The story behind Ashtavakrasana, or Eight-Angled Pose, is as powerful as the pose itself. I share the tale of Sage Ashtavakra—born bent in eight places and mocked by many—whose wisdom and self-realization transformed both body and spirit. Discover how his journey teaches us to find strength in awkwardness, grace in imperfection, and alignment beyond the body.

Episode Highlights:

• Announcements about upcoming online and in-studio programs at Aham Yoga
• Introduction to the monthly “Mythical Stories Behind Poses” series
• Story of Ashtavakra: born deformed due to a father’s curse, yet destined for greatness
• How Ashtavakra’s intellect and wisdom outshone physical limitations
• The debate between young Ashtavakra and scholar Vandin in King Janaka’s court
• Ashtavakra’s victory and miraculous transformation through the power of truth
• Connection between Ashtavakra’s journey and the yoga pose Ashtavakrasana
• Symbolism of the pose: steadiness through asymmetry, strength through surrender
• Lessons for modern practitioners: transcending ego, judgment, and appearance
• Reminder that real alignment comes from within, not from physical perfection
• Reflection questions for practice: Where am I resisting? What can I soften or “straighten” within?
• Encouragement to share these stories and teachings to keep yoga’s roots alive

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Join me and Dr. Andrew McGonigle as we unpack the difference between pain and inflammation, how language and mindset shape the way students experience discomfort, and what yoga teachers can do to create safe, supportive spaces. From understanding acute vs. chronic pain to practical advice on guiding students you’ve just met, this conversation blends science with compassion to give you tools you can use in every class.

Episode Highlights:

• Defining pain: What it is, how the brain creates it, and the difference between acute and chronic (or “persistent”) pain
• Why language and mindset can change how pain is experienced—both positively and negatively
• Simple, general questions teachers can ask when they don’t know a student’s history
• How yoga teachers can respond compassionately when students share injuries or pain
• Is pain always a sign of tissue damage? The biopsychosocial model and what landmark research reveals
• Aru’s personal story of ACL surgery and recovery without heavy pain meds
• Observations of widespread knee pain in Indian women and the role of lifestyle and expectation
• Good discomfort vs. bad pain in yoga practice, and how to guide students without teaching from fear
• Placebo and nocebo effects in yoga classrooms—why our words matter so much
• The nervous system’s role in amplifying or quieting pain, and how stress or mindfulness shifts the experience
• Transitioning to inflammation: acute vs. chronic, myths about boosting the immune system, and what yoga can (and can’t) do
• The link between osteoarthritis, systemic inflammation, and lifestyle habits
• Movement as medicine: why physical activity is the best way to manage both pain and inflammation
• Clearing up wellness myths around posture, core stability, and anti-inflammatory fixes
• Closing reflections for yoga teachers on recognizing and working with pain or inflammation in class and in life

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Mindfulness and meditation often get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. In this episode, I explain how mindfulness sets the stage for meditation, why they nourish each other like soil and roots, and how cultural context shapes our understanding of both. You’ll also learn the most common pitfalls of meditation and get simple, practical tips to build a steady practice without frustration.

Episode Highlights:

• Why mindfulness and meditation are often confused in modern wellness culture
• Historical and cultural roots of meditation (Dhyana) in yoga and Buddhism
• Defining mindfulness as present-moment awareness without judgment
• Defining meditation as a structured, often seated practice of focus and absorption
• Two types of meditation: guided meditation and unguided meditation
• Relationship between mindfulness and meditation: how they support each other
• Why rushed, distracted living makes meditation harder and how mindfulness throughout the day creates better conditions for it
• How deeper meditation strengthens qualities like concentration, equanimity, and compassion, which naturally support mindfulness in daily life
• The cultural roots of mindfulness and meditation in Indian and Buddhist worldviews, and how Western wellness often dilutes their depth
• Common traps in meditation: forcing, suppressing thoughts, lack of foundation, unrealistic goals
• Practical tips for teachers: normalize the wandering mind, start small, embed mindfulness in daily life
• Journaling as a supportive tool for clarity and reflection
• Examples of mindfulness practices in everyday life vs. seated meditation
• How to measure success: awareness, presence, compassion, and consistency in daily living

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Discover the deeper meaning of Shavāsana beyond just lying down at the end of class. I share two powerful mythological stories that reveal how this pose symbolizes surrender, rebirth, and transformation, and why it deserves as much respect as any peak pose in your yoga practice.

Episode Highlights:

• Reflecting on the popularity of mythical pose stories and listener feedback
• Why Shavāsana is misunderstood and often rushed through in modern yoga
• Origin of the term and its deeper meaning: corpse as a sacred pause, not an end
• Myth of Shiva and the sages: how surrender transforms death into awareness
• Myth of Kali and Raktabeej: how desire and compulsion multiply, and the power of stillness to stop it
• The symbolic death of Shavāsana: letting go of ego, effort, and identity
• Practical tips for teachers: honoring Shavāsana as the culmination of practice

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I sat down with Medha Bhaskar to unpack the real value behind 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings. We explored why so many programs fall short of preparing teachers, what’s often missing in modern yoga education, and how personal practice and mentorship can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether certifications alone create great teachers, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Medha became interested in yoga teacher training and what inspired her journey.
• Steps a participant should take before enrolling in a yoga teacher training program.
• Key elements to look for in a core 200-hour yoga teacher training syllabus.
• The original intent behind 200-hour and 300-hour trainings and how they are perceived today.
• The fundamental differences between 200-hour and 300-hour trainings, whether everyone needs to advance, and what topics should be included at the 300-hour level were explored.
• Faculty structure: whether to have lead teachers with guest faculty or a fully equal model, and which approach works best.
• Staying accountable after teacher training: how to keep the momentum alive once the graduation glow fades.
• Alternatives to Yoga Alliance: exploring India’s initiatives and whether certification really matters for teacher trainings.
• How students can evaluate the credibility and quality of yoga schools and trainers.

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After three weeks back in India, I’m sharing my fresh perspective on the yoga scene in 2025. From bustling rooftop classes to the deep sense of community in local shalas, yoga here feels refreshingly different from the West. I talk about how access has grown, what’s stayed true to tradition, and the small cultural quirks that make practicing in India so unique.

Episode Highlights:

• How yoga access in India has expanded dramatically since 2012
• The cultural and practical differences between yoga shalas and studios
• How Bengaluru’s traffic challenges create localized yoga communities
• Typical Indian yoga class schedules and early start times
• The rise of rooftop yoga as an affordable, accessible option
• Minimal emphasis on style/teacher in class listings
• Lack of online presence for many studios and its impact on visitors
• Many yoga teachers in India teach part-time, balancing other careers alongside yoga instruction
• Props, cleanliness, and community etiquette in Indian yoga spaces
• The popularity of aerial yoga and the presence of chanting in every class
• No liability waivers and a more trust-based approach to participation
• The balance between independence and guidance in Indian yoga teaching

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While I’m still in India, I wanted to revisit one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on the podcast, with Judith Hanson Lasater on non-violent communication for yoga teachers. I chose to share this episode again after receiving a surprising email that made me reflect deeply on how we speak to our teachers, students, and each other in the yoga space. This conversation is a beautiful reminder of how Ahimsa and respect show up not just in our practice, but in our communication, especially in the hard moments. I hope it offers insight, grounding, and a fresh perspective.

Episode Highlights:

• What is non-violent communication? 
• Is NVC more significant for yoga teachers? 
• NVC is not for others but for us
• How to engage with empathy? 
• Who is NVC for? 
• Where does violence start in communication? 
• Cancel culture in the yoga world 
• Should we respond to cancel culture in the yoga world?
• NVC exercise live on the podcast about cancel culture 
• What are we giving our presence to? Why it matters? 
• How to ground ourselves & act from empathy
• Difference between feeling & judgments 
• Clarity of intension 
• Updates about Judith's latest book 

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While I’m in India for the next few weeks, I wanted to bring back a special conversation that still feels incredibly relevant today. This episode features Vikram Singh as we talk about what it’s like to study yoga in India, how it compares to the Western approach, the value of traditional yoga education, and the unique cultural immersion that shapes the practice. If you’ve ever been curious about yoga universities, 200-hour courses in India, or finding authentic teachers in the middle of yoga tourism, this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

• The major differences between yoga in India & US 
• Does studying yoga in India make you a better student? 
• How does one find the right school or teacher? 
• Has yoga tourism hurt or helped India? 
• Where does one start if you want to study yoga in India? 
• What are the best yoga schools in India 
• The landscape of yoga in modern India 
• The secret to studying yoga well…
• What is western yoga missing when it comes to yoga education? 
• Does cultural appropriation exist in India? 
• Is yoga fitness a trend in India? 
• Do women practice yoga in India? 
• Is hot yoga a thing in India?  

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Have you ever paused to wonder about the story behind Virabhadrasana, or Warrior Pose? It’s one of the most iconic shapes we teach and practice, yet so few know the mythological roots that give it true meaning. In this episode, I share the epic story of love, rage, devotion, and transformation that birthed this powerful pose. This tale is one I’ve wanted to tell for a long time, and I hope it brings fresh depth to your practice and teaching.

Episode Highlights:

• The background behind creating more story-based yoga episodes
• Introducing Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose) through the myth of Shiva and Sati
• Exploring Virabhadra as a manifestation of rage, devotion, and sacred purpose
• A dramatic retelling of the story from Shiva’s grief to the rise of the warrior
• How each of the three warrior poses maps onto the narrative
• Why understanding the myth enriches how we teach and embody the pose
• An invitation to bring this myth into classes, workshops, and training spaces
• A call for listener feedback to inspire future myth-based yoga episodes

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As summer heats up, there’s no better time to bring intentional breathwork into your classes, and your own practice. In this episode, I share two powerful and accessible cooling pranayamas: Sheetali and Sheetkari. These ancient practices offer immediate relief from physical and emotional heat, making them perfect for summer classes, outdoor yoga, or anytime your nervous system needs calming. If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to move beyond asana and bring more depth to your teaching, this is your go-to breathwork mini-guide.

Episode Highlights:

• How pranayama can be used seasonally, particularly to balance summer’s fiery pitta energy
• The historical and scriptural roots of Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayamas
• How to practice Sheetali (tongue-rolled cooling breath) safely and effectively
• Sheetali’s physical and energetic benefits, including digestion, inflammation, and parasympathetic activation
• Contraindications for both practices, including low blood pressure, respiratory issues, pollution, and cold weather
• How to teach Sheetali in a class: timing, cueing, and integrating with asana and savasana
• Introduction to Sheetkari (hissing breath) and why it’s more accessible than Sheetali for many students
• How to practice Sheetkari (hissing breath) safely and effectively
• The sensory, auditory, and physiological benefits of Sheetkari for mental calm and emotional regulation
• Use cases for both techniques: end of a class, restorative yoga, long workshops, hot flashes, and even hikes
• A reminder to always practice first before teaching, so you can teach from experience, not just theory

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