DiscoverDeepen Your Yoga Practice
Deepen Your Yoga Practice
Author: Lauren Leduc
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© 2024
Description
Deepen Your Yoga Practice is a podcast dedicated to helping you explore the many layers of yoga, both on and off the mat. Hosted by Lauren Leduc, founder of True Love Yoga, each episode delves into topics like anatomy, philosophy, meditation, and the deeper spiritual aspects of yoga. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, this podcast offers insightful conversations, expert interviews, and practical guidance to help you enrich and elevate your practice. Join us as we journey together to deepen our understanding and experience of yoga.
14 Episodes
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In this episode of Deep in Your Practice, Lauren Leduc and Melody Butler discuss the intersection of yoga, marketing, and the importance of workshops. They explore the challenges yoga teachers face in marketing themselves authentically, the value of workshops for both students and teachers, and how to create and sell effective yoga workshops. Melody shares insights on building community, trust, and the significance of following one's passion in teaching and practice.
Takeaways
Yoga is a practice that connects body, heart, and mind.
Many yoga teachers feel uncomfortable with marketing due to societal programming.
Marketing should be seen as sharing rather than bragging.
Workshops provide a space for deeper learning and community connection.
Hosting workshops can help teachers grow personally and professionally.
Workshops can diversify income streams for yoga teachers.
Creating a workshop requires understanding its unique value compared to regular classes.
Effective marketing involves transparency and authenticity.
Teachers should focus on their purpose and intention in offering workshops.
Self-study and following one's passion are key to deepening yoga practice.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Marketing
07:43 The Challenges of Marketing in Yoga
12:31 The Importance of Workshops for Students
21:53 Benefits of Hosting Workshops for Teachers
32:34
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Leduc explores the rich history of yoga, tracing its evolution from ancient spiritual practices to its modern-day interpretations. She discusses the significance of understanding yoga's roots for both practitioners and teachers, emphasizing the importance of honoring its origins while adapting to contemporary needs. The conversation highlights key historical figures and texts that shaped yoga, the challenges of commodification and cultural appropriation in the modern yoga industry, and the call for a deeper connection to yoga's philosophical teachings.
Takeaways
Understanding the history of yoga provides context for modern practice.
Yoga's origins may trace back to ancient Egypt or the Indus Valley.
The Vedic period introduced the first yogic texts, the Vedas.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras formalized the philosophy of yoga.
The Bhagavad Gita outlines different paths of yoga beyond physical postures.
Tantra and Hatha yoga emphasized the physical body for spiritual awakening.
Modern yoga emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Krishnamacharya is considered the father of modern yoga.
The yoga industry faces challenges of commodification and cultural appropriation.
Practitioners should strive to honor yoga's roots while adapting to modern needs.
Chapters
00:00 The Historical Roots of Yoga
10:35 The Evolution of Yoga Practices
14:46 Modern Yoga: Challenges and Opportunities
Summary
In this episode, Lauren provides an overview of the eight limbs of yoga, which is a path to mental, spiritual, and emotional liberation. She briefly explains each limb and how they can be applied in both everyday life and on the yoga mat. The eight limbs are: yama (ethical disciplines), niyama (personal observances), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). Lauren emphasizes that while reaching samadhi, the ultimate goal of yoga, may be challenging, the journey itself is valuable and can bring more union and alignment to our lives.
Takeaways
The eight limbs of yoga are a path to mental, spiritual, and emotional liberation.
Yama and niyama are ethical disciplines and personal observances that guide how we live our lives.
Asana refers to physical postures and prepares the body for meditation.
Pranayama is breath control and helps create different energies within the body.
Pratyahara is sense withdrawal and techniques to let go of external distractions.
Dharana is concentration, which creates mental clarity and is important for meditation.
Dhyana is meditation, a state of oneness with the object of focus.
Samadhi is absorption and liberation, the ultimate goal of yoga.
The journey of practicing the eight limbs is valuable and can bring more union and alignment to our lives.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:30 Limb 1: Yama
04:00 Limb 2: Niyama
05:53 ...
Summary
In this episode, Lauren discusses the power of hands-on assists in yoga. She shares her personal experience with hands-on assists and how it led her to explore trauma-informed yoga and consent tools. Lauren explains the benefits of hands-on assists, such as increasing proprioception, creating trust and connection, and revealing the energetic dynamics of a pose. However, she also highlights the disadvantages, including the risk of harm, focusing on external aesthetics over internal experience, and creating codependency. Lauren emphasizes the importance of consent and provides different types of assists and adjustments. She concludes by inviting listeners to her hands-on assist workshop.
Takeaways
Hands-on assists can be beneficial in yoga by increasing proprioception, creating trust and connection, and revealing the energetic dynamics of a pose.
However, there are also disadvantages to hands-on assists, such as the risk of harm, focusing on external aesthetics over internal experience, and creating codependency.
Consent is crucial when giving hands-on assists, and there are various ways to obtain consent, including consent cards, verbal consent, and ongoing communication.
Different types of assists and adjustments can be used, including verbal assists, self-assists, stabilizing assists, deepening assists, and PNF assists.
Teachers should prioritize safety, professionalism, and individualization when giving hands-on assists.
Hands-on assists are not necessary to be a great yoga teacher, but they can enhance teaching and create more impactful and supportive yoga experiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background on Hands-On Assists
03:52 Benefits of Hands-On Assists
06:16 Disadvantages of Hands-On Assists
09:27 The Importance of Consent
12:17 Types of Assists and Adjustments
Summary
In this episode, Lauren discusses supportive Ayurvedic practices for autumn and how to support the season change through yoga. She explains the principles of Ayurveda and the doshas, with a focus on vata dosha during autumn. Lauren provides tips for balancing vata dosha, including warming and grounding foods, self-massage, breathing practices, and mindful movement. She also suggests lifestyle rituals such as lighting candles, creating cozy spaces, and letting go of clutter. Lauren emphasizes the importance of embracing the slower pace of autumn and tuning into one's needs.
Takeaways
Ayurveda is a holistic system of health that emphasizes the balance between the body, mind, and spirit through diet, lifestyle, and seasonal changes.
Autumn is considered a vata season, characterized by coolness, dryness, and wind. Balancing vata dosha is important during this time.
To balance vata dosha, focus on warming and grounding foods, practice self-massage with warm oil, engage in breathing practices like ujjayi breath, and engage in mindful movement.
Lifestyle rituals such as lighting candles, creating cozy spaces, and letting go of clutter can support the slower pace of autumn.
Embrace the opportunity to go inward, tune into your needs, and practice self-care during this season of transition.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Autumn and Ayurvedic Practices
03:10 Physical and Mental Imbalances in Autumn
06:39 Incorporating Self-Massage and Breathing Practices for Grounding
08:23 Mindful Yoga for Autumn: Finding Balance and Stability
10:41 Embracing Transition and Letting Go during Autumn
13:07
Summary
In this episode, Lauren discusses the readiness and considerations for becoming a yoga teacher. She shares her personal journey and highlights the importance of understanding one's why, committing to personal practice, and embracing continuous learning. Lauren also emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence, holding space for others, and the reality of teaching yoga. She addresses common fears and doubts, encourages authenticity and finding one's teaching style, and emphasizes the value of community support. Lauren concludes by urging listeners to listen to their intuition and take the leap if becoming a yoga teacher feels enriching and enhancing to their lives.
Takeaways
Understand your why and the reasons behind wanting to become a yoga teacher.
Commit to your personal practice and maintain consistency.
Embrace continuous learning and have a passion for expanding your knowledge.
Develop emotional intelligence and the ability to hold space for others.
Be aware of the reality of teaching yoga, including the time commitment and business aspects.
Overcome fears and doubts, and be open to personal transformation.
Find your authentic teaching style and voice.
Seek community support and mentorship from experienced teachers.
Listen to your intuition and take the leap if becoming a yoga teacher feels enriching and enhancing to your life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:07 The Life-Changing Impact of Becoming a Yoga Teacher
07:46 Embracing Continuous Learning and Emotional Intelligence
10:59 Holding Space and Being a Compassionate Observer
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Leduc interviews Katie Brown, a yoga and mindfulness specialist, about her journey into yoga and her passion for yin yoga. Katie shares how she fell in love with yoga after years of competitive bodybuilding and struggling with body image issues. She explains that yin yoga is a meditative practice that focuses on stillness and passive postures held for several minutes. Katie also discusses the upcoming Yin for Yoga Teachers 201 workshop, where she will dive deeper into yin yoga theory, postures, props, and modifications.
Takeaways
Yoga can be a healing practice that helps us develop a more positive relationship with our bodies.
Yin yoga is a meditative practice that focuses on stillness and passive postures held for several minutes.
