Monthly Archives: September 2025

Yancy Scot Schwartz | The Skateboarding Yogi: Music, Dharma Yoga & Mental Clarity

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Yancy Scot Schwartz is a versatile and accomplished individual known for his dynamic interests and talents. Raised in Queens, New York, Yancy is an avid skateboarder, a dedicated yoga practitioner, and a passionate musician. He has transitioned from a retail career in a skate shop to becoming a highly respected yoga teacher, instructing at multiple studios in Los Angeles. Yancy’s deep commitment to the practice of yoga is influenced by his study with iconic mentors such as Dharma Mittra, whose teachings have significantly shaped his approach to yoga as a holistic lifestyle. His multifaceted interests also encompass music, through which he expresses his creativity and finds solace.

Visit Yancy here: https://www.yancyscotschwartz.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Yancy Scot Schwartz integrates skateboarding, yoga, and music as interconnected expressions of his creative and spiritual journey.
  • A profound transformation occurred in Yancy’s life when he met Dharma Mittra, leading him to view yoga as essential spiritual hygiene.
  • Yancy emphasizes the importance of rooting yoga practice in authentic teachings, with his own practices influenced deeply by a combination of asana, pranayama, and mantra.
  • Music serves as a vital form of companionship for Yancy, particularly during difficult times, offering a soulful dialogue and creative exploration.
  • Psychic development is a significant aspect of Yancy’s practice, providing mental clarity and deeper insights, rooted in the teachings of spiritual masters and traditional yogic principles.

The Synergy of Passion and Practice

While many view yoga, music, and skateboarding as distinct disciplines, Yancy Scott Schwartz illustrates a seamless integration of these passions. His journey began with music, albeit informally, and quickly embraced skateboarding due to the profound cultural and rhythmic connection (“Like the whole skateboard culture and the music thing go hand in hand”). Yancy’s experience underlines how these passions merge to create a cohesive artistic lifestyle that is continually rejuvenated through practice.

The breadth of Yancy’s interests converges through yoga, which he describes as completing the triad of his passions. His skating inadvertently led him to yoga as a necessary practice during New York’s harsh winters. The redirection exemplifies adaptability and finding balance amid external constraints. “After a while, you know, the skateboarding takes a toll,” Yancy admits, lauding yoga for its year-round accessibility and mental grounding.

This interconnectedness extends beyond lifestyle convenience to nurturing artistic pursuits. As Yancy explains, yoga’s structured practice fosters not just physical flexibility but emotional and mental agility—vital for expressive and spontaneous art forms like music and skateboarding. In his words, “Like the practice…little by little, like, things unlock.” Herein lies the message: passion thrives where dedication to practice prevails.

Resilience and Personal Growth Through Spiritual Inquiry

Central to Yancy Scott Schwartz’s narrative is a testimony to resilience cultivated through deliberate spiritual inquiry. Diving into yoga’s philosophies provided frameworks for navigating life’s vicissitudes, including personal heartbreak, as Yancy recalled, “it felt more purposeful…sharing what helps me with others.”

Yancy’s exploration of psychic development exemplifies deep commitment and curiosity. Drawing inspiration from legendary yoga guru Dharma Mittra, Yancy discovered psychic development as a crucial tool for healing and growth. “I was very traumatized…I was like, I need something,” he recounts, a quest that led him to embrace specific mantras and pranayama to refine his focus and expand his consciousness. His journey illustrates that such self-inquiry is transformational, offering clarity and fortitude in navigating life’s trials.

The broader implication of such practices reaches beyond personal gain; it embraces shared human experiences and connection. Yancy shares, “The mantra man…protect it,” emphasizing a collective consciousness where protection and expansion go hand in hand. His experience reinforces an understanding that growth, while personal, has rippling effects contributing to communal harmony, enriching every aspect of his life.

