Tag Archives: breath

John Denney – Enhancing Athletic Performance With Meditation And The Harmony Exercises

Posted on by
Reply

John Denney is the Minister of Unity of Jupiter and a coach for Olympic-level athletes. He has been practicing The Harmony Exercise, a meditation technique, since 1985. John is also a paddleboarding enthusiast and has had the opportunity to surf with some of the world’s best surfers, including Laird Hamilton and Kelly Slater.

Visit John on his website: https://theharmonyexercise.com/
Also on his website: https://john-denney.com/

Click here to listen to podcast for FREE with John Denney

Key Takeaways:

  • Unity Church is a metaphysical Christian church that focuses on practical Christianity and the application of spiritual principles in daily life.
  • The Harmony Exercise is a meditation technique that helps control the body’s physiology through conscious breathing and positive thinking.
  • Most athletes struggle with controlling their temper and tension, but learning to regulate their breath and thoughts can improve their performance.
  • In surfing and other sports, being in a state of flow and surrendering to the power of nature can lead to peak performance.
  • Daily practice and finding inner peace are essential for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world.

Native Yoga Toddcast: A Journey to Harmony and Self-Improvement

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast, where we bring you inspirational speakers in the field of yoga, massage, bodywork, and beyond. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting John Denney, the Minister of Unity of Jupiter. John is a dedicated practitioner of the Harmony Exercise, a meditation technique he has been practicing for over seven years. He is also a paddleboarding enthusiast and a coach for Olympic-level athletes. Join us as we delve into John’s journey, his insights, and the strategies he employs to help individuals achieve their highest potential.

The Path to Unity Church

John’s journey to becoming the Minister of Unity of Jupiter began with a vision he had for the position. He had been a guest speaker at the church for about a year and had always been drawn to its teachings. After serving on the board for many years and receiving positive feedback from the congregation, he decided to give it a try. Unity Church is a metaphysical Christian denomination that focuses on practical Christianity and the application of spiritual principles in everyday life. John believes that religion should help individuals navigate their relationships, business, and personal challenges, and Unity Church provides a platform for this practical approach to spirituality.

The Harmony Exercise: A Path to Self-Improvement

John’s daily meditation practice, known as the Harmony Exercise, has been a cornerstone of his life since 1985. This meditation technique was taught to him by a man named Carl Writer, who was an astrologer to the stars. The Harmony Exercise involves a 12-minute meditation that focuses on physical and mental relaxation, conscious breathing, and the cultivation of positive thoughts. John and his wife, Barry, have been practicing this meditation together since they first learned it, and it has become a foundation of their marriage.

The Harmony Exercise has had a profound impact on John’s life. He has experienced significant improvements in his physical and mental health, including weight loss and reduced stress levels. He has also noticed a shift in his relationship with alcohol, as his focus on health and well-being became more important than his desire for alcohol. Through his daily practice, John has cultivated a sense of inner peace and happiness that has positively influenced every aspect of his life.

Coaching Olympic-Level Athletes: Controlling Temper and Tension

As a coach for Olympic-level athletes, John has observed a common stumbling block that many athletes face: the inability to control their temper and tension. He believes that most people have never learned how to control their emotions and thoughts effectively. Through his coaching, John teaches athletes the importance of conscious breathing, positive thinking, and emotional regulation. By learning to control their physiology and redirect their thoughts, athletes can perform at their peak and achieve greater success.

John emphasizes the power of conscious breathing in controlling tension and temper. By taking slow, deep breaths, individuals can activate their parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This simple technique can have a profound impact on an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. John also encourages athletes to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, as this can shift their mindset and improve their mental state.

The Power of Choice and Unity

John believes that unity and common ground are essential in today’s divided world. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are all moving in the same direction, regardless of our religious or cultural backgrounds. Unity Church incorporates teachings from various religions and emphasizes the common principles found in all faiths. John encourages individuals to choose love over hate and to focus on creating harmony in their relationships and interactions with others.

The Legacy of Harmony and Self-Improvement

As John embarks on his role as the Minister of Unity of Jupiter, he hopes to inspire individuals to cultivate inner peace, happiness, and harmony. His goal is to help individuals become light bearers who radiate positivity and make a difference in the world. John believes that by focusing on personal growth and self-improvement, individuals can create a ripple effect that positively impacts their families, communities, and the world at large.

In conclusion, John Denney’s journey to harmony and self-improvement is a testament to the power of daily practice and the pursuit of inner peace. Through his dedication to the Harmony Exercise and his coaching of Olympic-level athletes, John has witnessed the transformative effects of conscious breathing, positive thinking, and emotional regulation. His role as the Minister of Unity of Jupiter allows him to share these teachings with a wider audience and inspire individuals to live a life of harmony and happiness. By choosing love over hate and focusing on personal growth, individuals can create a positive impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy of unity and self-improvement.

