Meredith Fogg Liebross – Digging Deeper: The Endless Quest in Yoga Practice

In this episode of the Native Yoga Toddcast, host Todd interviews Meredith Fogg Liebross, an Ashtanga yoga teacher based in Los Angeles. They discuss the unique path of becoming a yoga teacher and the stereotypes surrounding it. Meredith shares her experience studying with renowned teacher Annie Carpenter and the importance of finding a teacher who can pass down the wisdom of the tradition. They also touch on the challenges and joys of parenting and the constant pressure to be present in a world filled with distractions. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the deeper aspects of yoga and the journey of self-discovery.

Follow Meredith on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/meredith_fogg_liebross/?igsh=MXVraWxoamF3NmI2Yw%3D%3D

Key Takeaways:

  • Choosing to become a yoga teacher is a unique and often unconventional career choice, driven by a deep connection to the practice and a sense of dharma.
  • The role of a yoga teacher is to be a conduit of knowledge and experience, passing down the teachings and practices to the next generation.
  • Ashtanga yoga is a method that requires dedication and consistency, with the goal of achieving ego death and non-dualism.

The Joy and Challenges of Parenting: Insights from a Yoga Teacher

Introduction

Parenting is a journey filled with both joy and challenges. As a yoga teacher and mother of three, Meredith Fogg Liebross understands the unique experiences and struggles that come with raising children. In this thought leadership article, we will explore the insights shared by Meredith in a recent podcast interview. We will delve into the themes of finding balance, the role of a teacher, and the impact of technology on parenting. Through her candid reflections, Meredith offers valuable perspectives on the joys and challenges of being a parent.

Key Takeaways

  • Parenting is a journey that brings both joy and challenges, and it is important to embrace both aspects.
  • The role of a teacher in yoga and parenting is to provide guidance and support, but ultimately, the individual must find their own path.
  • The constant presence of technology and the pressure to stay connected can be overwhelming for parents, making it difficult to find moments of solitude and presence with their children.

Finding Balance: The Joy and Challenges of Parenting

Parenting is often described as a journey filled with both joy and challenges. Meredith Fogg Liebross, a yoga teacher and mother of three, understands this firsthand. She acknowledges that while parenting brings immense joy, it is not always easy. In fact, she describes parenting as a constant state of being beholden to her children, a responsibility that can be both rewarding and overwhelming.

As a parent, Meredith finds herself constantly striving to strike a balance between being present for her children and maintaining her own sense of self. She recognizes the importance of being there for her children, but also acknowledges the need for personal space and time. This delicate balance is a challenge that many parents face, and it requires constant self-reflection and adjustment.

The Role of a Teacher: Guiding and Supporting

In the world of yoga, the role of a teacher is to guide and support students on their journey. Similarly, in parenting, parents serve as teachers to their children. Meredith believes that the role of a teacher is to provide a framework and guidance, but ultimately, the individual must find their own path.

Meredith draws parallels between her role as a yoga teacher and her role as a parent. She sees herself as a conduit, passing on the wisdom and knowledge she has gained, while also allowing her children the freedom to explore and discover their own paths. This approach emphasizes the importance of individual growth and self-discovery, both in yoga and in parenting.

The Impact of Technology: Finding Solitude in a Connected World

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives. As parents, it can be challenging to find moments of solitude and presence with our children amidst the constant distractions and pressures of technology. Meredith acknowledges the struggle of staying connected while also being fully present for her children.

She describes the pressure to be constantly available and connected as oppressive, and she finds it difficult to keep up with the expectations of constant communication. This challenge is not unique to Meredith; many parents today struggle to find a balance between technology and quality time with their children. It is a constant battle to resist the pull of technology and create meaningful connections with our loved ones.

Conclusion

Parenting is a journey that brings both joy and challenges. As a yoga teacher and mother, Meredith Fogg Liebross offers valuable insights into the joys and struggles of parenting. She emphasizes the importance of finding balance, the role of a teacher, and the impact of technology on parenting. Through her candid reflections, Meredith reminds us that parenting is a constant learning experience, and that it is okay to embrace both the joy and the challenges that come with it.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream 
Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Native Yoga Teacher Training 2024– In Studio and Livestream – for info delivered to your email click this link here: ➡️ https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

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.comSupport the show

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

Shiran Berkovich – Exploring the Intersection of Art and Yoga

Shiran Berkovich is an art instructor, professional artist, and Ashtanga yoga teacher based in Berlin, Germany. She views the world through the lens of an artist and a yogini, and her work explores the connection between art and yoga. You can find her on her website, https://www.choreographyonpaper.com/, and on Instagram @shiranhb https://www.instagram.com/shiranhb/.
Photo credit 📷 Tom Borchwardt @desfux https://www.instagram.com/desfux/?hl=en

