What happens when yoga becomes more than a physical practice? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with John Slade - London-based yoga teacher, retreat host, and philosophy teacher - to explore how yoga can transform the way we relate to ourselves and the world around us.

Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia in Oct 2025, John begins with a grounding meditation before sharing how he first discovered yoga 17 years ago in the Philippines and how a consistent practice in Sydney helped him process emotions, ease anxiety, and feel more at home in himself as a gay man.

Drawing on years of study in asana, pranayama, meditation, Sanskrit, mantra, and yogic philosophy, John shares how his practice has evolved into a lifelong journey of self-study, spirituality, and authentic living. Together, we explore svadhyaya (self-inquiry), chanting, Brahman and Atman, the Yoga Sutras, and practical ways to live yoga beyond the mat.

🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Using yoga to process emotions, anxiety, and self-acceptance
• Why yoga is more than physical movement
• The role of pranayama, meditation, and journaling
• Understanding svadhyaya (self-study) and yoga philosophy
• Sanskrit, chanting, and the spiritual roots of yoga
• Practical ways to apply yoga in everyday life
• Resources for deepening your yoga practice

🧘 About John Slade

John Slade is a London-based yoga teacher, retreat leader, and lifelong student of yoga. His teaching blends vinyasa, restorative yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra, Sanskrit, and yogic philosophy, making traditional teachings accessible and relevant to modern life.

With a background in movement and years of study with internationally respected teachers, John encourages students to see yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lifelong practice of self-awareness, compassion, and transformation.

📚 Resources Mentioned

Books

• The Truth of Yoga — Daniel Simpson
• One Simple Thing — Eddie Stern

Podcast

• The Truth of Yoga — hosted by Daniel Simpson

Texts

• The Upanishads
• The Bhagavad Gita
• Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (Book 1, Sutra 33)

Teachers

• Simon Borg-Olivier & Bianca Machliss
• Charlie Merton
• Lizzy Rumsey (Jivamukti)
• Elena Jessup (Sanskrit)
• Samadhi Collective
• Mina Asakawa

🌍 Connect with John

• Website: johnsladeyoga.com
• Instagram: @johndoesyoga

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:18 Guest Lead Meditation

06:08 Meditation Simplified

09:07 How John First Found Yoga

10:59 Yoga + Emotional Connection

12:57 What Is The Ultimate Goal of Yoga?

16:12 How Practice Evolves With Age

18:05 Svadhyaya

20:01 Sanskrit And Chanting

23:17 Yoga And Spirituality

25:54 Universal Love And Hope

28:43 Daily Life Accountability

29:24 Sutra Wisdom in Action

33:16 John's Retreats

34:27 Being a Yogi in London

35:16 London Community and Teachers

37:27 Deepening Practice Tips

40:28 Final Flow

44:18 Resources + Where to Find John

46:41 Closing

✨ Final Thoughts

If you're interested in yoga philosophy, meditation, Sanskrit, pranayama, spirituality, and personal growth, this conversation is full of practical insights for taking your practice beyond the mat and into everyday life.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living.

#YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Meditation #Pranayama #Sanskrit #Spirituality #YogaTeacher #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #OffTheMatPodcast

Why are we always trying to become a "better" version of ourselves? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Rumble - yoga teacher, writer, and psychotherapist-in-training - to explore how yoga can help us let go of constant self-improvement and reconnect with who we already are.

Filmed on the beautiful island of Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, this conversation begins with a grounding meditation before diving into burnout, nervous system regulation, yoga philosophy, and self-acceptance.

Sophie shares how years of striving eventually led to burnout and chronic back pain, and how her yoga practice evolved from chasing advanced postures to embracing pranayama, presence, and surrender. We also explore avidya (seeing clearly), contentment, psychotherapy, resilience, and the pressure to constantly optimise ourselves in modern life.

Whether you're navigating burnout, curious about yoga philosophy, or looking for practical tools to regulate your nervous system, this episode offers thoughtful insights into finding peace beyond achievement.

🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why self-acceptance is more powerful than self-optimisation
• How burnout can manifest physically and emotionally
• Sophie's journey from corporate sustainability into psychotherapy
• The relationship between yoga and psychotherapy
• Understanding "avidya" and seeing ourselves more clearly
• Letting go of perfectionism and attachment to achievement
• Practical pranayama techniques for nervous system regulation

You'll also hear simple breathing practices and reflections that can help you move through stress with greater awareness and compassion.

🧘 About Sophie

Sophie Rumble is a yoga teacher, writer, and psychotherapist-in-training passionate about helping people cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves. Through yoga, philosophy, and psychology, her work explores themes of burnout, self-worth, nervous system regulation, and living with greater authenticity.

She shares thoughtful writing through her Substack Whole with Sophie, where she explores the intersection of yoga, wellbeing, and modern life.

Yoga isn't about becoming someone new - it's about remembering who you already are.

🌱 Yoga Off the Mat

In this episode we explore how yoga can:

• Support recovery from burnout
• Regulate the nervous system through breathwork
• Help release perfectionism and striving
• Cultivate self-acceptance and contentment
• Build resilience for everyday life

📚 Resources Mentioned

People & Authors

• Cat Meffan
• Stephen Cope
• Michael Stone

🌍 Connect with Sophie

• Instagram: @wholewithsophie
• Substack: wholewithsophie.substack.com

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:45 Meet Sophie!

02:08 Guest lead Meditation

07:48 Drink Ritual

08:37 Nothing to Fix Mindset

13:40 Sophie’s Story

15:26 Burnout and Physical Pain

18:26 Yoga Meets Psychotherapy

25:11 Why Do a 200 Hour TT

29:07 Avidya (Seeing Clearly)

34:29 Chasing Peak Poses

35:27 Lessons From Handstands

38:05 Injury and Letting Go

40:27 Contentment Over Striving

43:28 Pranayama

45:54 Nervous System Explained

49:09 Busy Culture

53:18 Final Flow

57:39 Closing

✨ Final Thoughts

If you're interested in burnout recovery, yoga philosophy, nervous system regulation, pranayama, mindfulness, and personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom for slowing down, letting go of perfectionism, and finding peace beyond the mat.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living.

#YogaPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #YogaPhilosophy #Pranayama #NervousSystem #Mindfulness #SelfAcceptance #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellbeing #OffTheMatPodcast

What happens when yoga becomes more than a physical practice? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Christian Coelho - senior yoga teacher, educator, and co-founder of High Yoga School - to explore how yoga can become a guide for living with greater purpose, presence, and authenticity.

Christian shares his journey from growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to becoming an internationally respected yoga teacher. After moving to the UK, he founded the Yoga Society at the University of Winchester before deepening his studies in India and later completing a Master's degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS, University of London. Today, he co-leads High Yoga School, delivering yoga teacher trainings and retreats around the world.

In this conversation, we explore how Christian's practice has evolved from something physical into a philosophy that shapes the way he lives.

Christian also shares how his Brazilian upbringing influenced his worldview, alongside practical tools that anyone can apply to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves - both on and off the mat.

🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How Christian first discovered yoga and why he stayed with the practice

• How yoga evolves from movement into a way of life
• Using yoga philosophy to shape your values and purpose
• Practical tools for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness
• The art of myth and storytelling and how it relates to his practice
• Why yoga continues loooong after you step off the mat

🧘 About Christian

Christian Coelho is a senior yoga teacher, educator, and co-founder of High Yoga School, an internationally recognised yoga teacher training school. He has taught yoga, meditation, philosophy, and breathwork for over a decade through retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings across the world.

He blends traditional yogic wisdom with modern life, to helpsstudents understand yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lifelong practice of awareness, compassion, and intentional living.

🌱 Yoga Off the Mat

We explore how the practice can help you:

• Build greater self-awareness
• Clarify your values and purpose
• Strengthen your relationships
• Support mindful decision-making
• Help you live with greater authenticity

🌍 Connect with Christian

• www.christiancoelhoyoga.com
• IG: @_christiancoelho / @highyogaschool

⏱️ Timestamps

00:51 Intro: Meet Christian

01:38 Guest Lead Meditation

04:54 The Benefits of Teaching Meditation

05:46 Christian’s Origins

08:08 Early Years of Practice

09:50 Drink Ritual

10:40 Yoga Beyond Physical

13:05 The Ultimate Goal of Yoga

16:03 Savasana Magic Explained

18:27 Sanskrit Ideas of Interconnectio

21:38 Yoga Off the Mat

24:34 Christian’s Personal Practice

24:54 Prayer + Mantra

26:51 How To Set Intention

29:15 Discipline + Community

32:48 Brazilian Joy + Resilience

34:38 Myth + Storytelling

38:47 Building HYS with Mona

43:38 Final Flow

45:21 Closing

✨ Final Thoughts

Yoga doesn't end when class finishes. The real practice begins in how we think, relate, choose, and show up every single day.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations to come!

#YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Meditation #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #YogaTeacher #SelfAwareness #IntentionalLiving #WellnessPodcast #OffTheMatPodcast

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

Podcasts

• Green Dreamers
• The Emerald — with Joshua Schrei

Books

• After the Ecstasy, the Laundry — Jack Kornfield
• A book by Donna Farhi (unspecified title)
• The Truth of Yoga — Daniel Simpson

People/Teachers mentioned

• Martin Shaw (mythologist/storyteller)
• Anna Forest (yoga teacher)
• Daniel Simpson (historian, author)
• Nick Mulvey - musician Christian is loving

Places to find Christian/High Yoga School

• High Yoga School — Instagram
• Love Supreme Projects (London studio)
• Home — both Notting Hill & Primrose Hill locations
• The Ark (community center in Islington, London) — base for High Yoga School trainings

What if yoga wasn't just about movement? What if the deepest practice happened through meditation, breath, sound, and presence?

In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Shardaé Veniece - yoga teacher, meditation guide, and sound practitioner - to explore the many layers of yoga beyond the physical practice.

Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia, our conversation begins with a beautiful grounding meditation before diving into meditation, mudras, pranayama, Kundalini, sound healing, and embodied yoga philosophy.

Shardaé shares how she initially resisted yoga through Ashtanga before discovering a more intuitive and expansive practice. She explains how breathwork, mudras, intentional movement, and mindful transitions have shaped both her personal practice and the way she teaches today.

We also explore the profound effects of sound healing, discussing gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, and crystal alchemy bowls, alongside Shardaé's powerful experiences with Kundalini kriyas and spiritual awakening. Throughout the conversation, we return to one central idea: yoga isn't something that ends when you leave your mat—it's a practice of bringing awareness, compassion, and presence into everyday life.

Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your understanding beyond asana, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical inspiration.

🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why meditation isn't about having an empty mind
• How yoga extends far beyond physical postures
• What mudras are and how they influence energy and awareness
• Shardaé's experience with Kundalini Yoga and kriyas
• The benefits of sound healing and vibrational practices
• How mindful transitions become part of the practice
• Bringing yoga into relationships and everyday life
• Why presence is the true heart of yoga

🧘 About Shardaé Veniece

Shardaé is a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and sound practitioner whose work blends vinyasa, yin yoga, pranayama, meditation, mudras, and sound healing.

Her intuitive teaching style encourages students to explore yoga as a holistic practice that supports presence, curiosity, and self-awareness.

🌱 Yoga Off The Mat

In this episode we explore how yoga can:

• Deepen mindfulness and presence
• Support emotional wellbeing through breath and meditation
• Cultivate compassion and self-awareness
• Introduce sound as a powerful healing practice
• Help you embody yoga in everyday life

🌍 Connect with Shardaé

• Instagram: @shardaeveniece
• Website: https://www.shardaeveniece.com/

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Welcome

00:47 Meet Shardaé Veniece

01:43 Guest Lead Meditation

08:04 Meditation and Sound

11:39 Shardae's Story

16:22 Beyond Physical Yoga

18:36 Evolving Personal Practice

22:02 Mudras Explained

28:55 Teaching Style and Embodiment

32:12 Mindful Transitions

33:48 Kundalini Story

38:27 Letting Go

40:36 Sound Practice

42:42 First Sound Bath

48:26 Crystal Bowls

52:18 Yoga as Tapestry

54:28 Goal of Yoga Is Presence

58:12 Where to Find Shardae

59:51 Final Flow

01:01:58 Closing

If you're interested in meditation, sound healing, Kundalini Yoga, breathwork, yoga philosophy, mindfulness, and personal growth, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for taking your practice beyond the mat.