Enhancing Mind-Body Connection Through Mindfulness

Yancy’s experiences illuminate a crucial theme of mindfulness and its role in bridging body and mind for holistic wellness. The practices described demonstrate a profound understanding of balance achieved through physical asana, breathwork (pranayama), and introspection. “Body strong, mantras for the mind, pranayamas for the mind,” he specifies, portraying a structured approach to fostering mindfulness.

Such practices extend their relevance to broader lifestyle choices, as Yancy details his diet and fasting routine influenced by mentors and tradition. Veganism and fasting, particularly within the framework of yoga, provide not only physical benefits but spiritual cleansing that primes the mind for mental clarity and creativity. “The vegan diet helps,” he acknowledges, delineating how interconnected lifestyle choices bolster his practice and teaching endeavors.

Ultimately, Yancy’s narrative is a substantial lesson on embracing mindfulness as a conduit for resilience and creative expression. His dedicated multi-disciplinary approach showcases the importance of nurturing a strong mind-body connection that not only supports but enhances personal and professional growth.

Cultivating Art and Life as an Integrated Experience

Yancy Scott Schwartz’s story exemplifies how integrative practices across disciplines can cultivate a fulfilling life enriched with art and meaning. His journey through music, skateboarding, and yoga displays a harmonious embrace of varied interests that collectively define his artistic expression and personal resilience.

This approach, a testament to the strength found in flexibility and exploration, underscores the vital connection between practices that might initially appear unrelated. Yancy’s reflections on the power of practice, mindfulness, and spiritual inquiry articulate a message that transcends boundaries, inviting others to explore their passions with dedication and an open heart.

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

Jen Armistead | From Scientist to Yoga Teacher: Ashtanga, Rocket & Dharma Yoga Journey

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Jen Armistead is an accomplished scientist turned yoga teacher and studio owner. With a Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and immunology and a background in public health, Jen dedicated two decades to researching and implementing strategies to combat malaria, particularly among vulnerable populations in Africa. She now co-owns Yoga Commons, a yoga studio in Fairfax, Virginia, where she shares her passion for Ashtanga, Rocket, and Dharma Yoga practices, drawing inspiration from notable teachers like Dharma Mittra and David Kyle.

Visit Jen here: https://www.yoga-commons.com/ and on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/yogaendeavour/?hl=en

Key Takeaways:

  • Jen Armistead’s journey exemplifies a unique transition from scientific research in malaria to becoming a dedicated yoga teacher and studio owner.
  • Her experience in Africa exposed her to the realities of global health challenges and the importance of implementing effective disease-fighting strategies.
  • Jen finds inspiration in yoga legends like Dharma Mittra, striving to integrate deep spiritual teachings within her yoga community.
  • She navigates the challenges of maintaining an authentic yoga studio while facing commercial pressures, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and community.
  • Jen’s story highlights the significance of adaptive career pivots and the potential for personal growth during unexpected life changes.

Yoga and Science: A Harmonious Coexistence

In the bustling intersection of yoga and science, Jen Armistead stands as a testament to the possibility of merging these seemingly disparate fields. With her Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and immunology, and a long-standing dedication to public health, Jen has spent decades working on malaria prevention in Africa. She describes herself as “one of those rare people who kind of knew where they were headed from a pretty young age,” demonstrating her steadfast dedication to science.

Despite the common perception that science and spirituality are mutually exclusive, Jen’s journey reveals a different narrative. She articulates, “It’s a depressing way to live your life to think that we’re born and we die and that’s the end of it. For me, I just don’t accept that,” asserting her belief in spiritual dimensions parallel to her scientific pursuits. This marriage of the pragmatic and the profound underscores not only Jen’s personal growth but also the potential for a broader societal acceptance of such integration. Her journey reflects a nuance that is often overlooked in the socio-cultural dialogue between religion, spirituality, and science.

From Laboratories to Yoga Studios: Embracing Change

Jen’s transition from a scientific career to owning a yoga studio marks an inspiring narrative of resilience and adaptability. After a restructuring at USAID led to the dismantling of her division, she leveraged her skills and passion for yoga to navigate her career transition. This unexpected change paved the way for the birth of Yoga Commons in Fairfax, Virginia. As Jen humorously conveys, “I’m an accidental entrepreneur.”

