Monthly Archives: November 2024

Mandi Gardner – The Intersection of Yoga and Mental Health: Healing Childhood Trauma

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Mandi Gardner is a dedicated yoga teacher and founder of Holistic Evolution Shala. Mandi’s journey into yoga began in her early 20s, and she has since delved deep into practices such as Bikram and Ashtanga yoga. Residing in Utah, she currently teaches Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga and is passionate about making yoga more accessible. Alongside her yoga endeavors, she has overcome significant personal challenges, including addiction and trauma, and now shares her insights through her YouTube channel and podcast. Mandi is committed to promoting holistic wellness and integrating DBT skills into her teachings to help others on their healing journeys.

Visit Mandi on her website: https://www.holisticevolutionshala.com/
Subscribe to her YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticEvolutionShala

Key Takeaways:

  • Mandi Gardner found solace and healing in yoga practice, progressing from casual engagement to deeply integrating it into her path to recovery and overall health.
  • Ashtanga yoga provided a vital structure for Mandi, fostering physical and mental growth and leading to significant personal realizations and healing.
  • Mandi’s sobriety journey was supported by combining yoga with DBT skills, emphasizing focusing on future progress rather than being consumed by past trauma.

Healing Through Yoga and DBT: A Journey from Trauma to Empowerment

Embarking on a journey of personal growth and healing is never straightforward, but for Mandi Gardner, the path was uniquely transformative, intertwining yoga practices and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into a powerful narrative of recovery and empowerment. In a recent conversation, Mandi opened up about her struggles with addiction, the profound impact yoga has made in her life, and her approach to sharing these healing modalities with others. Her story shines a light on alternative methods for recovery, emphasizing the power within oneself to conquer adversity.

Yoga as a Pathway to Healing

In our fast-paced world, yoga offers a sanctuary—a space to reconnect with oneself—and Mandi Gardner’s journey through yoga is a testament to its potential for transformation. Mandi first encountered yoga in her early 20s. She found solace in the practice, realizing that it offered her moments of clarity unlike any gym workout. As Mandi shared, “Yoga sort of pulled me in… it was being in the yoga room and just having these really beautiful moments of clarity that I was like, gosh, this is really good for me.”

Mandi’s deep dive into Ashtanga yoga reflects a significant turning point. After ten years of Bikram yoga, her quest for physical and mental strength led her to seek out more advanced teachers in her home state of Utah. It was here she encountered Ashtanga practice under seasoned teachers. “I had so many realizations in the Mysore room that were so different than the Bikram’s room,” Mandi explained, emphasizing the mental empowerment and physical vigor she gained through her practice.

These personal realizations were crucial for Mandi, a recovering alcoholic. The discipline and introspection inherent in her Mysore practice offered not only a physical transformation but also a mental one—an opportunity to navigate past trauma and build resilience. Mandyis narrative illustrates that yoga, specifically Ashtanga, is more than physical postures; it’s a comprehensive tool for profound healing.

Sobriety and the Non-Traditional Path

Mandi Gardner’s path to sobriety diverges from conventional narratives often associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Despite initially participating in the 12-step program, Mandi found its framework did not resonate with her personal experiences and beliefs. “AA didn’t work for me,” she frankly stated, challenging the notion that one must declare themselves powerless over addiction.

Instead, Mandi embraced the power of self-awareness and choice, gradually removing alcohol from her life through yoga and personal introspection. “I was so excited to, you know, just focus on all this positive stuff, focus on my family, focus on raising my son,” she recalled about the time she decided to become sober in 2018. Her journey spotlights the critical role of individual empowerment in overcoming addiction, echoing her reflection on realization: “At nine months sober, I was like, oh, I’m actually an alcoholic… I actually need to never go back there again.”

Mandi’s personal evolution underscores a crucial lesson: the journey to sobriety can be deeply personal and it continues to evolve. Her story defies the one-size-fits-all solution to addiction, instead celebrating a personalized path of healing that prioritizes mental clarity and emotional resilience.

