Monthly Archives: June 2025

Gerson Frau ~ Yoga’s Role in Coping with Global Changes and Local Impact

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Gerson Frau is a seasoned yoga instructor hailing from Brazil. With roots deeply embedded in the teachings of Dharma Yoga, Gerson has dedicated nearly two decades to the practice and instruction of this transformative philosophy. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the yoga community by conducting workshops, retreats, and an extensive teacher training program in collaboration with his partner in Mexico City, Adriana. Gerson currently resides in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, where he balances his life as an instructor, a family man, and an active community member involved in sustainability efforts.

Visit Gerson: https://gersonfrau.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Gerson Frau’s journey from Brazil to becoming an influential yoga instructor in Mexico is deeply intertwined with his devotion to Dharma Yoga, taught by his revered teacher, Dharma Mittra.
  • Puerto Escondido is emerging as a significant hub for yoga and surf enthusiasts, offering a unique cultural blend while dealing with the challenges of rapid development.
  • Meditation and mindfulness are powerful tools for maintaining clarity and receiving spiritual guidance, which Gerson credits to his yoga practice’s depth and authenticity.

The Power of Adaptation and Change

In a world that’s constantly in flux, the ability to adapt and embrace change is a crucial skill. Gerson Frau’s multifaceted journey from Brazil to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, exemplifies this concept beautifully. He relays how his yoga practice and teaching have evolved, reflecting his adaptability and openness to change. Gerson says, “We have been living here for the last seven years almost now,” showcasing his shift in personal and professional landscapes (0:01:12).

Gerson’s movement between countries didn’t happen overnight. Initially, he lived in New York City, deeply immersed in his yoga practice under the tutelage of Dharma Mittra. However, life circumstances prompted him to transition from the hectic city to the tranquil coastline of Puerto Escondido, illustrating a move from complexity to simplicity. He explains, “I’ve been thinking about when I go to him as a Dharma, it’s been tough to me, you know, with the construction,” acknowledging the pressures of setting roots in a new place (0:01:46).

The broader implication of this theme highlights the positive outcomes of relocating and embracing new environments, showing that adaptability can lead to fulfilling opportunities and enriched life experiences.

Community Engagement and Cultural Integration

Gerson Frau emphasizes the importance of integrating into and contributing to the local community. Having settled in Puerto Escondido, he fully embraced the local culture and made efforts to contribute positively to it. Living in a region that’s seeing an influx of foreigners, Gerson recognizes the need to be sensitive to cultural shifts and economic impacts. He articulates, “If you don’t consider that… you have to try to navigate, try to be,” showing his sensitivity to local sentiments and his desire to maintain harmony (0:22:20).

The essence of cultural integration for Gerson lies not just in being a passive observer but an active participant in the community’s development. Whether it’s by planting trees or practicing conscious construction, he affirms that making an effort to maintain ecological balance is paramount. He reflects, “If there’s somebody who needs. And you are in a position that you can help, just help,” stressing the importance of proactive community contribution (0:24:25).

This outlook serves as a reminder that as neighborhoods evolve due to global migration trends, establishing respectful and caring relationships can foster a harmonious coexistence for all.

The Role of Spiritual Practice and Mentorship

Throughout the conversation, Gerson credits much of his spiritual guidance and life direction to his practice of yoga and his mentor, Dharma Mittra. This relationship exemplifies the powerful impact of having a spiritual and professional guide. Gerson shares insightfully, “By devotion, by reverence, by obedience, all that,” elucidating how his spiritual journey is deeply intertwined with his day-to-day living (0:11:19).

Gerson reflects on how Dharma’s teachings have informed his teaching style and personal philosophy, emphasizing that his program is essentially a continuation of Dharma’s teachings. “Everything I learned, it was from him. And I’m so devoted,” he expresses, acknowledging the profound influence of his guru (0:05:47).

His experience with Dharma Mittra underscores the broader impact that spiritual mentorship can have in providing direction, fostering humility, and enhancing one’s resilience and capacity for compassion.

