Harmony Slater & Russell Case connected with yoga teacher Ross Stambaugh in a compelling dialogue about yoga, teaching, history, and philosophy. 

The conversation delves into Ross Stambaugh's unique yoga journey, including his choice to practice with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' daughter, Saraswathi Jois, over making a more conventional choice to practice under her son, R. Sharath Jois.

They speak about the significance of Saraswathi's unique contributions to the Ashtanga yoga lineage as a female leader. Ross shares his thoughts on the broader perspective of yoga beyond physical postures and what he's learned from his years of practising in Mysore, India.

They dive into the wisdom of ancient yoga practices and how he’s noticed changes to his practice over time. And also talk about the creation of his book: 'Ashtanga Svādhyāya.'

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

00:47 Guest Introduction: Ross Stambaugh's Yoga Journey

01:51 Dream Business Bootcamp with Marie Forleo

03:57 Co-host Introduction and Casual Banter

04:04 Guest Interaction: Ross Stambaugh's Current Endeavors

07:19 Ross's Background and Journey into Teaching

09:19 Ross's Transition from Art to Yoga

11:26 Deep Dive into Ross's Yoga Practice and Philosophy

34:58 The Ladder to Enlightenment: A Different Perspective

36:07 The Journey of Self-Love and Selfless Love

36:39 Defining Your Values as a Yoga Teacher

38:38 The Decision to Leave Public School Teaching for Yoga

39:52 The Transition from School Teaching to Yoga Teaching

41:24 The Journey of Practicing Yoga in India

46:54 The Role of Women in Yoga Teaching

53:29 The Experience of Teaching Yoga and the Future

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Key Points:

1. Early Influences and Yoga Journey:

   - Ross reflects on his introduction to yoga and the pivotal influences that shaped his early perceptions.

   - Insights into the evolution of his understanding of yoga over time.

2. Ashtanga Yoga and Global Teaching:

   - Deep dive into the practice and philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga.

   - Ross shares his experiences studying under Saraswathi verses Sharath Jois in Mysore, India.

   - Challenges and rewards of teaching Ashtanga Yoga to a global community.

3. Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga:

   - Discussion on the changes within the Ashtanga Yoga community, focusing on the approach to Authorization and Certification.

   - Ross compares the teaching styles of Saraswathi and Sharath.

4. Teaching Philosophy and Approach:

   - Insights into Ross' teaching philosophy, emphasizing seeing students as individuals and not giving up on them.

   - The role of discipline and breaking the misconception of pushing harder for enlightenment.

5. Yoga Beyond Asanas:

   - Exploration of yoga as a life experience and maturing through those experiences.

   - Ross shares thoughts on the broader perspective of yoga beyond physical postures.

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**Direct Quotes:**

 "We aren't yogis at 20 or 30. We're just asana practitioners." - Ross Stambaugh

 "Yoga is experience, and maturing through those experiences." - Ross Stambaugh

 "Learn the rules really, really well. Know what works. Know that the rules don't know you." - Ross Stambaugh

Important Links:

HARMONY LINKS

Dream Business Bootcamp:

⁠HARMONY B-SCHOOL BONUS EXPERIENCE - with the DREAM BUSINESS BOOTCAMP!⁠

⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠

⁠Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG⁠

⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

Connect with Russell

⁠Russell Case Instagram⁠

See Russell’s Art: ⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠

Find Ross Online:

• ⁠WEBSITE⁠

**Coming Up Next:**

Stay tuned for the next episode where we sit down with the incredible Marie Forleo, delving into her journey, insights on entrepreneurship, and the intersection of personal development and business success.

Join this LIVE workshop on Saturday, May 10 or Sunday, May 11 and learn the sacred breathing science that transforms stress into calm and fatigue into energy—in as little as 90 seconds.  Reserve your spot today!