The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

Are you addicted to efficiency? This episode explores the fifth Yama, Aparigraha — non-grasping, through the lens of modern life. We talk hoarding… not of stuff, but of tasks, to-dos, and productivity itself. If you've ever found yourself trying to "earn" your rest or multitasking even in your downtime, this one's for you. Let's talk about: 🔹 What it really means to stop grasping (hint: it's not just about material things) 🔹 The dark side of the "maximizer" mindset 🔹 Why we hoard productivity (and how it erodes presence) 🔹 How contentment (Santosha) offers an antidote to overwhelm 🔹 What Mary & Martha can teach us about being vs. doing Yoga begins with your relationship to time, tasks, and how you be with yourself. Let this episode be your reminder: You don't need to do more to be more. 💖 Give yourself permission to slow down, check in, and come home to yourself with my Yoga For Self Mastery course  => https://www.brettlarkin.com/yoga-for-self-mastery/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ysm   FREE Practice: Yoga for Anxiety & Anger: Yoga to Surrender & Calm Down (25-min) - All Levels Relevant Blog: Aparigraha: 6 Ways To Completely Let Go In Yoga   Relevant to Today's Episode: 📖 Yoga Life Book  📚 Healing with Somatic Yoga Book 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  🎧 Also Listen to: #384 – Do Less, Heal More: 7 Invitations to Resolve Trauma from Organic Intelligence #403 – Why You Keep Failing at Self-Care — and What to Do Differently #404 – What If I Fail? Krishna's Answer to Your Inner Critic (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6) © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

Ready to reconnect with your roots? This short guided meditation focuses on the first chakra — Muladhara, the root chakra — helping you ground into your body and feel deeply supported by the earth beneath you. Whether you're feeling anxious, scattered, or just want to center yourself before your day, this practice is here to help you return to solid ground. In this meditation I'll guide you to: 🔹 Visualize the root chakra and the fire at the earth's core 🔹 Feel your body anchoring into the present moment 🔹 Explore the void — the energetic origin point of grounding and support 🔹 A simple but profound breath practice for nervous system regulation This is a powerful reset anytime you're overwhelmed or unmoored. Drop in and return to yourself. 💖 Ready to deepen your practice and live from your true nature? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https://www.brettlarkin.com/uplifted/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted   Relevant to Today's Episode: 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership   © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

We recently completed Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita — a raw and honest moment where Arjuna admits, "My mind is more restless than the wind." But before we dive into Chapter 7 (where everything shifts), I want to pause and explore an important question that naturally arises right here: How do the yogic teachings on Ananda (bliss) compare to the Christian understanding of grace — and why do these two paths feel so different in the body? This episode is a bridge — between effort and surrender, empowerment and comfort, self-regulation and devotion — as we explore this question from a comparative, academic, and curious lens.  This is not to prescribe belief, but to deepen understanding and set the stage for what's coming next in the Gita. 🔹 Why yoga teaches bliss is uncovered through discipline 🔹 Why Christianity emphasizes grace and relationship 🔹 Effort vs. surrender — and how both live in the nervous system 🔹 How this sets the stage for Bhakti Yoga in Chapter 7 📚 Get your copy of my new book: Healing with Somatic Yoga: A 6-Week Journey to Release Emotions, Rewire Your Nervous System, and Reclaim Your Body → https://amzn.to/3WGulGG   FREE Practice: 10-Min Easy Yoga For Spine and Neck Flexibility | YOGA FOR BACK PAIN Relevant Blog: How To Create An Everyday Yogic Lifestyle   Relevant to Today's Episode: 🐍 History of Yoga 📚 Healing with Somatic Yoga Book ✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 💫 Yoga for Self Mastery 🎧 Also Listen to: #297 – What is Samkhya Philosophy and How is it Different from Yoga? #358 – Intro to The Bhagavad Gita: How Do You Navigate Moral Dilemmas? #387 – Book 4 of the Yoga Sutras: The Mystical Path to Liberation Explained © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