DBT: A Toolset for Emotional Resilience

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emerged as another pivotal component of Mandi’s healing journey. Mandi’s unique insight into DBT underscores its role in helping individuals manage their emotions and build healthier relationships. “My symptoms were more in alignment with complex PTSD… these DBT skills were quite literally what has changed my life,” she asserted. DBT offers practical tools for emotional regulation—an essential skill for individuals with a history of trauma.

By engaging with these tools, Mandi was able to navigate complex family dynamics, especially concerning her mother’s borderline personality disorder. It is through the lens of DBT that Mandi found a pathway to compassion and forgiveness, both for herself and those around her. The strategies she learned freed her from the perpetual cycle of past trauma, enabling her to forge a healthier future for herself and her son. “Being able to make choices for myself really, and this is what I really try to help other women know when they are choosing yoga,” Mandi explained, demonstrates how intertwined her yoga and DBT practices have become.

DBT’s transformative impact goes beyond individual healing; it has helped Mandi reestablish a meaningful relationship with her mother. By setting boundaries and fostering understanding, Mandi illustrates how DBT can bridge gaps in human connection, fulfilling the need for a balanced approach to emotional well-being.

A Continuous Journey of Growth

Throughout her journey, Mandi Gardner epitomizes the spirit of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. Her experiences with yoga and DBT stand as testament to the power of alternative healing methods beyond conventional frameworks. They redefine narratives around addiction, trauma, and recovery, championing personalized growth over prescriptive limitations.

Healing, as Mandi reminds us, “is such a complex thing.” Yet, through yoga and DBT, she illustrates how one can harness inner power, rewrite past narratives, and strive towards an authentic life, unshackled by previous burdens. Her story invites us to reconsider our paths towards health and well-being, encouraging curiosity and hope in what lies ahead.

Ultimately, Mandi Gardner’s narrative serves as a beacon for those on their own journeys of healing, inviting them to explore yoga, DBT, and the transformative power within themselves.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

New Student FREE Livestream Special ~ 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

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

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

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

Felicia Robinson – Inside Connected Warriors: Transforming Military Lives with Yoga

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Felicia Robinson is a passionate advocate for military families and veterans, serving as a key figure in the nonprofit organization Connected Warriors. With a rich background rooted in military culture—she grew up in an Air Force family and is married to an active duty member—Robinson channels her personal experiences into her professional endeavors. Her work focuses on integrating trauma-conscious yoga and mentorship programs for service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Robinson’s commitment to fostering resilience and wellness is exemplified through her dedication to Connected Warriors, where she helps provide vital support through yoga and holistic practices.

Visit Connected Warriors’ website here: https://connectedwarriors.org/

Key Takeaways:

  • Connected Warriors offers trauma-conscious yoga classes and mentoring programs for veterans and first responders, contributing significantly to their overall well-being.
  • Transitioning from military to civilian life presents unique challenges, making community support and structured wellness programs vital.
  • Yoga, meditation, and holistic practices are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic effects, aiding in alleviating PTS symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life.

Unlocking Warriors’ Inner Calm: How Yoga Transforms Military Life

  • Yoga as a Gateway to Healing: Yoga offers military personnel a path toward recovery and stability, addressing physical pain and post-traumatic stress.
  • Connecting Through Community: Building a supportive community is crucial in transitioning veterans from structured military life to civilian stability.
  • Advancing Veterans’ Well-being: Nonprofits like Connected Warriors are pivotal in promoting comprehensive health strategies, incorporating yoga and mindfulness as vital practices.

Using Yoga to Combat PTSD and Enhance Well-being

Yoga has long been recognized for its physical and emotional healing properties, but its specific applications in the military community are gaining recognition. Felicia Robinson, representing Connected Warriors, highlights the nonprofit’s mission to provide trauma-conscious yoga to service members. Connected Warriors operates on the principle that yoga can significantly benefit those who have faced the traumas of military life. Felicia shares, “Our origin of providing trauma conscious yoga to all service members, first responders, veterans, and their family members.”

