Let's Talk Yoga

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?Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

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 relationshipsJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

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 guruJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

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 KoshJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

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 yoginisJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

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 mudrasJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting Prashant J, a yoga teacher from India, on my show. He is the proud owner of a yoga school in Rishikesh and is known for his expertise as an international yoga teacher and content creator. Our discussion today will focus on pranayama, where we dive deep into topics like prana, Kundalini Shakti, and Kumbhakas.Episode Highlights:The link between yoga and pranayamaThe definition of prana and pranayamaCan pranayama alone help one move towards higher states of consciousness and enlightenment or get into much deeper practices?The relationship between the Kundalini Shakti and the practice of pranayamaWhat should be the goal for a modern-day practitioner of pranayama?Is pranayama and meditation the same thing?How much pranayama does the average person need?Pranayama history overviewThe significance of the Kumbhaka stage of Nadi ShodhanaAntar vs Bahir KumbhakaIs Bahir Kumbhaka the same as Kevala Kumbhaka?Kumbhaka practice for men vs womenShould women do Kumbhaka during menstruation?Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum are three phases in life that Ayurveda provides a lot of wisdom about. I can't think of anybody specializing in this field other than our past guest, Nidhi Pandya. She uses her generational Ayurvedic wisdom to help us understand it in a simplified and relatable manner where we can find ways to apply Ayurvedic wisdom in our daily lives.Episode Highlights:What Ayurveda says about fertilityHealthy practices one can doAdvice to women who choose to be childfreeAyurveda for menHow to nourish the body post-partumHow to nourish the body after a miscarriageThree to-go practices for pregnant womenProtocol for fertility treatmentsJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Ayurvedic self-care is taking care of ourselves from within. Indu's book SOMA: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care is filled with recipes, rituals & remedies. Looking after ourselves is especially important these times, so if you’re like me who loves anything DIY and self-care, you'll enjoy this conversation.Episode Highlights:What is SOMA?What is at stake if we don’t talk about ourselves?How important is a self-care routine?Indu’s favorite morning ritualIndu’s nighttime practiceOiling the soles of the feetWhat is oil pulling and its benefits?Tongue scraping and the difference between steel and copper tongue scrapersWhat to do to keep our ears healthyIndu suggests a simple way to practice mounaIndu’s favorite eye-care ritualMudras and it's part in self-careIndu shares the value of self-careJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

In this episode, we're going to do a deep dive to figuring out the answers to these two important questions. I'm going to give you very clear markers to work with. I want this episode to be a reminder that preparing yourself for pranayama is very important. That way, you resonate with it deeply as you explore the practice. Because there is nothing imaginary in pranayama. It is an exact science and a precise system that has been handed over by Yogis for centuries with care and caution.Episode Highlights:Part 1: How do you know you are ready to do a deep dive into pranayama study?Step 1: Understand where pranayama beginsStep 2: Understand the role of time and the maturation of practiceStep 3: The importance of understanding the role of your source for pranayamaStep 4: Replace the "I want more" mindset with more refinementStep 5: Find more Ananda within you in this practicePart 2: When do you know you are ready to teach pranayama?You have a deeply established asana practiceYou are prepared to lead othersOkay with not teaching pranayamaJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

On this episode, I invited a very special guest, Dr. Abha Rajbhandari, who's going to dive into the intersection of science and spirituality. We’re going to explore the definition of science and spirituality, where they intersect, the nature of our consciousness, what yoga does to our brains, the goal for emotional regulation, and so much more.Episode Highlights:The definition of spiritualityWhat makes up something to be called spiritualThe definition of scienceScientific parts of yogaWhat yoga does to the brainThe impact of meditation on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseasesThe nature or origin of consciousnessConnecting with our consciousness through meditationThe type of meditation to use in connecting with our consciousnessThe goal of emotional regulationWhat happens to the ego in the pursuit of consciousnessLayers to consciousness to know aboutPractices or rituals to help both physically and spirituallyNeurochemicals and the effects of screen time on our brainsWhat chemical imbalance causes depression?An invitation to become open-minded both in scientific and spiritual aspects of lifeJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Surya Namaskar, also known as sun salutations, is such a simple yet daunting topic for a lot of yoga teachers and we as modern practitioners only know it from the lens of it being very physical. So on the show today, I invited Pradeep Sattwamaya to help us trace the origins of Surya Namaskar and its uses in our modern-day yoga.Episode Highlights:How old is the practice of Surya Namaskar?The importance of Hatha yogaWhat is Chandra Namaskar?Breath practicesSupplemental elements in yogaThe Origins of Surya NamaskarClassical Surya Namaskar as a physical practice and VinyasaWhat type of Surya Namaskar and how many rounds is recommended a dayIs Surya Namaskar a moving meditation?Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

In this episode, I'm giving you a teaser of my Pranayama class by talking about the different groups of Pranayama practices. You'll be amazed to know how each type impacts our body and spirit. And did you know that there is such a thing called Pranayama Sequencing? I can't wait to get into all that and more in our upcoming training and immersion. Episode Highlights:The three main groups of Pranayama practicesWhy is Vitalizing Pranayama also called Energizing Pranayama?Tranquilizing Pranayama and what it does to the bodyWhich is the most beginner-friendly among the different types of Pranayama?The reason why Classical Pranayama is considered as a unique categoryJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Have you ever heard about Bhoga? The word Bhoga is a Sanskrit word that means to enjoy or to consume. And since we are heading into a celebratory season across the globe, I thought that this would be a very timely conversation for us to have.Episode Highlights:What is BhogaBhoga is not necessarily a bad thingFour stages of lifeYoga versus BhogaThe problems that come from overindulging in BhogaThe six types of indulgences that we have to watch forDealing with Bhogas through the four Margas of yogaUseful tips for holiday seasonsI really hope that you will find some nuggets of wisdom from this episode and be able to apply it, especially during the holiday season!Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

I know many of you have been waiting for my annual Pranayama Yoga Teacher Training and I'm very excited to share that the wait is finally over. As you're listening to this episode, all the details are live and the waitlist is open.To get a first-hand experience of what it's like inside this course, I looked at one of our older Pranayama podcast episodes that I wanted to share with you. I want to allow you to practice a little Pranayama with me via this podcast. So what I’m sharing with you today is called Free Pranayama Masterclass and Sequence Guidelines.Episode Highlights:Defining the word ‘pranayama’Parts of respirationNadi Shodhana, the king of breath practiceWhy it's not meant to be rushedStage 1: Preparatory practiceNasikagra MudraGuided self-practice for stage oneStage 2: Equalizing the breathGuided self-practice for stage twoHow we tend to force our breath outStage 3: Antara KumbhakaGuided self-practice for stage threeRecap of the three stages of the practiceSo if you have been waiting to add Pranayama to your own practice and teaching repertoire, this is it. The course is waitlisting now. Registrations open on December 1st and close on December 31st, 2023. The course is starting on January 9th, 2024 and it runs online for six weeks.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

It's a real challenge to teach a person who is just starting their yoga experience. What is the best approach in teaching yoga to beginners? How do we prepare ourselves as teachers?Take advantage of this level when they are most susceptible to knowledge and build a strong foundation. After all, mentors play a big part in their students' yoga. Listen and discover more in today's episode.Episode Highlights:How to teach yoga to a beginnerTeach the beginner what they can relate to firstSee the student in front of you with your head and your heartOperate from a point of abundance, not lackCheck if you're able to explain yoga to yourself if you were a beginnerPreview of the training manualThe teacher's mindset for teaching beginners yogaYou were once a beginner and still a beginner in other aspectsMost learning happens at the beginner's levelPicture your students living their yoga in the long runTeach whoever comes to you without judgment or selfish agendaBuild a professional rapport rooted in yoga with your each of your studentsBe willing to unlearn some things to uncover more yogaPractice non-attachment in your teachingGo the extra mile for your students and yourself as wellI hope to see you on November 7th in the Teaching Yoga to Beginners Course. Enjoy this episode.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

In today's episode I share 3 things I wish I knew a decade ago when it came to teaching a beginner (or any student). You know I think every beginner student is extremely important because there are a lot of yoga teacher training programs that do not get this covered because most of them focus on teaching a student who already has some basic yoga knowledge. Because teaching a beginner requires a nuanced approach and can be challenging. But also very rewarding. It comes down to the caliber of the teacher and the student. So in today's episode, I'm going to share with you three things that I wish I knew when I was teaching beginners that took me a decade to figure out. They are things that I have stuck to time and time again and have definitely been game-changers. Take note that none of them are about poses. In fact, they're what I commonly refer to as invisible yoga when it comes to teaching yoga.Episode Highlights:Focus on how they will learn instead of how you will teachTeach the practice more, not just the poseStop queuing, start communicatingI hope you enjoy this episode and I hope to see you on November 7th in the Teaching Yoga to Beginners Course.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

As the owner of Aham Yoga Studio for 10 years, I have honestly been testing, trying, and failing many times and coming up with a blueprint that now we put on repeat that helps us to move the students in a way where they relate to yoga, they feel successful, and they come back to continue investing in themselves and in their journey with yoga. So I have taken these 10 years of my work and have condensed and packed it into a 30-hour online Teaching Yoga To Beginners Course that is built specifically for you.While there are many aspects to teaching beginners—which we'll explore in-depth in the Teaching Yoga to Beginners course—in today's episode, I want to focus on discussing the yoga sequencing principles for beginners. Yoga sequencing principles largely being asana-oriented. I'm giving you three, out of nine, proven yoga sequencing principles that I have used for beginner's asana classes for a decade successfully.Episode Highlights:Sequencing principle #1: Lay the roadmapSequencing principle #2: Start and end positions matterWhat positions to avoidSequencing principle #3: Know your what-if momentsThe training starts on November 7th, 2023, and enrollments open on October 15th, 2023. It's completely online. It is built for yoga teachers who want to get better teaching, especially a beginner. How you learn matters to me so I've done my best to make it as effective as possible.On October 16th, I'm hosting an information session at 8:30 AM Pacific Time to give you a preview of the content and walk you through the content library where you can also ask your questions.I hope to see you on November 7th in the Teaching Yoga to Beginners Course. Enjoy this episode.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

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.Join us as we explore the role of food in our lives, the various effects different foods bring to us, and some practical tips for modern-day yoga practitioners who want to live a more holistic lifestyle.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 holisticallyYou can find more about Nidhi and the resources mentioned in the episode show notes.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Nowadays, there are people who start yoga through asana practice but, at its core, keep saying that yoga is for the mind. The question is how is the mind actually connected to yoga? In this episode, I will be joined by a new guest, Sandipani Manur, who will help us look into managing the mind through yoga and the different layers of the mind.Sandipani has been teaching for a very long time. He has 25 years of learning and teaching yoga and he aims to keep yoga very simple and relatable.Some of the things we discuss are the parallels between the Eastern and Western views of the mind, how yoga views the mind, and whether or not meditation helps with managing the mind.You can find more about Sandipani and the resources mentioned in the episode show notes.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram