A Journey Through Women's Health, Yoga, and Personal Transformation

Kate Payne's journey from corporate marketing to becoming a women's health yoga therapist is a compelling story of transformation and purpose. Starting with meditation at 16 to manage anxiety, she discovered yoga in her early twenties after recovering from a health challenge in Thailand. What began as a simple gym class recommendation blossomed into a life-changing path that would eventually become her professional calling.

Her work now extends far beyond traditional yoga teaching. Through her Holistic Woman Media project and podcast, Kate is challenging the one-size-fits-all approach that dominates women's health care and the wellness industry. As she powerfully states, "We're redefining what healthcare looks like for women... looking at it as individual." This perspective is particularly refreshing in a world where women's experiences are often dismissed or oversimplified.

What's particularly striking about Kate's approach is her emphasis on depth over breadth in learning and teaching. Rather than collecting numerous certifications, she advocates for truly embodying the teachings and applying them meaningfully to life. This philosophy carries through to her views on motherhood and personal practice, where she focuses on incorporating yogic principles into daily life and parenting. Her approach to supporting her children's emotional development using yoga philosophy shows how these ancient teachings can be practically applied in modern life.

The conversation between Kate and Jo Stewart delves into critical issues around women's health education and systemic challenges. They tackle problematic narratives about menstrual health and challenge the normalization of pain and shame in women's bodily experiences. Kate's message about "leaning into quiet" and respecting natural cycles resonates deeply, especially in our busy modern world where we're often pushed to constantly do more.

Links

Kates Website - https://higherstatesofyoga.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katepayneyoga/

Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2zo8VJxyw9QtaCmivVFfpy?si=963bfa3a567549f6&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree

It's already February, but we're here to take on 2025!

Welcome to a new year of The Flow Artists Podcast!

In this episode Jo and Rane answer questions for listeners, past guests and friends of the podcast including Ann Swanston, Claire Holloway, Divya Kohli, Kirrah Stewart, Justine Elizabeth, Kristin Mathiasson and Ambika Chadwick.

We cover our current projects, recent events at the studio and our upcoming Body Positive Bali Aerial Yoga Retreat.

We also answer (as well as we can!) bigger questions about the yoga world, how we are responding to world events and our thoughts for the future.

We really enjoyed answering these questions and we hope you enjoy listening!

Links

Bali retreat link: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/bali-retreat-2025/

Youch! We've had lots going on and we've been missing in action, but we wanted to finish the year with an extra special bonus!

This episode contains a conversation we released just for our Patreon supporters a few months ago. It's a discussion between Jo and Rane, where we talk about a few life updates, as well as Rane answering a few questions about his cancer experience, and how Yoga really helped.

We also talked about our side projects, Jo's book and Rane's app.

Since this was recorded Rane has also started work on another app, but more on that later...

We wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year!!

Dr. Lauren Tober, a distinguished clinical psychologist and yoga teacher, offers profound insights into the intersection of psychology and yoga in our latest episode. As the founder of the Yoga Psychology Institute and author of "Mental Health Aware Yoga," Dr. Tober articulates the delicate balance required to create supportive environments that honour both mental health and yogic traditions. Her unique perspective, developed through years of clinical practice and yoga teaching, illuminates the path toward more inclusive and psychologically informed yoga instruction.

The discussion explores the critical aspects of trauma-informed teaching and the importance of establishing safe, brave spaces within yoga environments. Dr. Tober emphasises the significance of mindful communication, highlighting how seemingly simple practices such as emphasising the freedom to take a break whenever you need one or offering clear options for pose modifications can profoundly impact students' sense of safety and autonomy. A particularly notable insight emerges regarding the evolution of yoga teaching, with Dr. Tober observing that "If we don't have this understanding of mental health and the power of the way that we teach and the language that we use... it can be easy to fall into ways of teaching that aren't always healthy."

The conversation culminates in a thoughtful examination of the ethical frameworks governing both psychological and yogic practices. Dr. Tober addresses the crucial balance between acknowledging inherent wholeness while supporting growth, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the "rescuer" mentality in favour of empowering students to connect with their inner wisdom. Her approach to practices such as pranayama and meditation demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of individual needs, suggesting that success lies in offering accessible, adaptable options rather than adhering to rigid, one-size-fits-all methodologies. The episode concludes with Dr. Tober's compelling vision of a world where individuals are empowered to trust their intuition and contribute positively to their communities through authentic self-expression and mindful practice.

Links

Website: http://www.mentalhealthawareyoga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentalhealthawareyoga

Yoga Psychology Institute: http://www.yogapsychologyinstitute.com/calendar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurentober

https://www.instagram.com/yogapsychologyinstitute

Jeff Patterson's journey in martial arts is a fascinating blend of physical discipline and mental mastery. Starting out as a teenager inspired by Bruce Lee films, Jeff's path took an unexpected turn when his boxing coach encouraged him to explore Tai Chi and meditation. It's pretty cool how what initially seemed like a chore - "I wasn't interested in meditating at all," Jeff admits - ended up transforming his entire approach to martial arts and life.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jeff's practice is how he integrates meditation into athletic performance. He points out that many professional athletes are now turning to meditation for physical and mental health. This approach isn't limited to martial arts - it's something that could benefit anyone looking to excel in their field.

Perhaps the most intriguing concept Jeff discusses is that of "yielding". It's not just a physical technique, but a mental and emotional strategy that can help navigate conflicts and guide conversations to positive outcomes. As Jeff puts it, "Learning how to use yielding in all of our interactions is extremely powerful." It's about being considerate and strategic, avoiding unnecessary butting of heads. In today's world, that's a skill we could all benefit from developing.

Links

Website: https://www.theyieldingwarrior.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaichiYielding/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyieldingwarrior/

Free Book: https://www.theyieldingwarrior.com/book

Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, a philosopher, scholar, and author, offers a compelling perspective on yoga as an anticolonial philosophy in this episode of the Flow Artist Podcast. Drawing from his book "Yoga - Anticolonial Philosophy, An Action Focused Guide To Practice," Dr. Ranganathan challenges conventional interpretations of yoga and presents it as a practice that encourages critical thinking, individual sovereignty, and decolonization.

The discussion illuminates the contrast between Western academic traditions and South Asian philosophical frameworks, particularly in how non-Western philosophies are often categorized as "religion" rather than recognized as rigorous intellectual systems. Dr. Ranganathan's work seeks to bridge this gap, offering translations and interpretations of key yoga concepts that reveal their deeper philosophical meanings.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ranganathan stresses the importance of questioning assumptions and engaging in continuous learning within yoga practice. He critiques the tendency in some yoga spaces to present personal opinions as universal truths, instead advocating for a more thoughtful, philosophical exploration of the practice. This approach aligns with his view of yoga as a "work in progress" that encourages practitioners to remain humble and open to growth.

The podcast also delves into Dr. Ranganathan's doctoral research on ethical frameworks within yoga and South Asian philosophy. He explains how the "yoga-bhakti" approach, with its emphasis on individual sovereignty and devotion to the ideal of Isvara, offers a decolonial alternative to dominant Western ethical frameworks. This perspective encourages a focus on making responsible choices rather than simply striving to be "good," potentially expanding our imagination for what is possible in addressing societal and environmental issues.

Dr Ranganathan has generously offered a special discount to our Patreon subscribers on his latest training. He has also generously shared a free 1.5 hour course: "Yoga, Apparel and Climate Change". To learn more, head to our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/flowartistspodcast

Links:

Website: https://www.yogaphilosophy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaphilosophy_com/

Aerial Yoga Therapeutics: https://aerialyogateachertraining.com/our-courses/

Are you ready to discover how yoga can transform lives, regardless of age or mobility? In the latest episode of the Flow Artists podcast, host Jo Stewart sits down with Ambika Chadwick, the founder of The Yoga Social and Chair Yoga Australia. Ambika takes us on a journey from her early days as a dancer to becoming a passionate advocate for chair yoga, proving that yoga truly is for everyone.

Ambika's story is a testament to the adaptability of yoga. She shares how her understanding of the practice evolved from seeing it as "just deep stretching" to embracing its profound physical and philosophical aspects. But it's her work with chair yoga that really shines. From nursing homes to community centers, Ambika has brought the joy of yoga to those who might have thought it was out of reach. Her "picking fruit" exercise, where students reach in all directions from their chairs, is just one example of how she makes yoga accessible, fun, and engaging for older adults.

What's particularly touching is how Ambika's own journey with aging has deepened her teaching. She talks about becoming more attuned to her body's needs and how this has influenced her approach to yoga. It's a beautiful reminder that yoga meets us where we are, adapting to our changing bodies and lives. As Ambika puts it, "I now understand more and I understand that I can stretch a muscle, I can mobilise a joint, but I can't change the shape of my bones... and so I am going to pull back in certain poses and not push."

For those inspired by Ambika's work, there's exciting news! She's offering a chair yoga teacher training at the Flow Artists' studio, Garden of Yoga, in September. Whether you're an experienced yoga teacher or someone new to teaching, this training promises to equip you with the skills to share the benefits of chair yoga with others. It's a chance to be part of spreading the empowering message that yoga is truly for everyone, no matter their age or physical condition.

Links

Website: https://www.theyogasocial.com/

Chair Yoga Teacher Training: https://www.facebook.com/events/1527539914771436

Dr Adam fields vocal exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-SZ1r1dnho&list=PLx10M_1d-mu0C_v2jrzMOFPTAyXR4HYOt&pp=iAQB

Support us on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/flowartistspodcast

There's a reason we're called the Flow Artists Podcast, and that's because we're all about flow.

In this fascinating episode of the Flow Artists podcast, we chat with Justine Elizabeth, a multi-talented flow artist and teacher. Justine's journey from psychology student to digital nomad and flow expert is truly inspiring. She defines flow states as the sweet spot where peak performance meets peak experience - it's where we're at our best and loving every minute of it.

Justine's insights into the science behind flow are really eye-opening. She talks about her time at the Flow Centre in Australia, which sounds like a "digital pilgrimage" with people from all over the world. One cool tip she shares is using "functional music" to help induce flow states. There's even an app called Brain.fm that can help align your brain waves to get you in the zone.

But it's not all about performance - Justine emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and self-care, especially when you're pushing yourself. Her "triple A" approach (Acknowledge, Ask, Act) is a great tool for dealing with emotional challenges. She also talks about "dosing discomfort" to build resilience, which is a really interesting concept.

At the heart of it all, Justine's message is about mind-body connection and integration. Whether you're a flow artist, a busy professional, or just someone looking to get more out of life, there are lots of practical tips here for creating more flow in your daily routine. From decluttering your space to reconnecting with childhood passions, it's all about setting yourself up for success and enjoyment.

Links:

Website: https://theflowcodes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowcodes/

As we learn in our conversation with Anjali Rao, what we learn of yoga history in our teacher trainings is often limited by the biases of heteropatriarchy, Brahmanism and colonialism.

While what we get from our text books might hit many of the major points, this story is just as notable for whom it excludes.

For both Jo and Rane, this conversation was a huge recontextualisation of what they thought they knew and a wonderful relearning of yoga history.

Anjali Rao is a writer, the host of The Love of Yoga podcast, President of the Board of Directors of Accessible Yoga, and as she shares in our conversation is now beginning a Doctorate of Philosophy and Religion, with a concentration on Women’s Spirituality, a trans disciplinary program that delves into a feminist perspective and “explores varied spiritual, ecological, and political perspectives rooted in care for the Earth, each other, and the Sacred.”

Anjali is an Indian American immigrant, a cancer survivor and believes that a dedicated practice of yoga in all its expansiveness can alchemize and heal the world by creating ripples of change within and around us.

She brings a multi disciplinary approach, integrating yoga philosophy and history, with storytelling, imagery and poetry. She brings an awe inspiring depth of knowledge and potent critical insight to yoga history which makes for a great conversation!

LINKS

Website: https://www.yoganjali.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoganjali/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjali.rao.509

Use the code MAKFLOW at https://www.makarlu.com/ to receive a 10% discount!

Jo and Rane dive head first (figuratively speaking) into the world of inversions with Freya Bennett-Overstall, a respected chiropractor, yoga and meditation teacher, author, and a familiar voice on our podcast. Freya brings her unique perspective to the topic of inversions, delving into the "yin and yang" aspects of these transformative postures.

In this conversation, we explore the benefits and considerations surrounding inversions, following Freya's recent introduction to our style of aerial yoga. Conversely, Freya has also shared her experience with the FeetUp trainer, a tool that offers a safe and accessible approach to inversion practices.

Freya's expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including chiropractic care, movement education, and a deep understanding of the body's intricate mechanics. With a holistic approach, she skillfully bridges the gap between Western and Eastern philosophies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of inversions.

As we delve into the "yin" and "yang" of these practices, Freya offers insights into the restorative and dynamic aspects of inversions, guiding us through the physiological, emotional, and energetic effects of reversing the force of gravity on the body. Her wisdom extends to safety considerations, contraindications, and the importance of gradual progression, empowering practitioners to explore these postures with confidence and mindfulness.

Freya's passion for empowering students and cultivating a non-judgmental, playful atmosphere shines through, as she shares teaching strategies and effective communication techniques for guiding students through inverted postures. With her second appearance on our podcast, Freya once again captivates us with her depth of knowledge and commitment to promoting transformative movement practices.

Links

Freya's Website: https://www.freyabennettoverstall.com/

Freya's Insight Timer profile: https://insighttimer.com/freya

Aerial Yoga Teacher Training:

For more details head to https://aerialyogateachertraining.com/our-courses/ for more information and the ‘discover more’ link for each training for start dates and pricing.

The first unit - Aerial Essentials Teacher Training starts in June 2024!

Use our code GARDENOFYOGA to get a free online mentoring session valued at $200 (and offered in multiple languages!). Just write the coupon code: GARDENOFYOGA at checkout.