Robinson’s journey into yoga started as a teenager, exploring yoga from books, later becoming a teacher inspired by mentors like Rolf Gates. Over the years, she’s seen firsthand how yoga helps regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and aid in physical recovery for military personnel. As she explains, “They’re handling stress better… Life is better… Everybody’s quality of life is better.” Such transformations underscore yoga’s potential in supporting veterans’ mental health, offering them tools to navigate and manage PTSD.

But the benefits aren’t limited to mere stress relief. The physical impacts of military service—persistent pain in knees, hips, shoulders—are also alleviated with regular yoga practice. Robinson recounts testimonials from veterans who reported experiencing reduced pain, leading to improved daily functioning. This dual focus on mental and physical healing positions yoga not only as therapy but as an empowering lifestyle change essential for reintegrating into civilian life.

Bridging the Gap: Community Support for Veterans

Transitioning from military to civilian life presents challenges far beyond the battlefield. Veterans often lose the structured, close-knit environment of the military. Felicia Robinson details this journey for many veterans as a loss of family: “You have your brothers and your sisters… And then when you come out to civilian world, you don’t have none of that.”

Connected Warriors offers a crucial support network that mimics this lost family structure. Through classes and community programs, they help veterans find peers who understand and share similar experiences. Yoga classes become a space where veterans hold each other accountable, fostering a sense of belonging. Robinson notes, “Accountability… becomes their new community.” This camaraderie is not just supportive; it’s transformative. It helps participants navigate their transition, minimizing risks of isolation, depression, and even homelessness that some veterans face.

The importance of community is evident in the impact it has on participants’ mental and emotional health, providing consistency and support. By facilitating connections that mirror the military’s camaraderie, organizations like Connected Warriors not only offer healing practices but also restore a sense of purpose and identity to veterans adapting to civilian life.

Expanding the Role of Holistic Health in Veterans Affairs

The growing recognition of holistic health practices within the VA system marks a significant cultural shift. As Felicia explains, “They’ve really started to embrace the whole health care… including the yoga into it, the tai chi, the meditation.” This shift acknowledges the limitations of traditional pharmaceuticals and highlights a broader understanding of veterans’ needs.

Robinson discusses how Connected Warriors collaborates with entities like the VA to offer yoga to employees and veterans alike. Their outreach includes innovative solutions like online classes and mentorship programs to train veterans as yoga instructors, fostering leadership and resilience in the veteran community. “It’s progressing… they’ve started to embrace the whole health,” Robinson states with optimism.

The integration of practices like yoga into veteran support systems not only improves individual well-being but also signals a paradigm shift in how veteran care is approached. It aligns with a more comprehensive health strategy that values mental and emotional health on par with physical health. Initiatives by organizations such as Connected Warriors act as a catalyst, pushing for systemic changes that could lead to improved outcomes for veterans nationwide.

As the Connected Warriors narrative unfolds, the significance of yoga in offering healing and connection becomes abundantly clear. These initiatives stand at the forefront of transforming veterans’ lives, providing them with the tools to navigate a challenging transition. The nonprofit’s efforts underscore the transformative power of community, holistic health, and the shared journey of recovery, resonating far beyond the yoga mat, into the hearts and homes of service members everywhere.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

New Student FREE Livestream Special ~ 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

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

Jayson Barniske ~ Revealing Secrets Of Ancient Healing For The Modern World

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Jayson Barniske is a seasoned yoga instructor and entrepreneur based in Tulum, Mexico. With nearly two decades of yoga practice, he specializes in Ashtanga yoga and is known for his deep commitment to spiritual development and community building. Jayson is the co-owner of an upcoming yoga studio in Tulum, complete with a vegan restaurant and luxury spa amenities. He has also been involved in the shamanic practices teaching and applying plant medicine for healing and personal growth.

