Yoga Off The Mat - The Movement For Modern Life Podcast

Yoga Off The Mat - The Movement For Modern Life Podcast

By Kat FarrantsHealth & FitnessMental HealthReligion & SpiritualitySpiritualityFitness
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Yoga Off The Mat - The Movement For Modern Life Podcast episodes

  • 24: On handstands, yoga injuries and Instagram
    Do you want to explore Sylvia’s classes on strength and pose challenges? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    Going deeper isn’t about doing the pose better, it’s about what the pose is teaching you.
    Why are so many people acquiring yoga injuries? How can we find a class which suits us? What impact has instagram had on yoga?
    In this episode, we talk to Sylvia Garcia, one half of London Acro Ladies and MFML teacher, about adapting our yoga practice to suit our bodies, rather than the other way round.
    Sylvia dives deep into the importance of listening to your body, whether than be through injury, pregnancy or something else.
    It is possible for yoga to not be healthy or good for our bodies; you can punish yourself with these tools or use them intelligently by adapting them to suit you in each moment. It may be challenging and hard to rest, but it’s brave to practice within our ability and listen to our body.
    “Isn’t it more yogic to be resting when you know you’re going to hurt your body than it is to just do the poses you’ve been asked to do?”
    In this episode you will find out about…
    Yoga and social media (9:30)
    Why comparison can be dangerous.
    How can we be responsible when posting and consuming yoga content on Instagram?
    Should we be learning poses from Instagram tutorials?
    Is it ever ok to be posting complex poses?
    The positive side of social media!
    Yoga and injuries (27:20)
    Is yoga on Instagram true yoga, or art?
    The importance of listening to our bodies.
    Why it’s ok to go back to basics.
    What injuries can teach about empathy.
    Why do we want to be more flexible or go to extreme ranges?
    Sustainability and longevity (35:55)
    Should we still be practicing Ashtanga?
    Where do we draw the line?
    The importance of picking the right shapes for you.
    How to respect changes in your body and preferences both daily and long term.
    It takes courage to say ‘no’
    Seeking advice, strength and pilates (47:25)
    What can we do when a pose doesn’t feel good anymore?
    When to seek help and not simply skip a pose.
    Who should we seek injury advice from?
    The role of pilates in building strength and sustaining your practice.
    How can we be more careful in adjustments?
    What will our bodies look like in a few years time after all this extreme yoga?
    The importance of asking “what do I need right now?”.
    Do you want to explore Sylvia’s classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    Find all of Sylvia’s classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/sylviagarcia
    1 hr 10 min
  • 23: On cultivating balance, intention and joy every day
    Do you want to explore Joo’s classes on balance and intention? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    “I can choose what happy means to me at any given point in time.”
    Balance, intention, silence and slowing down. How do these actions help us on the path to cultivating happiness every day?
    In this episode, we talk to one of our wonderful teachers, Joo Teoh, about redefining and taking responsibility for our happiness.
    Joo has been through some big life upheavals, both good and bad, but has managed to retain a real sense of joy and equanimity. He offers his own tips for when you are going through your own changes to keep your head above water. Learn more about consciously stepping away from stress triggers, finding space and being comfortable with slowing down.
    In this episode you will find out about…
    The importance of food (6:50)
    Why should you undertake a bit of a ‘life overhaul’ and how?
    The importance of consciously stepping away from stress.
    The steps you can take towards eating with intention.
    Why should we learn about where our food comes from?
    Defining Happiness (16:20)
    Happiness is often seen as a destination – can our definition of happiness change?
    What is ‘the gap’?
    The importance of having an intention before an interaction.
    What is your face doing right now?
    Reactions and consciousness (24:00)
    The importance of catching your reactions.
    The benefit of silent mornings and framing your day.
    Why you should scrap your to-do list!
    The yin and yang balance.
    Physical practices and tools (35:35)
    Why you should skip the multitasking
    Why redefining happiness is important when physical practices become challenging.
    How to rest, even when you find it hard!
    Does savasana make us happier?
    Find your mantras!
    What is tonglen? (Find the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tonglen-Pema-Chödrön/dp/3924195730)
    The importance of practicing for what’s coming.
    Happiness tips (55:20)
    Joo’s beautiful ideas for cultivating happiness every day.
    The importance of nature, curiosity, connection and awareness.
    How to take responsibility for your own happiness.
    “Be kind to yourself when you don’t succeed”
    Do you want to explore Joo’s classes? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    Find out more about Joo’s retreat space here: https://www.la-scellerie.com
    1 hr 14 min
  • 22: On finding happiness through yoga and positive psychology
    Do you want to explore Mercedes’ Positive Psychology series? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    “We know what makes us happy, what is tricky is the unhappy moments”
    It often seems that, as a society, we are constantly on the search for the holy grail of happiness. But what if everything you need to be happy was already inside of you?
