Adam interviews Mark Epstein, a psychiatrist and author, discussing the complex nature of desire from both a Buddhist and psychotherapeutic perspective. They explore how desire is often misunderstood as an obstacle, when in fact it can serve as a vehicle for spiritual growth and understanding. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing and embracing desire rather than suppressing it, the role of the ego, and the lessons learned from personal experiences and stories, including the Ramayana and the parable of the strawberry.

Buy the Book: Open to Desire – The Truth About What The Buddha Taught

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Mark Shares

· Desire is not inherently negative; it's often our perception of it that limits us.

· Suppressing desire can lead to greater dissatisfaction and emotional issues.

· Desire can be a pathway to spiritual growth and understanding.

· The ego plays a crucial role in our awareness and spiritual practice.

· Meditation helps us to understand and transform our desires.

· The middle path involves finding a balance between indulgence and suppression of desires.

· Personal anecdotes can illustrate the complexities of desire and satisfaction.

· Understanding the nature of desire can lead to greater empathy and connection with others.

· The Ramayana serves as a metaphor for the journey of desire and its true purpose.

· Self-awareness is key to transforming our relationship with desire.

Find Mark

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/markepstein108

Website: www.markepsteinmd.com

Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

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Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Epstein

01:01 Desire: A Different Perspective

05:55 Desire as a Vehicle for Growth

11:55 The Nature of Desire and Suffering

18:04 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

24:06 Empathy and the Objectification of Desire

30:46 Exploring Desire and Unsatisfactoriness

33:42 The Middle Path: Balancing Indulgence and Suppression

36:09 Understanding Desire: The Role of Self and Shame

37:12 The Ramayana: A Story of Desire and Purpose

40:37 The Strawberry Parable: Appreciating Desire

43:43 The Ego: Our Greatest Obstacle and Hope

Adam explores the complex relationship between money and yoga, addressing the common perception that charging for yoga corrupts its authenticity. He shares personal experiences and insights on the necessity of money as a means of energy exchange, the historical context of yoga's accessibility, and the implications of consumerism in modern yoga practices. Keen emphasizes the importance of trust, accountability, and the teacher's role in navigating these dynamics, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach to money in the yoga community.

Adam Shares

· Money is often seen as corrupting yoga, but it's a necessary exchange.

· Many yoga teachers struggle with the idea of charging for their services.

· Offering yoga for free can lead to a lack of commitment from students.

· Money can democratize access to yoga, making it available to more people.

· The historical guru-shisha relationship was exclusive and selective.

· Modern yoga allows for more freedom and choice for students.

· Accountability is important in the teacher-student dynamic.

· Consumerism has influenced the way yoga is marketed and taught today.

· Teachers have a responsibility to create a supportive environment.

· Navigating money in yoga requires a balance between accessibility and quality.

Keen on Yoga

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/

Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Money and Yoga

02:19 The Dilemma of Charging for Yoga

08:05 The Value of Money in Yoga

14:16 Trust and Money in Yoga

18:09 The Guru-Shisha Relationship and Modern Yoga

25:00 Reframing Yoga's Historical Context

28:55 Democratization of Yoga Through Money

33:49 The Challenges of Modern Yoga Teaching

40:07 Navigating Consumerism in Yoga

44:46 Finding Balance in Yoga's Modern Landscape

Adam speaks with Bernie Clark, a renowned yoga teacher and author, about his latest book on Prana. They explore the multifaceted nature of Prana, its historical context, and its relationship with breath and energy. Bernie shares his personal journey with Prana, including challenges and insights gained through his practice. The discussion delves into the significance of compression in yoga, the communication pathways within the body, and the importance of surrender and acceptance in healing. This conversation offers a rich exploration of the concept of Prana, bridging Eastern and Western perspectives on energy and vitality.

Buy the Book: Prana, One Breath, Many Worlds

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Bernie Shares

· Bernie's journey with Prana began with personal experiences and injuries.

· Prana is more than breath; it encompasses life energy and vitality.

· The historical evolution of Prana reflects cultural understandings of life force.

· Breath is intrinsically linked to life and spirit across cultures.