Note: This article is based on a transcript from the Native Yoga Toddcast episode featuring John Denney. All quotes are verbatim and directly from the transcript.

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

Parveen Nair ~ Embodiment: The Dance of Movement and Breath

Posted on by
Reply
Listen to Parveen Nair on Native Yoga Toddcast for FREE here

Parveen Nair is a long-term yoga teacher and practitioner based in Rishikesh, India. He offers teacher trainings and programs in Rishikesh and is known for his creative and inspired yoga practice routines that incorporate pranayama and asana. Parveen’s approach to yoga is influenced by his background in dance and his deep spiritual connection to the practice.

Connect with Parveen on Instagram @inbornmovements https://www.instagram.com/inbornmovements/?hl=en
​
During this conversation Parveen speaks about:

  • Yoga is not about perfecting asanas, but about developing the capacity to bring quietness to the mind and recognizing one’s true nature.
  • The practice of centering and connecting with the body as it is, without trying to change or perfect it, is essential in yoga.
  • Deep sleep can serve as a reminder of one’s true nature and the peace that exists beyond the mind and body.
  • Templates can be helpful in guiding movement and creating an embodied yoga practice, but it is important not to copy or compare oneself to others.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q9WafF43KP4%3Frel%3D0

Native Yoga Toddcast: A Journey of Yoga and Self-Discovery

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast, where we explore the world of yoga, meditation, and self-discovery. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Parveen Nair, a long-term yoga teacher and practitioner based in Rishikesh, India. Parveen shares his unique journey of finding yoga, his experiences with different styles of practice, and his evolving approach to teaching. Join us as we delve into the themes of centering, embodiment, and the true purpose of yoga.

Centering: Meeting Yourself as You Are

Parveen’s journey into yoga began in his childhood, growing up in a spiritually inclined family in Malaysia. He was introduced to the practice of kirtan, or devotional singing, which created a sense of peace and quietness in his mind. This early experience of connecting with the divine set the foundation for his later exploration of yoga.

“When we finish the practice towards the end, just like shavasana during shavasana after shavasana, there was this deep quietness. That made me curious. There was something in this quietness that felt like home.”

Parveen recognized the importance of meeting oneself as they are, without judgment or the need to change. He developed a practice of centering, where he invites his students to observe their bodies, breath, and thoughts without trying to fix or perfect anything.

“I started introducing in my classes the practice of arriving, centering. Observing where the body is at that time, how is it breathing, how is the mind thinking. Can you meet your body as it is, in acceptance of who and what you are?”

Embodiment: The Dance of Movement and Breath

Parveen’s background in dance and his training in Iyengar yoga influenced his approach to movement and asana practice. He recognized the importance of incorporating the breath and allowing the body to move in a soft and gentle manner.

“I found that the breath plays a very important role because then everything becomes very hard and tight. Any asana or any movement you’re doing, do it only if you can do it 100%. But do it only 50% and let the breath take you another 50%.”

Parveen created movement templates that allow the entire body to respond and awaken, while also giving space for individual exploration and creativity. He emphasizes the importance of not copying his movements, but rather finding one’s own unique expression within the practice.

“The medium is movement, but how do we use this movement to arrive at who you are potentially at that day? And to use that as a pathway to your peace.”

The True Purpose of Yoga: Discovering Your True Nature

Parveen challenges the notion that the purpose of yoga is to perfect the asanas or achieve physical goals. He believes that the true purpose of yoga is to develop the capacity to bring quietness to the mind and recognize one’s true nature.

“Perfection in Warrior One is not the purpose. How do you interact with Warrior One becomes spiritual, not perfecting. How do you perfect something which is constantly going through modification?”

He encourages students to shift their focus from external achievements to internal exploration, from identifying with the body and mind to recognizing the underlying canvas of awareness that supports all experiences.

“You are complete. Nothing added to you or subtracted from you is going to bring any peace because you are already peace. The purpose of yoga is to develop the capacity to bring some amount of quietness to your mind so that you can see what is your true potential, your natural potential.”

Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Parveen’s journey of yoga and self-discovery is a testament to the transformative power of the practice. Through his experiences with different styles of yoga and his own inner exploration, he has come to understand the essence of yoga as a path to recognizing one’s true nature.

As students, we are invited to meet ourselves as we are, to embrace the body and mind with acceptance and curiosity. Through embodiment and movement, we can tap into the vastness of our being and experience moments of deep peace and connection.

The true purpose of yoga is not to achieve external goals or perfect the asanas, but to develop the capacity to quiet the mind and recognize our inherent completeness. It is a journey of self-discovery, where we uncover the truth of who we are beyond the limitations of the body and mind.

As we continue on our own yoga journeys, let us remember that the practice is not about reaching a destination, but about embracing the ever-unfolding process of self-discovery and awakening. May we find inspiration in Parveen’s teachings and continue to explore the depths of our own being.

