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  • I've been increasingly interested in the topic of meditation over the past year and have been waiting for the right guest to kickstart the conversation. Recently, I came across Jimmy Wightman, also known as That Meditation Guy on Instagram. Based in the UK, he is a well-respected meditation and mindfulness teacher. I've been following Jimmy's work for quite some time, and I believe the time is right to have him as a guest on the podcast.

    Episode Highlights:

    What is the goal of meditation and why should someone meditate?Setting yourself up for success in meditationMindfulness and meditation: what comes first?Dealing with rough moments in meditationWhat type of meditation to start withStages of attentionDo you meditate for joy or happiness?How much time is needed to cultivate a steady meditation practice?Grief and trauma in meditationLearning meditation through apps and videos versus going to a teacherHow does someone choose their mantra?

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  • Today, I want to share with you a helpful guide that I've created for pronouncing Sanskrit yoga pose names. This guide is intended to save you the significant cost of enrolling in teacher training just to learn how to pronounce these names. While I couldn't include every yoga pose, I've made sure to cover the most fundamental ones in this episode.

    Episode Highlights:

    Standing posesBackbendsInversionsSeated posesBalance posesSupine poses



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  • In this episode, I aim to highlight the significance of cueing as a crucial component of your skill set. Over the years, I have crafted five distinct queuing styles, and I am excited to share them with you. These styles are straightforward and practical. I encourage you to take note of them and consider integrating one, two, three, or all five into your classes.

    Highlights:

    Teaching a yoga or an asana class is not solely about cueing.Yoga classes in AmericaThe challenge of being a good communicatorMy goal in every class5 Cueing Styles to Enhance Your Yoga ClassDirectional cueingAction-oriented cueingExpansive cueingExperiential cueingBenefit cueingReasons why Down Dog is one of the best poses

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  • My 200-hour program begins in September, just 5 weeks from now, and this episode was created as a source of inspiration for that. Consider this as a thorough evaluation and comprehensive audit of your yoga education journey thus far. The purpose is to help you accurately assess your current position as a yoga student or instructor. Reflect on the quality of the education you have received so far, whether it has been outstanding, good, average, or below par.

    Episode Highlights:

    Focus on how much clarity you get from your teacher instead of solely focusing on the credentials and popularity index.Are you an Asana expert?My non-negotiables whenever I share something about a poseHow much pranayama should you learn?Is yoga history and evolution important?How much of the subtle body or Sukshma Sharira do you know?Yoga for special conditionsAdaptability of yogaYoga philosophy and how to live yoga off your matTeaching skill setThe sequencing and the teachingThe Invisible stuff

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  • In today's episode, I will be unveiling five essential poses that are a must-know. These poses form a checklist for those aspiring to master Shirshasana, the head balance, or aiming to teach it to others. I will also delve into the mythical story of Shirshasana, adding depth and cultural context to this practice.

    Episode Highlights:

    What is ShirshasanaShirshasana as the king of all posesThe mythical story of ShirshasanaPhysical benefits of Shirshasana posePsychological benefits of Shirshasana poseFive non-negotiable headstand preparatory posesAdho Mukha Svanasana or Downward-facing DogUttanasanaPrasarita Padottanasana or Wide-Legged Standing Forward BendChaturanga Dandasana or Four-Limbed Staff PoseSalamba Sarvangasana or Shoulderstand Pose, the mother of all posesAlternative options for individuals unable to put weight on their neck or headHeadless Headstand

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  • Have you ever wondered why our minds are so full of thoughts and are restless? Is there actually a way that we can manage our minds? The last time I checked, I think there are more or less 60,000 thoughts we have per day, which is just mind-blowing. To shed some light on this interesting topic, I’ve invited a friend of mine whom I’ve known for almost a decade and who also happens to be a yoga teacher, Pavel Dmitriev.

    Episode Highlights:

    What is the mind according to yoga?Where in the mind is morality?Managing the mind through yoga for beginnersWhy is our mind so troubled?Pranayama and the mindWhat is the purpose of a thought?Where do thoughts come from?What we resist persistsPractices in yoga that will help manage our mind

    Find the Full Episode Show Notes Here: https://letstalk.yoga/episode/managing-the-mind-with-yoga/

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  • I’m really excited about today’s conversation with Dr. Manasa Rao sharing her experience and knowledge about sadhana. Dr. Manasa Rao is practicing yoga since the year 1995. She genuinely believes that yoga is about connecting, healing, and becoming aware of a higher reality within all of us, that stretches beyond the mat.

    Join us as we discover the meaning of the word sadhana, what its goal is, and its importance. We also go as far as discussing the obstacles while being in sadhana and whether we need to lean on a teacher or not to create a sadhana for us.

    Episode Highlights:

    What does the word sadhana mean?What is the goal of yoga practitioners?Does everyone who does yoga need to have a sadhana?Factors to consider while building a sadhanaThe obstacles while being in sadhanaDifferent components to building one’s sadhanaWho creates the sadhana for you?What to do if you feel stuck in your sadhana?Sharing sadhana knowledge

    Find the Full Episode Show Notes Here: https://letstalk.yoga/episode/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sadhana-in-yoga-with-dr-manasa-rao/

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  • In my studio at Aham Yoga, I have students who have some knowledge of Ayurveda and I would often get so many questions about what the role of food is. How should we really eat? How frequently should we eat and in what quantity? This is honestly a topic that I am no expert with and so I decided to invite back a past guest who is the real expert in Ayurveda, Nidhi Pandya.

    Episode Highlights:

    The role of food in our lives according to AyurvedaThe three pillars of health in AyurvedaThe connection between the ahara (food) and pranaDoes Ayurveda look at cooked food and raw food differently?The effects of green juices and smoothies on our bodiesHow the yogis ate and their relationship to foodWhat is a sattvic diet?Does doing yoga mean one should only eat a vegetarian dietDoes the food we eat affect the quality of our minds and our thoughtsAyurveda’s approach to the frequency of meals, what to eat, and in what quantityPractical tips for modern-day yoga practitioners to live more holistically

    Find the Full Episode Show Notes Here: https://letstalk.yoga/episode/eat-like-a-yogi-with-nidhi-pandya/

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  • Today's episode features a deep dive into the intersection of social media and yoga. It's an important listen for those active on social media, as well as for those who may have chosen to disconnect from it due to its distractions. We have Daniel Simpson, the author of "The Truth of Yoga," joining us in discussing discernment and digital yoga.

    Episode Highlights:

    The future of yoga for someone who has worked with long-form yoga studies and content for a long time.How can yoga consumers be sharper at discerning and be better at critical thinking?What are some of the qualities of a good student?The difference between knowledge and wisdomApproaching social media consumption criticallyIs there any way to measure whether or not our yoga is working for us?Understanding the concept of ‘dukkha’ in yoga and how suffering can be an opportunity for growth.Setting intentions for yoga beginners

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  • I'm excited to welcome Swami Chidananda to the show, our first-ever Swami guest. We delve into the topic of peace in light of current global events. We explore how we can practice and promote peace in our daily lives, given the prevalence of unrest and suffering in the world. How can we engage peacefully and act in a way that benefits both ourselves and those around us?

    Episode Highlights:

    What is peace?The journey to inner peaceSuffering or grace: the two ways to grow on the spiritual pathHow to balance detachment and indifference in reactions when thinking about peace and suffering?Is peace and love the same thing?Where does one begin when trying to cultivate peace, love, and compassion?How does one find their dharma?Is there a sudden change once you understand your dharma?How does one understand the divine?

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  • On today's episode, I am excited to share three deeply insightful and practical tips that you can pass on to your asana students to help them establish a stronger connection with the non-physical aspects of yoga. These tips go beyond the physical practice of yoga and delve into the more subtle and profound elements of the practice.

    Episode Highlights:

    Arrive early to class and sit with yourself.Practice Mauna (silence) on the way home after yoga classSpend a little time in reflection

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  • In this episode of the Let's Talk Yoga podcast, we welcome Savitha Enner, a fellow yoga teacher from Karnataka, India. Savitha shares her unique perspective on living yogic wisdom, which she affectionately calls the "lazy person's approach."

    Episode Highlights:

    What is this lazy teacher's approach?Exploring the pursuit of sustainable inner peace through yoga practiceExploring the concept of ahimsa in yoga practicePrioritizing peace over ego in personal relationships can be challenging but rewarding in the long run.Emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and showing compassion towards others.Savitha’s advice to a beginner teacher and an experienced teacher“Teaching yoga is a privilege”Learning to be more loving by responding to messages with kindness and creating situations for love to flourish.

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  • In this episode, I share five important lessons I have learned from practicing yoga, which include letting go of mental and physical burdens, being kind to ourselves, and building inner resilience. These lessons are not just applicable to yoga but can be incorporated into our daily lives to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

    Episode Highlights:

    Insights on yoga poses and life lessons.Yoga poses offer valuable life lessons in different shapes5 things yoga poses teach us about navigating lifeYoga poses make you fitter, stronger, healthier, or wholesome.You put yourself in different shapes and orientations in yoga poses regularly.You embrace the unknown.You learn to surrender.We learn to treat ourselves with true self-compassion, kindness, and respect.

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  • Today I am going to walk you through a guided beginner-friendly Yoga Nidra practice. For those of you who are exploring Yoga Nidra for the first time, this is a deep guided relaxation practice usually done in the position of Shavasana.

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  • Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that holds immense potential for our well-being, yet it remains somewhat hidden in the shadows. Today, we’re fortunate to have Sandeep Manur, a seasoned yoga teacher, studio owner, and teacher trainer, back on the podcast to unravel the mysteries of Yoga Nidra.

