Monthly Archives: May 2026

Maria De Los Angeles | Somatic Breathwork for Nervous System Regulation & Anxiety Relief

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In this episode of Native Yoga Toddcast, licensed clinical social worker and somatic breathwork practitioner Maria de Los Angeles explores powerful body-based tools for nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and holistic wellness.

Maria blends her clinical expertise in mental health with somatic breathwork and yoga practices that go beyond traditional talk therapy. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and years of dedicated study, she shares practical guidance on how to release stored tension, reduce anxiety, and cultivate deeper balance through breathwork, mindful movement, and somatic awareness.

Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers accessible techniques to support your mental health, process emotions, and reconnect with your body. Discover how somatic breathwork and yoga can become essential tools for lasting inner peace and resilience.

Topics covered:
• Nervous system healing
• Somatic breathwork techniques
• Yoga for mental health and anxiety relief
• Integrative approaches combining CBT, DBT & body-based practices

Perfect for anyone seeking mindfulness, stress relief, trauma-informed yoga, or embodied wellness practices.

Visit Maria at her website: https://smwellnessco.com/

on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/somaticandmentalwellnessco/

Embodiment through Somatic Breathwork

In a fast-paced world where the mind often outpaces the body, reconnecting the two has become a revolutionary approach in mental health therapy. Maria de Los Angeles, a licensed clinical social worker, reveals how Somatic Breathwork challenges traditional therapeutic methods by engaging the nervous system directly. Unlike Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which focus on perceptions and social interactions, Somatic Breathwork takes a body-centered approach. “This is a body-based intervention,” Maria explains, “It’s very different from traditional talk therapy… because it focuses directly on the nervous system.”

The essence of Somatic Breathwork lies in diaphragmatic 360 breathing, which encourages individuals to focus on breathing deeply into their bellies, fostering an awareness that transcends mental clutter. “We want to start with the body, we want to reconnect with the body,” Maria adds, highlighting that our thoughts are often overwhelmed by societal, familial, and digital influences. By anchoring the breath and centering attention on physical sensations, participants can begin the process of embodiment, allowing the body to dictate the therapeutic journey naturally.

The Importance of Human Connection

Human connection emerges as a central theme in Maria’s practice. She articulates the intrinsic need for communal experience in breathwork sessions. “People need people. Sometimes we don’t want to believe it, but the truth is, without each other, what would we be?” she states passionately. This sentiment underscores the importance of shared experiences in healing and personal growth, where the presence of others acts as a catalyst for individual discovery.

Group sessions foster an environment where participants can feel supported and guided. Maria emphasizes the significance of safety, both physical and emotional. “My number one priority…is safety,” she maintains, highlighting the role of trust between the guide and participants. This trust creates a space where individuals can comfortably explore their internal landscapes without the fear of judgment. The shared energy in the room allows for a unique form of healing—being understood and validated not only by a professional but by peers on similar journeys.

Empowerment and Self-Awareness

Empowerment through self-awareness is perhaps the most transformative aspect of Somatic Breathwork. Maria reflects on personal realizations and growth, describing how direct engagement with her own nervous system opened pathways to self-discovery. “It’s a blessing,” she shares about watching participants achieve breakthroughs. It isn’t always about resolving past traumas but about becoming present, understanding, and embracing one’s true identity. “We’re kind of on a floating rock in space,” Maria observes, reminding us of our shared existence and the importance of living for oneself, not for external expectations.

The breathwork process encourages clients to set intentions but with an understanding that the body will reveal what it needs in its own time. Maria cautions against setting unrealistic expectations, instead promoting patience and openness. “We can set an intention, and your body is going to do what it wants to and what it needs to in that moment,” she explains, framing the journey as a collaborative exploration rather than a rigid path. This approach empowers individuals to own their journey, giving them the autonomy to define their healing and growth.

In exploring Somatic Breathwork, the interview navigates the intricacies of human connection, empowerment, and the reclamation of one’s sense of self through embodied practice. Embodiment begins when one relinquishes societal and cognitive dictates, turning instead to the body’s innate wisdom. Human connection not only facilitates therapy but breathes life into the human experience, validating one’s feelings and fostering a sense of belonging. Ultimately, Somatic Breathwork is a journey of self-awareness, where each breath taken serves as a reminder of one’s potential to shape their own existence and to truly be in the world.