What if thinking about death wasn't morbid—but liberating? In this conversation, Elena Brower (author of "Hold Nothing") and I get real about turning 40, 50, and beyond. We talk about why ego dissolution might be the greatest gift of aging, how meditation is actually an act of service to others, and why certainty is killing your relationships. Elena shares why she's ready to let all her accomplishments dissolve, the difference between prayer and meditation (spoiler: maybe there isn't one), and a simple exhale practice that serves humanity. This isn't your typical "graceful aging" conversation. It's about ruthlessly re-prioritizing, slowing down radically, and preparing for death in the most relaxed way possible. In this episode: Why "I'm half-dead" is the most freeing thought you can have The invisible gift your meditation practice gives everyone around you How sitting still helps your kids solve their own problems Why knowing everything makes you terrible company A breathing practice you can do right now to serve humanity 💖 Ready to 'DO LESS' in your practice? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https://www.brettlarkin.com/uplifted/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted 🐍 Download your FREE Feminine Kundalini Starter Pack: https://www.brettlarkin.com/online-kundalini-yoga-teacher-training/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ku    GUEST EXPERT: Elena Brower | https://elenabrower.com/  Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and podcast host, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999. Her new book, Hold Nothing, was published by Shambhala Publications in November 2025. Her column on Substack by the same name, Hold Nothing, supports girls and women, through On The Inside, Girls on Fire Leaders, Women for Women, and Free Food Kitchen.   FREE Practice: 60 Min Restorative Yoga | RESTORATIVE YOGA FOR TIGHT HIPS Relevant Blog: Somatic Meditation: A Body-Based Approach to Healing Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma   Relevant to Today's Episode: 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  💫 Somatic Certification 🎧 Also Listen to: #320 – Less Is More: How To Honor Yourself & Your Students with Elena Brower #397 – How to Live Smartphone Free (From a 20 Year Old) with Yunus M. #401 – Who Has Your Attention? Attention Economy vs the Ancient Path   © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

It's Chapter Six of the Bhagavad Gita, where everything starts to get real. After five chapters of philosophy and frameworks, Krishna now turns to practice—specifically the challenges of meditation, discipline, and staying steady on your spiritual path. If your mind feels too restless to meditate... if you wonder whether your practice actually counts... or if you've ever feared you're "doing it wrong"—this chapter will soothe your soul. 🔹 Krishna reveals why inner discipline > outer rituals 🔹 Arjuna expresses the doubts we all have on the path 🔹 Meditation becomes the core of yogic living—not just something we "do" 🔹 We explore witness consciousness, compassion, and true non-attachment 🔹 Spiritual effort is never wasted—even across lifetimes 📘 This also marks the completion of the first arc of the Gita. Many scholars divide the Gita into three sections of six chapters each—and Chapter 6 concludes the first movement, focused on Karma Yoga (yoga of action). We've been building the foundation. The next six chapters will take us into Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion and loving recollection of God, so stay tuned for the next segment. 🐍 Download the FREE Feminine Kundalini Starter Pack: https://www.brettlarkin.com/online-kundalini-yoga-teacher-training/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ku    📖 Different translations explored: Barbara Stoler Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Krishnas-Counsel-Bantam-Classics/dp/0553213652  Godsong by Amit Majmudar: https://www.amazon.com/Godsong-Verse-Translation-Bhagavad-Gita-Commentary/dp/1524733474  Eknath Easwaran: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-2nd-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/1586380192  Bhagavad-Gita As It Is by Swami Prabhupada: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-As-Bhaktivedanta-Swami-Prabhupada/dp/0892131233    FREE Practice: 15 Min Beginner Morning Yin Yoga | NO PROPS Relevant Blog: The Ultimate Guide to Karma Yoga   Relevant to Today's Episode: ✨ Kundalini 200-hour YTT 🔮  History of Yoga 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🎧 Also Listen to: #374 – Karma Yoga & the Detached Yogi: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Part 2 #395 – The Role of "God" in Yoga + Tantric Shadow Work w/ Katie Silcox   © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

