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Deepen Your Yoga Practice
Deepen Your Yoga Practice episodes
- Discovering Qi: Yoga, Qigong, and the Power of Movement and Breath w/ Aliena Mobley
In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc interviews Alienag Mobley, a yoga and Qigong instructor at True Love Yoga. They explore Elena's journey into yoga, her experiences in teacher training, and her transition into Qigong. The conversation delves into the definitions of Qigong, the concept of Qi as life force energy, and the significance of the five elements in Qigong practice. Elena shares insights on balancing the elements, what newcomers can expect in a Qigong class, and the emotional healing aspects of these practices. The episode concludes with advice on deepening one's yoga practice and upcoming workshops.
Takeaways
- Yoga can be a powerful tool for emotional healing.
- Teacher training can deepen one's personal practice.
- Qigong is about energy work and breath work.
- Qi is the life force energy within us.
- The five elements in Qigong differ from yoga's elements.
- The metal element relates to the lungs and letting go.
- Fear can be transformed into wisdom through practice.
- Qigong classes are relaxing yet energizing.
- Creating a daily practice can significantly impact well-being.
- Emotional experiences can be processed through movement.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Qigong
01:09 Elena's Journey into Yoga
02:26 Experiences in Yoga Teacher Training
06:40 Exploring Qigong: Definition and Origins
10:41 Understanding Qi: Life Force Energy
12:37 The Five Elements in Qigong
14:55 Balancing the Elements: Metal and Water
17:43 What to Expect in a Qigong Class
20:47 Upcoming Workshops and Emotional Healing
25:47 Advice for Deepening Your Yoga PracticeJoin Aliena 1/11/25 for Qi Gong Workshop: Embracing the Water Element at True Love Yoga
FollowAliena on InstagramLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!29 min - From Grief to Growth: Raven’s Journey into Yoga and Teaching
In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren sits down with the newest member of the True Love Yoga teaching team, Raven Dawn. Raven shares her journey into yoga, which began during a time of personal loss in 2023, and how her practice has become a powerful tool for healing, presence, and self-acceptance.
Through open-hearted conversation, Raven describes the pivotal role yoga played as she processed grief, the importance of True Love Yoga’s welcoming community, and the connection she feels to the practice’s deeper purpose. We also dive into Raven’s unique background, her love for animals and creative interests, and her involvement in Kansas City’s LGBTQIA community choir, Choral Spectrum.
Lauren and Raven discuss the impact of the True Love Yoga Teacher Training, reflecting on how it expanded Raven’s understanding of yoga beyond asana into a full spectrum of mind-body-spirit integration. Tune in to hear how yoga has not only transformed Raven’s life but inspired her to serve others on the mat with authenticity and compassion.
Topics Covered:
•Raven’s discovery of yoga as a healing tool
•The power of yoga in managing grief and cultivating presence
•True Love Yoga’s inclusive community
•Highlights from True Love Yoga Teacher Training and its impact on Raven’s practice
•How yoga bridged the gap in Raven’s spiritual journey
•The role of community in personal transformation
Resources Mentioned:
•True Love Yoga’s Yoga Teacher Training program
•Your Spiritual Besties podcast
Connect with Lauren and True Love Yoga:
•True Love Yoga Teacher Training
29 min - Fascia and Flow: Elevate Your Yoga Practice with Myofascial Release
In this episode, Lauren explores the fascinating world of fascia and its integral role in yoga and overall body health. She discusses the myofascial system, the importance of hydration for fascia health, and the benefits of myofascial release techniques. Lauren also highlights an upcoming workshop focused on myofascial release, emphasizing the importance of self-care, especially during the holiday season. The conversation encourages listeners to deepen their practice and awareness of their bodies through these techniques.
Takeaways
- Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs.
- Healthy fascia allows for smooth movement and structural integrity.
- Myofascial release techniques can alleviate pain and enhance mobility.
- Self-myofascial release can be done using various props like foam rollers and balls.
- Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy fascia.
- Gentle pressure techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Myofascial release complements yoga practice by improving flexibility.
- Awareness of tension points in the body can be enhanced through myofascial release.
- The upcoming workshop will provide practical techniques for self-care.