Reflecting on a Life of Purpose and Balance

The dialogue with Gerson Frau is rich with insights into how one’s life can be deeply enriched by embracing change, engaging with community, and following a spiritual path. As life transitions occur, he stresses the importance of maintaining balance and perspective. Gerson’s journey highlights how yoga and the guidance of a mentor have helped him navigate these shifts with grace and purpose.

He inspires us to “live in harmony, to find a way as… there’s this big shift… happening here,” highlighting the need for understanding and cooperation in a rapidly changing world (0:28:29). His commitment to fostering community connections and his reverence for spiritual mentorship illuminate a path towards living a meaningful, balanced life, amidst the complexities of modern existence.

By embodying these principles, Gerson Frau illustrates a way of life that values connection, compassion, and continual transformation, inviting us to pursue personal growth while remaining rooted in altruism and collective well-being.

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/

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/

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
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LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Hillary Kallenberger ~ Yoga, Pain, and Insight: Rewiring Self-Worth and Embracing Change

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Hillary Kallenberger is a dedicated yoga teacher based on the west coast of Florida, known for her transformative approach to body movement and mindfulness. With a rich background in high-level dance performance in New York, Hilary transitioned into yoga and bodywork, combining her passion for movement with a keen understanding of the human body. Previously a licensed counselor, Hilary has excelled in betterment coaching, helping clients achieve holistic wellness. Her recent journey through hip replacement surgery has further deepened her personal insights, enhancing her empathetic and therapeutic approach to teaching yoga and assisting others.

Visit Hillary: https://www.currentmanifestationssrq.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Embracing modern medicine alongside natural healing can be an essential part of recovery, even for those committed to holistic practices.
  • Experiencing acute pain can lead to unexpected personal growth and a deeper connection with one’s body.
  • Self-compassion and asking for help are vital components of healing and personal well-being.
  • Practicing gratitude and presence can transform one’s relationship with their body and promote holistic healing.

Embracing Medical Interventions on a Yogic Path

The fusion of traditional yogic living with contemporary medical interventions isn’t an uncommon narrative. Yet, the journey narrated by Hillary Kallenberger presents a particularly poignant exploration of identity and healing. The dialogue between her and the interviewer keenly highlights the balance between yoga’s holistic approaches and the pragmatic necessities of modern medicine. Hillary notes, “I am a yogi, but it is okay to ask for help.” This sentiment underscores the universal challenge of reconciling ideals with reality—a journey that many holistic practitioners face when conventional medical interventions become necessary.

Hillary’s experience reveals an intricate dance between striving for natural healing and recognizing when external medical support is necessary. After undergoing hip replacement surgery in May, she reflects, “The surgery went well… but it was definitely a little more challenging in surprising ways than I had kind of expected.” Her decision to avoid pharmaceutical pain medication post-surgery was driven not only by her belief in natural healing but also by past experiences and preferences. The unexpected complications of a failed nerve block meant confronting immediate post-operative pain intensely and without the buffer typically granted by medication. Through this, Hillary found that being present with her pain and harnessing the power of breath brought unexpected insights and growth.

The Power of Presence in Pain Management

Hillary’s journey through pain without the aid of pharmaceuticals brings forth a profound lesson on presence and acceptance. Her dedication to managing post-operative pain with breath and mindfulness allowed her to connect deeply with her body. The absence of traditional pain relief meant immersing fully in her physical reality, an experience she describes as both a challenge and a gift: “It was really something important to me that… I didn’t want to take any medication… And there was a gift that came with that, which was really being present with my pain and being present in my body.”

The transformative power of presence is a recurring theme throughout Hillary’s account, emphasizing that profound personal change often requires us to fully engage with our current circumstances, however painful. This experience reshaped her relationship with her body and disrupted longstanding patterns of self-perception. It underscored the recognition that healing can be less about achieving a pain-free state and more about cultivating an honest dialogue with one’s physicality. The moments of sitting with pain held the potential for immense introspection and appreciation for the body’s resilience and capacity to heal.

Building Community Through Vulnerability

Hillary’s recovery journey shone a light on the intricate interplay between vulnerability and connection. Her convalescence post-surgery brought her vibrant community into focus, illustrating the strength and empathy within her network. Friends and clients, driven not by obligation but by genuine compassion, rallied to support her, providing not only practical assistance but emotional sustenance. She recounts, “I had, you know, a couple of friends that were like, okay… making sure I had everyone I need… It was just one of those things that, like, you’re seeing the value and… that’s important to me.”

Through navigating her vulnerability, Hillary embraced a newfound openness not only within herself but towards others. She learned to graciously accept help and found that, in return, her community offered love and support freely. This reciprocal exchange redefined her understanding of self-worth and connection, teaching that mutual support enriches the fabric of relationships, fostering a more profound reliance on shared humanity.

Hillary’s reflections suggest that the true journey of healing—physical or emotional—is marked by the courage to express our needs and to receive support. Her vulnerability acted as a catalyst for enriched personal growth and ultimately strengthened her ties with those around her, illustrating that allowing others to participate in our healing can lead to unexpected transformations.

A Perspective Shift Toward Self-Compassion and Acceptance

Hillary’s narrative powerfully conveys the shifts in self-perception catalyzed by her healing journey. Embracing her vulnerabilities and allowing herself to be imperfect led to a reevaluation of how she engaged with her body and community. Her introspection reveals a journey not only of physical healing but of profound personal insight: “I wake up in the morning now and I don’t assess my body and how it looks based on my worth for the day.”

These changes reflect a broader cultural shift towards self-acceptance and compassion, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal wellness with holistic understanding rather than external validation. Hillary’s story underscores how healing requires not just mending the body but nurturing the soul through embracing one’s imperfections, acknowledging dependencies, and dwelling in life’s vibrancy with openness and gratitude.

Through this introspective odyssey, Hillary has emerged with a restored sense of self and a renewed commitment to her journey. Her insights into the dance between yoga and modern medicine offer a striking perspective on how vulnerability, presence, and community can shape a more harmonious and meaningful existence.

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/

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/

Support the show

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

Barbara Magro Berg ~ The Joy of Being a Yogini: How Inner Work Attracts Outer Love

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Barbara Magro Berg is a distinguished relationship coach and author who’s found success in helping ambitious women over 40 attract their soulmates. After experiencing a personal journey of two decades between her divorce and finding her soulmate at 57, Barbara has channeled her insights into hosting the “Magnetize Your Match” summit. Her expertise involves guiding women through spiritual principles and practical exercises, and she’s recently published the book “The Science of Attracting Your Soulmate: Four Steps to Love and Happiness with Ease.”

Join the summit here: https://magnetize-yourmatch.com/register?am_id=toddmclaughlin5384

Key Takeaways:

  • Finding a soulmate involves understanding and staying true to yourself. Personal growth and inner work are essential components of attracting the right partner.
  • Barbara emphasizes the importance of vibrational alignment in relationships, illustrating that soulmates can manifest as friends, family, or lovers.
  • The “Magnetize Your Match” summit offers a wealth of knowledge, bringing together 22 experts to offer a multitude of perspectives on building meaningful relationships.
  • Barbara’s book, “The Science of Attracting Your Soulmate,” provides steps for harnessing spiritual principles and practical exercises to create the space for love.

Unlocking the Science of Attracting Your Soulmate

Barbara Magro Berg’s journey to finding her soulmate, as shared in an enlightening podcast, serves as a road map for many who find themselves lost in the complexities of love, especially past the age of 40. In her discussion, Barbara emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s inner self to attract the desired partner, drawing from personal experiences and insights from her book, “The Science of Attracting Your Soulmate.” Barbara’s realization that self-compromise was hindering her journey to love is a profound lesson for anyone seeking meaningful connections. She explains, “When I finally had that awareness on how much I compromised myself in order to be loved, it was such an awakening.”

