In this episode of Theme Weavers, Heidi explores the story of Hanuman's Leap, emphasizing the themes of courage, self-belief, and the importance of trusting one's inner strength. Through the narrative of Hanuman, listeners are encouraged to confront their fears and take leaps of faith in their lives. The conversation also delves into practical applications for yoga teachers, including how to weave these themes into classes, use specific phrases to inspire students, and incorporate guided meditations. Heidi shares personal reflections on her journey and the challenges she faced, reinforcing the message that courage is about taking action despite fear.

Takeaways

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers 

Check out our course, Theme Weavers Academy at https://www.heidikassneryoga.com/theme-weavers-academy 

Check out Heidi’s new book, Energize Your Life: a chakra workbook for personal transformation at https://www.heidikassneryoga.com/chakrabook 

Keywords

Dharma talk, Hanuman, courage, yoga, inner strength, leap of faith, self-belief, yoga teaching, personal transformation, mindfulness

In this episode, Heidi Kassner introduces the third season of Theme Weavers, focusing on the myths behind yoga poses. She shares her journey of transitioning to a solo podcast and expresses her excitement about exploring mythology, a subject she is new to. The season aims to connect ancient stories with modern teachings, enriching the yoga practice beyond physical postures. Heidi emphasizes the importance of these myths in providing deeper insights into human experiences and encourages yoga teachers to incorporate these stories into their classes for a more meaningful experience.

Takeaways:

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers 

Check out our course, Theme Weavers Academy at https://www.heidikassneryoga.com/theme-weavers-academy 

Check out Heidi’s new book, Energize Your Life: a chakra workbook for personal transformation at https://www.heidikassneryoga.com/chakrabook 

Keywords

yoga, mythology, teaching, yoga poses, yoga philosophy, yoga themes, yoga education, yoga community, yoga practice, yoga stories

Check out this bonus between-season episode featuring guest Mado Hesselink, a yoga teacher and yoga podcaster with decades of experience. Theme Weavers hosts Farin and Heidi ask Mado about her back pocket theme she can use at any yoga class, and you’ll love the answer!

Mado shares her unique perspective on fostering self-determination within the practice, offering valuable advice on how teachers can provide meaningful choices and context to their students. This conversation delves into bridging yoga philosophy with practical asana application, encouraging listeners to create a more individualized and aware practice.

If you like to geek out on yoga philosophy as well as anatomy, this episode is for you. 

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode51

As heard in this episode:

Book: Yoga - Anti Colonial Philosophy

Find Mado:

https://teachingyoga.net/

teachingyoga.net/podcast

https://www.helloyogateacher.com/impact

Download: 100 Yoga Class Themes

Follow Mado on Instagram

In this inspiring episode, Heidi and Farin sit down with yoga teacher Maritere Lopez to dive deep into her back pocket theme of "finding your edge." Tere unpacks the concept of the gunas—three energetic qualities that shape our material world—and highlights the crucial role of self-reflection and self-inquiry in achieving a balanced, well-lived life.

She shares how her approach to teaching involves guiding students to explore their limits. Known for her challenging long holds in poses like Chair Pose and Navasana, Tere finds the perfect balance between being fully present for her students and joining them in the tough parts of practice. By embracing her own physical limitations due to a neurological condition, she inspires students to push their own limits and use props and modifications for an empowering experience.

Tune in to learn how to weave the theme of finding your edge into your next yoga class. 

Follow Tere at instagram.com/utsaha.yogi

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode50

Join us in this enlightening episode as we dive into the profound theme of Abhinivesha, the fear of death, as outlined in Yoga Sutra 2.9. Discover how yoga and mindfulness can help us embrace the impermanence of life, live fully in the present moment, and transform our relationship with the inevitable. 

Farin and Heidi share practical tips for yoga teachers on weaving the theme of death into classes, encouraging students to release fear and resistance while fully engaging in each breath and posture. We'll also discuss the discomfort and taboos surrounding death, exploring how facing and accepting this reality can lead to deeper peace and presence.

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode49

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:52 Embracing the Impermanence of Life

06:20 Living in the Present Moment

09:57 Letting Go of Resistance

11:35 Addressing Death in Yoga Classes

15:29 Conclusion

In this episode, Heidi and Farin dive into the art of delivering a powerful Dharma talk, centered around Yoga Sutra 2.1, in the context of an autumnal equinox yoga class. They discuss how the equinox symbolizes balance and transition, inviting practitioners to reflect on letting go of what no longer serves them. Exploring the principles of Kriya Yoga—self-discipline, self-study, and surrender—they offer actionable insights on weaving these teachings into your practice and teaching.

With personal stories and practical tips, this episode inspires you to embrace transformation and align with the natural cycles of change in your yoga journey!

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode48

Join Heidi and Farin in this episode as they dive into the art of creating the ultimate yoga class playlist! Discover how the right music can elevate your practice, setting the tone and energy from start to finish. They’ll guide you on matching songs to different phases of your class—from warm-up to peak poses to the serene Savasana.

Learn about the bell curve of energy, the emotional impact of tunes, and the magic of beats per minute (BPM) in keeping your flow on track. Plus, hear why sometimes, silence is just as powerful. Tune in and transform your yoga experience with music! 🎵✨

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode47

Join Farin and Heidi as they dive into Yoga Sutra 2.16, discussing how to avoid suffering twice by being present in the moment and making mindful choices. Discover the power of conscious living in shaping your future well-being, and learn how to distinguish between productive worrying and unhelpful negative spirals. This episode highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our own suffering and making choices that lead to greater peace and contentment.

Tune in as they explore teaching yoga without a peak pose, focusing instead on flow and staying present. You'll also learn about using interrupted breathing techniques (Viloma Pranayama) to keep students engaged. Use this theme to teach your next yoga class on Yoga Sutra 2.16!

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode46

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Funny Anecdotes

01:18 Overview of Sutra 2.16

06:20 Understanding the Nature of Suffering

10:06 Taking Responsibility for Our Suffering

12:59 Practical Application in Yoga Practice

16:34 Phrases to Use in Class

20:01 Teaching Strategies and Peak Poses

23:39 Peak Postures and Peak Flows: Staying Present in the Moment

26:03 Interrupted Breathing: Cultivating Awareness and Mindfulness

27:35 Avoiding Suffering Twice: Letting Go of Future Worries

33:33 Living with Intention: Creating a Life of Peace and Joy

34:58 Conclusion

Join Farin and Heidi as they dive into three creative ways to choose a theme for your yoga class. Discover how to build your class around a peak posture, draw inspiration from personal life experiences, or leave it to fate with a random pick from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Whether you're a seasoned yoga instructor or new to teaching, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to keep your classes fresh and inspiring. Tune in now and transform your teaching practice!

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode45

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:22 Method 1: Theming Around a Peak Posture

07:50 Method 2: Theming with Personal Life Experiences

08:38 Method 3: Leaving it Up to Chance

11:24 Applying the Themes in Class

12:46 Reflecting on Personal Experiences

21:10 Connecting to Yoga Philosophy

27:37 Embracing Chance

Join Heidi and Farin as they delve into the wisdom of Yoga Sutra 4.3! In this inspiring episode, they explore the profound teachings of the fourth Pada, focusing on how to remove obstacles and facilitate the natural flow of consciousness. Discover the importance of inner work in creating the right conditions for personal and spiritual transformation. They discuss how true change begins from within, requiring patience, consistency, and mindfulness. Plus, get practical tips with phrases and poses you can incorporate into your yoga practice. Tune in to deepen your understanding and elevate your journey!

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers and pick up the inspo sheet for this episode at themeweaversyoga.com/episode44