In the yoga world, we often celebrate the journey of self-discovery, but we rarely delve into the personal transformations that occur off the mat. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Marvin and Inger explore the profound impact of Ashtanga yoga on mental health and spiritual growth. Inger shares her journey from overcoming mental health challenges to finding her calling as a yoga teacher, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and spiritual connection.Key Insights from this Episode:The Healing Journey: How yoga can transform mental health struggles into spiritual awakening.Consistency is Key: The power of daily practice in building resilience and self-awareness.Spiritual Connection: Discovering the deeper meaning of yoga beyond physical postures.Teacher's Path: The role of intuition and lineage in shaping a yoga teacher's journey.Authentic Practice: Embracing vulnerability and honesty in personal and teaching practices.If you've ever felt the call to deepen your practice or seek spiritual growth through yoga, this episode is a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination.DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Guest of today: Inger is a dedicated student and teacher of ashtanga yoga. Growing up in a small village on an island on the coast of Norway, she was drawn to spirituality from a young age, and started practicing yoga at 19 years old. Today she has been practicing yoga for 10 years, and had a daily ashtanga practice since 2017. Inger is a student of Sharath Jois. She took her first trip to Mysore, India in 2018. In 2022 she got the blessing from her teacher (authorised level 2) to share the ashtanga yoga method. Since 2016 she's taught hundreds of classes in ashtanga, as well as other styles of yoga. She has taught workshops, retreats and been a guest teacher at mysore programs internationally and in Norway. She teaches an online mysore program daily, as well as sharing the ashtanga yoga practice around the world through workshops, teaching mysore and holding retreats. Inger is passionate about sharing ashtanga yoga as a transformative practice for mind, body and spirit.🌟 Connect with Inger on Instagram: Follow her journey and insights into Ashtanga yoga. 👉  @ingeryoga4805  🧘‍♀️ Explore Ashtanga with Inger: Visit her website for more information on classes and workshops. 👉 ingeryoga.com📍 Practice with Marvin: Join the community for in-depth yoga sessions and spiritual exploration. 👉 https://www.skool.com/wakeup-yoga-club-2015/about?ref=83dcdbf646d8429cb900e9c404c5851a

In a world where the camera is always rolling, we face a radical question: Can we truly feel ourselves if we are simultaneously watching ourselves being felt?

Following a controversial discussion on Instagram regarding "Performance Yoga," I’m diving deep into the concept of Viveka (Discernment). Is it really "Ego" when we call out bullshit in the yoga world? Or is the "No Judging" mantra a trap that prevents us from protecting the depth of the practice?

Drawing from my experiences at the Black Lotus Immersion with Ty Landrum, I analyze how social media affects our nervous system on the mat and why the moment we press "record" is often the exact moment the internal practice ends.

Key Topics in this Episode:

• The Intention Gap: Why it’s not about the "what," but the "why."

• Performance vs. Regulation: How filming and flirting trigger our Social Engagement System and block inner stillness.

• Viveka (Discernment): The surgical precision we need to distinguish Yoga from mere gymnastics.

• Yoga in 2026: How to "disentangle" the practice in a digital world while remaining present.

• 00:00 Introduction: The Bali Incident & the "Ego" Trap

• 06:00 The Evolution of Practice: From Internal Withdrawal to External Performance?

• 10:58 Viveka: Why Discernment is the Highest Form of Love for Yoga

• 18:45 The Surgeon Metaphor: Protecting the Method vs. Judging the Person

• 25:30 Closing: Your Challenge for a Practice Without an Audience

• Ibiza Retreat (Community Edition): Secure your spot for an intensive week !

• Waiting List: Be the first to know about new workshops and retreats. [LINK]

• Instagram: Follow @yoga.marv

  for your daily dose of Biomechanics & Philosophy.

• Mentioned: Ty Landrum & The Black Lotus System.

Love the podcast? Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and share this episode in your stories to support an honest and deep yoga culture.

Chapters:Links & Resources:

The journey from strict tradition to personal liberation—discover how modern yoga practitioners are reinterpreting ancient teachings to fit our fast-paced, modern lives. Thomas Matias, a dedicated meditation teacher and yoga practitioner, shares how embracing both the stillness of meditation and the devotion of mindful asana practice can lead to profound freedom from suffering.In this deeply honest conversation, Thomas reveals his evolution from Buddhist mindfulness to devotional yoga, emphasizing that genuine spiritual growth requires questioning tradition and trusting your own inner truth. We break down how practices like Black Lotus Yoga and Ashtanga differ—and why blending devotion, discipline, and experimentation might be the key to sustainable transformation.You'll discover:

• Why the yoga sutras and Buddhist dhamma offer timeless insights into consciousness and suffering
• How to cultivate a prayerful, devotional attitude while embracing your unique practice
• The importance of questioning authority and tradition to find your own authentic spiritual path
• How embodiment and emotional awareness serve as gateways to liberation in a modern context
• Why surrendering attachments and embracing life’s ups and downs can bring genuine undivided peace

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this episode challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a practical, heartfelt way to integrate ancient wisdom into everyday life—without losing themselves in dogma. Embrace your journey as a seeker and discover how your own experience is the ultimate teacher.Connect with Thomas on Instagram and YouTube for ongoing teachings, meditation sessions, and courses—links in the description. This episode is a vital reminder that true liberation doesn’t come from blindly following rules but from trusting yourself and embracing all that life and practice have to teach.

About Thomas

Thomas’ spiritual journey started with meditation, and it was later that he discovered a passion for daily, ritualized Yoga.

He has spent over a decade traveling the world, meeting teachers, exploring scriptures, and experimenting with various spiritual methods and philosophies.

For over five years, he has taught and mentored internationally, offering studio classes, courses, retreats, and 1:1 mentorships.

The Yoga he shares is world-embracing and relationship-focused. It holds no text or tradition as authoritative, explores different philosophies, emphasizes meditation, and follows the Black Lotus Yoga method by Ty Landrum.
www.thomasmathias.comyoutube | instagram | facebook

Is "judging" the ultimate sin in Yoga, or is it our responsibility to speak up when the practice loses its soul?

In this episode, we dive into the tension between the modern "Love & Light" narrative and the ancient yogic tool of Viveka (Discernment). Inspired by recent pushback on social media, I explore why calling out performative "BS"—like the filming, flirting, and hyper-aesthetic culture of modern yoga—isn't an act of Ego, but an act of Dharma.

We take a look "Under the Microscope" at how the presence of a camera or an audience fundamentally shifts our nervous system from internal regulation to external performance. Drawing from the philosophy of the Black Lotus Immersion and Ty Landrum, we discuss how to navigate practice in 2026 without losing the essence of what Yoga was meant to be.

Key Takeaways:

• Discrimination in Yoga: Why Viveka (the power of discernment) is the most important tool for a practitioner.

• The Social Media Trap: How "The Observed Self" prevents us from reaching true Pratyahara (withdrawal).

• Performance vs. Practice: Why a practice that needs an audience is no longer a meditation.

• 00:00 Introduction: The "Ego" accusation and why we need to talk about it.

• 06:00 The Evolution of Yoga Practice: From internal liberation to external lifestyle.

• 10:58 The Role of Discrimination: Why "No Judging" is sometimes a trap for the mind.

• 22:15 Performance vs. Regulation: The biological impact of social media on the mat.

• 28:40 Conclusion: Protecting the integrity of the practice.

• Ibiza Retreat (Community Edition): Join us for an intensive week of practice and biomechanics!

• The Waiting List: Get early access to workshops and new content

• Instagram: Join the conversation @yoga.marv

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps keep this conversation honest and deep.

What happens when a dedicated Ashtanga practitioner steps outside the traditional Mysore room? In this episode, Marvin shares his experience from a 2-week deep immersion into Black Lotus Yoga and philosophy in India.This wasn’t just a trip; it was a confrontation with a different way of moving and thinking. Marvin breaks down his first experience with this modern yoga style, comparing it to the structured world of Ashtanga. Is one "better"? Or are they two sides of the same coin?Key Insights from this Episode:* First Impressions: My honest take on the Black Lotus approach—modern, fresh, and surprisingly deep.* The Comparison: A side-by-side look at Ashtanga vs. Black Lotus from a biomechanical and philosophical perspective.* The Community: Why the energy of the teachers and the group in India changed the way I view collective practice.* Integration: How I’m combining these new insights with my existing practice and teaching.* Who is it for? The pros and cons of this style and who might benefit most from trying it.Whether you are a traditionalist or a seeker of new methods, this episode explores how we can honor our roots while staying open to the evolution of modern yoga.----------------------------------------DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:🚀 Join the Gravity Lab on Skool: Access our free "Primary Series: Under the Microscope" library. Learn how to blend tradition with modern biomechanics. 👉 [YOUR SKOOL LINK]🏝️ Yoga & Biomechanics Retreat in Ibiza (May 17–21): Experience the best of both worlds. 5 days of deep immersion and 30h YTT in an exclusive villa. 👉 [YOUR RETREAT LINK]📸 Daily Insights on Instagram: For more behind-the-scenes from India, Floripa, and technical breakdowns: 👉 https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&source=gmail&q=https://www.instagram.com/yoga.marv📍 Practice with me in Kassel: The Mysore Room reopens on March 16th. Let’s integrate these new perspectives into our daily practice.