Self-care isn't a luxury — it's your foundation. Today, we explore why self-care can feel so uncomfortable (especially for those of us used to being the strong one), and how to start building your tolerance for pleasure, rest, and receiving. These are the same micro-practices that have transformed my relationship with myself and my energy over time. Here are the truths I keep learning again and again: 🔹 You can't give from an empty cup 🔹 Self-care isn't something you check off once — it's ongoing 🔹 Honoring your tiniest desires builds self-trust 🔹 Slowing down unlocks your creativity 🔹 Five-minute "pleasure containers" can change your life 💖 Slow down, check in, and come home to yourself. Join Yoga For Self Mastery before live calls begin.  => https://www.brettlarkin.com/yoga-for-self-mastery/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ysm    FREE Practice: Yin Yoga for the Sacral Chakra - Creativity & Sexual Energy Relevant Blog: Yoga to Reconnect with Yourself: 5 Essential Practices for Inner Peace   Relevant to Today's Episode: 📖 Yoga Life Book  🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🎧 Also Listen to: #260 – Killing The Self Care Buzzword #372 – Can the Sutras Make Space for Pleasure? (Sutra 1.15 Explained) #384 – Do Less, Heal More: 7 Invitations to Resolve Trauma from Organic Intelligence © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

SURPRISE!! I've got a bonus episode for you this week.  I'm going to explore three of the most commonly asked questions I hear from students about the chakras — especially how they relate to the nervous system, your fascia, and lived experience. 🔹 Are the chakras literal locations, archetypes, developmental stages — or all three? 🔹 Do chakras actually open and close? 🔹 What's the relationship between chakra patterns and nervous system regulation? If you've ever wondered how these energy centers show up in your posture, behavior, and emotions — this quick breakdown will connect the dots between yogic wisdom and modern science in a way that's practical and embodied. I'll also share my favorite metaphor for understanding the chakras, and why we need to stop treating them like a spiritual report card. 🌈  Discover your dominant chakra with my FREE dominant chakra test => https://www.brettlarkin.com/chakra-test/ 📱Book a Free Clarity Call => https://calendly.com/uplifted-clarity/discovery-call?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=200ytt    FREE Practice: Chakra Hatha Yoga | YOGA TO ALIGN & BALANCE YOUR CHAKRAS Relevant Blog: Crystals For Chakras: Unlock Your Energy and Balance   Relevant to Today's Episode: 📚 Healing with Somatic Yoga Book  🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 💖 Uplifted Membership 💫 Somatic Certification 🎧 Also Listen to: #351 – Unlocking the Secrets of Chakras: Lower Chakra Symbols Explained #355 – Unlocking the Secrets of Chakras: Upper Chakra Symbols Explained © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

Today, I take you into Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna shifts the spotlight from what you do to how you are being when you do it. This is the heart of Karma Yoga — acting in the world without clinging to the outcome. We unpack the powerful metaphor of the lotus leaf (living in the world, untouched), explore the nature of witness consciousness, and look at what it really means to "renounce" in a modern world.  🔹 What it means to act without attachment 🔹 Why the question is no longer "What should I do?" 🔹 How inner renunciation leads to clarity and peace 🔹 The lotus leaf: your new spiritual metaphor 🔹 How Krishna reframes spiritual maturity and hierarchy Whether you're making a big decision or trying to navigate daily life with more presence, this chapter has wisdom for you. Loved this episode? 👉 Dive deeper into yoga's origins with my History of Yoga Course🐍 Or explore my 200-Hour Kundalini Training   📖 Different translations mentioned: Barbara Stoler Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Krishnas-Counsel-Bantam-Classics/dp/0553213652  Godsong by Amit Majmudar: https://www.amazon.com/Godsong-Verse-Translation-Bhagavad-Gita-Commentary/dp/1524733474  Eknath Easwaran: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-2nd-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/1586380192  Bhagavad-Gita As It Is by Swami Prabhupada: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-As-Bhaktivedanta-Swami-Prabhupada/dp/0892131233  FREE Practice: 15 Min Vinyasa Flow For Flexibility | BEGINNERS VINYASA YOGA Relevant Blog: The Complete Glossary of Sanskrit Words Used in Yoga   Relevant to Today's Episode: 📖 History of Yoga 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🎧 Also Listen to: #297 – What is Samkhya Philosophy and How is it Different from Yoga? #358 – Intro to The Bhagavad Gita: How Do You Navigate Moral Dilemmas? #392 – How to Act from Wisdom & Make Every Moment Sacred: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4   © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

Let's be real — our attention is under attack. Between scroll culture, constant notifications, and never-ending to-do lists, it's hard to focus on what actually matters. In this episode, I'm inviting you to pause and reflect on where your precious energy is going. We'll explore how ancient yogic and Vedantic texts can help us reclaim our attention — not just as a productivity tool, but as a sacred spiritual practice. If you've been feeling scattered, stuck, or overstimulated, this one's for you. We'll look at how: 🔹 Attention is energy — what you focus on creates your reality 🔹 Ancient wisdom can help anchor you in a noisy world 🔹 Modern distraction fragments our energy and dilutes our power 🔹 Silence and depth are medicine for the nervous system 🔹 We don't need more input — we need more inner connection This is a gentle but powerful reset for your inner compass. Let's remember what's truly worthy of our focus. 🎁 Grab my new book: Healing with Somatic Yoga: A 6-Week Journey to Release Emotions, Rewire Your Nervous System, and Reclaim Your Body → https://amzn.to/3WGulGG Leave a book review and claim your free gift: https://www.brettlarkin.com/somaticreview/  🌀 Explore more of these principles in Embodied Yoga Life Coaching: https://www.brettlarkin.com/somatic-yoga-training-certification/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=eylc    FREE Practice: Extra Gentle Trauma-Informed Somatic Exercises | How to do Somatic Yoga | Somatic Yoga Flow Relevant Blog: 15 Life-Changing Yoga Books To Deepen Your Yoga Practice   Relevant to Today's Episode: ✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  🎧 Also Listen to: #279 – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Summary – BOOK ONE Explained #283 – Dismantling the Kleshas: The Actual Aim of Yoga #358 – Intro to The Bhagavad Gita: How Do You Navigate Moral Dilemmas?   © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

What does it really take to build your dream yoga retreat center—from scratch? In this episode, I sit down with Kayla Nielsen, who shares the raw, inspiring truth behind building a yoga retreat space from the ground up. From buying land abroad to pricing retreats and navigating local logistics, Kayla opens up about the entrepreneurial journey few yoga teachers talk about. We cover: 🔹 How to navigate land ownership and logistics in a foreign country 🔹 Smart strategies for planning, pricing, and co-teaching retreats 🔹 Why patience and community are the foundation of a sustainable retreat center 🔹 The beauty of letting your retreat space tell a story that reflects your values Whether you're a yoga teacher dreaming of retreats or an entrepreneur craving land-based living, this conversation is your roadmap to turning inspiration into action.   GUEST EXPERT: Kayla Nielsen | @Kaylalanielsen | kaylalanielsen.com  Kayla Nielsen is a yoga teacher with over 1000 hours of training. Founder of international retreat business and yoga alliance registered yoga school, glow yoga retreats. CEO and co-founder of still salty escape, a hotel and retreat center in northern nicaragua. She's been teaching and leading retreats around the world for 10 years, and established a successful online yoga app 3 years ago with thousands of subscribers. Check out Kayla's retreat center: https://www.stillsaltyescape.com/    FREE Practice: Somatic Yoga Workout for Weight Loss | Awaken the Body & Release Negative Emotions Relevant Blog: How to Plan a Yoga Retreat That Earns 6 Figures   Relevant to Today's Episode: ✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 🎧 Also Listen to: #299 – Strategies to Slay Imposter Syndrome and Share Your Gifts #354 – Redefining "Niche" with Carla Cline Thomas #365 – Launch Ugly! My Top 5 Business Tips for Yoga Entrepreneurs © 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

No talk. No theory. No to-do list. Just you and 20 minutes of deep nervous system reset. This New Year's Eve episode is a guided Somatic Release Meditation—designed to help you let go of trapped emotions, soothe your system, and make space for what's next. It's also a beautiful primer for what's coming in the Evolve Somatic Challenge, which starts January 1st. (If you haven't signed up yet—go do that!) ✨ A few important notes: 🛋️ Lie down, get comfy, and please don't do this while driving. 🧠 This practice also helps soothe the vagus nerve, release tension, and bring your body into a state of safety. 🎉Sign Up for the 2026 Evolve Somatic Challenge => https://www.brettlarkin.com/evolve/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=evolve Take this moment to clear the slate. Your body will thank you. 📚 Want to go deeper? My new Somatic Yoga book is the perfect companion to this challenge—and your practice in 2026. Get it here → https://amzn.to/3WGulGG    Relevant to Today's Episode: 💖 Uplifted Membership 💫 Somatic Certification © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

Okay, this isn't our usual episode. There's no philosophy, no Gita breakdown, no talk of funnels or energy anatomy today. Instead, I have a gift for you—a guided meditation designed to help you do something surprisingly hard: feel good and stay in it. If you've been through trauma or long-term stress, your nervous system might default to worry, numbness, or waiting for the other shoe to drop—even when things are actually going well. This practice gently helps you expand your capacity to receive joy, compliments, connection, and peace without flinching. ✨ A few important notes: 🧘‍♀️ Don't do this while driving. 🛋️ Find a cozy spot where you can sit or lie down undisturbed. 🎁 Come as you are. This is your Christmas Eve permission slip to slow down and let good feelings land. Practice it as often as needed—and let me know what shifts for you. 🎉Sign Up for the 2026 Evolve Somatic Challenge => https://www.brettlarkin.com/evolve/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=evolve 💖 Ready to deepen your practice and live from your true nature? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https://www.brettlarkin.com/uplifted/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted   Relevant to Today's Episode: 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

What happens when a 20-year-old decides to completely unplug—from smartphones, social media, and the digital world?   In this episode, I talk with Yunus Maximus, a bold, creative soul who's chosen a countercultural path in today's tech-saturated world. We explore how living without a phone has deepened his art, saved his mental health, and strengthened his human connections. His story will make you rethink your relationship with technology—and your own creativity. We talk about: 🔹 Why Yunus ditched his phone and never looked back 🔹 The link between digital detox and artistic expression 🔹 Finding community and purpose offline 🔹 What it means to trust your own path in a hyper-connected world If you've been craving more presence, art, or authenticity—this one's a must-listen. 🎁 Don't forget to grab my new book: Healing with Somatic Yoga: A 6-Week Journey to Release Emotions, Rewire Your Nervous System, and Reclaim Your Body → https://amzn.to/3WGulGG   GUEST EXPERT: Yunus Maximus Yunus is an artist and musician helping pave the way in technology and internet counterculture. Through experimentation and therapeutic integration he discovered that stepping away from technology has enabled him to not only connect with his unique gifts but his local community in powerful ways. Yunus encourages everyone to step away from the noise the internet brings, do the art that you love, and trust that opportunities will come your way. Contact Yunus: yunusmaximusmusic@gmail.com    FREE Practice: Extra Gentle Trauma-Informed Somatic Exercises | How to do Somatic Yoga | Somatic Yoga Flow Relevant Blog: Somatic Meditation: A Body-Based Approach to Healing Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma   Relevant to Today's Episode: 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 💫 Somatic Certification ✨ AI Training Course 🎧 Also Listen to: #378 – "Wait… Did I Just Make an AI Course?!" Behind the Scenes of My Most Unexpected Offering Yet (and Why You Might Love It Too) #380 – The Internet Is Collapsing — And Why That's Great News for Yogis & Healers © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

Today's episode is a little different and really special. I'm finally sharing the story behind my new book, Healing with Somatic Yoga. This book is the heart of everything I've been teaching, practicing, and living — and I can't wait for you to hold it in your hands. If you've ever felt like traditional wellness advice just doesn't reach the deeper layers — like something's missing — you're not alone. We're entering what I'm calling the Decade of the Nervous System. It's time to stop muscling through healing and start listening to the body that's been protecting you all along. You'll hear: 🔹 Why your body is not a problem to fix — it's an animal trying to keep you safe 🔹 How unprocessed stress lives in the body (and what to do about it) 🔹 The 3 distinct models of somatic healing I teach inside the book 🔹 How storytelling rewires your brain (and why it's a key healing tool) 🔹 Why healing can (and should) feel pleasurable and fun 🔹 What makes this book different from anything else on somatics or yoga This isn't just a book — it's a nervous system manual for our times. I'm so excited to finally share it with you. 🎉📘 Grab my new book: Healing with Somatic Yoga: A 6-Week Journey to Release Emotions, Rewire Your Nervous System, and Reclaim Your Body → https://amzn.to/3WGulGG and claim the bonus videos and gifts exclusively for early book purchasers!    FREE Practice: Somatic Yoga Workout for Women with Music | Release Anger, Anxiety, Stress, Hip Tension & Trauma Relevant Blog: What Is Somatic Yoga? Everything You Need To Know   Relevant to Today's Episode: 💖 Uplifted Membership 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  💫 Somatic Certification 🎧 Also Listen to: #318 – What Is Somatic Yoga? #330 – Somatic Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: Breaking Down How 5 Poses Differ in your Yoga Practice #384 – Do Less, Heal More: 7 Invitations to Resolve Trauma from Organic Intelligence © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

What does it mean to surrender—not just in theory, but in your body? Katie Silcox is back for an intimate and expansive conversation where we explore the intersections of shadow work, yoga, energy practices, and the divine. We talk about the emotional courage it takes to let go, the healing potential of the word God, and how to distinguish between meditation and prayer in a way that supports your spiritual evolution. You'll learn: 🔹 Why shadow work is more about integration than excavation 🔹 The difference between vertical and horizontal energy flow 🔹 How to ground yourself for deeper emotional intelligence and energy work 🔹 What it means to surrender to a benevolent universe 🔹 The distinct but complementary roles of meditation and prayer If you're longing for connection—to self, to Source, and to the real sensations of spirit moving through your life—this episode is for you. 🌹 Download my somatic sequences & playlists for teachers: https://www.brettlarkin.com/somatic-sequences/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=somatic-sequence 💗Get Brett's Free Somatic Yoga Workshop: https://www.brettlarkin.com/embodiedyoga GUEST EXPERT: Katie Silcox | @theshaktischool Katie Silcox, M.A. is the New York Times Best-Selling author of the book Healthy, Happy, Sexy - Ayurveda Wisdom for Modern Women and the new book - Glow-Worthy. She is the founder of The Shakti School, a premier online certification school for women-centered holistic wellness that bridges functional medicine and eastern traditions. She holds a Masters degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and is a member of the National Ayurvedic Medicine Association. In her former life, she has been a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, a cover model for Yoga Journal magazine in Russia and the owner of a beach bar in Spain.  Uplifted Yoga Exclusive $200 discount codes for The Shakti School's Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Certification: If you would like to pay in full for the course, please use the discount code uplifted200 - this will take $200 off the tuition. If you would like a payment plan option, please enter code uplifted200plan at registration checkout. This will take $100 off the first two payments on any of the payment plan options. Order Glow-Worthy by Katie Silcox here   FREE Practice: Total Body Yoga for Women | DEEP STRETCH HIPS AND BACK Relevant Blog: Understanding What is Divine Love: Key Insights and Perspectives   Relevant to Today's Episode: 💖 Uplifted Membership 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  💫 Somatic Certification 🎧 Also Listen to: #284 – How to Love Your [Broken, Dark and Angry] Self with Katie Silcox #352 – Redefining Feminine Energy in Yoga & Ayurveda with Katie Silcox © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

In this episode, I introduce the core principles of Feminine Form Kundalini, a radically different approach to energy and transformation. We explore how the body responds not to pressure, but to rhythm, wave-like movement, and the right conditions for deep inner uncoiling. This practice isn't about transcendence—it's about coming home to your body as the sacred gateway to power. You'll learn: 🔹 Why biological safety is the foundation of true spiritual awakening 🔹 How spiral and wave-like movement unlocks stuck energy 🔹 The vital role of pleasure in feminine energy practices 🔹 How this method differs from traditional Kundalini approaches This is your invitation to experience energy, embodiment, and transformation—on your terms. 🐍 Download the FREE Feminine Kundalini Starter Pack: https://www.brettlarkin.com/online-kundalini-yoga-teacher-training/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ku    FREE Practice: How to Awaken your Feminine Energy | EASY KUNDALINI YOGA FOR WOMEN Relevant Blog: Harnessing the Power of Kundalini Divine Feminine for Transformation   Relevant to Today's Episode: Kundalini 200-hour YTT Kundalini Demystified 🎧 Also Listen to: #265 – What is the Kundalini Serpent? The Major Misunderstandings Demystified #277 – Trauma Conscious Kundalini Yoga with Katrina Marie   © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

Looking for the perfect gift for the yogi or wellness lover in your life? Or maybe you're building your own holiday wish list? In this fun and cozy episode, Corinne and I share our favorite yoga gear, wellness hacks, and self-care staples—just in time for Black Friday and the holiday season. We dive into everything from yoga clothing and props to supplements and skincare tools, giving you a yogi-approved guide to all things supportive, stylish, and soul-nourishing. You'll hear: 🔹 Our go-to yoga clothing brands (from luxe to budget-friendly!) 🔹 Wellness staples we swear by—AG1, protein bars, electrolytes + more 🔹 Weird-but-awesome upgrades like face tape + at-home laser hair removal 🔹 Thoughtful gift ideas for yogis, wellness lovers + self-care enthusiasts ✨ Whether you're shopping for others or treating yourself, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire your holiday shopping and elevate your practice. Many of the items mentioned in this episode can be found at Brett's Amazon storefront (please also support local retailers, this was just the easiest place to assemble): https://www.amazon.com/shop/brettlarkinyoga  Additional Vendors Mentioned: Uplifted Abundance Journal & Guidebook Uplifted Chakra Journal Kroma Wellness Pique Life - please note this is a referral link Stars and honey protein bars Wear Pepper - small bust bras Calia Clothing- also sold at dick's sporting goods Finding Morgan Tyler - bite size strength workouts GUEST EXPERT: Corinne Maples (RYT 500)  |  @maplesyoga Corinne has been doing yoga since 2011 and has practiced every style of yoga under the sun, loving them all for different reasons; leading her to go through Uplifted 200 and 300 hr YTT as well as additional training in kundalini, chair, and prenatal yoga. In 2024, Corinne also became a certified Embodied Yoga Life Coach, working one on one with people to help move energy, release stuck patterns and become more embodied. She loves to help people maximize their yoga practice by giving them access to potent practices that can be done in as little as 15-30 min. Corinne teaches one on one Embodied Yoga Life Coaching privates, workshops, corporate classes, and retreats.  Book an Intro Session with Corrine: https://bookme.name/Mapleswellness/eylc-session  For more information on her offerings please reach out to maplesyoga@gmail.com   FREE Practice: Evening Yoga to Relax & Sleep Better - Yoga Flow 😴 Relevant to Today's Episode: ✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  💫 Somatic Certification 🎧 Also Listen to: #343 – Holiday Gift Guide for Yogis 2024 #350 – Do a "Yoga Life Makeover" with Corinne Maples © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

What does it mean to act with wisdom—and make every moment sacred? In Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reveals how true wisdom isn't passive—it's a call to action. He teaches Arjuna how knowledge, action, and sacrifice are deeply intertwined, offering a timeless guide for navigating moral crises with clarity and courage. Today, we explore how these teachings apply to your modern life, showing you how to transform every choice, breath, and moment into an offering aligned with your highest purpose. Here's what you'll learn: 🔹 What it means to put wisdom into motion in your daily life 🔹 How to meet crisis with clarity, courage, and spiritual alignment 🔹 The deeper meaning behind Krishna's words: "When righteousness fails, I create myself" 🔹 Practical ways to bring a sense of devotion and meaning into everyday action If you've ever asked yourself, "What should I do next?"—this chapter offers a profound answer: Act with awareness. Move from wisdom. Make it sacred. Loved this episode? 👉 Dive deeper into yoga's origins with my History of Yoga Course🐍 Or explore my 200-Hour Feminine Form Kundalini Training   📖 Different translations mentioned: Barbara Stoler Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Krishnas-Counsel-Bantam-Classics/dp/0553213652  Godsong by Amit Majmudar: https://www.amazon.com/Godsong-Verse-Translation-Bhagavad-Gita-Commentary/dp/1524733474  Eknath Easwaran: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-2nd-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/1586380192  Bhagavad-Gita As It Is by Swami Prabhupada: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-As-Bhaktivedanta-Swami-Prabhupada/dp/0892131233    FREE Practice: Yoga for Energy & Courage: Power Yoga Sequence, 30-Min Yoga Class Relevant Blog: Kundalini for Feminine Energy: Ignite Your Creative Power and Passion   Relevant to Today's Episode: ✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 💖 Uplifted Membership 🎧 Also Listen to: #358 – Intro to The Bhagavad Gita: How Do You Navigate Moral Dilemmas? #361 – Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1: Dharma, Emotions & Intellect #367 – Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Part 1: Should You Follow Your Emotions? Or Your Responsibilities? #374 – Karma Yoga & the Detached Yogi: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Part 2 #379 – Acting Without Attachment in a Messy World: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com

It's time to dive deeper into the subtle energy system that powers your yoga practice—and your life. In Part 2 of our exploration of the Vayus, I explore Udana Vayu (upward-moving energy) and Vyana Vayu (the expansive force that integrates everything), and how they influence expression, circulation, and embodiment. We connect the Vayus to chakras, Ayurveda, mudras, and practical tools you can use to balance these energies in your body and teaching. You'll learn: 🔹 The roles of Udana Vayu (expression, growth, communication) and Vyana Vayu (circulation, integration, wholeness) 🔹 How to use mudras to enhance your energetic balance 🔹 The link between prana, apana, agni, and ojas 🔹 How understanding the Vayus can refine your personal practice and your teaching 🔹 Why self-assessment of your energetic patterns can change everything This episode brings the Vayus to life—and shows you how to harness them to support your body, emotions, and path as a practitioner or teacher. 💖 Ready to deepen your practice and live from your true nature? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https://www.brettlarkin.com/uplifted/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted   FREE Practice: 10 Min Easy Guided Meditation | MORNING MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS Relevant Blogs:  Prana Vayu: The Breath of Vitality Apana Vayu: The Energy of Release & Surrender Samana Vayu: The Energy of Balance & How to Access It Udana Vayu: The Ascending Wind Vyana Vayu: The Energetic Secret to Flow   Relevant to Today's Episode: ✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 💖 Uplifted Membership 🎧 Also Listen to: #385 – The 5 Vayus: How Energy Moves Through Your Body (Part 1)   Transcript © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com  

Join my 90-Day Profitability Roadmap for Yoga Teachers webinar–so you create income without confusion and burnout: https://www.brettlarkin.com/live-90day/ What happens when yoga philosophy becomes a living, breathing part of your life—and your business? In this episode, I sit down with Carla Cline Thomas, a graduate of the Uplifted™ 300-hour teacher training, to explore the Koshas—the five subtle layers of being—and how they influence everything from energy management to authentic leadership. Carla shares her journey of working with the Koshas to find deeper alignment, both on and off the mat, and how this wisdom has transformed her approach to business coaching. Here's what we cover: 🔹 How the Koshas can guide personal and professional evolution 🔹 Why prana isn't just breath, but your relationship to vitality 🔹 The connection between energy management and financial integrity 🔹 How Carla integrates yogic wisdom into her business coaching 🔹 Why creating nervous system safety is the key to sustainable transformation Whether you're on your own teacher training path or looking to live your yoga more fully, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights. 💖 Don't miss this: Reserve your seat for the 90-Day Profitability Roadmap for Yoga Teachers webinar and learn how to create income without confusion or burnout: https://www.brettlarkin.com/live-90day/   GUEST EXPERT: Carla Cline Thomas | @carlaclinethomas Carla Cline Thomas is an experienced Performance, Mindset and Business Coach with 22 years of working in management, real estate, marketing, and sales. After years of leading teams, designing marketing campaigns, and creating trainings for corporate America, she became the branding strategist, business mentor, lead trainer, and go-to coach for new yoga teachers and wellness leaders. Carla helps visionary entrepreneurs and light workers turn their passion into profit to get what is in your head and heart out into the world in the most authentic way possible. Book with Carla: https://calendly.com/carlaclinethomas/yoga-biz-breakthrough-call Get your Yoga Biz Breakthrough Blueprint Free Guide:  https://www.carlaclinethomas.com/Soul-Statement-Guide    FREE Practice: YOGA TO CONNECT WITH NATURE 🌱 | Beginner Yoga to Connect with the Universe & Yourself | 5 ELEMENTS 💫 Relevant Blog: Understand the Koshas and Discover 5 Deeper Dimensions of You   Relevant to Today's Episode: 🔮 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training 🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery 🌀 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  💫 Somatic Certification 🎧 Also Listen to: #354 – Redefining "Niche" with Carla Cline Thomas #384 – Do Less, Heal More: 7 Invitations to Resolve Trauma from Organic Intelligence #386 – Stop Selling Products—Start Selling YOU: Human Design for Visibility & Flow with Juliette Stapleton #387 – Book 4 of the Yoga Sutras: The Mystical Path to Liberation Explained © 2025 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com