Join us next time on Native Yoga Toddcast as we continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspirational speakers in the field of yoga, meditation, and beyond. Remember to follow us on Instagram @nativeyoga and visit our website at nativeyogacenter.com for more information. Until then, may you find peace and joy on your own yoga journey.

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.com

Celest Pereira ~ Physiotherapist and Yoga Teacher Discusses the Benefits of Functional Neurology

Posted on by
Reply
Listen to Native Yoga Toddcast for Free here

Celest Pereira, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, discusses the importance of focusing on one main project instead of trying to juggle multiple streams of income. She emphasizes the need to prioritize and avoid spreading oneself too thin. Celest also explains the concept of functional neurology and how it can be used to evaluate and treat various physical issues.  Celest also shares insights on breathing techniques, pain perception, and the power of positive self-talk.

Visit Celest on her website: https://www.celestpereira.com/
On Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/celestpereiraphysio/
On YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/CelestPereiraYoga

Key Takeaways:

  • Diversifying movement patterns is important for optimal brain mapping and overall physical well-being.
  • Pain is an output of the brain and can be influenced by our thoughts and beliefs.
  • Functional neurology can help improve movement and reduce pain by addressing the underlying neurological issues.

Introduction

In a world where self-employment and multiple streams of income are often glorified, it’s important to take a step back and reevaluate our approach. As a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, I have learned that focusing on one main project and giving it our full attention can lead to more success and fulfillment. In this thought leadership article, we will explore the power of functional neurology and mindful movement in promoting physical and mental well-being. We will delve into the concept of functional neurology, discuss the importance of diversifying our exercise routines, and examine the role of breathing techniques in optimizing our movement patterns. Through verbatim quotes from a recent podcast interview, we will gain insights into the mind of Celest Pereira, a renowned physiotherapist and yoga teacher, and explore the implications and potential impact of these themes.

Functional Neurology and the Power of the Brain

Functional neurology is a field that focuses on the relationship between the brain and the body. Celest Pereira, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, explains that every process in our body is governed by the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. She emphasizes that the brain plays a crucial role in movement and physical well-being. Pereira shares her experience of working with clients who have various physical issues and how evaluating their nervous system online has led to positive results. She highlights the importance of looking at the body holistically and understanding that seemingly unrelated problems can manifest as pain in the body. Pereira’s approach challenges the traditional allopathic model of focusing solely on the area of pain and encourages a more comprehensive evaluation of the body.

“Every single thing that you do, think, say, every process in your body, it’s all governed from the central nervous system, everything.”

Diversifying Exercise Routines for Optimal Results

Pereira challenges the myth that having multiple streams of income is necessary for success as a self-employed professional. She shares her personal experience of trying to juggle multiple projects and realizing that it is not sustainable in the long run. Pereira explains that focusing on one main project and letting that be the main thing you work on can lead to better results. She encourages individuals to evaluate their exercise routines and diversify their training schedules. Pereira emphasizes the importance of exploring different movements and not getting stuck in a rigid routine. She uses the example of climbing and how she enjoys incorporating various activities like yoga, dancing, and weightlifting into her fitness regimen. Pereira’s approach highlights the need for individuals to find what works best for their bodies and to listen to their own needs and preferences.

“We should be working extremely hard and we should be able to pause and step away from it and think, okay, now time to get inspiration. So that when I go back to the thing, there is something left in the tank.”

The Power of Breathing Techniques and Mindful Movement

Pereira challenges the notion that the feet should always be parallel in yoga poses. She explains that while finding a neutral alignment can be useful, it is important to explore different movements and positions to allow the brain to map all the possibilities. Pereira emphasizes the importance of lunging, both in yoga and in the gym, and encourages individuals to move their feet out of parallel positions. She shares her own experience of teaching yoga and the shift to online platforms during the pandemic. Pereira highlights the benefits of connecting with people from around the world and the importance of finding inspiration and rest to maintain a sustainable practice.

“We can also shorten the time it takes to achieve things in the body by going to the neural tissue first.”

Implications and Potential Impact

The insights shared by Celest Pereira shed light on the power of functional neurology and mindful movement in promoting physical and mental well-being. By understanding the relationship between the brain and the body, individuals can optimize their movement patterns and address underlying issues that may contribute to pain or discomfort. Pereira’s approach challenges traditional notions of exercise and encourages individuals to listen to their bodies, diversify their routines, and find what works best for them. By incorporating breathing techniques and mindful movement, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and improve their physical performance.

The implications of these concepts are significant, as they offer a new perspective on how we approach movement and exercise. By focusing on the brain-body connection and understanding the role of the nervous system, individuals can make more informed choices about their fitness routines. This knowledge can empower individuals to take control of their physical health and explore new possibilities for movement and self-expression.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, the power of functional neurology and mindful movement lies in their ability to optimize physical and mental well-being. By understanding the brain-body connection and incorporating breathing techniques and mindful movement into our routines, we can enhance our overall health and performance. The insights shared by Celest Pereira highlight the importance of listening to our bodies, diversifying our exercise routines, and challenging traditional notions of movement. As we continue to explore the potential of functional neurology and mindful movement, we can expect to see a shift in how we approach fitness and well-being. By embracing these concepts, we can unlock our full potential and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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.com

Victoria Davis ~ Mental Balance for High Performing Minds

Posted on by
Reply

Join my special guest, Victoria Davis, on this week’s episode of Native Yoga Toddcast. Victoria spent twenty years searching for answers, applying remedies & integrating practices, and have taken all she has learned & packaged it in a way that works. How does she know it works? Because it’s worked for her. And here’s why she knows it’ll work for you.

Visit Victoria on her websites: 
Personal guidance, programs, and mentorship info are here:  www.victoriadavis.co
For corporate guidance, mindset training & work with teams: www.wellspringmind.com
Costa Rica Retreat: www.mindbodyliferetreat.com
Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriadavisyoga/

You can listen to the full episode for free here: https://nativeyogacenter.buzzsprout.com

Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link


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

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

New Student Livestream Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. 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.

Native Yoga website: nativeyogacenter.com
Online Yoga Class Library: nativeyogaonline.com
Thai Massage info: palmbeachthaimassage.com
Native Yoga Blog: toddasanayoga.com
Instagram: @nativeyoga
YouTube channel: Native Yoga Center

Listen to the podcast here on our Podcast website: Native Yoga Toddcast

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Christian Valeriani – EvenFlow Yoga & Thoughts Like Butterflies

Posted on by
Reply

Christian Valeriani is the owner of EvenFlow Yoga in Fair Haven, NJ.  In 2002, Christian experienced a significant life shift through which he was introduced to the practice. Three years later, he hung up his corporate hat to serve others by way of teaching yoga. Since then, Christian has taught over 15,000 hours of yoga, is a highly sought after workshop presenter, and directs a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training Program. Christian remains the perpetual student and infuses his teaching with a rare balance of charisma and humility. 

Visit him on his website: https://evenflowyoga.com/
And at: https://wisemen.health/
on IG at: @evenflowyogajerseyshore
and on IG at: @the_wisemen_project

During the conversation we speak about:

  • How he got introduced into yoga?
  • Yoga as a workout vs. mindfulness. 
  • How the breath takes on a different personality during meditation. 
  • Hardest challenges as a yoga studio owner.  

You can listen to the full episode for free here: https://nativeyogacenter.buzzsprout.com

Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link


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

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

New Student Livestream Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. 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.

Native Yoga website: nativeyogacenter.com
Online Yoga Class Library: nativeyogaonline.com
Thai Massage info: palmbeachthaimassage.com
Native Yoga Blog: toddasanayoga.com
Instagram: @nativeyoga
YouTube channel: Native Yoga Center

Listen to the podcast here on our Podcast website: Native Yoga Toddcast

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Caitlyn Burkhardt ~ Transformational Breathwork

Posted on by
Reply

Check out the new podcast with Caitlyn Burkhardt titled Transformational Breathwork. During this podcast we discuss topics like:

  • How she became inspired to practice transformational breathwork?
  • The pros and cons of Ayahuasca and breathwork.
  • What is transformational breathing and how does it work?
  • How breathwork helps with depression and anxiety.
  • The four pillars of trauma release.
  • Nutrition training and training.

Caitlyn has worked in the wellness industry for over 15 years and embodies whole health by nourishing her mind, body, and spirit using all of the same tools that she offers her clients. She is a Transformational Breathwork Facilitator, Polarity Therapist/energy medicine provider, massage therapist, and functional mobility coach. By offering these well rounded services, she seeks to empower people through knowledge, self discovery, and movement so that they may better care for their bodies and love themselves just as they are. 

Visit Caitlyn’s website at: https://www.bodacitysportandsoul.com
Follow her on Instagram at: @Bodacity_sportandsoul

Sign up for workshop here.

Listen to the full episode for free here.

Todd McLaughlin

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast. My name is Todd McLaughlin. And I have the pleasure of bringing Caitlyn Burkhardt on to the channel today. And so check Caitlyn out at her website, bodacitysportandsoul.com. And also her instagram name is at @bodacity_ sportandsoul. She’s going to be teaching a Transformational Breathwork workshop here on Sunday, March 5, just two days from now. If you’re listening to this after March 5th, don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll be having her back. You can join in via zoom no matter where you are. It’s gonna be 1:30pm Eastern. We cover all this to throughout the conversation. So on that note, I’m so excited to have you here. Caitlyn, how are you doing?

Caitlyn Burkhardt

I’m so excited to be here. Thank you for having me.

Todd McLaughlin

You’re welcome. You know, today is this podcast release and in just two days on Sunday, March 5 at 1:30pm Eastern, you’re going to be offering a Transformational Breathwork workshop here at our yoga studio. But it’s also going to be live streamed so that some anyone can join anywhere in the world. So I’m excited to have you on the podcast today just to introduce our listeners to you and to you our listeners and learn more about what you’re interested in. So I’m curious, can you first of all, tell me how you got inspired to practice transformational breathwork and or study transformational breathwork?

Caitlyn Burkhardt

Sure. In a nutshell, I basically was suffering from really chronic suicidal depression and nothing worked. I had been in therapy for like 25 plus years, I’ve been on and off medication. And I had always taken really good care of myself like physically. And so when I started to feel suicidal and sad again last year, I was like, “This just doesn’t make any sense.” Like I shouldn’t be feeling indifferent about living. And so I tried, I decided to do something different. And I booked a retreat down in Costa Rica, where I did ayahuasca, but they also offered us two breathwork journeys on the first day and the last day. And so that was my first experience with Breathwork. And the second like that, after that first class, I was so blown away with the results of it. I was like, I have to learn how to do this to give this to my clients.

Todd McLaughlin

Nice. Amazing. Can you explain? There’s a lot there. 

Let me let me first dig back a little bit on into at what point in your life was depression something that was apparent that you had? Like, are we going back to high school days? Are we going back to like, eight years old? When do you remember having that recognition that I have something that I’m trying to deal with here? That’s serious?

Caitlyn Burkhardt

Yeah. Yeah. It started well, it started with eating disorders when I was like around 11. And then my behavior started to also spiral. But the depression probably reached its peak in high school, and I was hospitalized for that and my eating disorders three times. During high school. I was put into foster care because my behavior was so uncontrollable that my parents were like, we can’t keep her home. I was engaging in very risky behaviors. I never did drugs, that wasn’t my thing. But I was like hitchhiking and hanging out with pretty bad people. And just putting myself in harm’s way, like pretty regularly. And so, um, depression and anxiety just became like, a part of my life forever. After that, I maintained therapy with two therapists. And it would kind of come and go, like, I would manage it and be like, Okay, I need to make an appointment with my therapist, and then it would just, but it was never like gone, it was always there. And as an adult, I have suffered from Adrenal Fatigue, which is basically when like, you have a nervous breakdown and your whole your nervous system gets so over fried and overworked that your body kind of starts to shut down. Yeah. And I just decided back in 2020, to like, the everything I’ve tried so far, isn’t working, like why don’t I feel better yet. So going to that retreat in Costa Rica is a place called Arrhythmia. It’s a medically licensed retreat, and they actually code a lot of data on everybody that goes there. And one of the most interesting facts they told us is that they turn away 22 people a day from doing Ayahuasca journeys, which is a pretty hardcore psychedelic plant medicine. Yeah. So they have to turn away people daily from there, for whatever reason, medical or whatever. And those people, they gave them five nights of Breathwork instead, and all of them have the same exact outcomes and comparable experience that we all had taking the Ayahuasca. Yeah, it’s powerful. And I can attest to that. Yeah.

Todd McLaughlin

So you had the opportunity to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony as well? When you were not under the influence of the Ayahuasca you also underwent these breathwork sessions? And then if you were to make a comparison of the experiences from each, what were the pros and cons?

Caitlyn Burkhardt

So the way that plant medicine and breath work, the way that they work on your brain is actually very similar. Because there’s basically you have your amygdala, which is like your fear center of your brain that holds a lot of your emotions. And then you have your logical center or prefrontal cortex. And normally, they’re not talking to each other. They’re just like this one, the fear, one is getting information first. And then this one, the logical one gets information second. And when you’re doing ayahuasca, or plant medicine, or breathwork, what happens is those two parts finally converge. And so you’re kind of able to have a conversation with parts of yourself, like as a third party, so you can go back into a moment in your childhood and go, Oh, I didn’t have the capacity to handle this as a child because I wasn’t in control. But now I’m an adult, and I can see how this story no longer serves me. I’m gonna let that go right now. Yeah. And the other thing about plant medicine and breathwork, the way that they’re similar is they’re deeply somatic. So it’s a very visceral experience with both of them. However, with Ayahuasca, you’d purge a lot differently, like there’s vomiting, there’s, there’s pooping, and you’re stuck. So when things start to get too heavy, you’re stuck on that trip for like, who knows on 6,10, or 12 hours sometimes. And with breathwork, you are much more in the driver’s seat, because you can just switch up your breathing. And you can take a break if you need to, and then go back into it when you’re ready.

Todd McLaughlin

Are you open to speak about what your Ayahuasca experience was like?

Caitlyn Burkhardt

Sure. I did four of them. While we started with breathwork on the first night, and I didn’t know it at the time, but I had three rheumatoid arthritis flare ups in my wrist, hip and shoulder. It was to the point where I was limping. I couldn’t lift my arm up and I was kind of concerned. I’m like, how am I going to be able to do anything this week? How will I do yoga? And after that first breathwork class, all three of my flares were pretty much gone. And I was able then they were gone completely the next morning. So the next morning I was fully functional able to do yoga. It was like they never happened.