Yin yoga can be a beginner-friendly practice but also presents challenges, especially for those who struggle with stillness.
Incorporating yin yoga into your practice can offer spaciousness and balance in our fast-paced, yang-focused society.
The Yin for Yoga Teachers 201 workshop is designed for yoga teachers or those in training who want to deepen their understanding of yin yoga and learn modifications for different students.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Katie Brown
08:11 Katie's Journey of Falling in Love with Yoga
08:58 Exploring Yin Yoga: A Meditative Practice
21:20 Yin Yoga Workshop for Yoga Teachers: Postures, Props, and Modifications
28:51 Deepening Your Yoga Practice: Self-Inquiry and Reflection
31:13 Connect with Katie: Instagram and Website
Summary
In this episode, Lauren discusses the intersection of yoga and civic engagement, specifically voting. She explores how the principles of yoga, such as ahimsa (non-harm), satya (truthfulness), and swadhyaya (self-study), can be embodied through the act of voting. Lauren emphasizes the importance of voting as a way to reduce harm, promote well-being, and contribute to the greater good. She also highlights the concepts of karma yoga (selfless action) and union, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the impact of individual actions on the collective. Lauren encourages listeners to engage in mindful voting and to align their choices with their yogic principles and values.
Takeaways
Voting is a way for yogis to engage civically and be active participants in the world.
The principles of yoga, such as ahimsa and satya, can be embodied through the act of voting by choosing policies and representatives that reduce harm and promote truth.
Voting is a reflection of unity and interconnectedness, as individual actions have an impact on the collective.
Engaging in mindful voting and aligning choices with yogic principles and values can contribute to creating a more just and peaceful society.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Deepening Your Practice Through Voting
02:30 Chapter 1: Choosing Policies and Representatives that Reduce Harm
04:59 Chapter 2: Reflecting on the Impact of Individual Choices
07:38 Chapter 3: Voting as a Reflection of Unity and Interconnectedness
08:58 Chapter 4: Living Your Purpose Through Voting
12:31 Conclusion: Using Voting as a Tool for Service and Positive Change
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Summary
In this episode, Lauren breaks down the pose Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward facing dog. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the energy and purpose of the pose, which is spinal decompression. Lauren provides five tips to elevate your downward facing dog, including using your hands correctly, finding external rotation through the upper arms, maintaining a neutral pelvis, and using props for support. She also encourages listeners to explore variations of the pose and share their experiences with her.
Takeaways
Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward-facing dog, is a pose that provides spinal decompression.
Understanding the energy and purpose of the pose is important for practicing it correctly.
Using your hands correctly by spreading the fingers and pressing into the palms helps engage the shoulders and wrists.
Finding external rotation through the upper arms and engaging the core can help maintain proper alignment.
Using props, such as a wall, blocks, or blankets, can provide support and help with alignment in the pose.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:48 Correct Hand Placement for a Strong Downward Facing Dog
05:12 Finding External Rotation in the Upper Arms
07:26 Maintaining a Neutral Pelvis in Downward Facing Dog
10:06 Using Props to Support and Enhance Your Downward Facing Dog
14:01 Conclusion and Call to Action
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Leduc discusses the benefits of traveling for yoga and participating in yoga retreats. She shares her personal experience of how traveling for yoga has deepened her practice and allowed her to connect with different cultures. Lauren highlights the benefits of disconnecting from daily life to reconnect with oneself during a yoga retreat. She also emphasizes the sense of community and personal growth that can be fostered through traveling and participating in retreats. Lauren addresses common obstacles and concerns, such as being a beginner or traveling alone, and provides reassurance and tips for overcoming them. She concludes by inviting listeners to join her upcoming yoga retreat in Portugal.
Takeaways
Traveling for yoga can deepen your practice and provide a distraction-free environment to focus on yoga.
Yoga retreats offer varying levels of intensity and can be a combination of practice and cultural experiences.
Traveling for yoga allows for disconnecting from daily life and going inward, which can be rejuvenating and replenishing.
Participating in yoga retreats builds a sense of community and fosters deep connections with fellow travelers.
Traveling for yoga provides opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth, increasing compassion and connection to humanity.
Common obstacles, such as being a beginner or traveling alone, can be overcome, and there are resources and support available.
Investing in a yoga retreat is an investment in oneself and can lead to transformative experiences and better decision-making in daily life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Traveling and Yoga
03:19 Deepening Your Practice Through Travel
05:31 Building Community Through Yoga Retreats
08:35 Overcoming Obstacles: Beginner and Traveling Alone...
