Monthly Archives: September 2026

Sage Rountree | Yoga Off the Mat: Live Your Practice Beyond the Poses

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Sage Rountree joins Todd to talk about her new book, Yoga Off the Mat, and what it means to live the practice when you are not on the floor.

Sage is known for yoga for athletes, recovery, and teacher training — and for making philosophy usable. In this episode she walks through ideas that often stay locked in Sanskrit: Sthira-Sukha, Samasthiti, Samyama, and Ishvara Pranidhana. The through-line is simple. Yoga is not only shapes. It is how you meet effort, rest, patience, and daily life.

We talk about her path from a more rigid physical practice to a balanced lifestyle, what endurance sports taught her about patience, and how beginners and experienced practitioners can both use these teachings off the mat.

Sage Rountree, PhD, E-RYT 500, is the author of 13 books, including The Athlete’s Guide to Yoga, The Athlete’s Guide to Recovery, The Art of Yoga Sequencing, and Yoga Off the Mat. She hosts the podcast Yoga Teacher Confidential.

More from Native Yoga Center: https://www.nativeyogacenter.com/

Sage: https://sagerountree.com/

Yoga Beyond the Mat: A Journey Through Philosophy and Practice

In a compelling conversation with Sage Rountree, the focus on expanding the horizons of yoga practice beyond the confines of a mat is illuminated. Much more than exercise, yoga encompasses profound philosophical elements that enrich practitioners’ lives. Rountree explains her motivation, stating, “The book has got a lot of very short chapters, each of them unpacking some concept from yoga tradition…and then trying to show folks how they can apply that to their daily life.”

A key takeaway from Rountree’s narrative is her emphasis on the broader implications of yoga practice. The listener is encouraged to move past the misconception that yoga is solely a physical endeavor. Instead, Rountree urges an exploration of yoga’s philosophical roots, providing pathways to integrate its wisdom into everyday experiences. She remarks, “It’s not about going on yoga retreat and really getting in touch with philosophy. It’s about bringing it into your regular routine.”

Such integration offers mental and emotional benefits, encouraging practitioners to apply concepts like balance, awareness, and mindfulness into every aspect of their lives, making yoga a tool for holistic personal development.

Embracing Balance: Navigating Effort and Ease in Life and Practice

A significant theme in the discussion is the balance between effort and ease, a fundamental yoga principle underlined by the terms sthira (effort) and sukha (ease). Rountree eloquently defines this balance as the essence of an authentic yoga practice, whether on the mat or in life’s circumstances.

For instance, she provides insight into how these principles manifest within various disciplines and life situations. “What Patanjali says…some people just boop, arrive at somebody…and then others of us have to work at it diligently over time,” she illustrates, pointing to the need for a personalized approach where balance is dynamic and ever-evolving.

This aligns with the yoga philosophy of sthira sukham asanam, which advises practitioners to find stability and comfort in the physical poses, a metaphor applicable to life’s challenges. Rountree’s perspective encourages practitioners to cultivate patience, adapt to life’s changing demands, and find equilibrium amidst the chaos.

Whether it’s on the mat or managing daily stresses, understanding and living these principles support greater resilience and well-being.

The Role of Experience in Developing Wisdom and Patience

A deeper appreciation for age and experience as vehicles for wisdom is another enlightening theme. Rountree reflects on how her relationship with yoga and athleticism has evolved over time. With a background in endurance sports, she acknowledges the necessity of patience and the gradual accumulation of understanding with maturity.

As she shares, “I have developed more patience. I would not even claim that I am currently a patient person, but I used to be extremely impatient.” This candid admission underscores a prevalent truth: that wisdom often unfolds through lived experiences rather than theoretical knowledge alone.

Rountree’s narrative is an invitation to embrace aging not as a decline but as a period ripe with opportunity for growth in nuance and depth of understanding. Yoga, in this context, serves as a lifelong companion, offering insights and tools to navigate the complexities of life with grace and composed acceptance.

As we age, yoga philosophy and practice provide an evolving roadmap to navigate life’s vicissitudes, reminding us that every stage holds its unique teachings.

Drawing from this dialogue, Rountree’s philosophy underscores that meaningful engagement with yoga extends beyond physical mastery. It involves embracing life’s uncertainties and contradictions through balance, patience, and the pursuit of personal growth. By applying yoga’s age-old wisdom to modern life’s challenges, we can cultivate a more harmonious existence both on and off the mat.

These conversations reveal yoga’s timeless relevance, affirming its capability to foster profound transformation and understanding in all facets of life.

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 

20 Years Running a Yoga Studio: Community, Partnership & What Actually Lasts

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Todd McLaughlin and John Coleman delve into the journey of sustaining a yoga studio for over 20 years, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and passion for yoga. Explore Todd’s insights on business endurance, teamwork with his wife, Tamara, and the foundational role of gratitude and self-care. They discuss the influence of renowned teachers like Pattabhi Jois and Tim Miller, the challenges of staying authentic, and the evolving nature of yoga practice. This episode provides valuable lessons on commitment, adaptability, and the holistic benefits of yoga practice for both studio owners and practitioners.

Key Takeaways:

  • Todd attributes his studio’s success to a strong commitment to community building, focusing on genuine connections with his students.
  • Continuous learning and education are vital to staying motivated and improving as a yoga instructor, as shared by Todd from his extensive experience.
  • Todd and Tamara’s balanced partnership as co-owners plays a crucial role in the smooth running and resilience of their studio.
  • The integration of gratitude and authenticity into daily life and teaching practices significantly enhances personal and professional growth.
  • Building a sustainable yoga practice involves more than just physical poses; it’s about educating students on the lineage, philosophy, and real-life applications of yoga.

Embracing Endurance and Flexibility for Longevity

In the tumultuous world of business, only a small percentage achieve the milestone of 20 years in operation. Todd McLaughlin’s yoga studio stands as a testament to enduring success. One of the critical elements McLaughlin emphasizes is the power of endurance combined with the ability to be flexible in challenging situations. “I made a very clear commitment that… I wanted to try to… go for 30.” This long-term vision highlights the essential need for patience and persistence.

Todd reflects on the dynamic nature of business timelines. He shares, “We came in, hearing these stats, we, we went for the one year, we, we got to five… we kept our expenses so low.” These strategic choices advocate for a focused, incremental growth approach, where goals are broken down into manageable parts. By tackling challenges one day at a time, McLaughlin and his wife have navigated obstacles, including global disruptions like COVID, “We had moments where we needed to dive deeper into our endurance, such as with COVID.”

Cultivating Authenticity in Service Delivery

Another defining aspect of Todd McLaughlin’s successful journey lies in the authenticity and genuine engagement with his clients. Being more than just a business, his yoga studio symbolizes personal connection and shared growth. “You got to love people and you got to, you know, that’s, that’s huge.”

Todd acknowledges that relationships and personal commitment are central to enduring business. “Every single client is your boss. You’ve got to show up… be clean and prepared.” This outlook enriches customer experience, making clients feel valued and appreciated. Todd pays homage to mentors who have inspired this mindset, “Our teacher in India, Patabi Joyce instilled… to practice on your own.”

McLaughlin’s approach underscores a philosophy intertwined with understanding student needs and nurturing them beyond the surface level desires, offering something richer and more fulfilling, akin to a ‘passing of the torch’ of yoga wisdom. This strategy shelters his business from the superficial distress of short-term performance metrics, allowing for a loyal and engaged client base.

Building Community and Personal Development

Central to McLaughlin’s enterprise ethos is community building complemented by personal growth. Todd describes teaching yoga as living authentically and genuinely, “People are looking for increased peace, increased health and improved… connection with their community.” This notion translates into fostering an environment where both the business and individuals thrive.

Drilling down deeper, Todd regularly initiates personal introspection. Journaling about gratitude provides him with clarity, “I write down every morning… three things you’re grateful for.” Such practices underpin his business philosophy, reminding him of the fundamental human needs that transcend commercial transactions.

Todd extends this philosophy to his students, encouraging personal growth by learning beyond classes, as suggested by his encouraging words, “At some point you’re going to be able to… have your own yoga going.” He draws from various influences, which reflects an open and adaptable learning environment in his studio. This focus nurtures a strong communal bond formed through mutual reliance and shared triumphs, echoing the studio’s operational ethos.

Todd McLaughlin’s saga of maintaining a flourishing yoga studio over two decades serves as a rich narrative about the merits of endurance, authenticity, and community focus. By embedding these principles into his business fabric, McLaughlin not only secures his studio’s survival but also positions it as an exemplar of longevity for other aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey accentuates the harmony of steadfast commitment with a penchant for growth and mindfulness, an ever-dynamic relationship pivotal for sustainable success.

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 Zee: Gratitude, Breathwork & Ending Suffering

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Maria Zee is a dedicated wellness coach and senior trainer with Tony Robbins’ organization, known for her deep commitment to ending world suffering through servant leadership. With over 43 years of corporate experience, Maria’s life shifted toward a path of personal growth and service. She is highly involved in philanthropic efforts, including working with local and international organizations to combat food insufficiency. Maria’s journey and commitment to personal and spiritual development have made her a sought-after mentor and speaker in the realm of personal transformation and wellness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The importance of gradual, mindful practices like cleansing and exercise to improve physical and mental well-being.
  • Establishing a compelling ‘why’ can provide significant leverage in achieving personal goals and overcoming obstacles.
  • Recognizing and cultivating gratitude can effectively reduce personal suffering and enhance overall life satisfaction.
  • The role of community and mentorship in personal development and the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals.
  • Servant leadership, as demonstrated through Maria’s work with Tony Robbins and local food programs, can drive impactful change in communities.

