Daniel Scruggs shares his mission with Peace Culture Music, focusing on educating and inspiring through rare musical instruments and artifacts. He reflects on his personal journey, including struggles with dysgraphia and attention issues, which fueled his passion for music and culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing uniqueness, connecting with ancestors through music, and fostering curiosity and wonder in life.

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Daniel Scruggs is a world citizen, professional musician and experienced educator who is on a mission to educate, inspire and unite. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally as a student and educator of human cultures and global music making traditions. 

These journeys have provided him opportunities for learning immersion in twenty four countries throughout five continents. Throughout his travels, Daniel has collected hundreds of rare musical instruments, as well as cultural artifacts, curiosities and unique geological wonders from around the world. This collection forms the basis of his interactive educational programs. 

Daniel spent eight years in formal music studies and performance with the prestigious Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, earning a foundation in rudimental drumming and marching. Upon graduation from the corps he continued formal music studies in percussion at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and Arabic Language immersion in Sana’a Yemen. Daniel earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. 

Daniel’s interest in peace studies, culture and specialized learning methods led him to embrace the Montessori method of education. He has shared his one-of-a-kind cultural education programs in pre-schools, grade schools, colleges, hospitals, retirement communities, with students with special needs and learning disabilities, refugees from war torn countries, combat veterans, on two Native American reservations and with hundreds of educators and thousands of children throughout seven countries. 

He has created and led workshops for teachers and students in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Cuba, and Ethiopia. Many of these interactive adventures feature professional “djembe” style drums for everyone to play. 

More can be found on the Peace Culture Music with Daniel Scruggs Youtube channel and PeaceCultureMusic.Com 

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In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, Mataji shares insights into her life journey and spiritual path.

Born in Washington DC on April Fool's Day, she considers her birth a blessing. Reflecting on her childhood, Mataji recalls her cheerful disposition and love for quiet introspection and learning. She discusses her upbringing in a household that valued curiosity, art, and science.

Mataji also delves into her spiritual journey, influenced by encounters with Swami Satchidananda and her Catholic background. Throughout the conversation, Mataji emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating love and understanding in a rapidly changing world.

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Swami Gurucharanananda, lovingly called Mataji, is a senior sannyasi (monk) and disciple of Gurudev, Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj. She lives at Yogaville and serves on the Sannyas Board. Mataji is a guided meditation leader and Hatha Yoga teacher, an inspiring speaker, Integral Yoga® mentor, and private retreat guide. She loves to offer pujas (worship service), read Sri Gurudev’s teachings at lunch, and play the violin as a wake-up call in the dorms! In 2014 she was awarded the Swami Satchidananda Lifetime Service Award

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6rIahfE98wM

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The podcast delves into the profound spiritual journey of Snehan Born, tracing his path from early experiences in church to a lifelong quest for truth and enlightenment. Through encounters with various religious traditions, philosophical explorations, and travels worldwide, Snehan embarks on a quest to understand the deeper meaning of existence. Snehan grapples with existential questions, confronts personal privileges and challenges, and ultimately finds solace and guidance through Integral Yoga. 

Through anecdotes and reflections, the podcast explores themes of spiritual evolution, transformation, and the universal search for meaning in life.

Watch on Youtube

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Snehanji has over four decades of experience with yoga. He resides at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, where he serves as Swami Ramananda's assistant, teaches yoga classes and is a lead teacher trainer at all levels. Snehan is certified in all levels of Integral Yoga Hatha and has received additional certifications in Pranayama, Meditation, Raja Yoga and Stress Management from Integral Yoga. He has also received teacher training from yoga master Sri Dharma Mittra of the Dharma Yoga Center, Manhattan and has also studied with Sharon Gannon and David Life from Jivamukti Yoga Center, Manhattan. Snehan has studied Bhakti Yoga globally with Jai Uttal and Govind Das. Chanting mantra and playing the harmonium are part of his regular practice and classes. 

Snehan has lived and traveled extensively within India and practiced with many teachers there. He has taught yoga all over the US as well as in India, Nepal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan and Europe. 

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Rachel discusses her philosophy of "Let's Do Less," advocating for slowing down in today's fast-paced world. She emphasizes the power of doing less for self-care and healing, particularly in trauma work. Rachel explores the intersection of presence, genuine connection, and identity in self-care practices. She highlights the importance of being mindful of one's biological experiences and emotions while navigating personal growth and well-being.

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Rachel Jensen is a Licensed Massage Therapist, certified Health Coach through Duke University, 200 and 300 HR certified Integral Hatha Yoga Teacher, and is currently pursuing her certification in Somatic Experiencing- a body-based approach to dealing with trauma created by Peter Levine.

A Licensed Massage Therapist for 18 years, Rachel is passionate about finding the connections between modern science, trauma research and the ancient practices of yoga, touch, and movement. In a practice focusing on trauma informed bodywork, especially as it applies to chronic conditions of pain, stress, anxiety, and disease, Rachel has seen first hand the way somatic practices like yoga and massage can encourage and support a client’s healing journey.

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The conversation delves into the profound impact of communal singing and the healing power of sound vibration, emphasizing the significance of discovering one's authentic voice. It explores experiences in group singing settings, highlighting the importance of encouragement and support for individuals to overcome fear and judgment. Reflections on practices like meditation and cold therapy underscore the journey towards fearlessness and acceptance. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the conversation underscores the transformative potential of music and self-expression, ultimately advocating for the cultivation of a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore and embrace their musical abilities.

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Exploration of the mind, self-inquiry, and a search for deeper spiritual meaning set Narada Williams on a journey that led him to Yoga. His pursuit of teacher training brought him to Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in 2014, where he completed his 200-hour Integral Yoga training with Satya Greenstone. He taught Hatha Yoga classes in Radford, VA, while completing his degree in Tourism and Special Events Management. He returned to his spiritual home, Yogaville, in 2017 to teach and serve. A father and husband, Narada seeks to live a dedicated life, find joy in every moment, and recognize life for the divine miracle it is.

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Heather Mason, the founder of the Minded Institute, shares her compelling journey from personal mental health challenges to becoming a leading advocate for yoga therapy integration into healthcare systems. Drawing from her own experiences and the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness meditation, Mason emphasizes the need for alternative approaches to mental health treatment beyond medication. She underscores the importance of social prescribing, highlighting how socialization can have tangible physiological benefits on health. Mason's advocacy extends to promoting the inclusion of yoga therapy in healthcare protocols and providing training for healthcare professionals, envisioning a future where yoga becomes a recognized and accessible tool for mental well-being.

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Heather is an internationally renowned yoga therapy school, and the Yoga in Health Care Alliance, focused on bringing yoga into the UK’s NHS. She holds master’s degrees in Buddhist Studies, in Psychotherapy, Medical Physiology, and has extensive training in Neuroscience. Heather has been teaching yoga since 2001 and has specialized in the use of yoga therapy for mental health populations since 2007. She designed and taught an elective on yoga at the Boston University School of Medicine and created and taught the bioscience course the MUIH launched its MA in yoga therapy. Actively focused on the integration of yoga into healthcare, in 2018 Heather helped create an All-Party Parliamentary Group, “Yoga in Society”. Heather has also co-authored “Yoga and Mental Health” and “Yoga on Prescription”. In 2023 Heather and co-director Elaine Collins developed the first yoga therapy psychotherapy course in the world. This course is accredited by the NCIP.

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Links:

https://www.themindedinstitute.com

IG: @themindedinstitute

Facebook: @Themindedinstitute

Youtube: @Themindedinstitute

Twitter: @MindedInstitute

Linkedin: The Minded Institute

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In this enlightening episode, Michelle Jacobi shares her captivating journey into the world of yoga. Starting as a professional dancer in New York with a keen interest in philosophy, Michelle stumbled upon yoga for its profound background rather than its physical aspect.

During this conversation she recalls a transformative experience at the Uptown Integral Yoga Studio, and how it triggered a deep connection to herself and the interconnectedness of life. Michelle delves into the integral yoga system, highlighting its power to bring balance, self-awareness, and healing. Her story serves as an inspiration, emphasizing the profound impact yoga can have beyond the physical, guiding listeners on a journey of self-discovery and well-being.

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This dialogue between James and Avi takes a deep dive into the states of unified consciousness and the challenges of maintaining an expanded awareness amidst the daily nuances of life. Explore the concept of 'inner yes' as a guiding force in decision-making, where the body's sensations become a compass for mindful choices. Witness James' reflections on maturity, humility, and the ever-evolving exploration of consciousness.

In a thought-provoking twist, the conversation contemplates individuals as waves of light, with thoughts and emotions influencing the vibrations they emit. Dive into the exploration of undesirable emotions, the art of staying with discomfort, and the transformative power of embracing the unknown. The concept of freedom takes center stage, intertwined with practices like meditation and conscious breathing.

As the episode unfolds, the speakers share a unique exchange of energy, expressing gratitude and reflecting on conscious choices during a birthday celebration. This episode offers insights into conscious living, emotional exploration, and the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.

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In this episode, Govind Das shares profound reflections on his recent visit to India, marking his 21st journey to the country. He emphasizes the spiritual richness of sacred places like Rishikesh and Vrindavan, contrasting them with the materialistic focus of big cities. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals and practices in connecting with the divine, emphasizing the challenge of letting go of attachments and ego-driven narratives. Govind Das also discusses the essence of strength and courage, rooted in acknowledging a higher power and being open to divine guidance. Overall, the episode explores the deep spiritual culture of India and the transformative power of surrender and daily practices.

Govind Das on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G35TSwUM8xttVQyxIlCmu?si=GdjdQ2roS6OQzjq-dx0pNQ

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Prakash explores yoga as unity, emphasizing its role in bringing people together.

She delves into Raja yoga, focusing on the study of yoga sutras, advocating for individual reflection and practical application of yogic principles.

Capen addresses the challenge of self-judgment, advocating for a sense of humor in the pursuit of balance. She discusses the tendency to rank individuals in the spiritual realm and underscores the value of openness to diverse perspectives.

Prakash Capen (KAY-pen) left behind her career in broadcasting when she realized her real passion — to serve by teaching yoga. Over the years, she was Director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Washington DC, Boston, and San Francisco. In San Francisco, Prakash served as Director of Life Enhancement for the AIDS/HIV Study Group, taught a popular weekly meditation & yoga program for people with AIDS/HIV, worked with Dr. Dean Ornish‘s program for reversing heart disease, and began hospice service. A professional writer and editor, Prakash now focuses on concerns for those with chronic illness and disabilities, and, also, teaches application of yoga in daily life

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