Visit Jayson on his website: https://ashtangayogatulum.mx/
Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashtangayogatulum/
Visit sponsor: https://www.gina.health/ use code JAYSON15

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashtanga yoga offers many benefits beyond physical fitness, helping cultivate mental strength and spiritual growth, suitable even for those with physical limitations.
  • Building a community-oriented space in Tulum was a complex yet rewarding endeavor that involved sourcing local materials and talent.
  • Plant medicine can provide profound spiritual insights when used responsibly and with clear intentions; Journaling and integration are essential for maximizing its benefits.

Building a Yoga Community in Tulum

Tulum, Mexico, blossoms with cultural richness and serves as a nexus for spiritual seekers from around the world. The journey of crafting a yoga studio there, as detailed by Todd McLaughlin and Jayson Barniske, is a testament to resilience, innovation, and community building. Jayson’s story of establishing Ashtanga Yoga Tulum encapsulates the demanding process of bringing a vision to life in southern Mexico, where Tulum’s unique challenges call for special consideration.

“We allowed ourselves to just dream and okay, let’s not just make regular walls, let’s put up bamboo, that’s in sacred geometry,” Jayson shares. This description captures the intricacies involved in manifesting a dream while balancing creativity and practicality. Crafting a yoga sanctuary required not only labor and resources but also a deep sense of purpose and community spirit. It wasn’t merely about constructing a facility—it was about establishing a cultural and spiritual hub that respects and draws from its surroundings.

Understanding the complexities of working in a new cultural environment is part of the growth and learning curve. As Jayson observes, “we have built a full-on luxury sauna that has a wet and a dry sauna and a cold plunge and a jacuzzi.” His vision extends beyond yoga—creating a holistic space that offers diverse healing practices. This approach not only elevates the facility itself but also enriches the yoga community’s experience, making it a beacon for wellness seekers worldwide.

Pathways to Holistic Healing and Growth

A passionate advocate for comprehensive wellness, Jayson intertwines traditional yoga practices with innovative wellness solutions, believing in their potential to catalyze profound personal transformation. One of the most enlightening discussions revolves around the integration of plant medicine with traditional yoga practices, furthering the idea of holistic healing.

Jayson finds significant value in both these modalities, stating, “these medicines have to be used with a lot of respect and a lot of reverence.” Plant medicines are not just seen as separate from yoga but as complementary practices that can allow deeper introspection and understanding of oneself. This conversation delves into Jayson’s experience with shamanic traditions and how they inspired his path, showcasing a deep respect for cultural wisdom and traditional healing practices.

As Yukon’s cultural tapestry weaves through his yoga practice, Jayson introduces various disciplines like tai chi, kabbalah, and kirtan, creating an arena where different teachings coalesce. “We’re going to have a huge array of different teachers in different styles,” he enthuses. This diversity enriches his offerings and highlights Tulum as a convergence point for spiritual and personal development, blending diverse philosophies harmoniously.

Navigating Personal Transformation and Community Impact

Transitioning from personal growth to community empowerment, Jayson emphasizes the role of Ashtanga yoga in processing trauma and fostering resilience. His transformative experiences underline the practice’s potential to fuel both personal and communal metamorphosis. “How can I practice to keep my mind in the greatest space?” he asks, underlining the challenge to balance physical practice with mental and spiritual exploration.

The practice of Astanga yoga is key here—not merely as a physical regimen, but as a mental and emotional sanctuary helping practitioners navigate life’s challenges. By sharing relatable experiences, he helps students achieve a broader understanding of why transformation isn’t linear or immediate. It’s about consistency, patience, and embracing the journey, not just the destination.

Throughout the conversation, Jayson’s openness about personal struggles, such as processing trauma and loss, fosters a genuine dialog around healing. This authenticity can cultivate a supportive community environment, one where individuals feel empowered to explore practices like yoga and plant medicine to address their respective paths of healing. His perspective invites a reconsideration of wellness, suggesting that transformative growth is communal and volatile, rather than isolating or static.

