S. 4 | Ep. 2

In this episode, I'll take you through the unique journey of teaching Yin Yoga. We dive deep into how this practice can be both challenging and surprisingly easier compared to more dynamic forms of Yoga.

I share my insights, offering practical advice for those transitioning from teaching movement-based Yoga to the stillness of Yin Yoga.

You'll learn the importance of proper training, including my own offerings, and the need for a strong self-practice.

We cover everything from managing alignment cues and breath techniques to holding brave space for students.

Deep gratitude for your ongoing support and feedback, which makes this solo endeavour incredibly rewarding.

Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to Yin Yoga, this podcast episode will have tips for you.

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

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S. 4 | Ep. 1

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of words in Yin Yoga classes with our guest, Leta Lavigne.From her beginnings in hot yoga in Thailand to running Yoga Rock Studios in Finland, Lita shares her experiences and insights, including her journey into embracing Yin Yoga and meditation. We also discuss finding one's authentic voice, and the importance of creating genuine classesLearn how to personalize your language, navigate word choices mindfully, and balance respect for mentors with critical thinking. We also reflect on incorporating poetry into Yin Yoga classes to discover depth and meaning. Finally, we explore the significance of stillness in Yin Yoga, finding one's unique voice and cues, and the continuous evolution of yoga teaching amidst changing times.grab your headphones settle in, and enjoy this insightful conversation!

Find Lita: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/leta_lavigne/⁠Website: ⁠https://www.yogarocks.fi/fi/⁠Writing on Yoga Journal:⁠ https://www.yogajournal.com/byline/leta-lavigne/⁠

Me:

Yoga Teachers:⁠ Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training⁠ at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my ⁠Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom⁠

To subscribe to my ⁠On-Demand Video Library⁠:

Full Show Notes ⁠https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/⁠

⁠Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley⁠

⁠Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra ⁠

Find me on Instagram 

⁠@nykdanuyoga⁠

⁠@YinYogaPodcast⁠

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⁠Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.⁠

S. 3 | Ep. 13 Bonus

Hey yinnies!

In this episode, we're wrapping up season three of the podcast with a seasonal roundup and some exciting reflections.

I've thoroughly enjoyed diving deep in season 3 into yin yoga topics like anatomy, Chinese medicine, and more with you.

I've covered listener-requested subjects, guest expert insights, and solo thoughts on yin yoga essentials, spine health, and sobriety.

Season four is on the horizon, and I'm eager to hear your ideas to keep our discussions fresh and engaging.

We'll be taking a short break for the holidays and will return in January 2025. Thanks for being part of this journey!

S. 3 | Ep. 12

Embracing Winter: A Yin Yoga Guide to the Water ElementIn this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I delve into the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine as it relates to winter. We'll discuss the importance of rest and introspection and how winter connects to the water element and Yin energy. I'll share practical tips for staying balanced during the winter season, dealing with holiday stress, and understanding the need for reflection.

Whether you're a Yin Yoga teacher or student, this episode is packed with insights to help you tune into the season's energy. Don't forget to sign up for the winter mini-workshop.YOGA TEACHERS USE THIS LINK 👇🏻 to RSVP:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19572410&appointmentType=71256625YOGA STUDENTS USE THIS LINK 👇🏻 https://nykdanuyoga.offeringtree.com/offerings/free-yin-yoga-for-winter-classAlso mentioned in this episode:

You Are Wintering: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/you-are-wintering-dont-set-new-years-resolutions/

Five Elements 101: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/the-five-elements-101-yin-yoga/

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

See all episodes at a glance

S. 3 | Ep. 11

When considering whether or not and why and how I should do some book reviews or book episodes, the reason I decided again to do this is because. There are a lot of teachers who are a bit newer that have come up, in more recent years, who may not be as familiar with Yin and the founder of Yin, or at least the founder of Yin in the way that I practice and teach it and the most kind of common way.

And they may also not be familiar with these books that came out before their time. And so I thought, of course, I can't start recording episodes. On Yin Yoga books, unless I start at the beginning, which would be my teacher, Paul Grilley's book. So we're going to talk about that book today.

Interview with My Teacher Paul Grilley 

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra

See all episodes at a glance 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

S. 3 | Ep. 10

The episode delves into the philosophy of Taoism, drawing connections between Yin Yoga and Taoism's principles of wu wei (non-forcing action).

My Guest, Dhugal Meachem, is a friend and colleague with a rich background in Tibetan meditation, Qigong, and Tai Chi. Dougal shares his journey from practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong in Hong Kong to discovering Yoga and then eventually Paul Grilley and Yin Yoga.

In this episode, Dhugal offers practical insights into how embracing quiet and stillness through practices like Qigong and Yin Yoga can lead to contentment and Harmony in life.

The conversation also touches on Dhugal's experience teaching Yin Yoga and training instructors to deeply understand and appreciate the practice.

Dhugal,  a practitioner with a rich background in Tibetan meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga, discusses his journey from Asian spiritual practices to Yoga, and how he eventually became a Yoga teacher and trainer.

The conversation explores Taoist philosophy, emphasizing naturalness, non-action (wu wei), and the integration of body, mind, and heart.

Dhugal's Yoga and meditation revolve around finding contentment and balance in life. The episode also delves into Dhugal's unique insights into Taoism, its connection to nature, and its practical applications in modern living.

You can learn more about Dhugal and his work https://www.dhugalmeachem.com/

 Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

See all episodes at a glance: 

S. 3 | Ep. 9

Today's topic can be a bit of a tricky one—a common question I get is about the origins and philosophical roots of Yin Yoga.

Is it rooted in Indian philosophy or does it have its connections with Taoism and Chinese medicine?

As Is often the case in Yin Yoga the answer is yes....no ...well it depends.

This often leaves new teachers puzzled about whether to discuss chakras or meridians or perhaps both in their classes.

Let's dive into this.

I want to clarify that much of what I'll share is my personal opinion. There's no right or wrong here.

Yin Yoga often gets confused between Indian philosophical grounding and Taoist or Chinese medical systems.

You'll find teachers leaning towards Indian philosophies while others veer towards Taoism and Chinese medicine.

For new teachers, this can be perplexing—should you be talking about chakras, meridians, or both?

This episode will aim to clarify these confusions and share my journey and decisions based on 20 years of teaching.

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

See all episodes at a glance

S. 3 | Ep. 8

In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I delve into the topic of 'Yin Yoga Policing', with a focus on defining what constitutes a Yin Yoga pose.

Questions from Yin Yoga Facebook groups inspired this episode. I share my thoughts and personal experiences, especially from my training with Mr. Yin Yoga teacher Paul Grilley.

Paul (and I) emphasize the need for critical thinking rather than following a dogmatic approach, advocating for a more flexible and inclusive practice.

I'll discuss the inclusion of upper body poses and the use of props in Yin yoga, and argue against rigidly declaring certain poses as 'not Yin'. By encouraging adaptations to meet individual needs, I aim to promote a more open and understanding Yin yoga community.

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

links to the other episodes mentioned are in the Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

See all episodes at a glance: 

S. 3 | Ep. 7

The Five Elements: An Overview

This Episode was a requested episode from a listener! If you have Yin Yoga questions or Topic Ideas you want me to cover on the podca,st let me know in the comments. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the Five Elements according to Taoism and TCM, which are closely tied to Feng Shui. It's a broad, subject that I cover more in-depth in my teacher training, but today’s session will serve as a basic overview—or as I prefer to call it, a "Five Elements 101."These elemental theories go into a lot of interconnected aspects including tissues, organs, emotions, and even the times of day, all integrated into both TCM and Taoist thought. This holistic approach provides a practical and grounded understanding of how our bodies interact with the world around us.

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/the-five-elements-101-yin-yoga/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

See all episodes at a glance: 

S. 3 | Ep. 6

Yin Yoga and Sobriety: A Deep Dive with Daphne Luke

In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, my guest Daphne Luke and I explore the profound impact of Yin Yoga on addiction recovery and sobriety.

Daphne is a seasoned teacher with both Bernie Clarks' 50-hour Yin Yoga Training and 500 hours of Yin Yoga Training with Paul Grilley.

Daphne has been practicing Yoga since the 90s and teaching yoga for two decades.

Initially developed a love of Yoga through Ashtanga and Yinyasa then discovered a passion for it with Yin Yoga. 

Daphne grew up in Canada & now lives in Auckland, New Zealand where she teaches yoga part-time, trains new Yin Yoga teachers, and manages a private alcohol rehab center.

She teaches Yin Yoga to recovering alcoholics as well as regular weekly community classes. 

She lives with her 16-year-old son and a pug named Leo.  

This is a brave conversation anchored in the inspiring story of Daphne Luke an experienced Yoga practitioner and a committed advocate for recovery from alcoholism. 

Through her story, You'll learn about the meeting of Yin Yoga and sobriety, and how this practice can act as a profound tool for recovery and personal growth.

.Daphne believes this practice is more than physical exercise; it is a full mind, body, and spirit experience that cultivates a deep sense of presence and peace.

In this episode, you'll hear about the intersection of Yin Yoga and Sobriety and how Yin Yoga has been a pivotal part of her recovery journey. 

As a recovering alcoholic, she found solace and grounding in the practice, which allowed her to step off the violent pendulum swing of addiction, even if only for the duration of the session.

 The meditative and introspective qualities of Yin Yoga helped Daphne and continue to help many others confront and process the mental and emotional aspects of their addiction. 

Daphne's story is one of resilience, commitment, and transformation.  Her story is a testament to how Yin Yoga and the sober community can complement each other, offering hope, support, and effective tools for healing. 

Daphne's professional journey has also integrated her passion for Yin Yoga with her commitment to recovery.

She now teaches Yoga at an alcohol rehab center, where the practice serves as a crucial component of the recovery program: the physical, mental, and spiritual healing aspects of Yin Yoga, mean patients can find a holistic approach to their rehabilitation. 

Her journey underscores the transformative power of Yin Yoga on the path to sobriety.

Her story offers hope and practical insights for those struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is. 

You can find Daphne on Facebook or Instagram as @YinYogaNZ

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

See all episodes at a glance