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

In this episode I sit down with Sophie Malahieude a Ayurveda Wellness consultant and Yoga Teacher.  Sophie began her journey 22 years ago where she learned the principles of Yoga and the sister science of Ayurveda.   The combination of Yoga and Ayurveda deeply resonated with Sophie in her personal life as well as in her classes, teacher trainings, seminars and private sessions.

Sophie starts this conversation by breaking down her journey into yoga which began in Germany.   She was introduced to Yoga and felt a returning home.  She quickly realized her desire to want to share and teach yoga.  She began her teaching career 12 years ago when she moved to the United States.  Sophie describes her journey through Ayurveda and how she incorporates the practices into her classes to reach all students.  

We dive into the importance of having balance in the practice and using the body composition to understand what poses are most beneficial.  Sophie explains how she uses Ayurveda to provide variations for students so that everyone can have a unique experience.  She also highlights how she notices imbalances in students and the graceful way in which she offers support. 

We move into the challenges of being a yoga teacher and how to financial diversify yourself for success.   We also discuss the importance of being able to pivot and change directions so that you are continuing to be adaptable.   Sophie highlights the importance of identifying your market as a teacher to attract the clients that resonate most with you.  

We conclude this conversation with Sophie highlighting how the practice of yoga is not only on the mat but in how you show up for your life and the reason for wanting to share the practice has to be so much more than the money.  Sophie leaves listeners with her simple yet powerful wisdom to always take what you need and leave what you don’t as a student and as a teacher. 

You can connect with Sophie on Instagram @sophiejimalahieude or on Facebook at  "Sophie Malahieude - Nature's Wisdom”

Her wesbite is:  www.natureswisdom4u.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 Audrey Ingibersdottir a 500 E-RYT Yoga Teacher out of New England with roots in Iceland.   Audrey has landed across career paths over the years and inevitably realized that doing what she loves can create a whole new sense of happiness.   Her teachings offer space to come into a posture attentively with focused intuition. 

Audrey starts this conversation with opening up about her own personal struggle with anxiety and depression and how the teachings of yoga helped her to slow down and connect with the breath.  Audrey expands on her own teaching style and how she offers this same experience of slowing down and feeling into the poses as a way for students to work through deeper issues they may be experiencing. 

We dive into the need for alignment in your teaching and your values and how important this is when finding a studio to work at.   Audrey breaks down how the current pandemic allowed her to take personal pause in her life and reevaluate her priorities as well as the importance of taking space as a creative to be present and allow space for the magic to unfold.  

Together we explore the relationship to the ego and how this can impact studio owners and teachers.  We also explore the ways in which our authenticity and integrity is even more needed on social media and how people choose to share information.   We touch upon the concept of teacher burnout and finding space as a teacher for yourself and for your students. 

Audrey closes this conversation by sharing one the most important lessons she learned from her teacher to not compare someone else's middle to your beginning and how we are more connected than we think, reflecting back to one another in unique ways.   Audrey shares her untapped power for herself and the collective of how the body and mind are so deeply connected and how imperative it is for us not to lose sight of that connection for true transformation to occur.  

In addition to being a yoga teacher Audrey is also an amazing photography.  To learn more about Audrey’s teaching and photography visit:  www.ingibers.com

You can follow Audrey @ingibers or on facebook at Audrey Anna Ingibersdottir

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 Maria Margaritis a yoga teacher and healer based in Maui Hawaii.  She has been a practitioner of the healing arts for over 15 years and is in the process of completing her fist book: Remember Wholeness. 

In this conversation we explore how Maria healed herself and her addictions through the practice of yoga. Maria shares when she found yoga, she found home.   Through her personal study and consistent practice Maria was able to evolve and grow.  She began her journey into teacher training in 2012 with Seane Corn and has continued to evolve as a teacher and healer.  

We discuss Maria’s journey to becoming a yoga teacher and how to balance all of the elements of teaching a class that is accessible for all bodies.  Maria breaks down the importance of having teachers that create safe space for others to shine their light.   Moving deeply into the power that resides when we start to understand our holy “no” allowing for more opportunities that are aligned with our holy “yes.”

We dive into Maria’s relationship to money and finances and how she is learning to use her money to speak her truth. Maria shares a first hand example of stepping into her power and saying no to opportunities that did not align with her values when it came to working at the hotels in Maui.   She reminds us that we all have the opportunity to connect back to the self and use our money as a catalyst for the change we want to see in the world.  

Maria closes this conversation with the reminder to remember the wholeness that exists inside each of us.   When we start to realize we are already enough just as we are are, our intuition has more space to move and breath.     