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Leduc interviews Sedona Alvarez, a yoga teacher at True Love Yoga. Sedona shares their journey of falling in love with yoga, starting with online videos and eventually stepping into a yoga studio. They discuss how yoga and art influence each other in her life, and how both practices help them process emotions and connect with their intuition. Sedona also talks about the evolution of their teaching over the years, from ego-driven to focusing on helping her students feel resourced. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Sedona's upcoming workshops and the importance of community in deepening one's yoga practice.
Takeaways
Stepping out of your living room and into a yoga studio can deepen your practice and provide a sense of community.
Yoga and art can influence each other, helping to process emotions and connect with intuition.
Teaching yoga is a journey of growth and evolution, moving from ego-driven to focusing on helping students feel resourced.
Workshops and community connections can provide opportunities for deeper exploration and healing.
Taking time to mark the change of seasons and reflect on personal growth can be powerful and healing.
Join Sedona for Pop-Up Yoga at the Kansas City Museum 9/14/24
Join Sedona for Autumn Abundance 9/21/24
Take a class with Sedona
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Sedona on Instagram
Lauren on Instagram
True Love Yoga on Instagram
True Love Yoga- Book a Class!
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Leduc shares five tips for starting or restarting a yoga practice. The tips include starting where you are, using props and modifications, finding a style that works for you, finding the right teacher and community, being patient with your progress, and embracing the full yoga experience. Lauren emphasizes the importance of accepting and listening to your body, trying different styles and teachers, and being open to the variety of yoga practices available. She also encourages deepening your understanding of yoga philosophy and continuing to explore and learn.
Takeaways
Start your yoga practice where you are, accepting and listening to your body.
Use props and modifications to support your practice and make it accessible for your unique needs.
Explore different styles of yoga to find what works for you and be open to variety.
Find the right teacher and community that resonate with you and create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Be patient with your progress and focus on the holistic benefits of yoga, including mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Embrace the full yoga experience by deepening your understanding of yoga philosophy and continuing to explore and learn.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Starting Where You Are
02:50 Finding Your Style
03:39 The Right Teacher and Community
05:39 Being Patient with Progress
07:38 Embracing the Full Yoga Experience
09:...
Summary
In this episode, Lauren explores the question of what yoga really is. She explains that yoga is a subjective experience and that it has roots that date back thousands of years. She introduces the definition of yoga from the Yoga Sutras, which states that yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. She breaks down the Sanskrit words within the definition and explains their meanings. Lauren also discusses the relevance of yoga in modern times and the importance of stilling and calming the mind. She mentions that yoga is not considered a religion, but rather a philosophy and a science.
Takeaways
Yoga is a subjective experience and has roots that date back thousands of years.
The definition of yoga from the Yoga Sutras is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yoga involves stilling and calming the mind, and realizing that we are not our thoughts or fluctuations.
Yoga is not considered a religion, but rather a philosophy and a science.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Question of What Yoga Is
02:35 The Definition of Yoga from the Yoga Sutras
04:58 Breaking Down the Sanskrit Words in the Definition
07:22 Stilling the Mind and Non-Identification
12:46 Yoga as a Philosophy and a Science
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Lauren on Instagram
True L...
Summary
Lauren shares her personal yoga journey, starting from her first exposure to yoga in a hospital during treatment for an eating disorder. She talks about her experience with different forms of yoga, her struggles with mental health, and her decision to become a yoga teacher. She also discusses the creation of her yoga studio, her passion for teaching, and the challenges of balancing her practice with motherhood. Lauren emphasizes the importance of a regular personal practice and the transformative power of yoga.
Takeaways
People start yoga for various reasons, such as physical exercise, mental health, or socializing.
Yoga can provide a sense of autonomy, peace, and emotional release.
A regular personal practice is the foundation of the yoga practice.
Teaching yoga involves sharing one's own practice and connecting with the source.
Balancing a yoga practice with motherhood can be challenging but rewarding.
Yoga has the power to transform and provide a life source for oneself and others.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:10 First Exposure to Yoga
06:01 Struggles and Discovering Yoga Teacher Training
08:41 The Journey of Becoming a Yoga Teacher
11:59 Creating a Yoga Community
14:59 The Importance of Personal Practice
16:45 Balancing Motherhood and Yoga
18:32 Sharing the Love of Yoga
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