Tag Archives: yoga teacher training

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

Posted on by
Reply
Listen to podcast with Meredith for FREE Here on Native Yoga Toddcast

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

Introduction

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

Key Takeaways

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

Finding Balance: The Joy and Challenges of Parenting

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

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

The Role of a Teacher: Guiding and Supporting

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

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

The Impact of Technology: Finding Solitude in a Connected World

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.comSupport the show

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

Kassandra Reinhardt – Mastering the Art of Teaching Yoga Online: Tips and Strategies

Posted on by
Reply
Listen to Yoga with Kassandra Toddcast for Free Here

Kassandra Reinhardt is a renowned yoga instructor and the founder of Yoga with Kassandra. With over 2.3 million subscribers on YouTube, Kassandra has built a successful online yoga community and is known for her accessible and inclusive approach to yoga.

Visit Kassandra on her website: https://www.yogawithkassandra.com/
Follow her on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithkassandra
Follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yoga_with_kassandra/

Key Takeaways:

  • Teaching yoga online requires more than just yoga skills; it involves learning videography, editing, graphic design, marketing, and more.
  • Finding your niche and focusing on a specific style or target audience can help establish your online presence and attract a dedicated following.
  • The online yoga community is generally positive and supportive, with fewer negative comments and criticism compared to other online platforms.
  • Starting small and gradually adding elements like a website, mailing list, and social media platforms can help you grow your online presence over time.

Kassandra shares her journey of teaching yoga online. She discusses the challenges she faced in the early years, the importance of finding a niche, and the gradual growth of her channel. Kassandra emphasizes the need to start small and learn as you go, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. She also talks about the positive impact of the pandemic on the online yoga community and the increasing acceptance of teaching yoga online. Kassandra offers advice for aspiring online yoga teachers and highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and finding joy in the process.

The Journey of an Online Yoga Teacher: Insights from Kassandra Reinhardt

Introduction

In this thought-provoking interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kassandra Reinhardt, a renowned online yoga teacher with a massive following on YouTube. We delved into her journey as a yoga teacher, the challenges she faced in the online space, and the impact of the pandemic on the yoga industry. Kassandra shared valuable insights and advice for aspiring online yoga teachers, emphasizing the importance of finding your niche, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, and staying true to your purpose.

Exploring the Themes

  1. The Evolution of Online Yoga Teaching
    Kassandra discussed her introduction to yoga and how she gradually discovered the richness and depth of the practice beyond its physical benefits. She highlighted the importance of finding a teaching style that resonates with you and connects with your audience. Kassandra also shared her experience of transitioning from in-person teaching to online platforms, emphasizing the need to adapt and learn new skills such as videography, editing, and marketing.

According to Kassandra, “I started in person, but very quickly added online as well. I put some classes up on YouTube to bulk up my resume and give hiring managers an idea of my style. The online yoga landscape was different back then, but I was naive and thought it would just be a few videos. Little did I know that it would become a significant part of my life.”

  1. The Challenges of Being an Online Yoga Teacher
    Kassandra candidly discussed the challenges she faced as an online yoga teacher, particularly in the early stages. She highlighted the need to learn various skills beyond teaching yoga, such as videography, sound editing, graphic design, and marketing. She also mentioned the difficulties of managing customer service requests and navigating the ever-changing landscape of taxes and ecommerce regulations.

Kassandra shared, “Teaching yoga online is just one of the 20 skills you need to make it happen. It’s hard to be confronted with the fact that you have to learn all these skills. But I knew that I wanted to teach online, so I persevered and learned as I went along.”

  1. The Rise of Online Yoga Teaching During the Pandemic
    The conversation shifted to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the yoga industry. Kassandra acknowledged the challenges faced by many yoga teachers and studios during this time but also highlighted the opportunities that arose for online yoga teachers. She discussed the increased interest in online yoga classes and the growing acceptance of online teaching as a legitimate and valuable form of yoga instruction.

Kassandra reflected, “I had been advocating for online yoga for years, but there was a stigma attached to it. Now, with the pandemic, more people are open to it, and there’s a greater demand for online classes. It’s a time when people need their wellness practices more than ever, and online teachers are best skilled at offering them.”

Implications and Future Outlook

The interview shed light on the evolving landscape of online yoga teaching and the potential impact of AI and technology in the future. While Kassandra acknowledged the possibility of AI-generated yoga classes, she emphasized the enduring value of human connection and the unique experience of practicing yoga with a live teacher. She also encouraged aspiring online yoga teachers to embrace collaboration rather than competition, fostering a sense of community and support within the industry.

Kassandra concluded, “A rising tide lifts all boats. We shift from competition to collaboration. Even though there are more teachers online now, there are also more students than ever before. It’s never too late to start, and there’s still room for growth and success.”

Conclusion

In this thought-provoking interview, Kassandra Reinhardt shared her insights and experiences as an online yoga teacher. She highlighted the importance of finding your niche, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, and staying true to your purpose. Kassandra’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring online yoga teachers, reminding them that success is possible with persistence, adaptability, and a genuine passion for sharing the practice of yoga. As the online yoga industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay open to new possibilities and maintain a sense of community and collaboration.

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

Leah Hester – Yoga, Inspiration and Finding Peace in Life

Posted on by
Reply

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.

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

Mariane Pinto ~ In the Mystic Flow

Posted on by
Reply
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.