To connect with Maria and receive an intuitive reading  or be on a pre-waiting list for her book launch: Remember Wholeness  reach out via email  [email protected]  or visit her website: www.mariamargaritis.com.

Special offer for listeners:

Sign up for Maria's email list by emailing her at [email protected] and mention this podcast to receive a free prayer and yoga video to harness the power of your intuition from Maria directly.  

Additional resources or mentions:

Louise Hay- Heal your Body

Izzy Ivy Art /  https://izzy-ivy.com/home-art/

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 Minta Allred a mother, partner, yoga teacher, facilitator - trainer, conscious activist and social entrepreneur with a B.A in yoga studies.  She is privileged to teach yoga as well as facilitate workshops that open pathways towards greater self acceptance and a collective shift in how we treat one another as women in a media saturated patriarchal society. 

Minta’s started a career in modeling which allowed her to see first hand her relationship to her body.  We break down in this episode the most important lesson she learned at the age of 12, you can’t love anyone until you love yourself.  Minta came to yoga as a way to be connected back into her body to feel at home.  She was able to move away from this perfectionist image of her body into a place of acceptance.   

As an Embody Love Facilitator, Minta has learned the importance of diving deep into her own personal shadow work and uncovering areas in which spiritual bypassing may have occurred.  She discusses the safe ways in which she is able to hold space for all people and provide inclusion in her teaching.  

We explore her thoughts on the current teacher training programs as well as her journey through her first 200 hour teacher training and eventually her 500 hour teacher training in India.  

As a mother Minta discusses her personal challenges and how she has learned to adapt.   This brings us deeply into the conversation around community and connection and how important it is for our mental health.  Minta closes this conversation with her desire for all people to connect with an unwavering sense of faith in themselves and in others. 

Minta believes yoga is a healing modality, a preventative medicine and a  Spiritual connection that can be accessible to all and she is driven to facilitate any opportunity that is working to shift our western/commodified version of yoga to become more accessible and inclusive, as the practice was always intended to be. 

You can find Minta at https://www.yogawithminta.com/ or on facebook at  www.facebook.com/yogawithminta

She teaches two weekly classes online and leads embody love trainings. 

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

Additional Resources:

To learn more about the Embody Love Movement go to https://www.embodylovemovement.org/

Text Recommendation Matthew Sanford and his book Waking Mind and Body

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 Ankati day a yoga teacher, sound healer and Ecstatic  Dance DJ from Maine.   After graduate school Ankati spent two years in Costa Rica studying yoga and meditation.   As  leader of Yoga Teacher Trainings Ankati offers her insight and wisdom for selecting a program that works for you as well as how to successful navigate the online teaching world.

In this conversation we explore the biggest lesson Ankati learned from her yoga teacher training, Simplicity.  Learning first hand that yoga was more than the mastery of the asana and being able to do fancy poses.  Through the exploration of philosophy, the chakra system and simplicity of breath; Ankati was able to communicate the fuller essence of what was happening.  

We explore the importance of starting right where you are with your native language whether that be self study, movement or reflection; and the simplicity that can come when planning classes.  We talk about sharing in collective experiences and understanding the teacher/ student relationship. 

Ankati breaks down some of the key factors to think about when choosing a yoga teacher training program and how teaching online has a new set of requirements to navigate.  

We end this podcast by highlighting the importance of creating balance, having some form of sustainable income as well the importance of standing in your truth. 

Ankati highlights so beautifully the Untapped power we all have inside of us,  “ Unrelenting willingness to break down whatever is standing between us and the truth”

Ankati currently teaches on the Seacoast of New Hampshire and leads a 200 Yoga Teacher Training at Barre& Soul starting on September 24th and running through April.  She also founded the Seacoast Ecstatic Dance, which is currently on hiatus but shall return.

You can find Ankati on instagram @ankatiday or through her website http://www.ankatiday.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 Michelle Blanchette a registered yoga teacher and Intuitive wellness, breath and mindset coach.  Michelle is passionate about helping people manage their stress, reach their goals and find their true self.  

In this conversation we dive into the thread that runs through Michelle’s teaching and life journey, being a good member of community and showing up to embrace all people for their differences.  Michelle shares her personal journey through education and what led her to complete her teacher training at Kripalu.  Highlighting the different ways in which her teaching has changed over the years and her personal process for improvement.  