The insights conveyed by Maria de Los Angeles illuminate the transformative power of listening to the body and connecting authentically with others. This practice offers nuanced pathways to healing that engage the whole person, rather than isolating the mind. As more individuals embark on this journey, they may discover not just self-awareness but a profound sense of empowerment—a tool designed not just for momentary relief but lifelong change.

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 

Jessica Rigal: Uniting Trauma Care, Ashtanga Yoga & Meditation

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Jessica Rigal is a seasoned clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma care, particularly in hospitals. Raised amidst a milieu of activism and scientific inquiry in New York City during the 60s and 70s, Jessica was introduced to meditation early on, a practice that has become central to her professional and personal life. She studied pre-med and journalism and holds an advanced degree from the New School of Social Research. Jessica is an advocate of blending meditation with Ashtanga yoga, and she actively practices and teaches these methods, emphasizing their therapeutic benefits.

Visit Jessica here: https://yogabyjessica.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Jessica Rigal’s life reflects a unique blend of activism, scientific curiosity, and holistic healing practices.
  • Meditation and yoga are central to Jessica’s approach, offering profound tools for recovery and personal growth.
  • Listening to the body and maintaining a mindfulness practice can be crucial in overcoming physical limitations and improving mental health.
  • Jessica emphasizes a flexible approach to both yoga and life, focusing on finding joy in the present and accepting each moment as it comes.
  • The idea of practice as a reflection of daily life, rather than a set series of poses, invites listeners to integrate mindfulness into every aspect of their being.

The Intersection of Ashtanga Yoga and Zen Meditation

In the dynamic landscape of mindfulness practices, the convergence of Ashtanga yoga and Zen meditation offers a powerful blend of physical and mental wellness. Jessica Rigal, a practitioner balancing both disciplines, emphasizes the seamless integration of these practices as a pathway to profound self-discovery and healing.

Rigal’s journey with Ashtanga yoga began unexpectedly at the age of 55, under the guidance of Manju Jois. The notion of dropping back into a challenging pose, despite her initial fears, unveiled a moment of transformation. “It just cracked me wide open,” she recalls, highlighting how the experience unlocked a reservoir of emotions stored in the body. This illustrates the potential of yoga as a tool not just for physical flexibility, but for emotional release and mental clarity.

The conversation also touched upon the complementary nature of Zen meditation, which Rigal has engaged with since childhood. This form of meditation, characterized by its non-goal-oriented approach, aligns harmoniously with the principles of yoga. Together, these practices foster a state of being where one can “live in the shunya, the emptiness,” as Rigal describes it, embracing the unpredictable nature of life much like jazz music—improvised and unscripted.

The broader implication of this integration challenges the conventional boundaries within mindfulness practices. It prompts an exploration of how these traditions, when combined, can offer a more holistic approach to understanding the self. The synthesis of the physical rigor of yoga and the contemplative depth of meditation encourages practitioners to look beyond mere physical accomplishments and delve deeper into the nuances of presence and awareness.

Enhancing Mindfulness Through Nature

Interacting with nature emerges as a recurring theme in enhancing mindfulness, a point eloquently illustrated by Rigal’s “manatee meditation.” Observing the gentle movements of a manatee, as she shares, is a reminder of the power of awe in anchoring oneself to the present moment. Modern neuroscience supports this notion, suggesting that awe-inspiring experiences can bring one back to the immediacy of the “now.”

“Go take a walk in nature,” Rigal recommends, especially when one struggles to quiet the mind. This practice not only grounds individuals but also facilitates a connection to the larger world, fostering a sense of belonging and peace. The Merlin app, as discussed in the transcript, is a perfect tool for such nature walks, offering an enhanced experience by identifying bird songs, allowing for a deeper engagement with one’s environment.

Within the context of a bustling life, especially one filled with the demands of a healthcare professional, this practice becomes indispensable. For Rigal, who navigates the complexities of working within hospital settings, these moments of connection to nature serve as vital touchpoints for balance and rejuvenation.