This awakening, Barbara explains, involved working intensively with a relationship coach, using techniques like tapping into Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to remove subconscious limiting beliefs. This process drastically changed her life, allowing her to finally meet her soulmate, Kevin. The poignant moment she highlights is how after years of dating and struggling, once she aligned her inner beliefs and desires, Kevin entered her life, they quickly became engaged, and married within a year.

The implications of this theme suggest that many may be unknowingly blocking their path to love by harboring unrecognized fears and misconceptions about relationships. By embarking on a journey of self-exploration and healing, individuals can open themselves up to attract a partner who complements their authentic self.

The Power of Authentic Connections

Barbara candidly discusses the elusive nature of romantic relationships and the contrast between societal expectations and personal realities. Growing up in a family that exhibited long-lasting marriages, she felt bewildered by her own struggles to find a soulmate. She explains, “I was raised in a family where my parents were married for 61 years. My grandparents were both married for over 50 years.” However, the candid conversation reveals that blind adherence to external relationship models can sometimes disguise a lack of authenticity and personal alignment.

Exploring what it means to have a soulmate, Barbara underscores that a soulmate is someone with whom you have both external compatibility and inner alignment. “My husband Kevin, on the outside we have, you know, a great compatibility, but on the inside we are just so in alignment in so many ways,” she reflects. The narrative demonstrates that true partnership extends beyond superficial interests and delves into deep-seated values and emotional synchrony.

For those navigating the path to love, this insight reinforces the importance of authenticity. It suggests that by harnessing self-knowledge and understanding one’s genuine desires and values, individuals can create a stronger foundation for lasting and fulfilling relationships.

Bridging the Practical and Spiritual in Attracting Love

Barbara’s dialogue on the integration of spiritual and practical exercises into her journey towards love provides profound insights into how individuals can actively shape their romantic destinies. Her utilization of yoga, vision boards, and even specific environment adjustments like feng shui emphasizes a holistic approach to love. “I created a relationship corner,” Barbara notes, reflecting her dedication to harmonizing her physical space to attract and welcome a partner.

The transcript reveals how such practices are not merely symbolic but are integral to creating an openness and readiness for a harmonious relationship. “The law of attraction is immutable,” she asserts, challenging people to align their inner and outer worlds to manifest their desires. This alignment translates into everyday practices like gratitude, personal reflection, and conscious adjustments in life patterns and spaces to attract the desired change.

These perspectives offer a compelling case for those seeking love to consider a blend of spiritual and pragmatic actions. As unique insights into the vibrational energy we emit and receive, they highlight an avenue to prepare oneself not only physically but emotionally and spiritually for love.

Reflecting on the Keys to True Connection and Love

Barbara Magro Berg’s candid recounting of her journey to find love, her setbacks, and her eventual success highlights universal truths about relationships that resonate deeply. From recognizing inner blockages to embracing authenticity and using spiritual principles, her insights encourage a profound shift in approaching love and relationships. They advocate for self-awareness and personal transformation as crucial components in attracting fitting partners, urging individuals to explore and align with their inner truth and desires. Reflecting on these experiences, it becomes evident that love is not simply about finding someone but also about becoming the person who naturally attracts the right relationship.

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/

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

Sandra Petra Pintaric ~ Yoga as Medicine: Healing the Body and Spirit Through Practice

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Sandra Petra Pintaric is a dedicated yoga teacher and owner of a Dharma Yoga studio located in Zagreb, Croatia. With a passion for yoga that spans over two decades, Sandra has helped foster a vibrant yoga community in her region. She has trained under esteemed teacher Dharma Mitra in New York and has developed a yoga practice that integrates spiritual philosophy, yoga asana, and yogic lifestyle. Sandra is known for her commitment to spreading authentic yoga teachings, her ability to incorporate spirituality in daily practice, and her expertise in helping others connect deeply with their practice.