- Taking time for self-care during the holidays is essential for well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fascia and Myofascial System
03:27 Understanding Myofascial Release
06:30 Techniques and Tools for Self-Myofascial Release
09:57 Integrating Myofascial Release into Yoga Practice
12:29 Upcoming Workshop and ConclusionJoin Lauren 12/15 for Holiday Myofascial Release & Restore at True Love Yoga
FollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!14 min - 5 Tips for Camel Pose: Cultivating Gratitude On and Off the Mat
In this episode, Lauren discusses Ustrasana (camel pose) and its connection to gratitude and contentment, particularly during Thanksgiving week. She explores the physical and emotional aspects of the pose, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment, safety, and the yogic philosophy of Santosha. Through practical tips and personal anecdotes, Lauren encourages listeners to cultivate a sense of acceptance and gratitude both on and off the mat, highlighting the transformative power of yoga in fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the world.
Takeaways:
- Camel pose embodies vulnerability and courage.
- The sensation after the posture brings a sense of openness.
- Gratitude is essential, especially during Thanksgiving.
- Santosha requires acceptance and gratitude.
- Proper alignment is crucial for safety in camel pose.
- Engaging the glutes helps maintain structural integrity.
- Finding contentment in your practice is key.
- Mindful neck positioning is important for safety.
- Exploring variations of camel pose enhances practice.
- Cultivating gratitude and acceptance strengthens resilience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ustrasana and Gratitude
01:50 Understanding Santosha: The Niyama of Contentment
04:16 Tips for Proper Alignment in Camel Pose
07:33 Safety and Core Engagement in Camel Pose
08:28 Mindful Modifications for Individual Needs
12:17 Cultivating Gratitude and Acceptance on the MatFollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!14 min - Yoga Teachers & Marketing: Sharing Your Passion AuthenticallyIn 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 Marketing07:43 The Challenges of Marketing in Yoga12:31 The Importance of Workshops for Students21:53 Benefits of Hosting Workshops for Teachers32:34 Upcoming Workshop Overview39:28 Final Thoughts and ConnectionJoin Melody 12/14/24 for How to Create and Sell a Great Yoga WorkshopFollowMelody on InstagramLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!44 min - The Story of Yoga: Honoring Its History, Embracing Its FutureSummaryIn 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 Yoga10:35 The Evolution of Yoga Practices14:46 Modern Yoga: Challenges and OpportunitiesFollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!22 min - Living the Yoga Lifestyle: Exploring the Eight LimbsSummaryIn 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 Intro02:30 Limb 1: Yama04:00 Limb 2: Niyama05:53 Limb 3: Asana07:08 Limb 4: Pranayama08:10 Limb 5: Pratyahara09:45 Limb 6: Dharana11:11 Limb 7: Dhyana13:07 Limb 8: SamadhiFurther LearningListen to Episode 1: What is Yoga REALLY?Living The SutrasThe Yamas and NiyamasFollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!19 min - The Benefits and Disadvantages of Hands-On Assists in Yoga
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 Assists03:52 Benefits of Hands-On Assists06:16 Disadvantages of Hands-On Assists09:27 The Importance of Consent12:17 Types of Assists and Adjustments14:20 Maintaining Safety and Posture16:19 Conclusion and Invitation to WorkshopJoin Lauren's Hands-On Assist Workshop November 10th, 2024 at True Love Yoga.FollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!19 min - Ayurvedic Rituals for Autumn: Balancing Vata and Embracing the Season
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 Practices03:10 Physical and Mental Imbalances in Autumn06:39 Incorporating Self-Massage and Breathing Practices for Grounding08:23 Mindful Yoga for Autumn: Finding Balance and Stability10:41 Embracing Transition and Letting Go during Autumn13:07 Conclusion and Invitation to Yoga ClassFollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!15 min - Becoming a Yoga Teacher: Overcoming Doubts, Embracing Growth, and Finding Your Path
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 Overview02:07 The Life-Changing Impact of Becoming a Yoga Teacher07:46 Embracing Continuous Learning and Emotional Intelligence10:59 Holding Space and Being a Compassionate Observer13:00 The Realities of Teaching Yoga16:09 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Authenticity23:02 Conclusion and EncouragementAre you Ready To Become a Yoga Teacher FreebieTrue Love Yoga 200hr YTTFollowLauren on InstagramTrue Love Yoga on InstagramTrue Love Yoga- Book a Class!28 min
About Deepen Your Yoga Practice
From the publisher's feed
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.
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