A Holistic Approach to Spiritual and Physical Well-being

As the Ashtanga Yoga Tulum nears its opening, the studio represents more than a tangible outcome of Jayson’s vision—it embodies the evolving dynamic between local culture, diverse wellness practices, and personal exploration. Jayson’s narrative is intertwined with a recognition that spiritual and physical healing can coalesce to form a nurturing, inclusive environment encouraging continuous learning and transformation.

The enriching blend of cultural, spiritual, and communal engagement makes Jayson’s journey an inspiring blueprint for others aiming to combine personal vision with community needs. Ashtanga Yoga Tulum is poised to become a locus of holistic wellness, combining yoga, cultural wisdom, and innovative healing practices, representing a space where building practices and shared experiences go hand in hand.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

New Student FREE Livestream Special ~ 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

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

Greg Nardi – Yoga for Change: Breaking Down Barriers

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Greg Nardi is a dedicated yoga professional with over 25 years of experience. He is now a Certified Yoga Therapist and serves as a pivotal figure at Yoga for Change, a nonprofit dedicated to providing trauma-informed yoga to underserved communities such as veterans, incarcerated individuals, and youth. Greg Nardi’s journey in the yoga world began with Ashtanga hence his extensive study in India. Greg is highly regarded for his deep understanding of yoga philosophy and is currently based in South Florida.

Visit Greg at: https://www.y4c.org/

On IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregnardi/?hl=en

Key Takeaways:

  • Personal Evolution: Greg Nardi discusses his journey from an Ashtanga teacher to a certified yoga therapist focused on trauma-informed practices.
  • Yoga for Change: Insight into the nonprofit’s mission to bring trauma-informed yoga to underserved communities and efforts to expand statewide.
  • Professionalization of Yoga: Greg emphasizes the need for professional structures in yoga teaching, drawing on his wide-ranging experiences.
  • Philosophical Perspectives: Exploration of Greg’s interest in yoga philosophy, including modern interpretations of ancient texts.

Embracing Evolution: Greg Nardi’s Journey from Ashtanga Yoga to Yoga Therapy

A compelling journey of transformation, healing, and systemic change. This detailed conversation between Greg Nardi and Todd Mclaughlin unravels how a devoted yoga practitioner and teacher managed to shift his ethos, advancing from traditional Ashtanga roots to a more inclusive, trauma-informed yoga therapy. The discussion delves into intricate themes of yoga’s adaptability and the pivotal role teachers can play in fostering meaningful change through dedication and a reflective understanding of the discipline they impart.

From Ashtanga to Yoga Therapy: A Journey of Transformation

The profound transition Greg Nardi underwent from being deeply rooted in the Ashtanga yoga tradition to exploring the nuanced world of yoga therapy underscores a personal and professional evolution. “I did not intend to become a yoga therapist,” Greg explains, “It just happened through my desire to gain perspectives outside of traditional yoga.” Initially authorized as an Ashtanga teacher, his path took a significant turn as he sought to incorporate trauma-informed methods, motivated by both personal ethical shifts and broader revelations from the counterculture movement.

His decision to resign his authorization in 2018 marked a pivotal moment. The Ashtanga system’s then-lack of trauma awareness pushed him towards alternative practices focused on safety and consent, elements he deemed crucial in contemporary teaching. Greg articulates, “I felt very strongly that if I was going to continue to teach Ashtanga Yoga, I needed to begin teaching differently,” pinpointing the vital importance of adapting practices to be more inclusive and sensitive to trauma survivors’ needs.

Building an Inclusive Yoga Community

One of the underlying themes of this conversation pivots around inclusivity and accessibility within the realm of yoga teaching. Greg’s role with Yoga for Change, a non-profit dedicated to trauma-informed practices, catapults him into a leadership position where he can address the logistics of implementing yoga in underserved communities. “Yoga for Change is just celebrating its 10th year anniversary,” shares Greg, highlighting a decade of efforts dedicated to veterans, first responders, the incarcerated, youth, and those in behavioral health.