Creating a community-oriented studio wasn’t part of Jen’s original plan; yet, when faced with a unique opportunity, she embraced it. Building a supportive atmosphere centered around authentic yoga traditions such as Ashtanga, Rocket, and particularly Dharma Yoga, Jen is preserving and disseminating diverse practices. The studio embodies a vision where authenticity triumphs over commercial trends. “We needed to find a different space… because that gym couldn’t accommodate us,” she notes, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining traditional yoga roots.

Authenticity in Yoga Entrepreneurship

In a world of heated, fast-paced, commercially-driven yoga, Jen’s approach to her studio is refreshingly authentic. She champions a non-commercialized model, placing community and spirituality above profit. The studio emphasizes genuine connections and spiritual growth—a rarity in the current yoga industry. Jen elaborates, “You need to know the rules before you can break them,” a principle she applies by teaching structured Ashtanga alongside the more fluid Rocket Yoga to encourage flexibility within discipline.

Investing in Dharma Yoga further highlights Jen’s dedication to authenticity. Dharma Mittra’s lineage offers a deeply spiritual practice, and Jen articulates, “It was less about this is the physical practice. It was more about like, I want that.” Her respect and passion for these time-honored traditions offer her students a richer, more comprehensive yoga experience.

The narrative of Jen Armistead serves as a powerful reminder that life’s unpredicted changes can lead to remarkable outcomes when met with the right mindset. Her experience embodies the seamless interplay of science and spirituality, offering a blueprint for those at similar intersections.

Moreover, Jen’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the importance of authenticity in the face of commercial pressures, insisting on yoga as a way of life rather than mere physical exercise. Her story invites us to consider what it truly means to lead with integrity and purpose in our professional and personal lives, challenging us to find balance, embrace change, and uphold authenticity.

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

Alfonsina Epifani | Living Yoga as a Practice of Love, Discipline & Inner Peace

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Alfonsina Epifani is a dedicated yoga instructor with a home yoga studio located near Venice, Italy. With a strong devotion to the teachings of her mentor, Sri Dharma Mitra, Alfonsina has integrated her deep commitment to yoga into serving her community. Her approach to teaching focuses on the holistic benefits of yoga, encompassing physical exercise, pranayama (breath control), and meditation to nurture both body and spirit. She is passionate about sharing the transformative power of yoga with others and creating a welcoming space that feels like home.

Visit Alfonsina here: https://www.dharmayogavenice.it/

Instagram: @alfonsina_epifani

Key Takeaways:

  • Cultural Sensitivity in Yoga: Alfonsina discusses the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences when teaching yoga, especially in terms of religious perceptions.
  • Holistic Yoga Practices: The integration of asanas, pranayama, and meditation as tools for personal growth and self-awareness.
  • Energy and Connection: Alfonsina shares her belief in the power of energy to transcend boundaries, as experienced through online courses during the pandemic.
  • Spiritual Journey: Insights into finding balance and peace through yoga, viewing it as a path to realizing one’s true self.

Yoga for Self-Discovery and Inner Peace

In the serene landscape of Italy, Alfonsina Epifani carves a niche for herself through her yoga teachings. Her studio, Dharma Home, reflects her vision of yoga as a journey to one’s “true self,” a realization she arrived at after years of practice and introspection. As we dive into her story, it’s evident that yoga is more than just physical postures; it’s a conduit for inner peace and enlightenment. Alfonsina vividly recalls, “In the years of practice, I can tell that I did find what I was searching. And it was just the path to my true self.”

This sentiment resonates with those seeking a meaningful connection with themselves, away from the chaos of daily life. She illustrates how yoga goes beyond the mat, influencing personal growth and emotional healing. Her approach is incredibly inclusive, encouraging everyone, regardless of age or flexibility, to find their unique path within yoga. As she states, “You do what you can, but you put all your effort… It’s something inside of you, how much you put into inside.”

