Finding Harmony Podcast

Carrying Ashtanga Yoga Forward: Navigating Grief, Legacy, and Lineage


Listen Later

When a beloved teacher passes, what remains? In this poignant conversation, Harmony and Russell sit down with fellow Canadian Ashtanga teachers David Robson and Jelena Vesic to explore how a community carries the torch of tradition through grief, transformation, and time.

They share personal stories about lineage, legacy, and leadership following the sudden loss of Sharath Jois. Together, they reflect on the challenges of upholding authenticity, adapting practices, and fostering community while honoring a tradition that shaped their lives.

Whether you are a seasoned Ashtangi or new to the practice, this conversation offers a deeply moving and honest look at what it means to continue walking the path when the road ahead feels uncertain.

Episode Breakdown

  • How grief and lineage shape a yoga community

  • David and Jelena’s journey through authorization, certification, and responsibility

  • How the loss of a teacher changes the role of students and senior teachers

  • Stories of vulnerability, growth, and learning to lead without rigid structures

  • Reflections on community, tradition, and finding new meaning after loss

  • The evolution of Ashtanga Yoga in a changing world

  • The importance of Sangha (community) in sustaining spiritual practices

  • Guest Bios

    David Robson is a senior Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Toronto, Canada, with more than two decades of dedicated study and teaching. Known for his traditional approach and deep devotion to the Ashtanga lineage, David has guided thousands of students worldwide and was recently certified by Shruti Jois and the Joyce family following Sharath Jois’s passing.

    Jelena Vesic is an authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga teacher who brings a background in dance, discipline, and devotion to her teaching. She is passionate about creating safe, structured, and welcoming spaces for students while preserving the authenticity of the Mysore method.

    Relevant Links
    • Learn more about David Robson: Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto
    • Follow Jelena Vesic on Instagram 
      • Follow David Robson on Instagram
      •  

        *** Sign up for Harmony’s FREE Pranayama Master Class!***

        Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

        • Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
        • Finding Harmony Community 
        • https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
        • Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
        • Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
        • ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
        • Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session
        • Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz!

        • Call to Action

          If today’s conversation moved you, please share this episode with your friends or yoga community. You can also leave us a review to help others find Finding Harmony and be part of this ongoing story of resilience, devotion, and growth.

          Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

          FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation


          FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/


          JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/


          FOLLOW Harmony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/



          FOLLOW the Finding Harmony Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/


          FREE AUDIO GUIDE - Download your 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin

          JOIN ANCIENT BREATHING 2.0 and Live Classes with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ancient-breathing-2-0

          Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz!

          BOOK Your Spinal Energetics Session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/
          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store

          Finding Harmony PodcastBy Harmony Slater

          • 4.7
          • 4.7
          • 4.7
          • 4.7
          • 4.7

          4.7

          65 ratings


          More shows like Finding Harmony Podcast

          View all
          The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

          The School of Greatness

          21,291 Listeners

          J. Brown Yoga Talks by J. Brown Yoga

          J. Brown Yoga Talks

          567 Listeners

          Yogaland Podcast by Andrea Ferretti

          Yogaland Podcast

          1,244 Listeners

          Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

          Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

          2,418 Listeners

          The goop Podcast by Goop, Inc. and Audacy

          The goop Podcast

          6,738 Listeners

          Asana Kitchen Podcast by David Garrigues

          Asana Kitchen Podcast

          47 Listeners

          Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings by Oprah and Eckhart Tolle

          Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

          3,768 Listeners

          Stillpoints: A Podcast with Scott Johnson by Scott Johnson

          Stillpoints: A Podcast with Scott Johnson

          29 Listeners

          Escaping Samsara by Nathan Thompson & Evgeny Dziatko

          Escaping Samsara

          15 Listeners

          Yoga Inspiration by Kino MacGregor

          Yoga Inspiration

          169 Listeners

          Keen on Yoga Podcast by Adam Keen

          Keen on Yoga Podcast

          42 Listeners

          Let's Talk Yoga by Arundhati Baitmangalkar

          Let's Talk Yoga

          419 Listeners

          We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

          We Can Do Hard Things

          41,358 Listeners

          Sounds of SAND by Science and Nonduality

          Sounds of SAND

          110 Listeners

          The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

          The Mel Robbins Podcast

          20,918 Listeners