Greg’s experiences mirror the broader implications of yoga’s transformative potential beyond individual wellness. Working alongside organizations that cater to justice-impacted individuals and others showcases the broader societal impact that yoga can catalyze. Greg’s approach underscores the importance of meeting individuals where they are: “Sometimes, people come in so overwhelmed that a gentle class is much more beneficial.”

The Role of Professionalization in Yoga

Greg Nardi’s exploration into the professionalization of yoga crystallizes the importance of establishing standards and accountability within the discipline. From the traditional, hierarchical Ashtanga authorization process to the rigorous certification procedures of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Greg’s journey encapsulates the significant structural changes necessary for yoga’s recognition as a valid therapeutic modality. He expounds on the vast difference, stating, “The IAYT has a very express mission to have yoga recognized as a viable therapy.”

Emphasizing a standardized approach, complete with evidence-based practices, helps elevate yoga to new heights within health and wellness contexts. Greg’s involvement points to the trajectory yoga takes towards being acknowledged within integrative health circles, intertwining ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic methods. Greg’s advocacy further serves to professionalize teaching careers, supporting yoga teachers in developing a sustainable occupation around their passion. “I’ve always had a strong kind of devotional practice,” he affirms, underscoring the shift from solely physical to holistic approaches in yoga experience.

A New Era in Yoga Practice and Teaching

As the conversation progresses, it becomes evident that Greg’s multifaceted approach towards yoga signifies a fresh era of practice and teaching. Unraveling how traditional practices can seamlessly blend with modern, individualized approaches suggests a broader spectrum of adaptability in yoga. His continued devotion to philosophical inquiries and staying aligned with a personal yet fluid understanding of yoga marks a notable paradigm shift.

Greg’s exploration of Shyam Ranganathan’s translation of the Yoga Sutras exemplifies this dual approach: one where philosophical grounding aligns with practical, actionable will in the world. Discussing Ishvara’s role, he elucidates, “We actually see that one of the qualities listed for Ishvara is that Ishvara has will, has volition…part of yoga is to enhance our will.”

Ultimately, Greg’s story depicts yoga as a living, breathing tradition, learning from the past to inform a more inclusive, accessible future. It’s about cultivating will—often ignited through personal evolution—and channeling it towards fostering harmony over chaos. His narrative serves as an inspiring blueprint for yoga professionals and enthusiasts alike, prompting a reexamination of impact, inclusivity, and the unyielding potential for personal and societal transformation through mindful practice and intentional leadership.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

New Student FREE Livestream Special ~ 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE 

https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

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

Atsuro Chiba – Ashtanga Yoga Adventures: Surfing, Spirituality, and Life Lessons

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Atsuro Chiba is a dedicated Ashtanga yoga practitioner and teacher known for his advanced practice and detailed understanding of yoga’s subtleties. Originally from Kanagawa, Japan, Atsuro moved to the United States around the age of 20. With over two decades of yoga experience, he honed his skills under the guidance of acclaimed teacher Tim Miller at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Encinitas, California. Atsuro currently resides in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he offers private yoga sessions and teaches online to students in Japan and California. His style combines deep physical practice with profound insights into the connection between mind and body.

Visit Atsuro on his website: http://www.atsuroyoga.com
Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/atsuroyoga/

Key Takeaways:

  • Atsuro Chiba shares his transition from California to Hawaii, adapting to new environments while maintaining his yoga practice.
  • He emphasizes the importance of a six-day Ashtanga practice week and how aging affects this routine.
  • Atsuro reflects on the invaluable guidance of his mentor, Tim Miller, and the impact of practicing independently.
  • The episode underscores the deep interconnectedness of the mind and body in the practice of yoga, as articulated through Atsuro’s personal experiences.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

The Transformative Journey of Yoga

In a recent podcast conversation, Todd McLaughlin and yoga teacher Atsuro Chiba delve into the heart of what makes yoga a life-altering journey, reminding practitioners and enthusiasts alike of its profound impact. “I practice advanced series, but I’m not so sure if I am advanced or not, but I practice Ashtanga yoga,” says Chiba, highlighting the challenging nature of his Ashtanga practice and his humility. Through daily practice, he notes, comes not just physical strength but a change in mindset. “The body and mind is connected,” Chiba says, suggesting that dedication to practice brings a deeper understanding of oneself and enriches life’s spiritual quality.

