Leah Hester – Yoga, Inspiration and Finding Peace in Life

Posted on November 17, 2023 by nativeyoga

Leah Hester, a yoga teacher and influencer, joins the Native Yoga Toddcast to discuss her journey with yoga and how it has helped her find peace and improve her life. She shares her experiences living in different places, including Costa Rica and Guatemala, and how yoga has been a constant in her life during these transitions. Leah emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care, and how it allows us to show up for others and spread kindness.

Listen to Podcast for Free Here

Follow Leah on her Instagram at @iamleahhester
Also on her YouTube channel @leahhester
You can contact her via email at iamleahhester@gmail.com

Key Takeaways:

Yoga is a whole lifestyle that goes beyond just the physical practice.
The practice of yoga helps us come back to ourselves and find peace within.
It’s important to be open-minded and willing to change our beliefs when new information comes our way.
Kindness and empathy can go a long way in creating a more peaceful world.

The Power of Yoga: Finding Peace and Connection in a Chaotic World

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast. So happy you are here. My goal with this channel is to bring inspirational speakers to the mic in the field of yoga, massage bodywork and beyond. Follow us @nativeyoga, and check us out at nativeyogacenter.com. All right, let’s begin.

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast. So happy that you’re here. If it’s your first time listening, welcome to the show. For those of you that are longtime listeners, thanks so much for your support. If you’d like to support the show, click here. Every little bit of support is greatly appreciated. This week, I have the pleasure of bringing Leah Hester on to the podcast. Leah joins me here in studio for a discussion about yoga and how she has applied yoga to her life to help improve it and create more peace. And to communicate effectively. Follow Leah on her Instagram, which is at @IamLeahHester. Follow her on her YouTube, which is at @LeahHester. And then also you can send her an email via Gmail, which is IamLeahhestor@gmail.com And for those of you that enjoy digital marketing at the end of the podcast, I went ahead and recorded another little additional segment, which is being played at the end of the closing show music. So if that’s something that interests you, I wanted to ask her a couple of in depth questions regarding her strategy. So you can stay all the way to the end and check it out. All right, thanks so much. Let’s go ahead and get get started. I’m so excited to have Leah Hester here with me today in studio. And Leah, thank you so much for joining me taking time out of your day. How are you feeling today?

Leah: Thank you for having me. I am grateful to be here. I’m feeling really good.

Host: What has been happening for you lately where I know you’re visiting here in Florida. Can you tell me a little bit about what where you are currently in your life in relation to what are you up to these days here in Juno?

Leah: So primarily I came here from Costa Rica, to just stop and pause in my travels and in life really just take like a deep inhale and exhale, and many more to come to redirect my goals and my priorities and really hone down on where I want to set up a home base and what direction I want to take, you know, all the yogic experience and experience teaching yoga that I have accumulated over the past few years.

Host: Where did you grow up?

Leah: I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, in a little suburb about 20 miles north of the city.

Host: Cool. What suburb? I don’t know Chicago really well, but I have people that come here that are from there. So I’m curious what what area or what suburb?

Leah: It’s called Highland Park.

Host: Nice. I just had somebody practicing today from Springfield, Illinois.

Leah: I believe that’s the capital.

Host: Right. Yeah. Yeah. That’s obvious. I would think Chicago. Chicago would be the capital of Illinois. Right. But it’s not Yeah, obviously. Yeah. Got it. And then how long were you living in Costa Rica?

Leah: I was just there for three months.

Host: Nice. What part?

Leah: I was in Dominical. Well, so it’s more south than the Osa Peninsula.

Host: Cool. What did you think? Did you enjoy it?

Leah: I love Costa Rica. The slow pace of life and the sweetness of the local ticas in the ticos and the vast amount of yoga and yoga community is amazing. Nice. Great time.

Host: Cool. What was your first introduction to yoga?

Leah: My first introduction to yoga actually began with philosophy. I went to college for one short year. For a short year, but I studied philosophy that year. And that kind of led me into being curious about yogic philosophy. And so I started reading into that I developed a meditation practice. And then shortly after, did my yoga teacher training.

Host: What was the text that you first started to read in relation to yoga philosophy?

Leah: Hmm, that’s a good question that goes so far back. I think the first texts that I truly read in and out was the Yoga Sutras.

Host: That’s awesome. That’s a classic book. Yeah. What were your thoughts? Do you remember when you first read it? What your first reaction to it was? Was it like something that you felt was easy to understand? Or was it something that you’re reading going…. what are we talking about here?

Leah: I immediately loved it, and resonated with it. There were a few passages, of course, a few sutures that I had to reread, sometimes more than twice like to really grasp and digest it. But ultimately reading through it for me, it was like enjoyable.

Host: Nice. When you did your yoga teacher training, was it at a studio in Chicago, or in Illinois?

Leah: After I went to college in San Diego for that one year. And then when I left school, I stayed there. So before Costa Rica up until Costa Rica, so just up until about six months ago, I was living in San Diego. That was really what feels like home to me. And yeah, that’s I did my yoga teacher training at a cool studio. They’re called Trilogy in La Jolla.

Host: Great. My wife and I used to live in San Diego as well. It’s such a fun city. Yeah. And did you live in La Jolla? Or did you commute to go to La Jolla for the training?

Leah: Yeah, I did live in La Jolla for about a year. After that, I moved to North County. By Encinitas and did my yoga teacher training when I was living in Encinitas. It’s about a 20 minute drive south but it was beautiful down the 101.

Host: Right! Like Encinitas, Leucadia. Del Mar. So we go a little bit south of Del Mar on the way to La Jolla at Torrey Pines. Did you go to Blacks Beach at all? Did you ever go.

Leah: I love Blacks Beach.

Host: Isn’t that amazing? I mean, I know some people would make fun of me cuz I’d love to go surfing there. Yet some folks would make fun that I liked to go because it is a nudist beach. I’m like, trust me. You know, like, I’m not going there for that. And that goat trail that goes down. Did you climb down that? Quite an adventure. So you do surf?

Leah: Yeah. That is one of my biggest passions.

Host: Nice. Cool. So obviously growing up in Illinois, that wasn’t where you started to surf, I’m guessing. And so then when you went to San Diego, that’s where you start picking it up?

Leah: Yep. Yep.

Host: When you did your yoga teacher training, what was the emphasis? Was it like a broad spectrum covering different styles and techniques? Or was it focused on a specific sort of technique or approach?

Leah: The training was mainly vinyasa, Hatha vinyasa, we dabbled in the breath work in prenatal yoga. Philosophy, and Ayurveda. So we got a lot of exposure, like a little nibble of a lot of different categories.

Host: Nice. What teaching opportunities have you had, how long ago was that? How many years ago? Was it that you were in San Diego to here?

Leah: Yeah, that was not this summer. But the last so I was in San Diego just five, six months ago. And, yeah, so just about over a year ago, around a year and a half ago. Was my yoga teacher training. Yeah, and it was a one month immersion so it was every day from like 8am to 5pm

Host: Nice. Very cool. That’s solid. Yeah, yeah. Are you currently teaching?

Leah: I actually just started a YouTube channel. I haven’t posted my flows yet but I have them recorded. So I’m in the editing process. It’s been really fun. So right now only teaching digitally Yeah, and really missing teaching in person.

Host: How did you kind of first start teaching digitally? Like, was it more like? So the timeframe makes me think this is all kind kind of post pandemic not? Not like born out of necessity, like everything shut, and now I can’t like teach or be in a studio. But do you find that you’ve gravitated toward virtual teaching out of just ease? I didn’t grow up with, like, you know, phones and technology and computers. So for me, it was a, it was a challenge to like, start to feel comfortable with integrating all this sort of technology and with teaching, but is that something that you feel like comes natural to you? Or was just like a piece of cake and have to think about it?

Leah: That’s a good question that there’s a lot to unravel there, I’d say there’s a certain energy of physically being with your students that I love, and I think can never truly be replaced. But the essence of it can’t be replaced virtually. However, I do believe that in the world we live in with all of the access, easy access to virtual studios and YouTube, that’s a free platform, that there’s so much abundance there, and that you can take advantage of these platforms and you know, share your teaching skills. So I found it to be pretty breezy transitioning to online. I think what is so appealing about making YouTube flows and meditations is just that it’s accessible to everyone. Yeah, I believe that Yoga should be accessible to everyone.

Click here to listen to rest of this interview.

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Mariane Pinto ~ In the Mystic Flow

Posted on October 27, 2023 by nativeyoga

Listen to Native Yoga Toddcast with Mariane Pinto for FREE Here

Mariane Pinto, a yoga teacher and Thai massage therapist, discusses her journey in the world of yoga and massage therapy. She shares how she discovered her passion for yoga and Thai massage, and how she incorporates both practices into her teaching and retreats. Mariane emphasizes the importance of finding a connection with your teachers and clients, and the power of non-psychedelic modalities in healing. Mariane’s upcoming retreats in Puerto Escondido, Mexico and Brazil are highlighted as transformative experiences for participants.

Visit Mariane on her website: https://www.themysticflow.com/
Follow Mariane on IG: @mari.in.the.flow https://www.instagram.com/mari.in.the.flow/
and on @the.mystic.flow https://www.instagram.com/the.mystic.flow/

Key Takeaways:

Mariane found her passion for yoga and Thai massage after going through a divorce and immersing herself in yoga practice.
She emphasizes the importance of finding a connection with your teachers and the yoga community.
Mariane offers unique experiences in her retreats, including surfing, sound healing, and breathwork.
She believes in the power of non-psychedelic modalities, such as meditation and yoga, to enhance the psychedelic experience.
Mariane encourages yoga teachers and massage therapists to find their niche and share their craft every day.

Native Yoga Toddcast: A Journey of Healing and Transformation

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast. In this episode, Todd McLaughlin sits down with Mariane Pinto, a yoga teacher, Thai massage therapist, and retreat leader. They discuss Mariane’s journey of self-discovery, her passion for yoga and Thai massage, and her upcoming retreats in Mexico and Guatemala. Join us as we delve into the world of healing and transformation.

Introduction: Embracing Your Dharma

In this episode of Native Yoga Toddcast, Todd McLaughlin welcomes Mariane Pinto, a yoga teacher, Thai massage therapist, and retreat leader. Mariane shares her excitement about fulfilling her dharma and finding her true calling in life. She reflects on her journey from practicing yoga as a means of healing after a divorce to becoming a traveling yoga teacher and Thai massage therapist. Mariane’s passion for yoga and Thai massage shines through as she discusses her upcoming retreats and the transformative power of these practices.

Exploring Yoga and Thai Massage

When asked about her journey into yoga and Thai massage, Mariane explains that yoga came first. She discovered yoga in her mid-20s during a difficult time in her life and found solace and healing through the practice. She eventually became a yoga teacher, studying under her mentor Kelly Doorly and specializing in Prana Vinyasa, a style developed by Shiva Rea. Mariane’s love for yoga led her to explore Thai massage as a way to deepen her understanding of the body and enhance her teaching skills. She embarked on a Thai massage course in Costa Rica and fell in love with the practice. Mariane describes Thai massage as a gentle and intuitive approach that combines stretching, breathwork, and relaxation. She emphasizes the importance of communication and listening to the receiver’s needs during a session.

The Power of Retreats and Sound Healing

Mariane’s passion for yoga and Thai massage extends beyond the studio. She leads retreats around the world, offering participants a transformative experience in beautiful locations. Mariane believes that retreats provide an opportunity for deep healing and self-discovery. She incorporates various modalities into her retreats, including sound healing, yoga nidra, and breathwork. Mariane explains that these practices help participants connect with their bodies, release tension, and find inner peace. She also emphasizes the importance of non-psychedelic modalities, such as meditation and yoga, in conjunction with psychedelic experiences. Mariane believes that these practices can help individuals access higher states of consciousness and facilitate personal growth.

The Challenges and Rewards of Teaching

As a yoga teacher and Thai massage therapist, Mariane faces various challenges and rewards. She acknowledges that marketing and promoting her services can be daunting, but she encourages aspiring teachers to find their niche and connect with their ideal clients. Mariane emphasizes the importance of authenticity and genuine connection in building a client base. She advises teachers to share their craft consistently, whether through social media, word of mouth, or collaborations with like-minded individuals. Mariane also highlights the importance of self-belief and resilience in the face of challenges. She encourages teachers to trust the process and have faith in their abilities.

The Future of Healing and Transformation

In conclusion, Mariane reflects on the future of healing and transformation. She believes that we all have the power to walk each other home, supporting and inspiring one another on our individual journeys. Mariane encourages individuals to show up for their own healing and embrace new experiences. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and finding alignment with one’s purpose. Mariane’s retreats and teachings serve as a testament to the transformative power of yoga and Thai massage. As she continues to expand her offerings and explore new destinations, Mariane remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for her clients and helping them discover their own paths of healing and transformation.

In this thought leadership article, we have explored Mariane Pinto’s journey of healing and transformation through yoga and Thai massage. Mariane’s passion for these practices shines through as she shares her experiences and insights. We have delved into the power of retreats, sound healing, and non-psychedelic modalities in facilitating personal growth. Mariane’s advice on marketing and teaching provides valuable guidance for aspiring yoga teachers and Thai massage therapists. As we look to the future, Mariane’s commitment to authenticity and connection serves as an inspiration for all those seeking their own paths of healing and transformation.