Navigating Personal Growth One Step at a Time

In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to quickly achieve change can be overwhelming. Maria Zee, through her conversation with Todd, offers a refreshing perspective that emphasizes the importance of gradual change. Instead of diving headfirst into drastic life adjustments, Maria advocates for starting small and giving oneself grace. “If someone’s never done a fast before, I always recommend to be kind to yourself,” she states, underscoring the importance of eliminating toxins gradually. This method not only prevents burnout but also ensures that the changes are sustainable and integrable into daily life.

Implementing this approach to broader life challenges can lead to more meaningful transformations. Todd reflects on this during the exchange, noting that pacing oneself while tackling life changes can apply to various aspects: “If someone is feeling like, I want to transform my life, I’m not happy with where I am,” it becomes crucial to make adjustments at a manageable pace. This philosophy extends beyond personal health and into realms of career and relationship satisfaction, making it a versatile framework for personal growth.

Embracing gradual change allows individuals to celebrate small victories, nurturing a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Maria stresses this importance: “Celebrate their victories… Celebrate right,” reminding us that acknowledging even minor success fuels further progress. Such an approach empowers individuals to maintain a positive trajectory towards their larger goals while fostering resilience and determination.

Cultivating a Mindset of Gratitude and Compassion

A recurring theme in Todd and Maria’s dialogue is the transformative power of gratitude. Both discuss how fundamental gratitude is in shifting one’s mindset from negativity and suffering to appreciation and contentment. Maria describes her experience with priming, a technique introduced to her by Tony Robbins, which involves a structured gratitude practice. “It’s impossible to be fearful, nervous, anxious, stressed, and grateful at the same time,” she explains, highlighting how gratitude can effectively counteract negative emotions.

This mindset shift doesn’t negate the existence of pain but rather reframes it, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Maria eloquently asserts, “Once you clear your body, you clear your mind, everything starts with physiology.” Embracing gratitude allows individuals to transform their response to suffering, choosing to see the good even amidst adversity. Todd echoes this sentiment when considering the world’s challenges, suggesting that focusing on the positive movements within society can inspire collective change.

The broader implications of cultivating a gratitude mindset extend to community and societal levels. When individuals choose gratitude, they create a ripple effect, inspiring others and contributing to a more positive, hopeful world. Maria and Todd’s conversation is a testament to the power of mindset in effecting not just personal transformation, but a shift in the collective consciousness.

The Impact of Servant Leadership on Community Transformation

Servant leadership emerges as a powerful force for community change throughout the conversation. Maria’s journey through Tony Robbins’ organization exemplifies how leading with service enriches both personal and communal well-being. By supporting others, whether through feeding initiatives or coaching, Maria experiences profound fulfillment, describing servant leadership as “what feeds my soul.”

This concept extends beyond individual acts of service to creating supportive networks that amplify impact. Maria speaks of the community within Tony Robbins’ events, where like-minded individuals unite under a shared mission to end suffering. Such environments foster a collective strength that empowers each member to contribute positively, echoing Maria’s belief in the “pebble on the pond” effect, wherein individual actions catalyze widespread change.

The dialogue illustrates the necessity for servant leaders to cultivate balance within themselves to effectively support others. Maria reflects on her past, noting how overcommitment can lead to burnout. By prioritizing activities that nourish her spirit, she maintains her capacity to serve and lead effectively. This balance ensures that servant leadership is sustainable and impactful, fostering healthier communities through dedicated, compassionate action.

Through their insightful conversation, Maria Zee and Todd explore powerful concepts that illuminate paths toward personal and communal transformation. Gradual change, a mindset of gratitude, and servant leadership not only empower individuals but also collectively contribute to a more compassionate, connected world. As these themes are embraced, they reveal the potential for each person to affect positive change within themselves and the broader community, encouraging a hopeful vision for the future.

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 

Lyn Sellars: Yoga, Family, and the Practice of Letting Go

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Lyn Sellars is a passionate yoga teacher with a rich history connected to the Dharma Yoga Center and Sri Dharma Mittra. Residing in rural Vermont, she embraced yoga following a transient lifestyle inspired by the Grateful Dead community. Lyn has co-owned Dharma Yoga Vermont with her daughter, sharing her knowledge and philosophies on yoga, compassion, and community living. With deep ties to both her family and her community, Lyn blends her personal experiences with her professional teaching, being particularly invested in traditional yoga practices beyond just the physical aspects.

Visit Lyn: https://www.instagram.com/grandma_sati/

Key Takeaways:

  • Lyn Sellars integrates her passion for yoga with her rich cultural experiences from Vermont and the Grateful Dead community, creating a unique teaching approach centered on love and interconnectedness.
  • Lyn emphasizes the transformative power of yoga beyond physical practice, offering philosophies that address self-loathing and promote self-love and compassion.
  • Community is a recurring theme; Lyn reflects on how the principles of yoga foster a sense of belonging and support amidst life’s challenges.
  • The conversation sheds light on the living practice of yoga, illustrating how the teachings evolve as one’s life and circumstances change.
  • Featuring notable insights into working with family and community, listeners gain a heartfelt perspective on the impact of sharing yogic knowledge with others.

The Magic of Discovering Yoga Beyond the Mat

Yoga is often first encountered as a physical practice, a series of postures and stretches that gradually unfold into something richer and more fulfilling. This journey from the tangible to the transcendent is a common thread among practitioners, exemplified beautifully in the conversation between Todd and Lyn Sellers, as they navigate their shared experiences in yoga.

Lyn recounts her initial encounter with yoga, explaining, “I think I was looking for it long before I even knew what yoga was.” Her narrative illustrates the cultural essence of yoga—an inherent longing for connection and understanding that often predates the physical practice. The journey into yoga extends beyond mere physical exercise and becomes a deep exploration of inner peace and interconnectedness.

Practitioners like Lyn find the transformational power of yoga beyond the confines of the studio, as seen in her experiences during the Grateful Dead concerts. She reflects, “There was this something that I never experienced growing up,” capturing a similar sense of community and connection. These experiences serve as a mirror to the intangible benefits of yoga, where people unite, breathe, and move beyond their struggles and limitations.

Love as the Ultimate Practice

The theme of love resonates profoundly throughout the dialogue, echoing the essence of yoga not just as a practice but as a way of life. As Lyn reflects on recent life events, from the passing of her parents to her daughter’s upcoming wedding, the centrality of love becomes a powerful motif. She observes, “It’s a celebration of love, too…it just looks so different. It’s in a totally different form.”

Her words emphasize the understanding that love transcends definitions and circumstances, underlying every aspect of life, including the mundane and the momentous. This insight reveals a shifting focus from asanas and meditation to recognizing love as the core of yoga practice.

Yoga teaches acceptance not just of self but of life’s ever-changing circumstances. As Todd notes, “…it’s actually landing as a reality in this moment that you’re seeing…” The transformative recognition of love’s presence in all experiences underscores that yoga isn’t about contorting one’s body to fit a shape but allowing one’s heart to embrace the world as it is.

The Power of Community: Bridging Love and Connection

The importance of community is another recurring theme, illustrated through vivid anecdotes and reflections in the conversation. Lyn’s journey through the spiritual realms of the Grateful Dead and yoga both unveil strong communal ties that foster a sense of belonging. In a world that’s increasingly individualistic, nurturing community becomes a liberating and grounding practice.

Lyn believes firmly that “…creating community is really important.” Her yoga studio, nestled in a small Vermont town, faced challenges yet thrived as a beacon of unity. Despite geographic and demographic hurdles, it was an effort to weave threads of shared experience and collective growth. This sense of community reflects yoga’s call for unity and togetherness, transcending the self to connect deeply with others.

As she mentions how the studio used food as a connecting tool, “…we would do to get people through the door. We’re like, what do we’ve always done? We feed people.” This simple yet profound gesture highlights how love and community are intrinsically related.

Yoga’s Eternal Dance: Reflecting Light Through Practice

More than mere physical exercise, yoga encompasses living mindfully, embracing both struggles and insights. The dialogue between Todd and Lyn captures this equilibrium as they explore life’s unpredictability and the timeless wisdom contained within the yoga path.

Reflecting on her journey, Lyn acknowledges that profound learning emerges from suffering. She elaborates, “It’s really the deep struggling, the suffering when we go through stuff, they’re like, oh, I see things.” This truth intimates that yoga isn’t merely a sanctuary from life’s challenges but a catalyst for transformation. By confronting and navigating hardships, individuals find lasting growth and wisdom.

Through this insightful dialogue, it becomes clear that the practice of yoga is expansive, stretching far beyond the mats into every breath, every moment. It is enriched by the knowledge that everything, even the most mundane aspects of life, is suffused with love and connection. Each step on the yoga path reveals new horizons, new light, and unanticipated places where growth and understanding reside.

In essence, yoga is about seeing the world through the lens of love, finding community, and recognizing that light can emerge from the strangest places if we are willing to look at it right. As Scarlet Begonias by the Grateful Dead reminds us, “Sometimes you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” This simple yet profound truth encapsulates the essence of yoga—remaining ever ready to embrace the beauty of life’s unpredictable dance.

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