Tag Archives: embodiment

Gil Hedley – Unveiling the Nerve Tree: A Journey into the Intricacies of the Human Body

Posted on by
Reply

Listen to podcast with Gil Hedley for FREE here

Gil Hedley is a dedicated anatomy professional and teacher who has dedicated his life to studying the human body through cadaver dissection. He is known for his integral approach to anatomy, focusing on the interconnectedness of the body and the importance of understanding the whole person. Gil  has been teaching anatomy workshops and dissection courses for over 25 years. He is passionate about helping people develop a deep understanding and connection with their own bodies.

Visit Gil on his website: https://www.gilhedley.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Gil Hedley’s integral approach to anatomy focuses on the interconnectedness of the body and the importance of understanding the whole person.
  • The nervous system is a complex and interconnected network that extends throughout the entire body, and it is essential for self-regulation and overall well-being.
  • By developing a deep connection with the body and understanding its intricate structures, individuals can take control of their own nervous system and cultivate a sense of empowerment.
  • Gil’s Nerve Tour aims to educate and inspire individuals in the yoga, massage, and bodywork communities to deepen their understanding of the nervous system and its role in overall health and well-being.

Navigating the Intricacies of Anatomy: Insights from Master Teacher Gil Hedley

Embarking on an intellectual voyage through the intricate landscapes of human anatomy, the enthusiasm and expertise of master teacher Gil Hedley, Ph.D., illuminate the path. With the emergence of his latest endeavor, “The Nerve Tour,” the fusion of anatomical precision and philosophical inquiry is brought to life, providing a transformational experience for learners of all backgrounds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nervous system is an organ – an idea that redefines traditional views and underscores the interconnectedness of body tissues.
  • Engaging teaching methods and the importance of excitement in learning can empower and inspire both the teacher and the learner.
  • The dynamic between philosophical ethics and hands-on anatomical experience cultivates a holistic understanding of human nature and embodiment.

The Nerve Tree: A Living, Breathing Organ

When Gil Hedley speaks about the nervous system, he employs the formidable term “nerve tree,” infusing a palpable sense of life into what is often perceived as an abstract concept. This imagery is not only poetic but also scientifically resonant; Hedley’s work dismantles the notion of the nervous system as a mechanical schematic. Instead, he presents it as a complex, interwoven organ integrated seamlessly into the body’s fabric.

“The nervous system is a mental abstract convention… what we actually have is the human body, an embryo, differentiated into all kinds of textures and structures that remain one,” Hedley explains. His description invites listeners to envision nerves not merely as isolated pathways but as elements of a greater organism, akin to branches intertwined with leaves and flowers. This perspective shifts our understanding from compartmentalized parts to a more holistic view of the human form, a view that recognizes the inextricable link between structure and function.

The implications of this approach are vast, suggesting that any endeavor to heal, improve, or understand the human body must address it as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of separate systems. Hedley’s painstaking dissections and visual documentation of the “nerve tree” elevate the discourse around bodily connectivity, offering a road map for professionals seeking to enhance their therapeutic practices.

The Art of Embodied Teaching

Gil Hedley’s commitment to an engaging and vibrant pedagogical experience is evident in his approach. A far cry from the staid lectures that characterize many academic settings, Hedley’s style is steeped in the freedom of thought and expression that he experienced firsthand during his formative years as an educator. “When I saw the way Tom [Myers] taught, and Ron was also hysterical and engaging… I could do this. And then a rolfer also was a huge influence on me,” shares Hedley.

Through storytelling, humor, and movement, Hedley creates a learning environment synonymous with growth and community. This methodology not only imparts knowledge but also fosters an atmosphere where learners can connect deeply with the material and, consequently, with themselves. The educational journey becomes a shared adventure, engaging the cognitive and the intuitive, and ultimately facilitating a transformation that resonates beyond the confines of the traditional classroom.

The Fusion of Anatomy and Philosophy

Perhaps what sets Hedley apart most prominently is his proficiency in marrying anatomical expertise with philosophical reflection. With a Ph.D. in Theological Ethics, Hedley is not content to relay anatomical facts alone; he endeavors to explore and share the profound ethical considerations that come with a deeply embodied awareness of the human form.

“Our lives depend on it… how are we spending it, and we can spend it in a way that enhances our experience,” he asserts, questioning the quality with which we live each day. Hedley’s philosophical inquiry prompts a recognition that understanding the body in its entirety can fundamentally alter our way of being in the world. The acknowledgement of this connection equips anyone involved in bodywork with a more profound sense of purpose – it elucidates the ethic behind the anatomy.

Summing up the wisdom gleaned from Gil Hedley’s perspective offers a fresh lens through which we can view the landscape of human anatomy. The nervous system, an intricate nerve tree, beckons us to appreciate our wholeness rather than succumb to fragmentary views. In teaching, leading with excitement and communal growth facilitates deeper learning and personal transformation. Moreover, marrying the precision of anatomy with the breadth of philosophy bestows us with a richer, more meaningful approach to understanding ourselves and our embodied existence. These insights not only illuminate the path for those in the bodywork and healing professions but also invigorate the journey for all explorers of inner space, affirming that an intimate connection with our anatomy is a profound act of self-awareness and autonomy.

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@nativeyogaenter.com

Support the show

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

Dr. Michael Shea – The Visionary Heart

Posted on by
Reply

Dr. Michael Shea is an experienced manual therapist, craniosacral therapist, and Buddhist meditation practitioner. He is the author of several books and has trained with renowned teachers in various fields. Dr. Shea is also a student of the Dalai Lama and has a deep understanding of the connection between the physical and spiritual aspects of the human heart.

Visit Michael on his website: https://www.sheaheart.com/

Key Points discussed:

  • Feeling one’s own heartbeat is the starting point for developing empathy and cultivating a compassionate heart.
  • The biodynamic heart refers to the scientific embryology of the human heart and its spiritual growth.
  • Practical mysticism involves integrating visionary experiences and spiritual practices into daily life.
  • Recognizing and reframing polarizing thoughts and emotions can lead to a sense of peace and depolarization.
  • Manual therapy, such as craniosacral therapy, can be a form of ministry through the laying on of hands.

The Biodynamic Heart: Bridging the Physical and Spiritual

Dr. Shea’s book, “The Biodynamic Heart,” is a culmination of his extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of yoga, massage, and Tibetan Buddhism. Inspired by his teacher, the Dalai Lama, Dr. Shea explores the scientific embryology of the human heart and its spiritual dimensions. He emphasizes the importance of feeling one’s own heartbeat as a starting point for developing empathy and compassion. By tuning into the subtle frequency of the heart and cultivating awareness, individuals can bridge the anatomical and spiritual aspects of the heart.

The Ministry of Laying on of Hands: Healing Through Touch

Dr. Shea highlights the significance of touch in healing practices. He refers to all manual therapy as a ministry of laying on of hands, drawing parallels to religious traditions that emphasize the power of touch for healing. By consciously connecting with the heartbeat and the subtle movements of the body, therapists can bless their clients and create a space for self-transcendence. This approach goes beyond physical healing and taps into the spiritual essence that resides in the heart.

Resolving Polarity: The Path to Peace

Dr. Shea discusses the importance of resolving polarity in meditation and daily life. He emphasizes the need to recognize and reframe thoughts and concepts that lead to polarization. By shifting our attention to awareness and relaxing into the present moment, we can let go of judgment and opinion. This process allows us to rest in the heart, where there is no polarity, and experience a sense of peace and depolarization. Through meditation, we can cultivate a deep knowing and connection with the spirit that resides in our hearts.

Implications and Potential Impact

The teachings in “The Biodynamic Heart” have profound implications for personal and global healing. By developing empathy, compassion, and awareness, individuals can transform their own lives and contribute to the healing of the world. The practices outlined in the book offer a path to resolve polarity and find inner peace amidst the chaos of the external world. As more individuals embrace these teachings, a ripple effect of compassion and understanding can spread, leading to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

“The Biodynamic Heart” offers a comprehensive guide to igniting compassion and healing the world through practical mysticism. Dr. Shea’s insights and teachings provide a roadmap for individuals to connect with their own hearts, cultivate empathy, and resolve polarity. By integrating the physical and spiritual dimensions of the heart, we can tap into our innate capacity for love and compassion. As more people embrace these practices, the potential for personal and global transformation becomes limitless. The future holds the promise of a more compassionate and interconnected world, where the power of the heart guides our actions and decisions.

In conclusion, “The Biodynamic Heart” is a groundbreaking book that invites readers to explore the depths of their own hearts and embrace the transformative power of compassion. Through practical mysticism and a deep understanding of the physical and spiritual aspects of the heart, Dr. Shea offers a path to healing and unity. By recognizing our interconnectedness and cultivating empathy, we can create a world where love and compassion prevail. The journey starts within each of us, as we tap into the wisdom of our hearts and allow it to guide us towards a brighter future.

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