The impact of this practice extends beyond individual wellness, suggesting that through nature and presence, communities can foster environments that cultivate understanding and compassion. It embodies a mindful way of living that recognizes the importance of slowing down and appreciating the world around us—principles at the heart of both yoga and meditation.

Embracing Pain as a Pathway to Mindfulness

Pain, both physical and emotional, is an inevitable part of the human experience, as discussed in the transcript. Yet, it offers profound opportunities for practicing mindfulness and acceptance. Rigal shares candidly about her personal journey with pain, particularly the challenges of aging and physical limitations.

The discussion reveals a pivotal understanding: embracing pain does not equate to suffering. Instead, it becomes an avenue toward deeper awareness and self-reflection. “Don’t allow that to define you,” she urges, highlighting the importance of not being consumed by labels or societal definitions of pain and limitation.

Through her practice under Greg Tebb, Rigal learns to “clean out” pain without forcing the body, underlining a process of mindful engagement rather than aggressive pursuit of relief. This approach resonates with the broader theme of yoga and meditation as practices of living rather than doing.

The implications for practitioners and healthcare providers are significant. It suggests a shift from a purely outcome-based approach to one that recognizes the value of process and presence. It encourages viewing pain as a teacher rather than an adversary, opening pathways for healing that are both compassionate and sustainable.

In the conversation with Jessica Rigal, we discover an intricate tapestry of mindfulness practices that together offer a wholistic approach to wellness. Her experiences underscore the transformative power of yoga and meditation when practiced with intention and openness. The dialogue with nature, the acceptance of pain, and the embodiment of these practices in everyday life challenge us to reconsider our approach to mind-body spirituality. Herein lies the essence of Rigal’s message—a call for presence, a step into the unknown, much like jazz, and the serenity found in simply 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
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin 

Maria Margolies | Body Positive Yoga: Embracing Your Natural Body & Self-Love

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Maria Margolies is a seasoned yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience. Based in New York, Maria has carved a niche for herself as an advocate for celebrating the natural human body and all its changes. She is known for her engaging and empowering workshops and retreats for women globally, emphasizing body positivity, connection with nature, and holistic well-being. With a background in Ashtanga yoga, Maria has evolved her practice to focus on more inclusive, body-positive yoga forms. She is also a vocal critic of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by various industries and is committed to fostering an environment where individuals can embrace and honor their natural selves.

Visit Maria: https://www.holixtic.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • The Power of Reframing Beauty: Maria encourages redefining beauty standards that have been historically shaped by industries seeking to profit from insecurities, emphasizing the beauty seen in nature’s imperfections.
  • Yoga’s Role in Self-Acceptance: Utilizing yoga as a tool for fostering self-love and acceptance, Maria shifts her focus to practices that embrace all body types and physical changes.
  • Pelvic Floor Health Awareness: Maria highlights the lack of education surrounding pelvic floor function in yoga practices, advocating for a more balanced approach that focuses on natural body awareness.
  • Unity in Diversity: Maria calls for collective action to change societal narratives, emphasizing collaboration between genders to redefine beauty and embrace human diversity.

Unraveling Societal Beauty Norms

In today’s world, where the media and advertising heavily dictate perceptions of beauty, the voices of women like Maria Margolies help illuminate a critical truth: the conventional standards of beauty are artificially constructed. The episode begins with Maria and Todd delving into how Maria’s juxtaposed Instagram images encapsulate an exploration of natural beauty. Her poignant analogies comparing the woman’s body to nature’s landscapes — “wrinkles are like Canyon lines carved in time” and “stretch marks” resembling “lightning strikes across the skin” — highlight how these characteristics, often labeled as ‘flaws’ in society, mirror the Earth’s natural beauty.

Maria emphasizes that these beauty standards aren’t grounded in natural instincts but are engineered “by industries worth hundreds of billions of dollars,” focusing on beauty and fashion. The conversation pits natural aging against the idea of beauty as youthfulness, which both speakers agree is a perspective shaped by profit motives rather than true aesthetics. By questioning these norms, Maria challenges both women and men to reconsider where their definitions of beauty originate and whether they align with their personal truths.

