In this episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony and Russell sit down with Lauren Peterson, a foundational Ashtanga Yoga teacher with a background in dance and acting. Lauren has spent over 30 years teaching and practicing yoga, contributing her time to organizations like Yoga Gives Back and the Monte Nindo Eating Disorder Center. She shares her fascinating journey from a professional ballet dancer in New York to a renowned yoga teacher in Los Angeles and Malibu, where she has taught Ashtanga Yoga for decades.

Lauren discusses her initial foray into yoga through Iyengar and Ashtanga, recounts her transition from dance to yoga, and reflects on the challenges of aging and accepting changes in her practice. She highlights the importance of presence and listening to the body, using yoga to be more present in all aspects of life, including parenting and acting.

Lauren shares stories of celebrity yoga moments, her work with Yoga Gives Back, and how traveling to India deepened her connection with yoga. The conversation wraps up with inspiring insights into the evolving journey of yoga, aging, and the beauty of embracing the limits of one's practice.

Key Topics:

• Lauren’s background in professional ballet and transition to Ashtanga Yoga

• The healing power of yoga for both physical and emotional challenges

• Lessons learned from teaching yoga and traveling with Yoga Gives Back

• Insights into balancing yoga practice with aging and physical limitations

• Celebrity stories and experiences as a yoga teacher in Los Angeles

• How yoga helps cultivate presence and awareness in everyday life

• The role of yoga in acting and how both disciplines inform one another

Yoga Gives Back: Lauren and Harmony talk extensively about Yoga Gives Back, an organization that helps underserved communities in India through yoga fundraising initiatives. Lauren shares information about the upcoming Yoga Gives Back Retreat in Nagano, Japan, and invites listeners to get involved.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Lauren Peterson on Instagram: @ohlaurenpeterson

• Learn more about Yoga Gives Back and join their events at YogaGivesBack.org

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

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com

• Finding Harmony Community