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

Support the show

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

Dorcas Murunga – Yoga Teacher Shares Her Journey and Impact in Kenya

Posted on by
Reply
Listen to podcast for FREE here

Dorcas Murunga is a yoga teacher based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is a certified yoga teacher with the Africa Yoga Project and has been an inspiration to her local community. Dorcas is passionate about sharing the transformative power of yoga and has been teaching various styles of yoga, including power yoga, yin yoga, and African yoga. She is dedicated to meeting her clients where they are and helping them on their yoga journey.

Follow Dorcas on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/dorcas_murunga/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Visit here here on The Africa Yoga Project website: https://www.africayogaproject.org/blogs/media/finding-me-on-the-mat-you-too-can-how-yoga-changed-my-life
Dorcas teaching on YouTube: 
https://youtu.be/S313HEIXxpo?si=SIKXaT8RfaIPlFUa
Dee Designs for Distinct Stuff
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054493899233&mibextid=ZbWKwL

During this conversation Dorcas speaks about:

  • How she discovered yoga as a way to lose weight and improve her health.
  • Despite facing initial resistance, she has been able to change perceptions about yoga in her community and inspire others to embrace it.
  • She believes that yoga is a powerful tool for personal transformation and encourages everyone to give it a try.

Native Yoga Toddcast: A Journey of Transformation and Empowerment

By Todd McLaughlin

Welcome to the Native Yoga Toddcast, where we bring you inspirational speakers in the field of yoga, massage, bodywork, and beyond. In this episode, we have a special guest, Dorcas Murunga, a yoga teacher from Nairobi, Kenya. Dorcas has been an incredible inspiration to her local community, sharing the transformative power of yoga. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dorcas shares her personal journey with yoga, the challenges she faced, and the impact it has had on her life and the lives of those around her.

Discovering Yoga: A Path to Transformation

Dorcas first encountered yoga in 2015 when she was looking for a way to lose weight and improve her health. She met a yoga teacher named Jamila and was immediately drawn to the practice. Despite the financial challenges of affording classes, Dorcas offered to exchange her African bags for yoga lessons. This marked the beginning of her yoga journey.

“It was challenging because of the weight. But interesting because it was a new practice. And interesting because I was finding the posture.” – Dorcas Murunga

From Student to Teacher: Empowering Others Through Yoga

As Dorcas continued her yoga practice, she realized the transformative power it had on her life. She decided to become a certified yoga teacher to maintain her practice and inspire others. Dorcas received a scholarship from the Africa Yoga Project and became a certified teacher in 2018. Since then, she has been teaching various styles of yoga, including power yoga, yin yoga, and African yoga.

“I teach yoga for kids. I teach power yoga, yin yoga, African yoga. And I’m always learning Kundalini yoga and practicing it for myself.” – Dorcas Murunga

Overcoming Stigma and Embracing Yoga as a Lifestyle

Dorcas faced opposition and stigma from her community, who believed that yoga conflicted with their religious beliefs. As a Christian, she had to navigate the challenges of integrating yoga into her faith. However, through her consistent practice and dedication, Dorcas was able to find balance between her Christian beliefs and the teachings of yoga.

“With consistency of researching and going deeper into the practice, it actually helped me to be a better Christian, if anything else.” – Dorcas Murunga

The Africa Yoga Project: Empowering Youth Through Yoga

Dorcas is also involved with the Africa Yoga Project, an organization founded by Paige Elenson. The project aims to empower youth in Africa through yoga, providing them with training and opportunities to become yoga teachers. Dorcas herself received a scholarship from the project, which enabled her to deepen her practice and share yoga with her community.

“I love that Africa Yoga Project has really impacted mostly the youth because it was targeting the youth and empowering them.” – Dorcas Murunga

Like many yoga teachers around the world, Dorcas faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and restrictions, she had to adapt to teaching online and find new ways to connect with her students. Despite the financial difficulties and loss of clients, Dorcas focused on the positive aspects of the situation, such as the opportunity to improve her verbal cueing and reach a wider audience through online platforms.

“I choose not to see any challenge. I choose to find options.” – Dorcas Murunga

The Future of Yoga in Africa: A Lifestyle and Unity

Dorcas believes that yoga will continue to grow in popularity in Africa, not just as a trend but as a lifestyle. With the increasing number of African yoga teachers and the accessibility of online platforms, more people are discovering the benefits of yoga and incorporating it into their daily lives. Dorcas envisions a future where yoga unites people from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting physical and emotional well-being.

“I invite those who are in need of transforming their lives to try yoga, if you need if you are in need of transforming your life, try different things with an open mind and deepen that practice for yourself and for people around us for the betterment of the world.” – Dorcas Murunga

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation and Empowerment

Dorcas Murunga’s journey with yoga is a testament to the transformative power of the practice. From her initial encounter with yoga to becoming a certified teacher and inspiring her community, Dorcas has embraced yoga as a lifestyle and a tool for personal growth. Despite the challenges and stigma she faced, she remained resilient and focused on the positive impact yoga has had on her life and the lives of others. As yoga continues to gain popularity in Africa, Dorcas envisions a future where it becomes a unifying force, bringing people together and promoting well-being on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

Dorcas Murunga’s story is a powerful reminder that yoga is not just a physical practice but a path to self-discovery, empowerment, and unity. Through her dedication and passion, she has transformed her own life and inspired others to do the same. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, let us embrace the teachings of yoga and use them to create positive change in ourselves and our communities.

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