During this conversation Shiran speaks about:

  • Shiran views the world through the lens of an artist and a yogini, finding inspiration in people’s emotions and physical expressions.
  • Berlin offers a sense of space, affordability, and a vibrant art scene, making it an attractive place for artists and yogis.
  • Drawing allows for a deeper observation of the world and helps to cultivate a sense of interconnectedness and acceptance.
  • Shiran’s journey as an artist and yogini has led her to a place of openness and acceptance, allowing her to recover from eating disorders and deepen her connection with others.

Exploring the Intersection of Art and Yoga: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast. I’m so delighted to bring Shiran Berkovich on to the channel today. She lives in Berlin, Germany. She is an art instructor, a professional artist, and an Astanga yoga teacher. She speaks about how she views the world through the lens of an artist and a Yogini. And you can find her on her website, which is www.choreographyonpaper.com. You can find her on Instagram, definitely do go look up Shiran because her art is just so powerful and incredible. Her Instagram handle is @sharonhb. I also want to give a huge shout out to my most recent subscriber who offered financial support for this show. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, you know who you are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you much. Appreciate it. All right, let’s go ahead and get started here with Shiran. Because she has so many beautiful, amazing, and insightful things to say I just can’t wait for you to hear this. So let’s begin.

Introduction to the Main Themes

In this thought-provoking conversation with Shiran Berkovich, we delve into the fascinating intersection of art and yoga. Shiran, an art instructor and Astanga yoga teacher, shares her unique perspective on how she views the world through the lens of an artist and a Yogini. Throughout our discussion, we explore the themes of observation, interconnectedness, and the illusion of reality. Shiran’s insights shed light on the profound connection between the practice of art and the practice of yoga, and how they can both lead to self-discovery and personal growth.

Observing the World Through the Eyes of an Artist

Shiran’s journey as an artist began at a young age, with a natural inclination towards drawing and a fascination with people and their expressions. She explains that her passion for drawing stems from her curiosity about how people’s emotions and personalities are reflected in their physical appearance. This deep observation of the world around her is a fundamental aspect of her artistic process and her yoga practice. She believes that drawing allows her to experience everything as if it were the first time, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder. This ability to see the world with fresh eyes is a gift that drawing has brought into her life.

The Illusion of Reality and the Concept of Separation

As we explore the illusion of reality, Shiran highlights the concept of separation as a key element. She explains that our perception of reality is often clouded by the belief that we are separate from everything else. Drawing and yoga both challenge this notion by encouraging us to observe and understand the interconnectedness of all things. Shiran emphasizes that nothing can exist in isolation and that everything is in constant flux. Through drawing, she has learned to appreciate the abstract nature of the world and the role she plays in creating divisions and relationships between objects. This understanding aligns with the teachings of yoga philosophy, which emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings and the illusion of separateness.

The Practice of Art and Yoga as Tools for Self-Discovery

Shiran shares how her practice of art and yoga has been instrumental in her journey of self-discovery. She explains that both practices offer a unique opportunity to deepen our observation and understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Drawing allows us to see things differently and to communicate with our visual sense, while yoga takes us inward and helps us develop awareness and stillness of the mind. Through these practices, Shiran has learned to accept her human side and to embrace her imperfections. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and the need to let go of the ideals and expectations that can hinder personal growth.

Implications and Potential Impact of the Themes

The themes explored in this conversation have profound implications for our lives and our society as a whole. By embracing the interconnectedness of all things and letting go of the illusion of separateness, we can cultivate a sense of unity and compassion. This shift in perspective can lead to greater acceptance of ourselves and others, fostering healthier relationships and a more harmonious world. The practice of art and yoga can serve as powerful tools for self-discovery, helping us to connect with our inner selves and find peace amidst the chaos of daily life.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, the intersection of art and yoga offers a rich and transformative journey of self-discovery. Through observation, interconnectedness, and the acceptance of our human nature, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The practice of art and yoga provides a unique opportunity to explore these themes and to tap into our innate creativity and wisdom. As we continue on this path, let us embrace the beauty of imperfection and the power of self-compassion, knowing that true growth and transformation come from within. Let us continue to explore the depths of our being and to share our unique gifts with the world, creating a ripple effect of love and understanding.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Native Yoga Teacher Training 2024– In Studio and Livestream – for info delivered to your email click this link here: ➡️ https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

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.comSupport the show

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