    Episode Highlights:

    What is yoga nidra and how is it different from shavasana?The origin of yoga nidra from the Bihar School of YogaWhat are the benefits of yoga nidraDoes yoga nidra have any connection with hypnosis?The 8 stages of Yoga NidraInternalizationSankalpaBody awarenessBreath awarenessOppositesVisualizationSankalpaExternalizationCan one have more than one Sankalpa in their yoga nidra practice?Under what circumstances can one change or update the sankalpa?Does sankalpa have a connection with dharma or purpose in life?How to find a Sankalpa?What is the significance of the three repetitions of Sankalpa?How to navigate Yoga Nidra from the beginner stage to the intermediate and advanced?Suggestions to help people stay awakeHow long should a yoga nidra be for it to be effective?

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  • Spirituality is a term that is frequently used in our yoga communities. However, what does spirituality actually signify when it comes to yoga? To discover the answer to this question, I am thrilled to introduce a new guest, Ram Jain, who will be discussing the fundamental principles of spirituality.

    Episode Highlights:

    What spirituality means in the context of yogaHow does one begin their spiritual journey in yogaThe difference in spiritual perception between yogis and modern-day practitionersCan yoga bring one happiness?Should someone practice yoga to find more joy?The six pillars of happinessRecognizing and addressing the imbalances in the six pillars of happinessThe difference between religion and spirituality from the lens of yogaIs yoga a religious practice?Things to keep in mind in walking the path of spiritualityHow does one teach themselves to reflect?Other essentials of spirituality?Temporary guide for someone who hasn't yet found a guide or teacherRecommended scriptures to studyIntroducing the concept of deeper yoga and reflection to studentsHow can a yoga or an asana teacher improve their confidence when it comes to sharing yoga?Defining what spirituality is going to be individuallyNavigating the individual spiritual journey inside relationships

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  • It's fascinating to explore the topic of gurus in yoga and the meaning behind the word. In this episode, we delve into the characteristics of a guru, when you might need one, whether it's possible to practice yoga without a teacher, and so much more. Our guest today is Dr. Manasa Rao, who has been on the show before.

    Episode Highlights:

    What is the role of a guru in yoga?What traits or characteristics to look for in a guru?The different levels of teachers and the different types of studentsThe difference between a regular teacher and a guruIs guru a titleDo gurus impact more deeply than teachers?The caliber of the studentThe responsibilities of a guru and a studentDiscerning a fake guru from a competent teacherWhen is a student ready for a guru?Insights for seeking a guru

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  • In this episode, I’m doing a deep dive into what type of asana will help during perimenopause. I'll share some tips on how to approach your practice, which pranayamas are useful, which restoration techniques will leave you feeling rejuvenated, what will really add value to your practice, and what yoga principles in living yoga are we going to really pull from.

    Episode Highlights:

    The difference between perimenopause and menopauseAsana practice in younger yearsThe practice of asana during the four weeks of menstrual cycleWe have to let our asanas evolve as we ageThree things that yoga teachers would want to do:Poses to stretch and lengthen the lower abdomen, upper thigh regionPoses for gentle pressure on the abdomenPoses to soothe the mindThe three rules of perimenopausal practiceThree main things to keep in mind when it comes to pranayama practices.Three cooling PranayamasBalancing PranayamaBhramariResting is priorityFixing your body will not fix all your problemsManomaya Kosh

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  • The topic of women yogis in India is often overlooked and not widely discussed due to its complexity and nuances. It involves many layers of cultural factors. Popular yoga often includes discussions about yogis, but there is a mysterious aspect to it. To shed some light on this topic, I decided to invite Prasad Rangnekar back, one of our favorite guests, to discuss the history of women practitioners, specifically yogis and yoginis in India.

    Episode Highlights:

    Was yoga a man's practice?The distinction between saying women yogis and yoginisDefining yoga in contextThe role of women in society and their impactThe link between the feminine divinity and the goddesses in India and women yogisThe Vedic periodThe privacy of women in their practice of sadhanaWomen yogis at the end of BC Period to the Common EraWhat are yoginis?Things to consider as a modern-day practitioner about the topic of yoginis

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  • I know that some of you have been requesting an episode about mudras. When it comes to mudras, I couldn't think of a better person to have this conversation with than our favorite guest, Indu Arora. We delve into the concept of namaste as a mudra and explore mudras that extend beyond the hands. Indu defines what mudras are, their origin, and how to practice them. Additionally, she provides advice for those who are new to the idea of mudras and how they can explore it further.

    Episode Highlights:

    Mudras and their relevance to today's yogaThe origins of mudraRelationship between mudras and the Sukshma Sharira and pranaBeginner's guide to mudrasThe context between Namaste and Anjali MudraThe significance of elements between mudra and namasteHasta mudra: the use of the right hand versus the left handIs Drishti a mudra?The mind mudrasAdvice for beginners in mudras

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