In reversing these cultural impositions, individuals are encouraged to emulate the acceptance that broader nature inspires — seeing beauty in “rivers [that] carve lines” and “planets [that] have texture.” Such realigning of beauty with natural processes rather than media standards can shift personal image philosophies, reducing the need for societal validation.

Transforming Self-Perception Through Yoga

Yoga emerges as a powerful vehicle for self-discovery and transformation in this dialogue. As Maria reflects on her yoga journey, she describes a path marred by physical pain from prolonged adherence to certain Ashtanga practices. Maria’s candid recounting illustrates a pivotal change in perspective triggered by her experiences with childbirth and subsequent health challenges. This turning point prompted her to redraft her connection with her body, negotiating the often-overlooked aspects of yoga practice, which can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain due to unsustainable expectations on physical appearance and capability.

By highlighting the double-edged sword of rigorous physical practices originally intended for men — she cites a need for a more flexible approach to female physiology in particular — Maria invites practitioners to cultivate a gentler relationship with their bodies. Her story encourages others to turn to yoga not as an aesthetically driven discipline but as a mindfulness tool for embracing the whole self.

The overarching message goes beyond physical realignment. By utilizing yoga’s principles of meditative awareness, individuals can foster acceptance, prioritizing inner well-being over external presentation. It’s about “feeling oneself” rather than conforming to curated images of youth and flawlessness.

Building Nourishing, Authentic Communities

In perhaps its most insightful section, the transcript touches on the transformative power of community for fostering personal growth and acceptance. Maria’s retreats symbolize more than just physical getaway locations; they are vessels for genuine self-recognition within communal contexts. By fostering spaces devoid of judgment, participants are invited to explore emotional vulnerability alongside others, ultimately leading to empowerment and greater self-love.

The retreats’ success, as Maria shares passionately, is rooted in shared storytelling and collective mirroring. Participants shed societal masks, encouraged by a supportive, shared experience that values authentic presence over curated self-projections. This nurturing environment provides a refuge from societal judgment, fostering an appreciation for one’s unique journey through life and physical transformation.

Maria’s approach emphasizes that collective spaces where authenticity thrives hold the key to broader personal and societal evolution — by sharing our truths, we dismantle the barriers that media and preconceived beauty norms construct.

Through a genuine reevaluation of our benchmarks for beauty and worth, grounded in yoga’s tenets of union and awareness, humanity can forge a path that celebrates life’s natural stages. This transformed understanding invites us to nurture our bodies as dynamic entities and embrace the wrinkles, the changes, and the processes of aging as the natural rhythms of life, much like any living element on our beautiful planet.

Drawing on collective wisdom within community circles and the grounding practices of yoga, as Maria exemplifies, we can begin to script new narratives for ourselves. Here lies the hope for a world where beauty’s definition is widened, inclusive, and naturally authentic, making way for conversations far deeper and connections far more sincere.

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 

Molly Kranovich: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Yoga Studio Owner

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Molly Kranovich, owner of Lumi Studio Shoppe in Mount Prospect, Illinois, joins Todd McLaughlin for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to build a thriving yoga business.

In this episode, Molly shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to successful studio owner. She created a unique multi-functional space that beautifully combines yoga classes, a retail shop featuring local artisans, and a warm community event hub just outside of Chicago.

Molly opens up about the real challenges and victories of small business ownership — rethinking studio layouts, negotiating leases, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, supporting local makers, and standing out against big corporate studios. Her story is filled with heart, creativity, and a deep commitment to building authentic community through yoga and wellness.

You’ll hear:
• How she transitioned from managing her home and children to running a thriving studio
• The power of blending yoga, retail, and community events in one welcoming space
• Practical strategies for overcoming early business setbacks
• How she balances family life while growing her business
• Why supporting local artisans matters in today’s wellness world

Whether you’re a yoga teacher, studio owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who values heart-led businesses, this episode will uplift and motivate you.

Visit Molly at: https://lumistudioshoppe.com/

The Power of Community in Yoga Studios

The journey of owning a yoga studio is often dictated by the strength and vitality of the community it nurtures. Molly Kranovich, owner of Lumi Studio Shoppe, emphasized this philosophy throughout her conversation. Situated in Mount Prospect, Illinois, Lumi Studio Shoppe has become a beacon for community engagement through its multifaceted approach: combining yoga classes, local artisan retail, and event spaces.

