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

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

Lizzie Lasater ~ Love Your Lower Back

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Lizzie Lasater is a prominent yoga educator and content creator known for her expertise in restorative yoga. With a rich background in architecture, Lizzie applies her design thinking to her yoga teachings. She collaborates with her mother, Judith Hanson Lasater, a pioneer in the field, and Mary Richards, a renowned yoga therapist, to produce courses that delve into the intersection of yoga, anatomy, and well-being. Based in Salzburg, Austria, Lizzie blends her professional expertise with her life experiences as a mother to offer a unique perspective on yoga and mindfulness.

Visit Lizzie on her website here: https://www.lizzielasater.com/
Visit Lizzie’s newsletter here: https://lizzielasater.substack.com/
Sign up for Love Your Lower Back here: https://www.lasater.yoga/courses/love-your-lower-back

Key Takeaways:

  • Lizzie Lasater emphasizes the importance of slowing down and allowing comfort in yoga practices to promote relaxation and nervous system regulation.
  • Her experience growing up in a yoga household without pressure offers insights into fostering a positive relationship with yoga for children.
  • Lizzie advocates for adapting traditional yoga cues to align with modern anatomical and personal needs, moving towards a more inclusive yoga practice.

Embracing Rest: How Lizzie Lasater Redefines Yoga for Modern Life

Key Takeaways

  • Personal Journey in Yoga: Lizzie Lasater transitioned from a vigorous ashtanga practice to promoting restorative yoga, emphasizing personal experience and intuition.
  • Teaching and Parenting Insights: Her upbringing in a yoga household informs her parenting and teaching, focusing on exposure rather than imposition of the practice.
  • Navigating Modern Challenges: Lizzie addresses today’s overstimulation and digital dependency, advocating for slower, more mindful living.

Lizzie Lasater’s Yoga Evolution: From High-Powered Practice to Restorative Bliss

Lizzie Lasater’s journey within yoga is nothing short of fascinating. Initially delving into the worlds of ashtanga and vinyasa yoga, she has intricately redefined her practice to focus on the gentler, introspective aspects. Her inspiration emanates from her personal battles and observations, notably her experiences with anxiety and the profound realization that yoga can serve as a tool for deep relaxation and presence. “Yoga is in the laboratory of my body,” Lizzie articulates, underscoring her philosophy of using personal experience as a guiding star—something that resonates deeply through her teachings and writings.

Her transition to restorative yoga is not just a personal antidote but a public act of inclusion, making the practices accessible and inviting for those who might find traditional yoga intimidating. “What stays with us through the life cycle are those practices,” she wisely notes, suggesting that nurturing quieter practices remains beneficial throughout life’s stages.

This shift is also reflected in her collaboration with her mother, Judith Hanson Lasater, a pioneering voice in restorative yoga, and Mary Richards, a yoga therapist. Their courses, like the upcoming “Love Your Lower Back,” emphasize the importance of functional, anatomy-based practices over rigid adherence to outdated methodologies. Predictably, Lizzie’s approach challenges the norm, asking deep and relevant questions: “At what point does it cease to be yoga?” Her inquiry into authenticity within practice brings a refreshing honesty that both reassures and provokes introspection.

Fostering Mindful Practices Within Modern Parenting

The cultivation of presence and mindfulness is not solely for her students; Lizzie artfully integrates these values into her parenting. Raised in a yoga-infused household, Lizzie carries forward her mother’s approach of ambient exposure rather than enforcement. This method advocates for a natural curiosity in her children about yoga, ultimately serving as a gateway to personal exploration without pressure.

Her parenting outlook comes full circle as she grapples with balancing her twin sons’ divergent personalities. “Yoga was just always around,” Lizzie recalls, explaining how these subtle cues from her upbringing influence her parenting techniques. She creates an atmosphere where silence and comfort with stillness are gifts, offering her children the space to embrace quiet moments rather than a constant succession of activities.

Interestingly, Lizzie extends this gentle philosophy to counter the modern trend of kids’ yoga, labeling it a trend and questioning its necessity. Instead, she emphasizes creating a sensory experience around yoga that her sons can unconsciously absorb, a comforting familiarity they might draw upon in the future.

Tackling Modern-Day Challenges: Digital Detox and Mindful Living

The omnipresence of digital technology can leave many feeling tethered and depleted—a truth not lost on Lizzie. She unveils her personal tussle with digital over-dependence, ones that resonate universally, as she describes the phone’s allure as akin to “a pack of cigarettes.” Her candid self-awareness and decision to embark on a digital detox illuminate a significant concern, echoing her questions such as, “What am I doing with all my time?”

By undertaking two weeks offline, she uncovered a remarkable crispness in thought and decisiveness regained, painting a compelling picture of the potential benefits lying in digital abstinence. This experience accentuates Lizzie’s advocacy for restorative yoga, which she expands upon as an accessible entry point to meditation and mindfulness without the barriers of tradition: “It’s almost like cheating. You don’t have to know how to do it.”

Through these personal revelations, Lizzie encourages a rebellion against constant stimulation, urging a retreat into silence and a return to authenticity. Her insights tap into the core of technology’s role in fracturing attention, highlighting restorative yoga as a formidable antidote. This practice becomes not merely about physical respite but a profound statement on valuing one’s mental and emotional bandwidth.

The wisdom Lizzie imparts is not just a method but a movement toward reclaiming one’s agency over time and attention. Her transparency breeds relatability, inciting individuals to explore how they might gently—and powerfully—restore their own lives.

Lizzie Lasater’s approach to yoga, parenting, and modern life firmly places her as a thought leader navigating the contemporary yoga landscape. Her teachings offer an invitation: to pause, question, and embrace the art of doing nothing. In intertwining yoga as a practice not of form but of presence and rest, she redefines its role in a society tethered to fast-paced living and technological noise. The lessons Lizzie shares remind us that in a world where speed and volume prevail, perhaps the most radical act is to simply slow down and savor silence.

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. 

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

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

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