Visit Sandra on her website: https://www.dharmayogazagreb.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Soulmate Concept in Yoga: Sandra explores the belief in soulmates within the yoga community, emphasizing shared energy and spiritual connections.
  • Teacher-Student Relationship: The depth of connection with one’s yoga teacher is vital, transcending geographical distances through meditation and shared devotion.
  • Adapting Yoga in the Digital Age: Sandra highlights challenges in maintaining studio discipline and community amidst the rise of digital yoga classes and technology distractions.
  • Integral Yoga Practice: Blending various yoga aspects like pranayama, meditation, and mantra is crucial for a holistic practice.

Embracing the Heartfelt Teacher-Student Connection

The bond between a yoga teacher and their students can be profound, serving as a vital source of inspiration, guidance, and community. In a conversation with Sandra Petra Pintaric, a devoted yoga teacher from Zagreb, Croatia, she opens up about her spiritual journey under the mentorship of the renowned Dharma Mitra. Over time, this connection with her teacher has become a cornerstone of her practice and teaching style.

Sandra spoke fondly of discovering Dharma Mitra, emphasizing, “I remember it was 2010 and I saw his picture of Sridharma Mitra, very humble, full of bliss in his eyes.” The sheer intensity of emotion and spiritual recognition that accompanied meeting Dharma Mitra was, for her, an indescribable feeling of finding her teacher. She elaborates, “My first impression was so high that I immediately felt in my heart that this is my teacher.”

This significant connection translates into Sandra’s methodology for teaching. Her dedication is evident not only in her efforts to share Dharma Yoga in Croatia but also in guiding her students toward their own discoveries and connections. The result has been a thriving yoga community in Croatia, one that supports and nurtures its members through shared practices and experiences.

Evolving with Digital Transformations in Yoga

The intersection of tradition and modernity forms a complex landscape for yoga practitioners and teachers alike. Sandra acknowledges the challenges and benefits of digital advancements in recent years, particularly with the surge of online platforms prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Technology came, the digital area…We have so many distractions. You need to be everywhere to be visible,” she reflects, encapsulating the tension between maintaining a physical community and adapting to digital times.

Yet, digital connectivity also presents unprecedented opportunities. Sandra shares her gratitude for the ability to maintain a practice with her teacher online despite the geographical divide, stating, “I think this is a huge gift in my life.” This digital evolution offers access to teachings and communities that transcend physical barriers, allowing traditional yoga practices to reach a wider audience.

However, Sandra notes, “I see a little bit laziness because I think that yoga is sacrifice on some point of view…I still think that the teacher is very important.” Her awareness of the balance between digital convenience and the importance of in-person mentorship offers a crucial insight into navigating these modern pathways in yoga.

Exploring the Concept of Soulmates in Yoga Communities

A fascinating theme explored during the conversation was Sandra’s belief in soulmates, which she extends beyond the conventional romantic context. Instead, she views her community and those she connects with through yoga as part of a broader network of kindred spirits. “I believe in a group of soulmates,” Sandra explains, “Not just maybe some one person, but I believe that we all have some soulmates in my life.”

This perspective enriches the relational fabric of yoga communities by promoting inclusivity and mutual support. According to Sandra, these connections can transcend time and space, hinting at past-life encounters and shared energies. She iterates, “We meet some people back in our future lives to share something, to finish something, or begin something.”

The implications of this belief are profound within her yoga practice, creating a culture of deep connection and collective growth that resonates with the practitioners. Sandra’s acknowledgment of this extends the understanding of relationships within yoga, emphasizing a collective journey that complements individual spiritual endeavors.

Sandra’s journey and insights offer a glimpse into the transformative potential of yoga as a spiritual and communal practice. Her devotion to her teacher, adaptability in the face of digital transformations, and broader understanding of community connections highlight fundamental aspects of the yoga path that many practitioners can relate to or aspire toward. Her experiences underscore the complexities and joys of yoga as a tool for personal evolution and collective enrichment.

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/

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/

Support the show

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