Chiba identifies how the continuity and discipline of yoga encourage practitioners to adapt and grow—a journey marked with continual self-discovery and refinement. His revelation that through ashtanga practice, one finds different ways to “practice smarter,” showcases the introspective and evolving nature of a yoga journey.

The conversation between McLaughlin and Chiba also emphasizes that while the physical benefits of yoga are vast, the mental and emotional transformations are equally fulfilling. “It’s good. It’s fun to practice,” Chiba shares, describing the resilience and adaptation learned through yoga mat transcend beyond it—into daily life and evolving personal narratives.

Navigating Tradition and Modernity in Yoga Practice

Chiba’s life experience demonstrates a fascinating blend of traditional Ashtanga yoga practice with contemporary teaching methods and personal innovation. This balance is reflected in his approach to modern-day online teaching. “I teach online to students in Japan and California,” Chiba shares, adapting to new ways of connecting with students globally during the pandemic.

The transition to teaching yoga online came with its own challenges and learning curves. Yet, it opened up new avenues for Chiba, offering a way to maintain connection and impart wisdom internationally. “Since the online class, I can meet them four times a week,” he reflects, showing the potential of technology to bridge traditional practices with modern-world accessibility. Chiba shows that yoga is not confined to national or cultural boundaries, but a universal practice that brings communities together across the globe.

Chiba’s experiences gracefully illustrate the spatial shift from live class settings taught by mentor Tim Miller to digital realms, without losing the integrity and essence of traditional teaching methods. “Verbal cues are the basis,” Chiba emphasizes the fundamental nature of clear instruction, whether given virtually or in person, underscoring how foundational principles of yoga endure across different platforms of learning.

Honoring Mentorship and Continuing the Legacy

The podcast reveals a deep respect and honor for Chiba’s mentor, Tim Miller, highlighting the significant role mentorship plays in a practitioner’s journey. “I practice with Tim for a long time,” Chiba reflects, noting how Miller’s influence and dedication shaped his allegiance to Ashtanga yoga. This connection is not just about learning techniques, but inheriting a way of life. Chiba mentions, “If I keep teaching, then, you know, probably Tim will be happy,” underscoring how the continuation of teaching is not only for personal fulfillment but honoring one’s mentor.

Miller’s impact extends beyond just the physical practice, permeating into Chiba’s values and intentions towards teaching. The mentor-student dynamic represents continuity, tradition, and a shared passion that transcends the individual. “Guruji passed away… but if Tim keeps teaching, that means Guruji keeps arriving” describes how the lineage continues through dedicated practice and heartfelt intentions.

Chiba’s narrative beautifully encapsulates the interplay of continuity and change, respect and innovation, illustrating a life committed to the practice, growth, and transmission of yogic traditions.

Yoga: A Tapestry of Learning and Sharing

The conversation between Todd McLaughlin and Atsuro Chiba offers insights that reflect a broader tapestry of life where learning and sharing through yoga weave together to form a meaningful, vibrant picture. While Chiba acknowledges changes and adaptations in his practice over years, the core themes of dedication, growth, and humility remain steadfast.

Chiba’s words offer not only a glimpse into the multifaceted world of yoga but also an invitation to reflect on one’s journey, be it on the mat or in life. Combining tradition with personal evolution, practicing the venerable art of yoga offers a limitless avenue for profound self-realization and communal impact. The heart of yoga, as Chiba demonstrates, is less a destination and more a lifelong journey, one that promises transformation with every breath and movement.

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