Alfonsina’s insights shed light on yoga’s profound ability to guide individuals towards self-discovery and contentment, emphasizing that the journey is personal, introspective, and transformative.

Bridging Cultures Through Yoga

Alfonsina’s transition from the United States to Italy illuminates the cultural nuances in practicing and teaching yoga. Her ability to adapt her approach to suit Italian audiences, who might be more reserved or unfamiliar with some yoga practices, is remarkable. She notes the cultural hurdles, such as skepticism around chanting “Om” and other spiritual aspects due to Italy’s strong Catholic influence. “I have to adjust… I didn’t do the Om. I didn’t burn incense because it was strange,” Alfonsina recalls, underscoring her sensitivity to cultural contexts.

This adaptability is a testament to yoga’s universal appeal and its power to transcend cultural barriers. By tailor-fitting her teachings to align with local sensibilities, Alfonsina fosters a deeper, more authentic engagement with yoga in her community. Her initiatives are about more than just yoga; they’re about nurturing a space where individuals can explore spirituality without feeling constrained by cultural or religious expectations.

Her story exemplifies the broader potential of yoga to bridge cultural divides, offering a shared space for personal and collective growth. This theme is a compelling reminder of how yoga can serve as a holistic tool for embracing diversity and fostering understanding across different societal fabrics.

Spirituality as a Universal Connector

The discussions of spirituality throughout the transcript profoundly reflect Alfonsina’s belief in yoga as a universal connector. She articulates her journey towards understanding spirituality beyond traditional religious frameworks, emphasizing that spirituality is deeply personal yet universally accessible. Alfonsina observes, “It was the same as mine, but I didn’t express in words, but the end was the same.”

Her efforts in integrating a spiritual dimension into her teachings signify yoga’s capacity to transcend specific religious ideologies, allowing practitioners to cultivate an inclusive sense of self-love and acceptance. This mindset challenges traditional views, positioning spirituality not as a singular pathway but as a diverse, encompassing journey.

The process of discovering one’s inner flame, as Alfonsina describes, is central to this exploration. It’s about connecting with “that inborn love that is already inside.” In a world often divided by religious and cultural lines, yoga’s inclusive spirituality is a beacon for those searching for unity and purpose.

Alfonsina’s journey with yoga underscores the profound interconnection between personal growth, cultural understanding, and spiritual exploration. Her story not only highlights yoga’s transformative power but also its role as a universal medium for fostering inner peace and cross-cultural harmony. Through her teachings, she cultivates a space where yoga is more than just an exercise; it’s a way of life rooted in the authentic pursuit of love, spirituality, and self-discovery. Each practice serves as an invitation to explore one’s true self and to participate in the universal dance of consciousness that connects all beings.

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

Edward Clark & Laurie A. Greene ~ The Future of Yoga: Asana, Vinyasa & Emotional Depth

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In this captivating episode, Todd dives deep into a rich conversation with Edward Clarkand Laurie Greene, uncovering the nuanced dynamics of modern yoga practice. With yoga evolving vastly in the contemporary era, Edward and Laurie share insights from their book, “Yoga and the Body: The Future of Modern Yoga in the Studio and Beyond,” exploring how practitioners can cultivate deeper understanding and authenticity in their practice. They unveil the philosophical dichotomies between asana and vinyasa, focusing on their implications for personal growth and the broader yoga community. Their thought-provoking dialogue serves as a call to re-evaluate how yoga is taught, practiced, and experienced.

Purchase book here: https://a.co/d/c8zUi5y

Key Takeaways:

  • Philosophical Exploration: The distinctions between asana and vinyasa represent two contrasting philosophies of stillness versus movement, each offering unique paths to self-discovery and understanding of reality.
  • Cultural Shift: There’s a growing need to move beyond the rigid structures of traditional yoga to embrace new technologies and sensory experiences that enrich practice.
  • Challenging Traditional Norms: The conversation challenges the effectiveness of current certification models and the potential drawbacks of over-credentialization.