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Frank Kappas – Embracing Vulnerability and Connection in Yoga

Posted on October 20, 2023 by nativeyoga

Listen to podcast with Frank Kappas for FREE here

Frank Kappas is an Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Finland. He has been practicing yoga since 1996 and has studied with renowned teachers such as Petri Räisänen and Lino Miele. Frank is also interested in other modalities such as Vipassana meditation and bodywork, which he incorporates into his teaching and practice.

Visit Frank on his website https://www.frankkappas.fi/
Follow Frank on IG @frank.kappas.ashtanga.yoga https://www.instagram.com/frank.kappas.ashtanga.yoga/

Key takeaways:

Finding a structure in yoga practice can be helpful, but it’s important to also create your own internal structure.
Vipassana meditation can provide valuable insights into the mind and body, but it can be challenging to apply those insights in everyday life.
Being present and connecting with oneself and others is a continuous practice that requires self-awareness and vulnerability.
Taking care of oneself is essential when taking care of others, especially as a parent.
Stiffness and strength can be beneficial in yoga practice and can help prevent injuries.

Exploring the Depths of Yoga and Self-Discovery: A Conversation with Frank Kappas

Welcome to the Native Yoga Toddcast, where we dive deep into the world of yoga, meditation, and self-discovery. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Kappas, an Ashtanga Yoga teacher from Finland. We discussed his journey into yoga, the challenges he has faced, and the profound insights he has gained along the way. Join us as we explore the transformative power of yoga and the importance of staying present in a chaotic world.

Introduction to the Main Themes

In this thought-provoking conversation with Frank Kappas, we delve into the essence of yoga and its impact on our lives. Frank shares his personal journey into yoga, from his background as an artist to his discovery of Ashtanga Yoga. He emphasizes the importance of finding a practice that works for us and the value of staying present in our daily lives. Frank also touches on the role of vulnerability and self-care in our yoga practice, as well as the connection between yoga and other modalities such as Vipassana meditation and bodywork.

The Power of Structure and Self-Exploration

Frank highlights the significance of structure in his early yoga practice, particularly in the Ashtanga tradition. He explains how having a set sequence and a dedicated practice helped him find stability and focus. However, he also acknowledges the need for self-exploration and the maturation process that comes with it. Frank shares his own journey of discovering the balance between structure and self-discovery, and how it has shaped his approach to teaching and practicing yoga.

Embracing Vulnerability and Connection

One of the key themes that emerges from our conversation is the importance of vulnerability and connection. Frank discusses how his own experiences as a parent and his exploration of Vipassana meditation have deepened his understanding of himself and others. He emphasizes the need to be present and open, even in the face of challenges, and how this can lead to a greater sense of empathy and connection with those around us.

The Role of Sensitivity and Bodywork

Frank also shares his passion for bodywork and its connection to his yoga practice. He explains how bodywork, such as Thai massage and Alexander Technique, has enhanced his understanding of the body and its sensations. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and touch in his work, and how it can create a deeper connection with oneself and others.

Processing the Challenges of the World

In light of recent events in the world, Frank reflects on the challenges we face as a global community. He acknowledges the difficulty of processing the violence and suffering that exists, and the tendency to contract and protect ourselves. However, he also highlights the importance of working on ourselves and cultivating compassion and understanding. Frank encourages us to explore our own patterns and reactions, and to strive for a deeper sense of connection and empathy.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, my conversation with Frank Kappas has shed light on the transformative power of yoga and self-exploration. Through his own journey, Frank has discovered the value of structure, vulnerability, and connection. He reminds us of the importance of staying present and open, even in the face of challenges, and how this can lead to a greater sense of empathy and understanding. As we navigate the complexities of the world, Frank’s insights serve as a reminder to continually work on ourselves and strive for a deeper connection with ourselves and others.

As we move forward, let us embrace the teachings of yoga and the wisdom of those who have walked the path before us. Let us continue to explore, learn, and grow, both on and off the mat. And let us remember that the true power of yoga lies in its ability to transform not only ourselves but also the world around us.

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

Tim Feldmann – The Joys and the Challenges of Consistent Yoga Practice

Posted on October 6, 2023 by nativeyoga

Listen to Podcast with Tim for FREE here

Tim Feldmann, co-founder of Miami Yoga Garage, discusses his journey into yoga and the challenges and joys of being a traveling yoga teacher. He reflects on the ups and downs of consistent practice and the importance of finding balance between effort and ease. Tim also shares his thoughts on social media and the role it plays in his professional life. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and finding joy in the practice, regardless of physical abilities. Tim’s unique perspective and sense of humor make for an engaging and insightful conversation.

Visit Tim on his website: https://timfeldmann.com/
Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/timfeldmannyoga/
And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrTimFeldmann

Tim explains:

Consistency in yoga practice is important, but the questions and challenges may change over time.
The concept of achievement in yoga is often tied to self-worth, but it’s important to find balance and enjoy the practice.
Social media can be a valuable platform for sharing insights and connecting with others, but it’s important to stay true to oneself and not get caught up in the pressure to conform.
The Ashtanga yoga practice is a form that can lead to deeper experiences and insights, but it’s important to remember the underlying philosophy and purpose behind the practice.

The Comedy and Tragedy of Yoga: A Conversation with Tim Feldman

Introduction

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, many people turn to yoga as a source of solace and stability. But what is it about yoga that draws us in? Is it the physical practice, the mental discipline, or something deeper? In a recent podcast interview with Tim Feldmann, a renowned yoga teacher and practitioner, we delved into these questions and explored the profound impact that yoga can have on our lives.

The Journey of a Yogi

Tim Feldmann’s journey into yoga began in his early twenties when he discovered the Jivamukti Yoga Center in New York City. As a young dancer, he was drawn to the physicality of the practice and soon found himself exchanging his daily dance classes for yoga sessions. This marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with yoga.

But Tim’s yoga journey didn’t stop there. He soon discovered Ashtanga yoga and became enamored with its disciplined and structured approach. He traveled to Mysore, India, to study with the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga yoga, and continued to deepen his practice and understanding of the ancient tradition.

The Ups and Downs of a Nomadic Life

One of the most striking aspects of Tim’s life is his nomadic lifestyle. He travels the world, teaching workshops and sharing his passion for yoga with students from all walks of life. But this constant movement comes with its own set of challenges.

Tim admits that the life of a traveling yoga teacher can be exhausting. The constant jet lag, the unfamiliar surroundings, and the pressure to perform can take a toll on both the body and the mind. But despite the challenges, Tim finds joy in connecting with students and sharing the transformative power of yoga.

The Quest for Consistency

One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation was the importance of consistency in a yoga practice. Tim emphasized the value of showing up on the mat day after day, regardless of how we feel or what challenges we may be facing. He believes that it is through this consistency that we can truly experience the benefits of yoga.

But consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over again. Tim stressed the importance of adapting our practice to meet our ever-changing needs. As we age, our bodies change, and what once came easily may now require more effort. Tim encourages his students to listen to their bodies and modify their practice accordingly, finding a balance between challenge and ease.

The Paradox of Achievement

In our achievement-oriented society, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to constantly strive for more. But Tim challenges this notion and encourages us to find contentment in the present moment. He believes that true achievement comes from within and that the practice of yoga can help us cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment.

Tim also acknowledges the paradox of achievement in yoga. While the physical practice can be challenging and demanding, it is through these challenges that we can experience moments of clarity and insight. The struggle itself becomes a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.

The Comedy and Tragedy of Yoga

Throughout our conversation, Tim often referred to the comedy and tragedy of yoga. He sees yoga as a reflection of the human experience, with all its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Yoga can be both a source of laughter and a source of tears, a reminder of our own imperfections and a celebration of our inherent beauty.

Tim’s perspective on yoga is rooted in the teachings of Patanjali, the ancient sage who codified the principles of yoga in the Yoga Sutras. He believes that yoga is not just a physical practice but a path to self-realization and enlightenment. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-transformation, a way to connect with our true nature and find peace amidst the chaos of life.

Conclusion

In our conversation with Tim Feldmann, we explored the profound impact that yoga can have on our lives. From the challenges of a nomadic lifestyle to the quest for consistency, Tim shared his insights and wisdom gained from years of practice and teaching. He reminded us of the importance of finding joy in the present moment and embracing the comedy and tragedy of life.

As we continue on our own yoga journeys, let us remember that yoga is not just a physical practice but a way of life. It is a path to self-discovery and self-transformation, a journey of growth and self-realization. And through it all, let us find solace in the practice, knowing that we are not alone on this path, but part of a larger community of seekers and yogis.

So, whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, embrace the comedy and tragedy of yoga, and let it guide you on the path to self-discovery and enlightenment. Namaste.

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