This podcast answers a student's question about how yoga can help you maintain a healthy weight - and then addresses the more important question of how awareness practice can help you befriend your body exactly as it is. Includes a 20-minute guided breathing and meditation practice, and a guest appearance by my purring cat. Take care, Kelly

Befriending Your Body

Audio blog for yoga students and teachers. Yoga teacher and psychologist Kelly McGonigal answers listeners' questions about yoga practice, yoga philosophy, yoga therapy, and teaching yoga. For more yoga resources, visit www.openmindbody.com.

Health

Alternative Health

Self-Help

Sexuality

Fitness & Nutrition

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Talk Radio

The last homework assignment in my year-long online Yoga of Connection class was to consider what one thing you know to be true, but need to hear again and again. My own answer to this question has always been, “Whatever happens, I can handle it,” and one of the most moving experiences I have had was when one of my teachers said it to me – “Whatever happens, you can handle it.” So my end of 2006 gift to the class is this podcast – a statement of things that are true, for you, and true, for all of us. Take care, Kelly

Things You Need to Hear

This podcast is a reflection on what it means to feel at home - and how yoga practice creates a sense of being safe and cared for. http://www.openmindbody.com/ombpodcast5.mp3

Yoga that Feels Like Home

This podcast is inspired by an email question I received from a teacher working privately with a woman who grew up believing that "women should not show visible signs of sweating or breathing." The podpast includes my teaching recommendation, a reflection on the "Politics of Breathing" (or, why so many women chronically hold their breaths), and a 10-minute guided breathing practice that will help you liberate your own breathing, finding a relaxed, easy, and empowered breath.

Take a Deep Breath

This podcast shares an email exchange that took place in my Yoga of Connection online class and community. It discusses how to handle difficult emotions that come up during a yoga practice, and how yoga can help an individual heal from abuse. My extreme gratitude to the student who wrote the intitial email, for her courage and honesty sharing her experience. Take care, Kelly

Befriending Your Body

Download our free app to listen on your phone