Todd McLaughlin

Amazing. That’s cool.

Caitlyn Burkhardt

Yeah, yeah. Because what breathwork does is it makes you so alkaline, temporarily that all of your cells become extra oxygenated. And disease really can’t live in an alkaline environment. Yeah. So it’s like an incredible anti inflammatory. Nice. And then on my Ayahuasca journeys, what I discovered was, I mean, I just covered a lot of stuff, but like the first place we went to was back into the womb. And I learned that a lot of my depression wasn’t in fact, mine. It had been passed down to me, generationally through the womb. Yes. And so I was able to purge that and get that out. But the thing that a lot of people often mistake with things like Ayahuasca is that it’s gonna make all of your problems go away. And it doesn’t do that, because my life, in fact, completely fell apart in the next three months after returning home from that retreat.

You can listen to the full episode for free here: https://nativeyogacenter.buzzsprout.com

Thanks for reading this blog post from this YouTube video. Check out: 

Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link


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

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

New Student Livestream Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. 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.

New Student FREE 30 Minute Yoga Meet & Greet ~ Are you new to Native Yoga Center and have questions that you would like us to address? Whether you are coming to In Studio, Livestream or Online Recorded Classes we offer a one time complimentary 30 minute zoom meeting to answer any questions you may have. Schedule a time that is convenient for you. Click Here

Native Yoga website: nativeyogacenter.com
Online Yoga Class Library: nativeyogaonline.com
Thai Massage info: palmbeachthaimassage.com
Native Yoga Blog: toddasanayoga.com
Instagram: @nativeyoga
YouTube channel: Native Yoga Center

Listen to the podcast here on our Podcast website: Native Yoga Toddcast

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Lindsay Gonzalez ~ Yoga, Surf & Breathwork in El Salvador

Posted on by
Reply

You can listen to the full episode for free here.

Watch the podcast episode on YouTube Here.

Todd McLaughlin

Welcome to the Native Yoga Toddcast. I’m so excited to introduce to you Lindsay Gonzalez. 

Please check Lindsay out at her website, lindseygonzalezyoga.com. I’m gonna put multiple other links in the description below of places that you can find Lindsay. You can find her on Instagram, the handle @lindsaygonzalezyoga, you can also check out her yoga and surf retreat center in El Salvador Central America called Balance Surf and Yoga on a website called ElSalvadoryoga.com. They also have a website called sunzal.com. And there’ll be a couple of other links in there as well. 

I’m so pleased to have this chance to meet Lindsey and to talk about her life down in El Salvador taking people surfing teaching them yoga, as a birth doula and in leading transformational breathwork workshops and classes. And so with that being said, also, if you all enjoy this show, if at the end, if you can write a quick review and or leave a rating and review. I really, really, really, really appreciate it. Thank you. 

All right. So let me go ahead and let’s get into the discussion. Here we go. I’m so happy to have this chance to speak with you. This is Lindsay Gonzalez and Lindsay, you’re joining us from El Salvador. How are you today?

Lindsay Gonzalez

I’m doing well. Thank you so much for this connection.

TM

I’m really appreciative of my friend Alexandra, who lives down in El Salvador. She recently wrote me and said, “You’ve got to come do a yoga and surf retreat down here in El Salvador.” She sent me your information which led me to be able to get in touch with you. And therefore I’m so appreciative for you to take time out of your busy schedule. Can you tell me how your yoga journey began?

LG

Oh, so it’s actually come full circle in a way. I was a young girl just out of high school and I moved to Costa Rica, and kind of did it on a whim. I thought, I don’t know if I’m gonna go to college right away. But I know I need to go and get better at surfing. And so I bought a one way ticket to Costa Rica, almost over 20 years ago. Wow. And I lived on the beach with these two women that were just a few years older than me. But they were both yoga teachers from California. And they were they’re doing the traveller thing. And they had a little tiny yoga room set up. And we would invite all the local surfers over and they would teach yoga. I had come off of a life of being an athlete. I was really flexible, so they said, “Lindsay, you have to be a yoga teacher. You’re good at this.” That was the first nudge. And it’s interesting that I’m back in Latin America at this point in my life, still doing exactly what they nudged me to do.

TM

Oh, that’s amazing. Yeah, very cool. So then I’m guessing in that 20 year period, you went back to the states and then had been traveling back and forth between US and Central America?

LG

US and all over, really. I went back to the states and I said, Well, I think it’s time, I was 21. I said maybe I should go to college. So I went to college, but I ended up spending all of my time in the yoga studio, just down the road. And you know, being from the East Coast, you may have heard of Charm City Yoga? It was in Baltimore for a long time. And they recently were bought by YogaWorks. But I trained at Charm City 20 years ago with Kim Manfredi. She’s given so much love and respect over the last 20 years. She’s really been a guide in my life. Then I’ve always had this love of surf. So, you know, I was back and forth between Central America and the US and different states that I lived in in the US.