Yoga Philosophy: Asana and Vinyasa in Modern Practice

In their enlightening discussion, Edward Clark and Laurie Greene delve into the philosophical depths of yoga, contrasting Asana and Vinyasa practices. They unpack Asana as a form of renunciation, aiming for stillness and inner unity, opposed by the dynamic Vinyasa, which embraces change and flow. Laurie explains, “Asana attempts to understand reality by looking inwardly with the assumption that what you discover at a foundational level in the self will be the same as what reality is.”

Edward adds dimension to this discussion, highlighting Vinyasa’s unique perspective: “Vinyasa goes the other way. It’s that no, everything out there is constantly changing.” These philosophical perspectives open up new paths, not just in the studio but as a means of interacting with the world. This conversation argues for a deeper understanding that seeks not merely physical improvement but personal transformation. A practitioner’s choice between stillness and flow can reflect their broader life philosophies and spiritual journeys, suggesting that yoga is profoundly personal even as it reaches for universal truths.

Credentialism and Experience in Yoga Instruction

The dialogue also touches on one of yoga’s modern controversies: credentialism. Laurie and Edward express concerns over the focus on certifications at the expense of genuine knowledge and wisdom. Laurie passionately states, “The credentials are not helping us… It is only true what you experience through your practice.” They both advocate for a more robust, experience-driven approach to teaching that transcends the accumulation of certificate letters.

The current model often leaves new teachers underprepared for the significant task of guiding others, as demonstrated in Laurie’s reflection, “We have this credential inflation and so much so that the credentials really cannot guarantee that the person we’re looking at knows anything.” There’s a growing call within the community to revive mentorship models that prioritize experiential learning and real-world practice over certificates. For the yoga community, this shift would mean a return to the heart of what yoga represents: personal growth and self-discovery.

Furthermore, Edward calls for courses that capture this depth, arguing, “To do yoga is experiential… but being able to teach is analytical.” This revelation points toward an impending transformation in how yoga instructors are cultivated. Transitioning to a model that emphasizes experience over theoretical knowledge may not only satisfy regulatory standards but enrich the teaching landscape by producing teachers who embody yoga’s true essence.

Embracing Emotional Intensity for Deeper Practice

A particularly provocative theme emerged from discussions on emotions like anger, anxiety, and fear. Laurie and Edward argue for embracing these emotions rather than eliminating them for supposedly “pure” enlightenment. Laurie articulates a compelling perspective, “There is no difference between negative and positive emotions… they’re potentially fuel.” Such emotions are positioned as gateways to deeper engagement and understanding within the practice.

As Edward eloquently puts it, “This idea, Laurie alludes to it… to actually be in flow.” By integrating intense emotions, yoga shifts from being a mere physical or meditative practice to a spiritual journey that mirrors life’s full spectrum of experiences. The idea is that avoiding these emotions creates a flat, uninspired practice, while embracing them can lead to profound transformations both on and off the mat.

Their insights challenge the current narrative that yoga should solely be about healing and peace, proposing instead that risk, intensity, and engaging our full emotional spectrum are just as vital. This approach, they argue, will not only make yoga more accessible but also more authentic, reflecting the human condition in its many hues.

Thanks to their critical insights, potential future directions include practices that are not just physically challenging but which also encourage emotional depth and authenticity. This holistic view may indeed redefine what it means to engage genuinely with yoga, promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of what the practice is and can be.

The dialogue between Greene and Clark sheds light on powerful themes driving contemporary yoga—each urging a return to yoga’s roots while propelling it forward. Their words serve as a clarion call for yoga practitioners and educators alike to deepen their practice through introspection, experience, and emotional honesty. Unveiling these enduring truths within yoga beckons a renaissance where the spirit of yoga thrives beyond postures, resonating with life’s constant flux.

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