We dive into the challenges of social Media and how it can be used as a tool to highlight the areas within ourselves that are personally triggering.   Michelle beautifully explains the importance of coming to peace with yourself when you are forced to show up and be visible in public teaching or through social platforms. 

We explore the difference between financial success and abundance and Michelle breaks down her personal success with having multi potential on a quest to explore her creativity at all times.   

We end this conversation with Michelle breaking down the power in reinvention and adaptability.   When we open to shifts and pivots they become part of the beauty in the journey.  Michelle encourages us all to keep moving with are eyes open.

You can stay in touch with Michelle by visiting her website www.michelleblanchette.com  and check out her upcoming High Vibe Retreats in Maine this September and October.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @blanchet93 and @essentialoils4therestofus 

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 Kate Manuell a 500 Hour registered yoga teacher, Trauma specialist and sacred space facilitator.  Kate is the founder of Three Moons Yoga and The Elemental Womxn.  

In this conversation we dive into the personal challenges that many teachers face surrounding self doubt.  Examining what it means to have confidence in yourself and to trust your inner voice. Kate breaks down her personal experiences through the 200 Hour and 500 Hour Teaching Training programs and what elements were beneficial in moving her forward as well as keeping her grounded.

Kate highlights the importance of personal embodiment when it comes to both teaching and practicing and how often times this can be overlooked in the teacher training programs.   She highlights the importance of finding your voice as a teacher and discovering the medicine you uniquely offer and how we all can battle with the imposter syndrome.  

We touch upon the topics of studio standards, pay structure and power structure as well as the importance of having consistency and creating an equal energetic exchange. 

Kate ends this conversation by highlighting the importance of tapping into our feminine power and earth based wisdom to find personal embodiment and move forward as a collective.   

You can stay in touch with Kate by visiting her website, www.threemonsyoga.com.  She has an upcoming retreat for womxn in October 2020 in Vermont and is creating a Somatics program in the fall.  Find Kate on instagram @_earthess. 

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

Logo and 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 Sarah Krzyanowksi a native New Yorker and 200 RYT.  Sarah completed her teacher training at Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in NYC in 2015.   

Sarah came to the practice of yoga through the completion of her first marathon in 2010.  She looked to yoga as part of her training schedule and after her first class realized it could become so much more.  

In this conversation we dive into the yoga teacher training programs that are being offered and what some of the gaps may be for continued teacher success.  We discuss the ways in which teachers would benefit from business/ entrepreneur training and the willingness to have open and honest conversations around what it takes to be successful in the industry.

We explore together the breakdown that is starting to occur with the Yoga Studio model and how teachers can work to adapt.   Discussing different and creative ways to move forward on the yoga path that do not include owning a yoga studio. 

Sarah breaks down her definition of financial success and how she has been able to achieve this on her path as a Yoga Teacher.  We discuss the power in dismantling society’s definition of success as a way for more people to have personal freedom. 

Sarah closes out this discussion highlighting the importance of being comfortable in your body.  Learning to understand all pieces of yourself and the strength that exists when we can admit to not having all the answers. 

You can find Sarah at www.sarahkyoga.com or on instagram @Sarah.k.yoga

She is leading an upcoming Beginners Yoga Series at Common Roots Collective in Rye NH and has recently been studying and training in Katonah Yoga which weaves Taoist theory and the importance of embodiment of the poses.

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

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 Angela Desrosiers a yoga Teachers, Barre Educator and BUTI yoga Instructor as well as the creator of day and weekend yoga retreats. 

Angela has had a love affair with yoga since she can remember and decided to take the journey into yoga teacher training in 2016 at Thames Street Yoga in Newport RI.   

In this conversation we dive into Angela’s experience owning a dance studio and what that has taught her about the yoga industry as well as what makes a good leader.   

We also explore the differences in yoga studios and what can be required of yoga teachers  beyond just teaching a 60 minute class, as well as the importance of setting personal boundaries and valuing yourself.   Breaking down the yoga studio model and the effectiveness of yoga teacher training programs as well as what is takes to be a confident teacher.  

Angela honestly opens up about the changes that have occurred for her during the current pandemic and how she has realized how exhausted she truly was from the “hustle”.   Discussing what it would take to be financial successful in her terms and how the importance of using your voice to speak up and have difficult conversations is needed right now.  

We conclude this episode with words of wisdom from Angela:  “ I have to remember that there is this fearlessness inside of me to continue to take ownership and that I can be brave and do hard things”

Resources:
Join a class online or outside with Angela by visiting her website: www.thealignexperience.com

Follow Angela on Instagram at @angedesrosiers

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


Logo Design and music created 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.