TM

Nice. And how long have you been in El Salvador now?

LG

It’s been about six years. 

TM

Wow. And both you and your husband, is it Adrian? You guys work together and manage the whole center together?

LG

We do it all. Family life and work life.

TM

Nice. Do you have children?

LG

We do. Yes. Yeah, we have two little babies. Our son Luca is three and a half and our daughter, Olivia. She goes by Olivia Paloma. So she kind of has two names. But she’s one and a half.

TM

Nice. Congratulations. Did you both meet in El Salvador or here in the States?

LG

So funny enough, we met in Colorado, and he walked into my yoga class in the middle of winter. And I had just gotten back from leading a retreat in Panama. And I was telling my regular students about the event and how much I love visiting Latin America. He was just very kind and sitting in the back of the room. And he said, “Have you ever been to El Salvador?” And I said, “No, that’s the only place I haven’t been in Latin America.” And he said, “Oh, I should tell you about my project down there.” And we became friends. You know, it was a two year friendship before we before we started our romance. And he invited me down to El Salvador, actually, for a job. He invited me down to help him open and run the yoga retreat center, and really bring it to what it is now. And very quickly, we found that we would be great partners.

TM

That’s amazing. Very cool story. So what is it like running a yoga retreat center in El Salvador?

LG

Oh, gosh, it’s a lot of work. I think we have to prioritize time for surfing now, where before we did this, we would surf a lot. Yeah. But it’s, it’s really been such an amazing project to work on together. And now after being closed for about a year, we’re reopen. We have new rooms. We have a retreat here right now. 

TM

That is wonderful. 

LG

We have another small group of professional young surfers from Panama. So there’s a lot of life here, and a lot of good vibes. So it is a lot of work, of course, but the work is fun. I get to go surfing with the customers. So that was great.

TM

That is amazing. That sounds like the dream job for sure. Your center looks really beautiful. It looks like it has an amazing pool and rooms. I saw from looking at your Instagram today that you have a new cafe opening that is inspired and Balinese style architecture and decor. Can you tell me a little bit about that?

LG

Yes, so separately of each other. My husband and I both spent quite a few years going back and forth to Bali for different reasons. I was there to teach yoga teacher trainings and he was there to go surfing. Years and years ago he had a small jewelry business with his mother and they sourced a lot of jewelry from Bali. So he was spending time there and then finally we got to go to Bali together and when we were there together on our last trip right before the pandemic, we said this is it. We have to take as many pictures as we can and we have to remember this feeling and bring it to Latin America and then create it. We did it in a Latin American way. But I think the Balinese style is beautiful with hardwoods and natural fibers and lots of very intelligent details that make the stay feel luxurious and rustic at the same time.

TM

Nice. That sounds amazing. Did you find an architect and/or builder in El Salvador to build for you? Or is that something that you both were hands on with?

LG

Very hands on! We worked with a local architect. And we had fun meetings where we would come to her with all of these ideas, and then she would put it onto paper. And a lot of times, she would say the builders have never done anything like this before. So we’re going to be able to teach them a new skill. And that was an exciting project, even in regards to like the thatched roof in one of our buildings. The thatch is done in a Balinese style versus a Latin American style. So very different, very challenging. But it works. And it’s beautiful. 

TM

Nice. 

LG

We’re so proud.

You can listen to the full episode for free here: https://nativeyogacenter.buzzsprout.com

Thanks for reading this blog post from this YouTube video. Check out: 👇
Native Yoga Teacher Training – In Studio and Livestream – for info delivered to your email click this link here: https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

New Student Livestream Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. 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.

New Student FREE 30 Minute Yoga Meet & Greet ~ Are you new to Native Yoga Center and have questions that you would like us to address? Whether you are coming to In Studio, Livestream or Online Recorded Classes we offer a one time complimentary 30 minute zoom meeting to answer any questions you may have. Schedule a time that is convenient for you. Click Here

Native Yoga website: nativeyogacenter.com
Online Yoga Class Library: nativeyogaonline.com
Thai Massage info: palmbeachthaimassage.com
Native Yoga Blog: toddasanayoga.com
Instagram: @nativeyoga
YouTube channel: Native Yoga Center

Listen to the podcast here on our Podcast website: Native Yoga Toddcast

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite ~ Ascending the Mountain with David Miliotis

Posted on by
2

Day 8 – No Shave Yoga Event – #yogabeardsunite ~ Ascending the Mountain with David Miliotis  
Today David Miliotis taught a workshop at Native Yoga called Ascending the Mountain. In essence we took a detailed exploration of back bending by practicing some of the asana of the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga combined with sanskrit mantra recitation and pranayama practice.