✨ Final Thoughts

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living.

#YogaPodcast #Meditation #SoundHealing #KundaliniYoga #YogaPhilosophy #Mindfulness #Breathwork #PersonalGrowth #YogaBeyondTheMat #OffTheMatPodcast

What is your dharma, and how can yoga help you discover it? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Mona Godfrey, senior yoga teacher and co-founder of High Yoga School, to explore the deeper meaning of yoga, purpose, and living with intention.

Filmed on the beautiful island of Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with High Yoga School, this conversation explores how yoga evolves throughout our lives and how its philosophy can guide us through change, challenge, and transformation.

Mona has an incredible ability to make complex yogic philosophy feel practical and accessible. Together, we discuss dharma (life purpose), ahimsa (non-violence), Yoga Nidra, self-discovery, courage, and how yoga can help us cultivate love, peace, and fulfilment both on and off the mat.Whether you're a yoga teacher, practitioner, or simply curious about mindfulness and personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into living yoga every day.

🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode

- What yoga truly means beyond the physical practice

- How yoga evolves through different seasons of life

- Understanding dharma and finding your purpose

- Ahimsa (non-violence) and compassionate living

- Why the deepest yoga practice is an "inside job"- Yoga, activism, and living with integrity

- How Yoga Nidra supports rest and self-awareness

- Books and resources to deepen your yoga philosophy practice

🧘 About Mona

Mona Godfrey is a senior yoga teacher and co-founder of High Yoga School, leading internationally recognised yoga teacher trainings rooted in traditional philosophy and modern practice.

Her teaching encourages students to explore yoga as a lifelong path of self-inquiry, compassion, and meaningful living.

🌱 Yoga Off the Mat

Yoga is much more than movement. In this episode we explore how yoga can:

- Help you discover your purpose (dharma)

- Build resilience through life's changing seasons

- Cultivate compassion through ahimsa

- Encourage mindful, skillful action

- Create greater peace, fulfilment, and self-awareness

📚 Resources Mentioned

- *Bringing Yoga to Life* – Donna Farhi

- *The Great Work of Your Life* – Stephen Cope

- *Yoga as Pilgrimage* – Ranju Roy

🌍 Connect with Mona Godfrey

Instagram: @moncits / @highyogaschool

Website: https://www.monalisagodfrey.com/

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro: Meet Mona Godfrey

01:09 Guest Guided Meditation

07:08 Welcome to Gili Meno

08:03 Mona’s First Gili Season 10 Years Ago!

11:57 A Decade Later Full Circle

15:28 How Yoga Evolves Over Time

20:57 The Ultimate Goal of Yoga

24:22 The Advanced Practice Is An Inside Job

27:51 Ahimsa / Nonviolence Explained

29:23 Yoga Beyond The Sutras

30:29 Bravery As Yoga Practice

31:45 Dharma And Skillful Action

32:41 Finding Purpose Through Practice

35:04 Yoga Meets Activism

38:32 Ahimsa And Responsibility

39:09 Showing Up On Hard Days

41:24 Yoga Nidra

43:14 Honouring Life Seasons

44:12 Resources To Go Deeper

46:35 Final Flow

49:48 Closing

✨ Final Thoughts

If you're interested in yoga philosophy, dharma, Yoga Nidra, mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom for living with greater purpose, compassion, and presence.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living.

#YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Dharma #YogaNidra #Mindfulness #YogaTeacher #Meditation #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #OffTheMatPodcast

How are yoga and gut health connected? In this first episode of Season 2, I sit down with Kaitlin Colucci (aka The Mission Dietician), gut health dietitian and yoga teacher, to explore the powerful relationship between the nervous system, digestion, and mindful living.

Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with High Yoga School, this conversation explores how burnout, stress, and chronic digestive issues led Kaitlin to combine evidence-based nutrition with yoga, meditation, and breathwork to support lasting healing.

