In the lead up to Mother’s Day, I find myself drawn not only to the personal figure of my mother - or even to myself as a mother - but to something older than identity. Something ancient.

Wiser. More mysterious. More difficult to name.

Like The Great Mystery itself (God, Source, Universal Life Force) what I’m reaching toward here feels ultimately ineffable. Language, in some ways, diminishes it. Words reduce what was never meant to be contained.

And yet, for the sake of communion, for the sake of trying to touch the untouchable together, I’ll refer to her simply as:

The Mother.

Not a role.
Not a Hallmark category.
Not even necessarily a person.

But a pattern woven through time, culture, psyche and body.

A presence that has been revered, feared, embraced, mystified, sanctified - and at times, forgotten.

+++

Want to connect in person?

Come to The Breath Experience at Mindful Garden Stanmore, Sun 14 June. Book and find out more here. https://mindfulgardenyoga.com.au/the-breath-experience-with-kate-kendall/

Come on a wild adventure with me to Botswana in August? Check it out here. Time to re-wild. More here: https://nourishtravel.com/botswana-retreat-with-kate-kendall

In this conversation with Thierry Nyfeler, we hear the story of someone who chose to break free from what he calls his “golden cage" - a place that was comfortable and fairly certain for 'success' as he ascended in his career in Switzerland but that was keeping him from creativity and adventure.

Rather than having everything mapped out, Thierry allowed his path to unfold - guided more by instinct over certainty - into what is now Munga Plains: a yoga retreat and safari experience set on the edge of Chobe National Park in Botswana.

What began almost as a joke became something much more. A quiet nudge away from risk-averse thinking, and toward something wilder, more alive. A willingness to take a bet on adventure - not just for himself, but for the many people now touched by what he’s created.

There’s also a humility in his story. Along the way, there were betrayals, missteps, and moments that could have hardened him. Instead, they seem to have softened him - even opening the door to compassion for those who took advantage of him.

His story reminds me of something Jim Carrey once shared about his father - that you can fail at something you don’t love, so you might as well take a chance on what you do.

If you’ve been playing it safe… if something in you is waiting to begin but hasn’t quite found the courage yet - this conversation might meet you there.

We also explore the quiet magic of retreat and how stepping out of the noise of everyday life allows us to loosen our grip - on identity, on time, on the constant doing - and return to a more natural rhythm that so often goes unnoticed.

If it calls you, come along for the journey.

And if you feel curious to experience it for yourself, I’ll be hosting a retreat at Munga Plains this August.

Big love, and thank you for listening,
KK x

Find out more about my own offerings and writings on my Substack: https://substack.com/@activeyogi

Website: www.activeyogi.com.au

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

Find out more about the Retreat I'm hosting at Munga Plains in Botswana in August: https://nourishtravel.com/botswana-retreat-with-kate-kendall

And about Munga Plains here: https://www.mungaplains.com

www.munga.travel

https://www.instagram.com/mungaplains/

Today is a solo episode in which I’m offering you a contemplation. 

In many spiritual traditions, contemplation is not about finding the right answer, but about learning how to stay with a question. To hold it lightly. To let it breathe.

It’s a softening of the need to understand, and an opening to something more intuitive - something that reveals itself slowly, over time.

So in the episode I’ll offer the contemplation and then let the words following sit with you. Try not to ‘understand’ intellectually but rather receive my words or offering and see what resonates. 

I hope you get something medical from this today and all of your days.

In this episode we’re joined by Amy Landry - a yoga teacher of many years, an Ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, author, and mother of two who's deeply devoted to preserving the depth and integrity of the traditional yoga teachings based here in Australia.

She’s written an incredible new book, 'The Sea of Yoga' which dives deep into the world of reductionist yoga. We talk about and cover topics from the fall of the Guru (and why teachers are still relevant), we de-bunk some yogic misconceptions and talk about how to keep yoga real in our every day lives. 

This is a must-listen for all yoga teachers and students and anyone who’s navigating a messy middle - remembering that these places are where we can lean into and create more meaningful stories. 

01:39 Why She Wrote Ocean of Yoga

03:37 Writing Through Transition

05:12 Divinely Guided Creative Flow

08:15 Interconnected Yoga Teachings

10:06 Yoga History and Context

13:56 Myths and Misconceptions

19:26 Where Teachers Should Start

25:47 Lineage and Life Mentors

30:33 Early Life Before Yoga

32:19 Dance Injuries Spiral

33:13 Fire Accident Recovery

33:56 Yoga Practice Awakening

35:42 Retirement Into Teaching

37:03 Gurus Falling Teachings Stay

39:40 Karma Sovereignty Boundaries

45:08 Advice To Younger Self

49:43 Vedic Astrology Validation

52:02 Page 108 Stewardship

55:15 Integrity Trust Patience

58:55 Preorder Bonus Farewell

FOLLOW MY 'SOFTENINGS' HERE on Instagram.

And the pre-order bonus here and follow her here.

In this episode, we explore the concept of liminal space, a transitional phase in life where individuals experience change and uncertainty. We emphasize the importance of productive rest, particularly through practices like yoga nidra, which can help us all navigate these in-between moments. The discussion also touches on the Japanese concept of 'ma,' highlighting the significance of pauses and spaces in life. I encourage you all to embrace these liminal spaces as opportunities for growth and creativity rather than challenges to be overcome.

Key Takeaways

• Liminal space is a transitional phase in life.
• Productive rest is essential for integration and self-discovery.
• Yoga nidra is a powerful tool for restorative practices.
• The Japanese concept of 'ma' emphasizes the importance of pauses.
• Rest is not just a reward; it's a necessary condition for growth.
• Liminal spaces can lead to profound identity shifts.
• The nervous system requires safety during times of change.
• Creative insights often emerge from resting in uncertainty.
• Regular practice of yoga nidra can enhance emotional resilience.
• Embracing the unknown can lead to magical experiences.




If you're interested in exploring the magic of Yoga Nidra enquire here. A new at-home retreat experience begins Tuesday 17 th February 2026. Join from anywhere in the world.

In this episode of 'Where We Soften,' host Kate Kendall interviews Ana Forrest and Jose Calarco, who share their unique and deeply integrated approach to yoga that combines indigenous wisdom, ceremony, music, and physical practice.

They discuss their international experiences, the challenges they've observed in yoga post-2020, and their specific teaching methods that address the needs of students at all levels, including beginners and those with injuries. The duo also touches upon their personal and professional partnership, which started serendipitously in an elevator, and how they incorporate shamanic practices into their lives and teachings.

Key highlights include their thoughts on the spiritual aspects of yoga, the importance of setting intent, and the benefits of immersive experiences such as their retreats and workshops.

00:00 Introduction to 'Where We Soften' Podcast

00:42 Meet the Guests: Jose Calarco and Ana Forrest

02:17 Observations on Yoga and Society

07:03 Adapting Yoga Practices for All

10:03 The Unique Approach of Forrest Yoga

14:49 The Power of Ceremony in Yoga

16:05 A Magical Partnership: Meeting in an Elevator

25:43 Vision Quest and Personal Healing

38:41 Secrets of the Wind: Retreat Experience

42:53 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Dates for their upcoming Australian tour:

Sydney 20-22Feb 'Building a Warrior's Heart' 3 day experience at Power Living Manly.

Byron Bay 6-8 Mar ‘Secrets of the Wind’ Byron Yoga Centre The 50% discount code is: SECRETS50

Merimbula 20-22 Mar 'Unraveling the Mysteries of the Internal Wilderness' 3 day experience at The Yoga Humm

Find out more about Forrest Yoga here and scroll their insta feeds for Jose here and Forrest Yoga here.

And if interested in taking my Yoga Nidra 4-week at home retreat starting 17 February 2026, 'The Rest' enquire here.

Find me on instagram.

Join my friend, Maura and I for a nourishing real chat that begins with a grounding practice and explores the elusive concept of 'balance' -what even is that anyway? They discuss the challenges and importance of authenticity, sharing personal stories and insights from their journeys. The conversation touches on the impact of societal expectations, the necessity of play, and the importance of listening to oneself. Discover how to navigate life's wobbles, embrace vulnerability, and find harmony in both personal and professional realms. We each get real about personal 'messes' that have gone on to become magic in their messaging.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Conversation

02:27 Grounding and Attunement Exercise

09:26 Exploring the Concept of Balance

13:22 Personal Stories of Struggle and Burnout

27:01 The Importance of Play and Authenticity

35:38 Navigating AI in Communication

35:58 The Power of Gut Instincts

36:52 Authenticity in the Age of AI

37:17 Deep Connections vs. Social Media

39:03 The Value of Honesty and Authenticity

45:08 Integrating Wellness into Work

48:33 Embracing Unique Life Paths

56:47 Learning from Failures and Realignments

Find more about Maura and the work she does here and catch up on my latest writings, practices and more here.