Our feet are our foundation, but most of us don’t give them much thought until something goes wrong. In this episode, I chat with physical therapist and movement educator Michelle Edmison about how reconnecting with your feet can transform not just your yoga practice, but your whole life. We explore foot anatomy, posture, brain-body connection, and why strong, mobile feet are key to balance and longevity.

Michelle also shares practical tips you can start right away to restore strength, sensitivity, and awareness in your feet. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, mover, or simply curious about how to support your foundation, this conversation will have you looking at your feet in a whole new way.

Episode Highlights:

• Why the feet are considered the true foundation of the body
• How modern footwear has weakened natural foot function
• Common ways our feet change as we age, and why it’s not just about aging
• The powerful brain-foot connection and how movement shapes neuroplasticity
• The nervous system’s relationship with the feet and sensory input
• Emotional sensitivity, trauma, and how they can manifest in the feet
• The real purpose of the toes: stability and propulsion, not gripping
• What dancers, athletes, and yogis can teach us about foot function
• Understanding bunions and common foot issues: what causes them, how alignment affects them, and how yoga can help
• The truth about arches, pronation, and flat feet
• How women’s feet change during perimenopause and menopause
• Michelle’s top three non-negotiable practices for foot health
• Why a “foot problem” is never just about the foot

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

Autoimmune diseases can feel isolating and unpredictable, but yoga offers both science and hope. I sit down with yoga therapist and researcher Renu Jain to explore how stress, the gut, and the immune system are connected; and how personalized yoga, pranayama, and mindfulness can support healing from the inside out.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to guest Renu Jain and her background at Kaivalyadhama.
• Understanding what autoimmune diseases are and how they affect the body.
• Exploring common shared patterns and root causes behind autoimmune conditions.
• Exploring the connection between stress, the gut, and immune function.
• Understanding the pranic system and how energetic imbalance mirrors physical symptoms.
• The role of yoga in managing autoimmune conditions holistically.
• Importance of personalization in yoga therapy: why no one-size-fits-all approach works.
• Go-to questions yoga teachers should ask students before planning a practice.
• Pranayama practices that support balance and calm for autoimmune health.
• Restorative yoga, relaxation, and mindfulness as healing tools.
• How meditation helps regulate the nervous system and supports emotional healing.
• The mindset and empathy yoga teachers need when working with these students.
• Why yoga philosophy and ethics should always guide therapeutic teaching.
• Final reflections on patience, compassion, and using yoga as a bridge between science and spirit.

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

Yoga doesn’t just live on the mat; it’s how we show up in everyday life. I share 30 simple ways to live like a yogi, from practicing gratitude and silence to decluttering, serving others, and reconnecting with nature. Small daily acts that bring awareness, compassion, and joy into the ordinary.

Episode Highlights:

• Updates on the upcoming 300-hour teacher training and free cueing workshop
• Inspiration behind the episode: a personal 30-day mindfulness list
• The cultural meaning of the word yogi and why Aru uses it thoughtfully
• Reminder that yoga is awareness, not limited to the mat or a single class hour
• Encouragement to bring yoga into everyday life through small actions

30 Ways to Live Like a Yogi

1. Practice gratitude (Santosha)
2. Notice beauty (Pratyaksha)
3. Use your hands
4. Invite color
5. Wish well for others (Maitri Bhavana)
6. Exhale your worries
7. Ask what lights you up (Swadhyaya)
8. Light a candle or diya
9. Clap your hands or ring a bell
10. Drink water
11. Practice Abhyanga
12. Clean up and declutter (Aparigraha)
13. Notice negative thoughts
14. Remember someone who has passed (Shraddha)
15. Take a mindful walk
16. Notice other beings
17. Smile
18. Avoid gossip and negative news
19. Touch the soil
20. Detach from drama (Vairagya)
21. Reduce sensory input (Pratyahara)
22. Move your body
23. Explore a craft
24. Cleanse your space
25. Practice silence (Mauna)
26. Serve others (Seva)
27. Practice Yoga Nidra or body scan
28. Journal
29. Cleanse the body (Saucha)
30. Sit in silence

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

When trust is broken in yoga spaces, the impact runs deep. I talk about sexual harassment, abuse of power, and misconduct in the yoga world—why silence protects harm, how to recognize red flags, and what we can do to rebuild safety and integrity in our communities.

Episode Highlights:

• Announcements about upcoming workshops and the 300-hour online training
• Reflection on recent misconduct cases in the yoga community and what they reveal
• Personal story of confronting harassment within Aru’s own dance studio
• Historical overview of sexual abuse and misconduct in yoga lineages
• Discussion of how reverence without accountability allowed abuse to thrive
• Breakdown of how abuse begins—through trust, power imbalance, and manipulation
• Explanation of spiritual gaslighting and why survivors often stay silent
• Common reasons victims don’t come forward: fear, loss of belonging, trauma response, and cultural conditioning
• Recognition of microaggressions and boundary violations in modern studios
• Red flags to watch for in teachers and studio environments (flirtatious behavior, vague boundaries, unwanted touch, secrecy)
• Aru’s personal story of ignoring red flags and learning to trust her instincts
• Practical suggestions for how to respond if someone confides in you about harassment
• Guidance for yoga teachers and studio owners:
  • Create written ethical policies
  • Teach ethics and boundaries in teacher trainings
  • Establish independent reporting systems
  • Model consent and clear communication
• Call to believe women first, foster open conversations, and stop idealizing teachers
• Reminder that ethics isn’t cultural; it’s universal and foundational to yoga
• Final reflections on accountability, community healing, and how true yoga shows up in how we treat one another

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

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

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

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

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

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

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

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

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

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.

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram

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

Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of Asana
For teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at [email protected] for special local pricing
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram