Untapped Power: Insights and Wisdom for Collective Transformation in the Yoga Community

In this episode I sit down with Kristina Hayhurst a recent graduate from New York University with a BA in English & Physics.  Kristina started teaching yoga after her first two years of college, where yoga was a safe haven amidst a heavy course load and an ever-moving city. 

We explore:

• Yoga Teacher perceptions versus reality
• Discovering who you are as a yoga Teacher
• The importance of a mediation practice
• The relationship to your thoughts and the journey to looking inward
• The difficult navigation of the yoga industry and lineage
• Separation of self from how we define ourself
• Transition from college to working full time and relocating during a pandemic
• The grace in showing up for yourself everyday
• The beauty that arises out of failure
• Creating personal accountability and motivation through strong community connections 
• Challenges of making connections 
• Developing confidence as a new teacher
• The power in sharing your experiences with others and creating connection
• Social media- Positives and negatives
• External validation and why it never works
• Clear action steps to get started as a new teacher
• The Untapped collective power of people coming together to create change.

Kristina is looking to expand her practice virtually on the east coast and can be found @Kristina_Hayhurst  Facebook: Kristina Hayhurst.   

If you liked this conversation considering joining the free community Untapped Power.  In this community you will have access to a variety of free resources and also the option to join a live call every Tuesday @ 2 EST where we use peer to peer learning to discuss important topics similar to what was highlighted in today’s conversation around asking for feedback and understanding your Why and the why of your customers.  Go to the link in the show notes and get signed up.  

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today. 

Like and follow the community @ Untapped Power 

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In this episode I sit down with Lex Rozzi a certified yoga instructor and integrative mindfulness consultant whose teachings focus on weaving mindfulness into our daily lives in practical ways.   Her mission is to inspire individuals and organizations to step into their purpose, align effort with values and cultivate balanced ways of living and working.   

In this episode we explore:

• Yoga as a source of healing
• The need for more self aware leaders in corporate America
• Finding personal Purpose
• Growth Mindset and how it relates to Yoga
• How to use yoga and mindfulness to handle change and uncertainty
• Incorporating Yoga into your leadership style
• Journaling and reflection
• Impact of Yoga on companies bottom line
• Connecting Key decision makers
• Misconception of Yoga as only a physical practice
• Creating an inclusive culture with a growth mindset
• Bringing your authentic self to work 
• Using every moment as an opportunity to shift the dial for yourself
• Benefits of collaboration 
• Breaking down the good vibe culture
• Options for taking Yoga outside the studio
• The power of inward healing and self reflection 

Lex offers practical teachings that use yoga and mindfulness to support individual transformation as a bridge for collective growth through workshops and consultancy programs for both personal and team development.  Connect with Lex @lex.rozzi.

If you liked this conversation considering joining the free community Untapped Power.  In this community you will have access to a variety of free resources and also the option to join a live call every Tuesday @ 2 EST where we use peer to peer learning to discuss important topics similar to what was highlighted in today’s conversation around asking for feedback and understanding your Why and the why of your customers.  Go to the link in the show notes and get signed up.  

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Epps a wife, mother, Nurse Practitioner, Professor and yoga studio owner.  Stephanie has been teaching yoga for 5 years and has owned a brick and mortar studio for 3 years. 

In this episode we explore:

• The importance of running a business and treating your yoga studio as a business and not a hobby or side hustle
• Defining Success; Success is in the Eye of the Beholder
• Accepting that your studio may not be for everyone
• Understanding the customers Why to ensure they are successful
• The power in providing people with what they need and being open to offer referrals 
• Meeting the needs of the students who come through the door
• Seeing people for who they are  and providing a diverse environment
• Management of Teachers during Pandemic
• Transition to Online Teaching and Hybrid model
• The importance of Feedback and Personal Growth
• The Hiring process for New Teachers - are you teachable?
• How to handle challenging and unpredictable situations
• Maintaining community at a studio during a pandemic
• Creating Healthy Boundaries
• The importance of saying no to maintain true presence
• Having Honesty and Integrity and being in control of yourself

Stephanie encourages students to embrace their power and take their yoga practice off the mat.  You can connect with Stephanie @indigosoulyoga or @professor_epps or on Facebook @ indigosoulyoga or @professorepps.

If you liked this conversation considering joining the free community Untapped Power.  In this community you will have access to a variety of free resources and also the option to join a live call every Tuesday @ 2 EST where we use peer to peer learning to discuss important topics similar to what was highlighted in today’s conversation around asking for feedback and understanding your Why and the why of your customers.  Go to the link in the show notes and get signed up.  

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this episode I sit down with Cynthia Hauk a registered yoga teacher who helps art and yoga teachers build confidence and skills crucial to create and market their unique offerings in the world.   Her online Mindful Art and Yoga Teacher Trainings and Group Coaching Program includes specific strategies, tools, coaching and connection in community to help you teach in a sustainable and fulfilling way.   

In this Episode we explore:

• The slow and steady process of self discovery 
• Teaching what we know and what we practice 
• Discovering your unique vision and trusting who we are working with 
• Business of combining Art, Yoga and Mindfulness  
• Cynthia’s purpose to wake up and to wake others up 
• Empowerment through online teaching 
• Overcoming the inner critic and building confidence
• Willingness to change and alter your business and brand over time as you grow
• The ongoing practice of being curious to your life 
• How to ask for and receive feedback 
• Discovering your own path forward as a Yoga Teacher without seeking out answers from others
• Strengthening your inner creative knowing 
• How to feel nourished and supported in your teaching and in your life.  

You can connect with Cynthia on instagram @mindfulcreativemuse or facebook @ mindfulcreativemuse   Her website is: https://mindfulcreativemuse.com/online-store and YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/mindfulcreativemuse 

Mindful Art and Yoga Teacher Training: https://bit.ly/artandyogateachertraining

(Free Gift) Building Momentum for Teachers Workbook: http://bit.ly/yogateachersworkbook

Other Resources: 

George Kao

Tad Hargrave

If you liked this conversation considering joining the free community Untapped Power.  In this community you will have access to a variety of free resources and also the option to join a live call every Tuesday @ 2 EST where we use peer to peer learning to discuss important topics such as the money conversation, creating your career as a yoga teacher and finding your voice.    All calls are recorded for you to view a later date.   

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this episode I sit down with Ellie White a professionally trained dance and 200 hour Yoga Teacher.   In addition Ellie teaches Yoga Sculpt and is qualified to teach pre/post natal yoga.  

In this Episode we explore:

• Viewing Teacher training as an investment and a career
• Creating your personal brand and starting your own business
• Challenges and difficulties of teaching online
• Creating a relationship with Social Media 
• Attracting the right customers
• The Myth behind having a large following
• Asking difficult questions of people to understand your market
• Being a business owner and a yoga teacher and finding balance
• Making Yoga financially viable for you
• Importance of valuing yourself
• Disadvantages of teaching classes for Free
• Incorporating Service into your teaching

Ellie’s passion to share her knowledge of Yoga is what drives her classes, she prides herself on making them accessible to everyone, and is always so excited to share this.  You can find Ellie @thrivewithellie / www.facebook.com/thrivewithellie or visiting her website at
www.ellie-white.com.

If you liked this conversation considering joining the free community Untapped Power.  In this community you will have access to a variety of free resources and also the option to join a live call every Tuesday @ 2 EST where we use peer to peer learning to discuss important topics such as the money conversation, creating your career as a yoga teacher and finding your voice.    All calls are recorded for you to view a later date.   

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this episode I sit down with Carolina Meliones who is an experienced high school Spanish teacher  an international student trip leader, yoga instructor, freelance photographer and adventurer who currently lives in Vermont with her husband and 2 year old son.   She founded yoga in College in 2005 and feel in love. 

In this episode we explore:

• Seeking out community through Yoga
• The two simultaneously evolutions occurring as a result of being pregnant during yoga teacher training
• How the meditation and Spiritual components changed with Yoga Teacher Training
• How pregnancy changed the physical practice and allowed for more restoration in the body. 
• Incorporating Yoga into the classroom and home
• Using Breath work to assist fellow colleagues and students 
• Finding time and space as a new mother to continue your personal practice
• The importance of having personal awareness and slowing down.
• The benefits from taking a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
• Finding creative ways to offer yoga outside of a studio
• A future vision of creating an integration with mindfulness, movement and every day life. 

Carolina encourages her students and teachers to be balanced learners, to prioritize self care, to be compassionate, and to work towards a more open and supportive community.  You can find Carolina on instagram @caromelphoto.

If you liked this conversation considering joining the free community Untapped Power.  In this community you will have access to a variety of free resources and also the option to join a live call every Tuesday @ 2 EST where we use peer to peer learning to discuss important topics such as the money conversation, creating your career as a yoga teacher and finding your voice.    All calls are recorded for you to view a later date.   

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

Join the FREE Community by clicking the link below:

https://goddessfinancialsllc.vipmembervault.com/

Membership Benefits:

Free Resources
Live Call on Tuesday's at 2 EST - Recording available if cannot attend
Diverse group of Teachers
Collaboration and Connection

First Live Call on January 12th at 2 EST 

Interested in being a guest on the show reach out to Amanda at [email protected]

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this conversation I sit down with Gerardo Gonzalez an immigrant, engineer, father, husband and 200 Hour Certified Yoga Teacher.   Gerardo was introduced to yoga and discovered that Yoga is both a process and a toolset enabling him to live a good life.   This discovery has been a gift to him and the reason for his desire to share this gift with others.   He has the intention of one day opening a community Yoga studio in Savannah Georgia. 