Together we discuss the gut-brain connection, the vagus nerve, yoga philosophy, the five koshas, and how yoga can help us navigate change, heartbreak, and personal transformation. Kaitlin also shares insights into her gut health yoga retreats, spirituality through cacao ceremonies, and practical ways to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

🧘 In this episode, we discuss:

- How burnout led her to combine dietetics with yoga and meditation

- How burnout led her to combine dietetics with yoga and meditation

- The science behind the gut-brain connection

- How stress affects digestion and gut health

- The role of the vagus nerve in nervous system regulation

- How yoga supports digestive health through movement and relaxation

- Understanding the five koshas and subtle body philosophy

- Navigating change, heartbreak, and personal growth through yoga

- Gut health yoga retreats

You'll also discover how yoga can help regulate the nervous system, improve body awareness, and support long-term wellbeing both physically and emotionally.

🧘 About Kaitlin

Kaitlin Colucci is a gut health dietitian and yoga teacher who specialises in helping people improve digestive health by combining evidence-based nutrition with yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nervous system regulation.

Drawing on her background in NHS gastroenterology and private practice, she supports clients in addressing the root causes of digestive symptoms while creating a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

🌱 Yoga & Gut Health

The connection between the gut and the nervous system is stronger than many people realise.

In this episode we explore how yoga can:

- Support healthy digestion and gut function

- Reduce stress and nervous system dysregulation

- Improve the gut-brain connection

- Encourage mindful eating and body awareness

- Build resilience through breathwork and meditation

📚 Resources Mentioned

*The Yamas and Niyamas* by Deborah Adele

🌍 Connect with Kaitlin

Instagram: @themissiondietician

Website: themissiondietician.com

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Back!

01:22 Meet Kaitlin Colucci

01:32 Guest Lead Meditation

07:15 What Yoga Means?

09:25 Drink + Snack Ritual

10:01 Gut Health Career Path

11:39 Stress / Burnout Realisation

14:42 Yoga for Gut Health

19:12 The Gut Brain Connection

23:53 The Koshas and The Subtle Body

31:24 Life Changes and Breakup

32:59 Choosing To Let Go

34:39 Yoga For Inner Listening

34:56 Living Yoga Off The Mat

37:27 Clearing The Path

38:24 Gut Health Yoga Retreats with Kaitlin

40:43 Connection to Your Food

49:21 Setting Intentions in a Yoga Class

52:16 Final Flow

54:25 Goodbye

✨ Final Thoughts

If you're interested in gut health, yoga, meditation, yoga philosophy, nervous system regulation, and holistic wellbeing, this conversation is full of practical insights and inspiring perspectives.👍

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations about yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and conscious living.

#YogaPodcast #GutHealth #GutBrainConnection #YogaTeacher #Meditation #YogaPhilosophy #Mindfulness #Breathwork #VagusNerve #DigestiveHealth #HolisticHealth #WellnessPodcast #YogaRetreat #NervousSystem #SelfGrowth #OffTheMatPodcast

What is the ultimate goal of Yoga?

I asked some of the teachers and facilitators featured in Season 2 of Off The Mat this one simple question — and their answers couldn't be more different.

From freedom and self-knowledge to connection, presence and something much harder to put into words… take a listen and decide what your answer might be. 🧘🏽‍♀️

What is Yoga actually trying to teach us?

For the Season 2 trailer of Off The Mat, I asked the teachers and facilitators I admire one question: what is the ultimate goal of Yoga?

Their answers might surprise you. 🎙️

If Yoga isn't ultimately about the poses… what IS it about?

I put this question to the brilliant teachers and facilitators joining me for Season 2 of Off The Mat. Different practices, different paths, very different answers — but perhaps more in common than you might think.

Season 2 is here. 🌴🧘🏽‍♀️

🎙️ Episode Description

Join me for this weeks episode of 'Off the Mat' as I chat to Alice Trow, a yoga teacher and recent first-time mother. We’ll talk about Alice's transition from an acting career to yoga, the impacts of yoga on her mental health through these transitional periods, and fascinatingly dive into the evolution of her practice through pregnancy and motherhood. We delve into the deeper aspects of the practice, beyond the physical asanas, and share personal stories on how yoga can help you foster a better relationship with oneself. If you’re interested in holistic well-being, motherhood, and personal growth, then this is one you don’t wanna miss!

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

🧘 Studios & Classes

• Yoga Home (Stoke Newington) - where Alice teaches Friday mornings at 9:45 AM
• Trip Space (Hackney) - where Alice teaches Monday evenings at 6:45 PM

👇 Connect with Alice

• @alicetrowyoga
• YouTube: [Alice Trow Yoga](http://www.youtube.com/@AliceTrowYoga](http://www.youtube.com/@AliceTrowYoga)) (many practice videos)
• www.alicetrowyoga.com

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Guest Introduction: Alice Trow

01:34 Guided Meditation

05:59 Snack + Drink Ritual

07:07 Alice's Journey into Yoga

19:56 Yoga During Pregnancy

23:00 Struggles with Maintaining a Yoga Practice

23:58 Balancing Yoga and Motherhood

24:59 Teaching Yoga and Personal Growth

27:27 Emotional Regulation and Parenting

30:05 The Deeper Layers of Yoga

36:44 Contentment and Self-Acceptance

39:00 Yoga Classes and Retreats

40:06 Final Flow

41:16 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode of Off the Mat, we delve into the depth and transformative power of yoga with special guest Miriam Brightbart. Miriam shares her journey from a reluctant teenage practitioner to a dedicated yoga teacher and sound facilitator. We spoke about the various ways yoga can begin to influence daily life, to spill off the mat into glimmering moments of self-awareness, as well as opening little doors to better understand your self. Miriam also shared how practices like shaking and dancing have become an important way for her to learn to release stored stress and emotions. I’m always fascinated by the myriad of ways people connect to their minds and bodies, and Miriam’s open sharing was truly filling to listen to. I loved her ideas on integrating ancient yoga philosophies into our fast-paced, modern world… honestly Miriam is so wise and I hope you enjoy listening to this chat as much as I enjoyed having it!

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 Books

• "Awake in the World" by Michael Stone
• "Yoga for a World Out of Balance" by Michael Stone - teachings on ethics and social action
• "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chödrön - Tibetan Buddhist wisdom
• "Start Where You Are" by Pema Chödrön - fostering inner compassion
• "The Body Keeps the Score" - Bessel Van Der Kolk

✨ Other Resources

• Tara Brach - accessible ****meditations and podcast
• Oru Space - where miriam is head of wellness
• Oru El Saltador - new Spain retreat location Miriam is working on

👇 Connect with Miriam

@miriamsophieyoga

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Meet Miriam Brightbart

01:18 Guided Meditation Session

03:59 Snack + Drink Ritual

05:24 Miriam's Journey into Yoga

08:32 The Depth of Yoga Practice

12:31 The Path to Becoming a Yoga Teacher

20:57 Yoga's Impact on Mental Health

23:53 The Importance of Emotional Space

24:55 Healing Through Yoga

27:20 Yoga as a Life Practice

28:58 Awareness and Empathy

34:28 Balancing Ancient Wisdom with Modern Life

36:54 Inspiration and Personal Practice

39:31 Movement and Somatics

47:00 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode Description

In this week's episode of Off the Mat, I chatted with Sam Harman, a yoga teacher who transitioned from acting and bartending in London to completing a yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh, India. Sam shares his experiences with kirtan, chanting, and spirituality. He also discusses the importance of simplification in yoga practice and shares tips on how to incorporate yoga into daily life. The conversation covers Sam's early experiences with yoga, his journey through teacher training, and the impact of yoga on his life. Join us for an insightful discussion on the transformative power of yoga and how it can help you find a state of being where “nothing is missing”.

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 BooksThe Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - Sam's top recommendation for anyone interested in yoga, meditation, and being present in the moment

🧘 Studios & Classes

Yoga to the People (New York) - Donation-based yoga studio where Sam practiced as a student

👇 Connect with Sam

@samyogabliss

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Guided Meditation

03:49 Sam's Journey into Yoga

06:22 Yoga Practice and Philosophy

09:12 Sam's Teacher Training Experience

12:10 Integrating Yoga into Daily Life

14:25 The Power of Kirtan and Chanting

19:19 Understanding Spirituality and Vibrational Energy

20:47 Gender Dynamics in Yoga

23:19 Personal Growth Through Yoga

25:08 Favourite Aspects of Teaching Yoga

26:27 Recommended Resources

28:56 Final Flow

31:44 Conclusion