Molly’s choice to include local makers in her retail space is a conscious decision that aligns with Lumi’s goals of fostering local connections. She notes, “There are so many local business owners that have helped me along the way… to have them be a part of the Lumi experience is just so amazing.” This approach not only supports local artisans but also draws in people who might initially be hesitant about yoga, serving as a gateway to new experiences.

The broader implications of this community-driven model reach beyond just a business’s immediate success. By building a place where people feel a sense of belonging, studios like Lumi begin to establish lasting relationships that sustain the business through various market challenges. The community becomes both the foundation and the propeller of growth, demonstrating that the human aspect of business often holds more weight than purely financial considerations.

Embracing Innovation and Adaptability in Yoga Studios

In the world of yoga studio ownership, adaptability is key to staying relevant. Molly’s venture into combining various business streams – from yoga classes to retail and events – showcases an innovative spirit necessary for sustaining a small business in a competitive market. When discussing the balance between yoga and retail, Molly states, “Yoga and retail have pretty much been equal since we’ve begun as far as profitability goes.”

This diversification strategy serves to mitigate the risks associated with focusing on a single revenue stream. For instance, the retail element featuring products from local artisans provides an additional income source and enhances the consumer’s overall experience. By offering various types of events, from yoga classes to sourdough workshops to children’s parties, the studio generates multi-faceted interest in the community.

Broader implications of this diversified model indicate a potential approach for other small businesses seeking stability. Entrepreneurship in niche markets, such as yoga, demands innovation and versatility, ensuring a business can pivot in response to changing consumer needs and seasonal fluctuations.

Balancing Family Life with Entrepreneurship

The dual role of being a parent and a business owner is not uncommon, but it requires meticulous time management and a strong support system. Molly illustrates how she navigates these challenges by harmonizing her responsibilities at Lumi Studio Shoppe with raising four children. Her approach includes delegating responsibilities and leveraging her husband’s support, who is “an actuary… and… an amazing supporter.”

Molly’s insight on balancing personal and professional life underscores the importance of having a support network and trusting your team. She shares, “I try to really let my teachers and employees do their thing… I’m not here because I like to be home as much as possible.”

Such strategic delegation allows entrepreneurs like Molly to manage their businesses without compromising family time. The broader perspective here reveals a vital truth about entrepreneurship: success is often predicated on an entrepreneur’s ability to step back and place trust in their team, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of both their personal and professional lives.

Reflecting on the journey shared by Molly Kranovich in this conversation, it’s clear that owning a yoga studio is not just about teaching yoga; it’s about community building, innovation, and life balance. Lumi Studio Shoppe’s success through adversity offers insightful lessons in embracing community, expanding business models, and harmonizing work-life dynamics. These elements are essential not only for business survival but for crafting environments where creativity and relationships thrive, posing a valuable blueprint for others on a similar path.

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 

Sky Swisa | Global Yoga Journey, Healing Trauma & Holistic Wellness

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Join Todd McLaughlin for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Sky Swisa, founder of Ananda Sky Yoga and a truly global yoga teacher.

With a rich multicultural background spanning Russia, Israel, China, and the USA, Sky brings a unique perspective to holistic health and wellness. From working in the diamonds industry in Shanghai to becoming fluent in Mandarin, Hebrew, Russian, and English, her journey into yoga began at age 14. She later completed teacher training in Navakarna Yoga and studied under legendary instructor Dharma Mittra in New York.

In this episode, Sky shares her personal path through cultural experiences, teacher training, and the integration of yoga with other healing practices like lymphatic massage. Todd and Sky explore how yoga, community, and spiritual practices help navigate life’s biggest challenges — including personal trauma, grief, loss of loved ones, and mental health.

They discuss the evolving nature of yoga practice, the importance of grounding and self-discovery, building supportive community, and adopting a non-judgmental approach to diet and personal growth. Sky emphasizes continual evolution in our practices and perspectives so we can stay aligned with our true selves.

Key Takeaways:

  • How a multicultural background and global experiences shape a deeper approach to yoga and wellness
  • Integrating yoga with holistic practices for mental and physical well-being
  • The transformative power of community and spiritual practice during times of tragedy and trauma
  • Why a non-judgmental mindset around diet and personal choices matters in the yoga world
  • The value of lifelong growth and updating our perspectives as we evolve

Whether you’re a yoga practitioner, teacher, or simply on a path of personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights into resilience, healing, and living with greater awareness.

Visit Sky: https://www.anandaskyyoga.com/

Discovering Balance: Yoga, Life Transitions, and the Quest for Inner Peace

Exploring the intersection of cultural diversity, personal challenges, and the philosophy of yoga provides profound insights into what it means to live a balanced and purposeful life. In a recent engaging conversation with Sky Swisa, a multifaceted yoga instructor and therapist, these themes became central as she shared her unique journey, intertwining her Russian-Israeli heritage, her immersion in global yoga practices, and her personal evolution through adversity.

Cross-Cultural Yoga Journey: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Practice

Sky Swisa’s life vividly illustrates how a multicultural background can enrich a yoga journey, providing a broader perspective and deeper understanding of holistic practices. Teaching yoga in Southern California, Sky embraces experiences drawn from her time living in Russia, Israel, and China. “Yes, I am a Russian Israeli…” she shares, highlighting how her roots and travels have influenced her approach to yoga and life.

In China, Sky honed her manual therapy skills and embraced diverse yoga methodologies that transcend traditional boundaries, characterizing it as “beyond the traditional yoga philosophy.” Her multicultural voyage not only adds layers to her personal practice but also informs her teaching, cultivating an inclusive environment for her students.

This cross-cultural perspective underscores the importance of openness in yoga, as it allows practitioners to explore the multifaceted nature of the discipline holistically, embracing different philosophies, techniques, and personal journeys. As Sky succinctly puts it, “Life just happens… Our job is to stay kind, stay present, and… bring compassion to everything we do.”

Coping with Challenges: Yoga as a Path to Healing

Sky’s story is also profoundly shaped by personal loss and the quest for healing. Her journey illuminates the transformative power of yoga in navigating life’s darkest moments, including the tragedy of her mother’s suicide. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “That left me with so many questions… Who am I?” This life-altering event catalyzed her deeper immersion into yoga, offering solace and strength.

Embracing practices like Ashtanga and Navakarna yoga helped Sky find equilibrium and reclaim her sense of self. “I literally think it saved me,” she explains, crediting yoga with helping her reconnect with life after experiencing profound sorrow and questions of identity. Sky’s approach underscores yoga’s restorative potential and its ability to ground individuals facing life’s adversities.

Sky’s journey inspires not only those seeking personal growth but also those dealing with grief or seeking stability amid chaos. Her emphasis on yoga as an agent of healing encourages others to leverage the practice as a lifelong companion in their personal evolution.

Dietary Choices and Yoga: Navigating Controversial Terrains

A significant theme in Sky’s narrative is the yoga community’s complex relationship with dietary practices. After twenty years as a vegan, Sky reflects on the evolving dialogue surrounding diet within the yoga sphere. “Seeing both angles kind of like fight each other… it takes you so much away from your truth,” she comments, advocating for personal authenticity over dogmatic beliefs.

The often-polarizing debate between vegan and carnivorous diets has amplified within various communities, but Sky’s approach is one of understanding and respect. By emphasizing personal health and ethical farming, she encourages a more nuanced discussion that acknowledges the diversity intrinsic to personal wellness. This perspective fosters a supportive environment where practitioners can make informed dietary choices reflective of their individual needs and ethical considerations.

Sky’s insights invite a reconceptualization of dietary dogma, broadening the conversation to embrace sustainability, personal wellness, and ethical considerations, ultimately converging on a yoga philosophy rooted in balance and mindfulness.

In tracing Sky Swisa’s expansive journey through life and yoga, the tapestry of unique experiences, challenges, and insights is richly woven. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness that define the human experience. As she continues to share her wisdom and authenticity, others are inspired to explore their pathways, deepened by cultural richness, personal evolution, and empowered by an open-hearted yoga practice.

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