Dharma Drops Podcast

Yoga and Pilates teacher Jonni Garro joins the Dharma Drops conversation! In this episode, Jonni shares her insights and experiences as a student of Annie Carpenter and SmartFLOW Yoga. But, most importantly, she underscores the importance of loving ourselves and our bodies—our soul suits—for ALL that they are. Along the way, we talk about yoga, meditation, dance, and more.

Given the current circumstances surrounding social justice, these conversations are some of the most important I've had on Dharma Drops. Yet the episodes featuring BIPOC guests and conversations about social justice are the least downloaded in Dharma Drops history. These voices must be heard. And these conversations must be had. As such, today, we are kicking off a series of Dharma Drops throwbacks that feature BIPOC guests and social justice conversations.

This week, master fitness instructor and yoga teacher Kia Williams joins the Dharma Drops conversation. In this Mini-Drop episode, Kia shares tangible ways for yoga and fitness studios to authentically increase inclusivity and equality. Along the way, we talk about the cultural appropriation of yoga, best practices for businesses, and ways to stay balanced through yoga and fitness. Most importantly, Kia reminds us that this work will require not a safe space, but a brave space for all.

Kirtan artist and yoga teacher Johanna Beekman is back! Though this episode was recorded in May 2020, Johanna’s insights about yoga, mantra, and beyond are the reminders we need as we forge ahead into “the new normal” of the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode, we chat about the silver linings of the pandemic, the power of mantra, yoga, and more. This episode is a reminder that when we utilize these tools, they become the subscript of our lives, guiding us through all of life's ups and downs.

Though there is often pressure for yogis to stay committed to a daily asana practice, most of us, at some point, discover we need a break. In other words, it's okay to fall out of your asana practice for a little bit. But just because you aren't on the mat doesn't mean you can't practice. In this mini-episode, we are exploring a few ways to stay committed to the practice without the demand to step on the mat every day.

In celebration of the summer solstice, this short meditation will guide you through the connection between the sun and the Self. After all, the very sun that shines its radiance upon the Earth also shines within YOU. Use this meditation anytime you wish to connect with your inner light and shine that light upon others.

Yoga and Ayurveda teacher Irina Adriaensen is joining the Dharma Drops conversation in this special mini-drop episode! For many, the summer solstice is the marker of the transition in the hottest days of the year--and when our embodiment of pitta dosha can get out of balance. But, as Irina explains, Ayurveda offers tangible solutions to harmonize the mind, body, and soul. Most importantly, she reminds us that Ayurveda offers us the opportunity to tune in and make choices that serve us best all summer long.

In this episode, empathy expert Meritxell Garcia shares insight about the importance of empathy and how we can become more empathetic in our lives. Refining our empathy practice allows us to listen, learn, and connect with others--no matter what conflicts we are facing. Though this episode was planned prior to George Floyd's death and the subsequent protests, Meritxell Garcia's wisdom about empathy has arrived on Dharma Drops at just the right time.

As the world navigates heartache and outrage after the murder of George Floyd, many are seeking ways to understand activism. This episode shares my own story of feminist activism, underscoring the role that the yoga practice played in changing my activist approach. Most importantly, this mini-episode highlights that we all have a different activist path and varying causes. But no matter how we see ourselves as activists, yoga cultivates skill in action, self-reflection, and selfless service.

You are doing the best you can. Even that means if you aren't doing much or if you need to do less. In fact, sometimes, after intense experiences like the coronavirus pandemic, there is a calling to slow down and rest. The yoga teachings continually remind us that there is a balance between effort and ease. So, with that in mind, in today's mini-episode, Rebecca offers a reminder to let go of guilt and take the rest you need.