  
David presents the application of breath, movement and visual attention in a way that you feel like you are not just practicing some random sequence of movement. He encourages you to bring every ounce of your attention into the precision of total awareness. Yet at the same time it felt very fluid and it helped to shake off some of the apprehension that appears when the body struggles with the challenge of the practice. I feel that I noticed how much my mind gets in the way of staying present and that somehow through the practice session I was able to chip away at that agitation and replace it with focussed care.

  
The analogy of Ascending the Mountain feels very apropos for this type of work. Symbolically speaking the mountain we are all ascending is an internal adventure that requires diligence and consistency. I remember the first time I went on a relatively serious mountain climbing expedition with some friends in Northern California. They were all very experienced and I was a novice, being from Florida and all, and I went into not even realizing how demanding it was going to be physically and mentally. What a humbling experience to say the least. When we finally reached the top the view was so spectacular and the senses seemed so clean and clear that the sense of accomplishment overrode the pain my body was feeling from carrying a way to heavy pack high up into thin air. What came as an even greater shock was that coming down seemed more challenging than going up. I came away from that experience thoroughly transformed and quite a bit more careful about agreeing to go mountain climbing without proper preparation.

  
Deep back bending is very much a similar experience. Proper preparation is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of the practitioner. Through serious work, attention toward the goal, and persistent application over a long period of time we gradually make our way toward the vista of feeling freedom in our body and mind. Like the old adage says, its about the journey, not the destination. 

  
As we make our way into the second week of the No Shave Yoga Event it is important not to loose focus on our goal. Our goal is to help raise awareness about our plight, to help inspire a greater sense of health in the community. An additional application of this goal is to help raise funds for those suffering through cancer now. Please help us achieve our goal and donate today.

  
 No Shave Yoga Event is a group of yoga teachers who have banded together to help spread the word, grow hairy, raise money and inspire health through the practice of yoga. Our fundraising team is called Yoga Beards Unite and we aim to raise at least $1500 by the end of November. Please help us achieve our goal by donating to our team page at https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite. When you post on social media please tag us to show your support and share your story to help us in our endeavor. Together we can make a difference! @adampolhemusyoga @brianmilleryoga @davidmiliotis @gregnardi @juankgalan @nativeyoga @willduprey

Day 7 – No Shave Yoga Event – Yoga with David Miliotis

Posted on by
Reply

  
Yoga with David Miliotis

This weekend Native Yoga is hosting Ashtanga Yogi, David Miliotis, for a series of workshops and practice sessions. David is originally from coastal Los Angeles and he now resides in Orange County, California. He flew here for a return visit to Native Yoga Center and we feel really lucky to have him here.
  
I originally met David in Mysore, India practicing at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Center in 2004. I was set up next to him one morning and I was so inspired by his practice that I immediately afterward introduced myself to him. I learned then that he was living in Santa Barbara and that he was teaching Mysore practice there. I remember thinking that he seemed really down to earth and I appreciated the time he took to speak with me. 

  
Fast forward 10 years and a friend in South Florida reintroduced us and we invited him to come and teach here at Native last year. It was such a treat to have his perspective and skill at our studio that we are honored to have him return this weekend. 
During last nights class he took us through the Primary Series in a really fun and engaging manner. One thing that is obvious when practicing with David is that he has cultivated an impeccable connection with breath, bandha and drishti. He has the ability to verbally communicate the elements of internal anatomy in a practical fashion which produces a deep sense of connection between the breath and the perception of the mind. He also has a great ability to connect with the students and give pointers for all levels to help the engagement process. I really enjoyed the practice immensely.

  
Today we return for a session at 12-3pm titled Setting the Foundation: Breathing, Bandhas & the Niyamas and tomorrow, Sunday at 12-3pm for a workshop called Ascending the Mountain: Backbends from Primary into Intermediate.
David is a member of our team #yogabeardsunite and we are working together to raise money for https://www.no-shave.org/team/yogabeardsunite during the month of November. Get inspiration from David by checking out website at http://www.ashtangayogaorangecounty.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AshtangaYogaOC/?fref=ts. 

David Swenson coming to Native Yoga Center

Image

Reply

David Swenson coming to Native Yoga Center

Come and practice with Ashtanga Yoga legend, David Swenson, at Native Yoga Center in Juno Beach, Florida during the weekend of February 14-16, 2014. Visit http://www.nativeyogacenter.com for details. There are still just a few spaces left.

David is an incredible Yogi! My first introduction to Ashtanga yoga was with his Primary Series VHS some 14 years ago. I will never forget my reaction to seeing his opening demonstration on that video for the first time. My mind was completely boggled as I had never seen someone demonstrate so much talent in yoga before. That moment completely altered my yoga practice and I began to practice at home while watching his instruction. I can hardly believe he is now going to be at our studio! This is sure to be a memorable experience. We can’t wait!!!!