    In this fascinating episode, we talk to Mercedes Sieff, a leading light in the world of yoga, about happiness and how we can discover it through yoga and positive psychology. Mercedes teaches creative and feisty sequences and it is incredibly eye opening to see just how well the worlds of yoga and psychology combine. Her innovative Positive Psychology series on Movement For Modern Life has been hugely popular!
    This chat with Mercedes is all about lightness, playfulness and “seeing the moment for what it is and having a bit of fun with it”. We explore character strengths and the history of yoga to lead us to the answer to finding happiness, which may not be quite what you expect.
    In this episode you will find out about…
    Yoga and Positive Psychology (3:55)
    The science behind positive psychology
    The benefits of positive psychology for students and teachers alike – you can be your greatest teacher!
    Why you should focus on what’s going well, start from where you are and build upon that
    Character strengths (10:00)
    What are the character strengths? Can we have them all?
    Can these strengths change over time or are we stuck with them?
    Find out your character strengths through VIA (https://www.viastrengths.org/survey/account/register)
    How you can make the most of your character strengths and bring them into your daily life?
    The Boat analogy (17:00)
    Plug the hole in your boat but focus on the sails!
    The importance of the growth mindset and the word ‘yet’
    Yoga and the mind (20:49)
    The importance of the mind and the breath
    “Some where along the way, yoga got hijacked by these poses” – the difference between yoga and yoga asana
    How we can change our habits through yoga and become the observer?
    Steps to happiness (31:57)
    Is it less about being happy and more about learning how to manage unhappiness?
    How can you see the happiness that is already there and what makes you think you should be happier?
    The importance of breath in uncomfortable moments
    Find Mercedes’ Positive Psychology series here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-class-1287-positive-psychology-yoga-1-zest
    Do you want to explore Mercedes’ Positive Psychology series? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    47 min
  • 21: On sleep and the power of yoga for getting a better night's rest
    Do you want to explore Lisa’s Sleep Recovery course? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    “It’s a very yogic thing to return to good sleep…it’s a time when we have to let go.”
    In the UK two thirds of adults have disrupted sleep. But why is it so difficult. Our culture plays a big part; requiring us to always be busy and shun our bedtime in favour of evenings out or chilling in front of the TV.
    In this episode, we talk to Lisa Sanfilippo, author and yoga teacher, who has created a sleep recovery course for MFML. Kat talks to Lisa about moving beyond the pills, apps and pillow sprays and discover deeper long lasting solutions to better sleep. We need to repair our ability to sleep well, not depend on these crutches, but how can we do that? Lisa offers tips on how to prepare for sleep with some revolutionary ideas, but also by using yogic philosophy to help us rediscover balance, patience, receptivity and rest. “Being able to re-learn patience, receptivity and getting out of the way is all aligned with sleep, rest and what yoga was put here to teach us.”
    This podcast is a great introduction to the Sleep Recovery Course and for learning more about how important yoga is for sleep; “When we do yoga that is slower, more mindful and aware, it repairs our interoceptive capacity.”
    In this episode you will find out…
    About Lisa’s sleep journey and how it lead to Sleep Recovery (13:00)
    Are you prone to catastrophic thinking and tension at night? How can you counteract this?
    The importance of breathing, moving and acupressure, even in the middle of the night!
    Why does yoga work for getting better sleep?
    The importance of sleep and letting go (24:55)
    Why is sleep the most important thing we can learn to do properly?
    Why do we need to soften and consider doing things a little differently?
    “The way we do one thing is the way we do everything, until we become conscious.” How can our Ayurvedic dosha impact our sleep?
    How to work with yourself and your personality to get better sleep.
    Tips for preparing for good sleep (41:00)
    It’s not just about what you do to wind down at the end of the day.
    Yawning, closing your eyes, having a short rest – why we SHOULD do these through the day!
    The importance of yoga in preparing ourselves for good sleep, not just on a daily basis.
    Can aroma, light, apps and devices really support our sleep?
    What is detrimental to good sleep?
    The optimal sleep routine (57:15)
    Why should you learn and remember the Sleep Recovery course? It’s super easy!
    Yawning, closing your eyes, having a short rest – why we SHOULD do these through the day.
    Why food, drink and time matter.
    Why we should forget the second wind and listen to our natural rhythm.
    What are ‘marma points’, where do they come from and why are they so important? Experience them at 1:04:48 and in Lisa’a class.
    The importance of breathing properly, learn how to at 1:11:12 and in Lisa’s class.
    Find Lisa’s Sleep Recovery Course here: https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-sleep-recovery
    Do you want to explore Lisa’s Sleep Recovery course? Check out all our classes for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
    Get Lisa’s Sleep Recovery book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/sleep-recovery-9781472956316/
    Enter our competition here: https://www.instagram.com/movementformodernlife/?hl=en
    1 hr 26 min
  • Ep 20: On the power of transitions, curiosity and slowing down

    Do you want to explore Clive’s classes? Check out all our classes, including Clive’s transitions class, for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan

    “Transitions are opportunities for great enquiry, curiosity and discovery”

    Many of us come to yoga for the physical practice, but it is not just all about making shapes and repeating movements. In this episode, we talk to one of Movement For Modern Life’s most popular teachers, Clive Fogelman, on the power of transitions, both on and off the mat. 

    Transitions are a huge part of creating a more familiar relationship with the body so we can learn when to give more and when to stop, slow down and consolidate. By emphasising how we come in and out of a pose can create a connection throughout the practice, expand our options and empower ourselves to make mindful choices. The more we practice, the more familiar we become with it, the more we yearn for it and the more we know when we need it! 

    But how can tuning in during yoga help us tune into our lives?

    Clive talks us through the importance of stopping, pausing and taking time to let our minds wander and be present to what emerges.

    We often feel like we don’t have the time and the rush feels endless, but by slowing down we can “feel the fullness of time again” by starting to look at the spaces in between and surrendering to the experience. Clive also opens up about his experience with illness and how it forced him to take a new perspective. 

    So, take some time to slow down and tune in to hear how to feel the power of transitions both in your practice and in your life. 

    In this episode you will find out…
    The power of transitions in yoga (3:50)
    • Yoga is not prescriptive, so how can you make it work for you?
    • How to use transitions to help you make mindful choices based on your feelings in the moment
    • Can you make the practice meet you and let go of what you think it should look like?
    • The importance of tuning in and pausing
    • How do you create a ‘bridging space’?
      • The importance of time and slowing down (16:09)
      • “In stopping and slowing down, I have more clarity, a clearer sense of priorities and experience time more fully”
      • Learn how to sit and let your mind wander
      • The benefits of shifting from doing to being, and finding windows to stop and pause
      • What happens when we slow down? 
        • The link between transitions and curiosity (31:52)
        • Why do we avoid transitions? 
        • If the pose isn’t the outcome, what purpose does it serve?
        • How can transitions help us be more curious and explorative?
        • Goals and targets are intrinsic to our culture, but they can narrow our vision and make use lose sight of the journey which can lead us somewhere we’d never expected
        • How can attachment to the outcome hinder curiosity?
        • Is less really more?
          • The lessons that life transitions can bring (48:25)
          • How illness gave Clive the permission he needed to slow down
          • The importance of taking softness and effortlessness into everyday life
          • How to listen to your body so you know when to give more and slow down, and how to take that beyond your mat
          • What is conscious relaxation?
          • Get Clive’s top tips for easy ways to start tuning in and slowing down 

            • “When I take time, I always feel l have been given the gift of time back” 

            Do you want to explore Clive’s classes? Check out all our classes (including Clive’s classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan

            Find all of Clive’s classes here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/clivefogelman

            Find out more about Clive on his website here.

            1 hr 6 min
          • 19: On bringing transformation and magic to our lives through yoga
            Do you want to explore Zephyr’s classes and transformation challenge? Check out all our classes (including Zephyr’s classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
            Life is filled with ups and downs, but one thing which remains constant is our yoga practice. But the practice of yoga goes beyond just the shapes we make with our body. In episode 19 of our podcast, we talk to Zephyr Wildman, a beautiful yoga teacher and a leading light on how we can weave yoga philosophy into our classes and everyday lives.
            Kat talks to Zephyr about life, death and transformation, and how we can affect our lives by navigating changes; “yoga doesn’t prevent life from happening but it gives you the tools to manage the unmanageable.” Towards the end, they have a moving conversation about grief and how that helped Zephyr learn to live yoga on and off the mat.
            But yoga is not just there for us in the tough times, it can be a great way to celebrate our selves and our lives and open into a more spirited way of being. If you practice yoga every day, it can be magical! “We are spiritual beings having a human experience, but we are also human beings having a spiritual experience.”
            So, settle into a comfortable position and learn how yoga can support and curate transformation in your life.
            In this episode you will find out…
            Can we really experience transformation through yoga? (5:51)
            What are the seven stages of yoga and how can they lead to transformation?
            How you can respond to your reactions without judgement or resistance and awaken to a place of compassion and wholeheartedness.
            The importance of accepting limitations and avoiding comparisons? (12:43)
            Why yoga is not about touching your toes and how physical limitations should not limit you.
            How to find options for your practice when something doesn’t feel good or work for you.
            How can you curate a more sustainable practice?
            Get some advice from The Science of Yoga by William Broad.
            Why we all need Zephyr’s Transformation Course! (18:55)
            What to expect from Zephyr’s Transformation Course on MFML.
            How to become more aware and learn what works for you.
            The importance of listening and setting intentions.
            Yoga is an artistic expression and a science (24:20)
            “If you want to change your psychology, you change your physiology”
            How can you become more effortless?
            The importance of other physical practices – what should you do alongside yoga to create a complete practice?
            The art of discipline and taking the yogic mindset into other fitness practices.
            Yoga and philosophy (36:09)
            Yoga is not a religion, it’s a personal spiritual experience; how to move beyond the shapes and find a new map
            How did Zephyr use yoga and its philosophy to navigate grief?
            “Yoga doesn’t prevent life from happening but it gives you the tools to manage the unmanageable”
            Find all of Zephyr’s classes, including her Sunday Chill class, here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/zephyrwildman
            Sign up to the Transformation Challenge here (free for subscribers): https://movementformodernlife.com/challenge-transformation-course
            Do you want to explore Zephyr’s classes and transformation challenge? Check out all our classes (including Zephyr’s classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
            0 min
          • 18: Yoga as a new mum
            Being a parent is the hardest job in the world, but also one of the most rewarding. With motherhood comes so many expectations, so much advice and so much pressure, that it is often an overwhelming time, which is compounded by sleep deprivation, lack of free time and adjusting to a whole new way of life. So how can yoga help navigate pregnancy, birth and parenthood? 
            In episode 18, Kat chats to Nikita, one of our most popular teachers, about how her yoga practice has supported her after the arrival of her second baby and how it has changed on her journey through motherhood. 
            Parenting and yoga go hand in hand; being a parent provides an opportunity to utilise the tools, such as being mindful, aware, gentle and self-compassionate, you learn as a yogi. While, parenthood can lead us to approach our yoga practice in a new way. One thing is for sure, Nikita is not sure how she would have  managed pregnancy, birth and parenthood without the magic of yoga. 
            One of the biggest lessons of parenthood is to know what it is to surrender to life and change, and the beauty of yoga is that it teaches us how to ride that wave of change. 
            Find all of Nikita's classes, including her Yoga for Happiness series and Meditation Series, here: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-teacher/nikitaakilapa
            Do you want to explore your yoga practice as a new or soon-to be- parent, check out all our classes (including pre and post natal classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/chooseplan
            0 min
          • 17: On taking small steps to a healthier, happier, more sustainable life

            Do you want to join us in taking small steps to change with all the support and inspiration mentioned in this episode? The course is free for subscribers, so sign up for your FREE 14 day trial with access to all classes and course here: https://movementformodernlife.com/small-steps-course

            “If all of us do something very small, it becomes something very big.” 

            Life is overwhelming, full on and busy. It’s a rollercoaster out there; we’re constantly bombarded with news and information as we try to navigate our way through the peaks, troughs, twists and turns of life. So, in Episode 17 of our podcast, Kat sits down with our Content Creator, Rakhee, to talk about the small steps we can all make towards a healthier, happy, more sustainable life.

            There’s lots of energy in the new year as people set ‘resolutions’ and vow to make big changes for the year ahead, which can feel too much for many of us. So, join Kat and Rakhee as they talk through the things the Movement For Modern Life team are doing this January to set themselves up for the year ahead without the pressure and overwhelm.

            Change can be difficult and challenging, but be inspired by the small changes Kat and Rakhee have made which have gone on to have a huge impact on their lives. Get practical tips on the small steps YOU can take to instigate change, hear snippets of wisdom to support you during those changes and be motivated by our power to impact others.

            Kat and Rakhee will share their tools for coping when life gets busy and stressful, how we can break down our goals to more manageable chunks, and maybe even move away from the concept of goals!

            It’s time to forget new year’s resolutions and instead think about intentions, gratitude and awareness. According to Kat, “there’s no self-improvement, there its no ‘best’ version of yourself, it’s just uncovering the real you.” January is a time for nourishing and nurturing, quiet and rest; time to make changes to rediscover and celebrate yourself.

            In this episode you will find out…
            Change can be difficult and challenging (12:46)
            • Stepping into the unknown can be terrifying, but look to others for inspiration, guidance and tools you can use
            • Do you really need a safety net?
            • “It’s scary, but you can do it!” and yoga helps!
              • Practical tips for change (17:38)
              • What can we do to help ourselves? Kat and Rakhee share their tools
              • How can Yoga Nidra help make a difference?
              • Why should you be setting intentions?
              • Is journalling and meditation for me? Rakhee’s tips (21:42)
              • Have you been outside and experiencing nature recently? (25.08)
              • Have you tried a gratitude practice? (28.10)
                • What Kat & Rakhee are doing to curate change in their lives (34:54)
                • How can you create conscious intentions?
                • What is the 80/20 rule?
                • Why avoiding the temptation to make seismic shifts is worth it; “making small shifts results in big shifts”
                • Learn about the power of observation, simplicity and motivation
                • Find out how to focus on what’s here now (45:44)
                  • What is the Small Steps Course? (55:01)
                  • Learn about how the course can support you this January to make changes which will then support you throughout the year ahead, and beyond!
                  • Find out more and sign up here: https://movementformodernlife.com/small-steps-course

                    • Do you want to join us in taking small steps to change with all the support and inspiration mentioned in this episode? The course is free for subscribers, so sign up for your FREE 14 day trial with access to all classes and course here: https://movementformodernlife.com/small-steps-course

                    Subscribers can join our exclusive Movers Group to get extra support and content.

                    1 hr 3 min
                  • 16: On getting older and letting go
                    LET IT GO! Getting older is something we all think about, and maybe even get anxious about, but age does not have to limit us. In Episode 16 of Champions of Change, we look at how the inspiration between mother and daughter has transformed the life of 78-year-old Vera Farrants.
                    TIP: Do you want to experience the exercises that Vera mentioned in this episode? Enjoy Andrea’s classes (and all other classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/signup
                    Vera is the mother of Movement for Modern Life founder, Kat, and though she only recently came to yoga at the age of 73, she doesn’t see that as a bad thing. Instead, the older you are, the more you can benefit. In fact, her practice has not only helped her physically, but transformed her attitude to and outlook on life, and taught her the importance of letting go.
                    There are certain difficulties which come with age, but we must not put ourselves into a “little old box”. For many, the ageing process can feel like a limitation rather than an opportunity, so it’s time to flip that assumption on its head. After a long and successful career, working hard and travelling, it became clear Vera had not been looking after herself physically. A stint with a personal trainer didn’t quite hit the spot, so after talking with Kat, she took yoga classes in her home, then started going on retreats. Physically, her practice has impacted the osteoporosis in her body, improved lower back pain and developed her strength and mobility (she can even do crow pose)!
                    But, it was the philosophy of yoga which has really taken hold in her life, and has instigated a radical transformation. How many of us never let it go? Where once Vera thought holding on to the past made her stronger, she now sees yoga as an outlet to logically and calmly address her issues and let the past be. Age is no barrier to learning new ways of living; you can be active, you can be creative, you can give and you can be kind to yourself. In this episode, Vera talks about her increased self awareness, reflects on the challenges of motherhood and explains just what makes the yoga community so special. Her advice to anyone who thinks they are too old for yoga? Do not limit yourself; “grasp the moment and the beauties of life, enjoy everything around you, notice it.” But above all, you are never too old to be a student, so do not fear the mat, “if you do an hour of yoga, you feel so good, so happy.”
                    Kat and Vera chat about…
                    How Vera came to yoga (4:50)
                    Letting go (6:05)
                    “It does you more harm if you’re destructive about a thought than if you just give way and just let it wash over you”
                    Laughing at yourself (12:36)
                    “If I can’t do it, I just laugh at myself”
                    Age and Osteoporosis (15:20)
                    The Yoga Community (21:25)
                    “It’s very special and very giving, very pleasant to be with as it’s not competitive”
                    Lower Back Pain (22:25)
                    Hamstring exercises to support the back
                    Self Awareness and Motherhood (23:10)
                    If you want to know more about how to get older gracefully, don’t miss Vera’s comments on self-awareness
                    The Fact You’re Not Too Old! (30:40)
                    The Joy of Life (35:10)
                    Do you want to experience the exercises that Vera mentioned in this episode? Enjoy Andrea’s classes (and all other classes) for FREE for 14 days here: https://movementformodernlife.com/signup
                    44 min
                  • Champions of Change Podcast 15: Dan Peppiatt on simple living and contentment
                    Welcome to Season 2 of our Champions of Change podcast! Our first guest, Dan Peppiatt, is somewhat of a maverick when it comes to teaching and talking about yoga. Join us as we take a deep dive into his unique perspective on life and learn how living a little differently can help us through not just the Christmas festivities, but anytime we struggle, stumble or question ourselves
                    1 hr 25 min

                  About Yoga Off The Mat - The Movement For Modern Life Podcast

                  From the publisher's feed

                  Kat Farrants, founder and CEO of Movement For Modern Life, talks with experts in different fields and looks at them from the point of view of a yogic lifestyle. With her discoveries, we learn how to…

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