Gerardo begins this conversation by taking us through his personal journey with yoga that began in the Baptiste lineage.   The physical practice was what drew him, in but the emotional opening he received allowed him to continue to evolve and change.  Gerardo opens up about his journey to understand himself emotionally and to create his own voice as a teacher.   Sharing what he has learned from other teachers and practices.  

We dive into the challenges of making a living as a yoga teacher and Gerardo’s desire to open a studio in his local community.   We discuss the details and analysis that is required to successful operate a yoga studio.  In addition, he opens up about his teacher training experience and the disconnect he felt being male, married and hispanic.  What allowed him to get through the teacher training was the reminder to explore other studios and lineages and to find teachers that resonated most with him.  

Gerardo openly shares how yoga has allowed him to feel more joy with himself, his family, and his career.  He has been able to have more open communication and to avoid conflict.  Working as a full time engineer, Gerardo discusses the challenges of “Code Switching” and being able to communicate in an effective way to all groups of people. 

We close this conversation with Gerardo sharing his vision of making Yoga accessible to as many people as possible and as a way to move out of the analytical mind into understanding our emotions.  He also strives to empower new students of all backgrounds to step into the practice.  

You can connect with Gerardo on Instagram @ papabearyoga or Facebook @ Gerardo Gonzalez

Gerardo is currently a B Yoga Ambassador and looking to start a podcast in the future, so be on the look out! 

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this conversation I sit down with Nicolle Spohn a 200 RYT Vinyasa Yoga Teacher.  Nicolle loves the fluid aspect of Vinyasa as it allows for a lot of creativity and freedom in movement.   Nicolle started her yoga practice as an outlet for depression and anxiety.   The world can be a crazy place, but through regular yoga practice, Nicolle learned to stay grounded, let go of fear, embrace trust and live in the heart instead of the mind.  

Nicolle starts this conversation with her personal journey into yoga as a way to explore her emotions and to find what was present in the heart not just the mind.  As a newer teacher to Yoga,  Nicolle discusses how she finds balance in her Corporate Advertising / Marketing Job and being a yoga teacher.   We discuss the challenges of showing up in different roles and the skills she has learned as a result of both. 

We move into discussing the financial challenges of leaving a corporate position to become a full time yoga teacher.  She shares her personal desire to feel more inspired from the heart.  Nicolle shares her personal experience with asking for money after volunteering her time to teach for free and the importance of being compensated.  Nicolle views this as a sign of respect for those teachers that are pursuing Yoga as a full time profession. 

Nicolle stresses the importance of Yoga continuing to become a more respected profession and the desire for honest conversations around money and finances to take place.  Nicolle leaves listeners with her wisdom for her personal untapped power of discovering her voice, speaking her truth and showing up as herself in all areas of her life.   She believes that all of us coming together to share our truth through using our individual voices can create change.   

To connect with Nicolle you can visit her website: www.letyourshadowshine.com or find her on Instagram @letyourshadowshine.

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.

In this episode I sit down with Tammy Sands a Professional Practitioner of Mind, Movement & Advocacy.   Tammy is the Founder of Lightness of Being, she strives to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic medicine, and provide agency for the equality and empowerment of all living entities.   

Tammy starts this conversation with her personal journey through yoga that began over 20 years ago.  Tammy’s journey brought her to teaching in Denmark before the wave of popularity that exists surrounding Yoga today.  Tammy shares her insights on the difference in cultures around the world and their relationship to yoga.  She also touches on the importance of trusting the process versus expectations. 

We explore the shadow self and the importance of having awareness to all parts of yourself.  Tammy specifically touches upon how she is able to take people into their shadow self without inducing further trauma or harm.  Tammy deeply shares her personal journey into her own shadow self and what it has taught her about herself.   She highlights the importance of connectedness that we all crave and how yoga is the work we do not only on the mat but off the mat as well.  The deeper importance of showing up in the world to serve others in whatever way we are able. 

Together we explore the teacher training structure as well as the financial success and competition that exists in the industry.   Exploring certifications and knowledge versus experience in a capitalistic world. 

Tammy leaves us with her personal untapped power that she offers through her seeds meditation as well as a collective reminder to show up in the world as your best self.   We are left exploring the collective question of what is needed to improve the industry so that as many people as possible can receive help and continue to show up in service to all. 

Tammy’s work is research based and draws from scientific principles while simultaneously being rooted in universal practices.  She can be found through her website:  www.journeywithlightness.com or on instagram @journeywithlightness. 

To connect with Amanda follow her on Instagram @astrojny or visit amandastrojny.com and schedule your free connection call today.  

Logo Design & Music by Alex Bourne

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode so we can continue to share this podcast with others  or follow along on Instagram.