Ep 284 Adam Keen – The True Meaning of Yoga

Adam explores the true essence of yoga, its practical and spiritual dimensions, and how modern practices relate to traditional roots. They challenge common misconceptions and emphasize personal inquiry and responsibility in yoga practice.

KEY TOPICS

· The distinction between yoga as a spiritual and practical practice

· The influence of Indian culture and politics on yoga

· The evolution of yoga postures and practices in the 20th century

· The importance of personal inquiry and responsibility in yoga

· The critique of superficial wellness trends in modern yoga

· The connection between yoga and self-knowledge

· The political and cultural ownership of yoga

· The diversity of yoga practices and their historical rootSUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

FULL PODCAST LIST: https://www.keenonyoga.com/keen-on-yoga-podcast-guests/

Ep 283 Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor

Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor share their extensive journey through yoga, their insights on tradition versus innovation, and how spiritual practices intersect with everyday life. Discover how their experiences in India, Persia, and beyond shape their teaching and personal philosophies.

Main Topics:

· Richard and Mary's early paths into yoga and their discoveries of Indian philosophy, Tantra, and Buddhist practices

· Their experiences studying with Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, and the evolution of the Ashtanga sequence

· The importance of tradition, innovation, and personal adaptation in yoga practice

· Insights into pranayama, Sanskrit, and the deeper layers of yogic philosophy

· The relevance of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on action, sacrifice, and devotion

· The role of curiosity, questioning, and avoiding dogma in spiritual development

· Diet, vegetarianism, and the influence of food on practice and health

· The visceral and embodied experience of waking up and consciousness in yoga and meditation

· The parallels and differences between Yoga and Buddhism, and their synergy in modern practice

· The importance of individualized teaching and the teacher-student relationship

· Future inspirations drawn from nature, texts, and ongoing spiritual inquiry

Richard Freeman - Official website | Mary Taylor - Personal website

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Dr. Bessel van der Kolk discusses the intersection of trauma therapy and yoga, emphasizing the importance of body awareness, the role of the therapist, and how movement can aid healing.

Main Topics:

· The limitations of talking and drug therapies for trauma

· The importance of body sensations and interoception in healing

· The role of yoga and movement in trauma recovery

· The significance of the therapist's relationship and cues

· The impact of polyvagal theory and brain science on trauma treatment

· The importance of safety, trust, and relationship in movement therapy

· The use of video feedback and observation in yoga therapy

· Cultural differences in trauma expression and healing practices

Key Points

• · Traumatized individuals often shut down physically and emotionally, requiring gentle, safe approaches.
• · Body awareness and interoception are crucial for accessing and influencing the core survival brain.
• · The relationship and tone set by the yoga teacher significantly affect healing outcomes.
• · Movement modalities should be tailored to individual safety and comfort levels.
• · Understanding brain science, like polyvagal theory, can inform more effective trauma interventions.
• · Yoga and movement are parts of a larger puzzle, not standalone solutions.
• · Trauma survivors are among the most courageous people, deserving respect and support.

Website: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/

Instagram: @thebodykeepsthescore

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Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

Adam explores the evolving meaning of yoga beyond transcendence, focusing on embodied experience, practical application, and making life meaningful through practice. He challenges traditional views and considers how yoga can serve as a tool for self-connection, resilience, and authentic living.

KEY TOPICS

• · The original meaning of yoga as transcendence
• · The evolution of yoga practices from transcendental to embodied
• · The role of asana in cultivating objectivity and resilience
• · Making meaning through yoga in daily life
• · The relationship between suffering, meaning, and yoga
• · The importance of self-connection and authenticity
• · The use of challenging postures to understand discomfort
• · The concept of big self-versus small self
• · The role of community and shared practice in making meaning
• · The philosophical space of doubt and inquiry in yoga

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In this insightful interview, Doug Keller explores the roots of Hatha Yoga, its modern adaptations, and its profound connection to health, spirituality, and anatomy. Discover how traditional practices can be reinterpreted for contemporary wellness and spiritual growth.

Main Topics:

· History and origins of Hatha Yoga

· The relationship between physical practice and spiritual growth

· The role of fascia and anatomy in yoga practice

· Modern reinterpretations of traditional yoga techniques

· The importance of intention and mindfulness in yoga

Website: https://doyoga.com/

Instagram: @dougsyoga

Doug's books: https://doyoga.com/bookstore.htm

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Discover the nuanced role of physical touch in yoga, including its profound benefits and significant risks. In this episode, yoga teacher Adam explores the power of touch as a tool for connection, affirmation, and energy work, while addressing the dangers of abuse, boundary setting, and how to incorporate touch thoughtfully and ethically.

Key Topics

· The significance of touch in embodying energy and cultivating connection in yoga

· Personal experiences and crises of touch during the COVID-19 pandemic

· The impact of touch on healing and the importance of positive affirmation

· Recognizing and preventing physical and sexual abuse in yoga settings

· Establishing consent, feedback, and trust to create a safe environment

· The difference between assistance, adjustments, and forcing body shapes

· Safeguards such as consent cards and open communication with students

· Principles for ethical touch: gentle, clear, affirmative, and gradual

· The role of trust, relationship building, and sensitivity to personal boundaries

· Alternatives to adjustments, emphasizing support through presence and subtle cues

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Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

In this insightful interview, Chad Herst shares his transformative journey through yoga, personal grief, and coaching. He discusses the profound lessons from his book 'The Performance Trap,' exploring themes of vulnerability, surrender, and self-acceptance.

Chad began practicing Ashtanga Yoga in 1993, with David Williams as his first teacher, and was authorized to teach by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2003. He made the pilgrimage to Mysore for fourteen years, studied with Tim Miller, Chuck Miller, and Eddie Stern, and went on to found three Mysore-style programs. He still practices today. He's also a former licensed acupuncturist and has spent the last twenty years coaching high performers. His new book, The Performance Trap, is in part a reckoning with what the practice did to his body, and with the harder question underneath: why he kept going back long after he knew better, and what it means to still be on the mat at fifty-something. He lives in Northern California with his wife, Melissa.

Main Topics:

• · The impact of grief on personal growth
• · The role of discipline and surrender in yoga
• · The importance of honesty and vulnerability in coaching
• · How the desire for success can mask deeper ache

Websites: herstwellness.comChad's Book: The Performance Trap: The Ache No Success Will Ever Fix

Listen to the first chapter in Chad's voice: herstwellness.com/chapter-one

Full audiobook, EPUB, and PDF for anyone who wants to read the whole thing herstwellness.com/book

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Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

In this episode, Adam explores the concept of faith in yoga practice, its philosophical roots, and its importance for consistency and commitment. He discusses how faith differs from religious dogma, its role in personal growth, and how it can be cultivated in modern life.

Key Topics

• · The nature of faith and its misconceptions
• · The importance of faith for consistency in practice
• · Faith as a commitment to a way of life
• · The relationship between faith, trust, and humility
• · The philosophical foundations of faith in yoga

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In this in-depth interview, Jennifer Prugh shares her journey through yoga, spirituality, and her extensive work in running a yoga studio. Topics include the transformative power of yoga, integrating spiritual practices, managing a busy studio, and her inspiring travels and charity work.

Main Topics:

· The transformative power of yoga and breathwork

· Integrating multiple spiritual traditions and practices

· Managing a large, diverse yoga community

· The role of ethics and mindfulness in daily life

· Jennifer's travels and charity work in Africa and India

Websites: https://jenniferprugh.com/ | https://breathetogetheryoga.com/

Instagram: @jennprugh | @breathetogetheryoga

Book: River of Offerings

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Adam explores the evolution of modern postural yoga, examining influences, shifts in teacher-student dynamics, social media impact, and cultural changes.

Key Topics

· Influences of Western gymnastics and body culture on yoga

· The role of scholarship in redefining yoga's history

· Changes in teacher-student dynamics and authority

· Impact of social media and fashion on yoga culture

· The blending of traditional and modern influences in yoga

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Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

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