In the yoga world, we often talk about healing, but we rarely talk about the injuries we sustain on the mat. Especially as teachers, there is a deep sense of shame attached to getting hurt. Why is that?In this vulnerable and transparent episode, Marvin breaks the silence on yoga injuries. He shares his own experience to bring more authenticity to the practice and explains why an injury is rarely the result of a single "wrong" movement, but rather a reflection of a series of choices over time.Key Insights from this Episode:* Breaking the Shame: Why we feel like "failures" when we get injured as teachers and how to overcome that stigma.* The Anatomy of an Injury: Understanding that injuries aren't accidents—they are often the result of long-term patterns and decisions we need to reflect on.* The Comeback: Practical and psychological steps to returning to the mat without ego.* Injury as a Teacher: Why getting hurt can actually make you a more empathetic, effective, and safer yoga teacher.* Authentic Teaching: Why sharing our struggles is more valuable for our students than pretending to be invincible.If you’ve ever felt sidelined by pain or ashamed of a physical setback, this episode is a reminder that the "perfect" practice doesn't exist—but a sustainable, resilient one does.----------------------------------------DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:🚀 Join the Gravity Lab on Skool: Learn how to build a resilient, injury-proof practice. Access our free "Primary Series: Under the Microscope" library. 👉 [YOUR SKOOL LINK]🏝️ Yoga & Biomechanics Retreat in Ibiza (May 17–21): Master the mechanics of your body to stay safe for a lifetime. 5 days of deep immersion and 30h YTT. 👉 [YOUR RETREAT LINK]📸 Daily Insights on Instagram: For biomechanical breakdowns and real talk from Floripa: 👉 https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&source=gmail&q=https://www.instagram.com/yoga.marv📍 Practice with me in Kassel: The Mysore Room reopens on March 16th. Let’s practice with awareness and longevity in mind.

In the world of Ashtanga Yoga, the word "Lineage" is often treated as a sacred credential. But in 2026, is being part of a specific line still a legitimate indicator of a teacher's quality?

In this episode, Marvin dives into one of the most debated topics in the modern yoga scene. We explore the balance between honoring our roots and falling into the trap of blind dogmatism. This isn't about throwing away tradition—it's about making sure tradition remains a living, breathing, and evolving practice.

Key Insights from this Episode:

• The Anchor Effect: Why lineage should provide us with grounding and orientation, not act as a cage.

• The Evolution of Practice: Yoga has always changed throughout history—why the philosophy and physical practice must continue to evolve today.

• Expertise vs. Authority: Why a certificate from a specific source matters less than a deep understanding of biomechanics, pedagogy, and student safety.

• Living Tradition: How to honor the philosophy of the past while integrating the sports science of the present.

If you’ve ever felt "not traditional enough" or questioned why certain rules in Ashtanga seem outdated, this episode is a must-listen.

🚀 Join the Gravity Lab on Skool:Practice Ashtanga without the dogma. Access our free "Primary Series: Under the Microscope" library and connect with a community that prioritizes function over form.👉 MORE INFO!

🏝️ Yoga & Biomechanics Retreat in Ibiza (May 17–21):Tradition meets modernity. 5 days of deep immersion and 30h YTT in an exclusive villa. Only a few spots left!👉 MORE INFO!

📸 Daily Insights on Instagram:Follow for biomechanical breakdowns and a look at the life in Floripa:👉 @yoga.marv

📍 Mysore Room Kassel:We reopen on March 16th! Join us for a practice that respects your individuality and your anatomy.

"I don’t have 90 minutes." "My apartment is too small." "I’m traveling."

We’ve all said it. But what if the biggest obstacle to your practice isn't your schedule or your living room—but your definition of what "practice" actually is?

In this focused 10-minute episode, Marvin breaks down how to maintain your discipline when life gets messy. Drawing from the "Under the Microscope" philosophy, we look at the minimum effective dose of movement and why 15 minutes of focused breathing and Sun Salutations is infinitely better than a "perfect" session that never happened.

What you’ll learn in 10 minutes:

• The "Micro-Practice" Mindset: How to strip the Primary Series down to its biomechanical essentials.

• Space vs. State: Why you don't need a shala to find your center.

• The 15-Minute Rule: A practical sequence for busy days that still counts as "Mysore Style."

• Overcoming the "All or Nothing" Trap: How to stay consistent when you’re out of your routine.

If you’re a teacher or a dedicated student struggling to keep the flame alive amidst the chaos of daily life, this episode is your wake-up call.

🚀 Join the Gravity Lab on Skool: Stop making excuses and start moving. Access our free "Primary Series: Under the Microscope" library and connect with a community that prioritizes practice over perfection. 👉 MORE INFO!

🏝️ Reset Your Routine in Ibiza (May 17-21): Escape the "no time" trap for 5 days of deep immersion. Only 8 spots available for this intimate retreat and 30h YTT. Reclaim your practice in paradise. 👉 MORE INFO!

📸 Daily Insights on Instagram: For technical breakdowns, Floripa vibes, and real-talk about the yoga life: 👉 @yoga.marv

📍 Practice with me in Kassel: The Mysore Room reopens on March 16th. Let’s start the new season together.

Connect & Deepen Your Practice:

It’s the secret many yoga teachers carry: We spend so much time holding space for others that we lose our own. Between "demoing" poses, managing a business, and navigating life, our personal mat becomes a place of work rather than a place of sanctuary.

In this episode, Marvin gets honest about the "Return to Practice." We dive into the psychological and physical reasons why we drift away from our discipline and, more importantly, how to reclaim it without guilt or dogma.

What we discuss in this episode:

• The "Demo Trap": Why teaching yoga is the biggest distraction from practicing yoga.

• Modern Lineage: Re-evaluating tradition to fit your life in 2026.

• The Physics of Freedom: How focusing on skills like handstands can reignite the joy of movement.

• Practical Steps: How to transition from a "Stuck Professional" back to a "Dedicated Practitioner."

This is a conversation about coming home to yourself. If you’ve been feeling like a "fraud" because your own mat is gathering dust—this one is for you.

📸 Follow the Evolution on Instagram:For daily drills, technical breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes insights from Floripa and Kassel:👉 @yoga.marv

🚀 Reclaim Your Practice (Free Community):Join the Gravity Lab on Skool. Get the 5-step "Return to Practice" guide and connect with other teachers who are tired of just "going through the motions."👉 SIGN UP HERE!

🏝️ Master the Art of Flight in Ibiza (May 17-21):Ready for a total reset? Join us for an intimate 5-day retreat and 30h YTT. Only 8 spots. Reconnect with your practice in a private villa with ocean views.👉 MORE INFO!

Why Tradition Needs Evolution (and what’s next)

Yoga is evolving, and so are we. In this comeback episode, Marvin shares the "Why" behind the rebranding and the new direction of this journey. We’re moving away from rigid dogmas and moving toward a practice that integrates deep tradition with modern physics.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Shift: Why the old way of practicing (and teaching) wasn't sustainable anymore.

• Modern Lineage: How to honor the teachings of the past (Ashtanga) while embracing the science of the future.

• The Roadmap: What you can expect from the upcoming episodes – from the "Physics of Flight" to reclaiming your personal practice.

This is more than a name change; it’s a commitment to a more honest, effective, and undogmatic way of living yoga.

🔔 Follow the Show:If you haven’t already, hit the Follow button on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and turn on notifications. We have 8 deep-dive episodes coming your way that will change how you look at your mat.

📸 Connect on Instagram:For daily insights, behind-the-scenes of the Mysore room in Kassel, and technical handstand breakdowns, follow me here:👉 @yoga.marv (This is now our main hub for everything!)

🚀 Join the Free Skool Community:Get access to the "Gravity Lab", free foundation classes, and our 5-step "Return to Practice" guide:👉 FREE Community