· Prana can be viewed through both Eastern and Western scientific lenses.

· Compression in yoga can stimulate energy flow and health in tissues.

· The body communicates through fascia, affecting energy flow and blockages.

· Different yoga practices can influence organ health through energy pathways.

· Scar tissue can disrupt energy flow and communication in the body.

· Surrender and acceptance are key to healing and understanding one's energy.

Find Bernie

Instagram: @bernieclark7528

Website: https://yinyoga.com/prana/

Adam delves into the complexities of the Mysore tradition of Ashtanga yoga, discussing both its merits and drawbacks. He reflects on his personal journey of why he stopped attending Mysore, the challenges of teaching Ashtanga, and the evolving nature of yoga traditions. Keen emphasizes the importance of intention in practice and the value of community while acknowledging the need for adaptability in teaching methods.

Adam Shares

• · Mysore tradition has both pros and cons.
• · The authenticity of yoga lies in the practitioner's intention.
• · Tradition in yoga is not static; it evolves over time.
• · Personal experiences can shape one's relationship with yoga.
• · Teaching methods should adapt to individual needs.
• · Community plays a crucial role in the practice of yoga.
• · The practice of Ashtanga can be both grounding and challenging.
• · It's important to separate the method from the individual teacher.
• · Trusting one's intuition is vital in yoga practice.
• · The journey of yoga is personal and unique for everyone.

Annie shares her extensive journey in yoga, discussing the evolution of her practice over the years. She emphasizes the importance of intention, presence, and self-inquiry in yoga, while also addressing the changing landscape of yoga and the need for alignment to serve the flow of energy. Annie reflects on her teaching philosophy, the role of anatomy, and the balance between strength and flexibility as one ages. The discussion highlights the significance of self-practice and personal growth in the journey of yoga.

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Annie Shares

• · Yoga is a lifelong journey of self-discovery.
• · The practice evolves with age and experience.
• · Intention and presence are key in yoga practice.
• · Alignment should serve the flow of energy, not the other way around.
• · Teaching should encourage self-inquiry and personal exploration.
• · Yoga can be both therapeutic and a form of physical fitness.
• · Anatomy knowledge is important but should be accessible to students.
• · The yoga landscape is changing, often focusing too much on aesthetics.
• · Self-practice is essential for personal growth in yoga.
• · Embracing change in practice is a sign of wisdom.

Find Annie

Instagram: @anniecarpentersmartflow

Website: https://www.smartflowyoga.com/

Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Adam delves into the practical aspects of yoga philosophy, emphasizing the importance of direct experience over theoretical knowledge. He discusses the role of emotions in yoga, the influence of karma on our present experiences, and the significance of faith and belief in the spiritual journey. Keen also highlights the necessity of consistent practice and self-inquiry as essential components of personal growth in yoga. The conversation culminates in reflections on the New Year, encouraging listeners to embrace life's experiences with courage and authenticity.

Adam Shares

• · Yoga philosophy emphasizes direct experience over theoretical knowledge.
• · The importance of connecting with oneself to understand yoga.
• · Right knowledge is based on direct perception, inference, and authoritative texts.
• · Emotions are integral to the yoga experience, not to be avoided.
• · Karma influences our present experience and understanding.
• · Misconceptions can cloud our perception of reality.
• · The interplay of pleasure and pain is essential for meaning-making.
• · Faith and belief are crucial for a meaningful spiritual journey.
• · Consistent practice is necessary for personal growth in yoga.
• · Self-inquiry is a continuous process of connecting with oneself.

Keen on Yoga

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

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Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/

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Clive shares his profound journey into yoga, spirituality, and self-discovery. From his early experiences in India to his disciplined practice of asana and pranayama, Clive reflects on the transformative power of yoga in healing the heart and mind. He discusses the importance of self-inquiry, the nature of reality, and the role of a teacher as a friend rather than a guru. Clive also delves into the mystical experiences he encountered in India, the significance of diet and lifestyle, and his views on enlightenment and the meaning of life. This conversation offers a deep insight into the essence of yoga and the spiritual journey.

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Clive Shares

· He's has been practicing yoga since 1968, inspired by a book on Hatha Yoga.

· His journey to India began in 1966, leading to a deep spiritual awakening.

· Yoga for Clive is about healing the heart and mind, not just physical practice.

· He emphasizes the importance of pranayama as a key to mental and physical vitality.

· Clive views asana and pranayama as tools for transformation and self-discovery.

· His experiences in India were marked by mystical encounters and deep emotional releases.

· Self-inquiry is essential for recognizing the impersonal witness within us.

· Clive believes there is no afterlife, only pure awareness after the body dissolves.

· He advocates for a balanced lifestyle, embracing life with wisdom and moderation.

· The meaning of life, according to Clive, is liberation from the illusion of self.

Find Clive

Instagram:

Website:

Email: [email protected]

Clive's Book "Free from me" cosmic poems on yoga & 'the way', the essence of his sharing in workshops and retreats

Lulu.com/clivesheridan

Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

In this year-end reflection, Adam shares his personal journey through the challenges and transformations of the past year, including the transition to online yoga, travels across various countries, personal health struggles, and the search for a stable home. He expresses gratitude for the support of his community and highlights the importance of finding balance in a traveling lifestyle while maintaining connections with students and fellow yogis.

Adam Shares

• · Gratitude for community support is essential.
• · Transitioning to online platforms can be successful.
• · Traveling during COVID presented unique challenges.
• · Personal health struggles can impact teaching.
• · Building community through retreats is rewarding.
• · Exploring new cultures enriches the teaching experience.
• · Returning to one's roots can evoke deep emotions.
• · Health challenges can lead to new beginnings.
• · Finding stability is important for personal growth.
• · The journey of a yoga teacher is ever-evolving.

Keen on Yoga

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/

Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Ep 255 J. Brown –Yoga, Emotional Healing & Faith

J. Brown, a prominent figure in the yoga community and host of his own podcast Yoga Talks, is Adam's guest on this episode. They discuss J.'s journey from acting to yoga, the evolution of modern yoga, the impact of social media, and the intersection of yoga and politics. J. shares his personal experiences, including his trip to India, his evolving faith, and the challenges of navigating controversies within the yoga community. The conversation highlights the importance of personal practice, the responsibility of podcasters, and the ongoing journey of growth and learning in both yoga and life.

Support the Podcast: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

J. Shares

· J. Brown's journey into yoga began in the early 90s during his acting studies.

· Yoga provided J. with emotional healing after the loss of his mother.

· His trip to India was pivotal in shaping his understanding of yoga and spirituality.

· J. emphasizes the importance of personal practice and autonomy in yoga.

· The evolution of modern yoga has shifted from counterculture to mainstream.

· Social media has changed the landscape of yoga teaching and marketing.

· J. discusses the intersection of yoga and politics in contemporary society.

· He reflects on the responsibility of podcasters to address controversial topics.

· J.'s podcast serves as a platform for honest conversations about yoga and life.

· Faith and spirituality have become central themes in J.'s life and teachings

J. Brown

Instagram: jbrownyoga

Website: https://www.jbrownyoga.com/

Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Adam explores common myths surrounding yoga practice, particularly in Ashtanga. He discusses the significance of moon days, the myths of leg positioning, menstruation and inversions, and the misconception of step-by-step progression in yoga. Keen emphasizes the importance of personal experience over traditional beliefs and encourages practitioners to question the validity of these myths. He concludes by highlighting the dual nature of myths in motivating practice while also recognizing their potential to mislead.

Adam Shares

· Moon days are not essential for practice.

· Leg positioning in Ashtanga lacks scientific backing.

· Menstruation does not prohibit inversions in yoga.

· The Ashtanga sequence does not guarantee step-by-step body opening.

· Primary series is not strictly therapeutic as claimed.

· Vinyasa is not a sacred principle but can be useful.

· Mula Bandha's relevance in modern yoga is questionable.

· Yoga does not purify organs as often claimed.

· Catching in micelle is not beneficial and can cause injury.

· Practicing more than once a day can be beneficial if done sensibly.

Keen on Yoga

• Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga
• Website: www.keenonyoga.com
• Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga
• Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/
• Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf