Once upon a time, in bucolic Bucks County, PA, two yoga educators put their hearts and minds together to tell the epic tales our bodies tell. Their mission was simple, to reveal the stories our bodies hold and tell in service of linking the individual to the collective.

It began with the idea of teaching anatomy by attributing character traits and storylines to our systems, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and any other aspects of our gross anatomy. It was to learn the functions, movements, and systems of the body through storytelling. Interestingly enough, what actually unfolded started with the body, but rather than telling the stories that would increase scientific knowledge of the skeleton and other tangibles, what came up more often were the stories held and told from the body (using the Koshas/layers including: food body, energy and breath body, thoughts and emotions, wisdom, and bliss).

This final episode is not meant to imply the conversations are complete, only that the podcast conversations have come to a stopping point.

In this episode, Sherry & Theresa say farewell (Until next time) and offer their loyal listeners a couple of guided practices to punctuate this ending (and maybe glimpse bliss). They will also be available (FREE) in the Anecdotal Anatomy website store.

It was a deliberate choice to end on E88. The number itself is infinity, it is abundance and alignment. While the podcast is ending, Anecdotal Anatomy in Action is continuing with newfound momentum and joy.

If you enjoy this podcast, please stay tuned for information on our LIVE seasonal events! Please join The List so you can stay informed and in touch!

And now a personal note: We are incredibly grateful for every drop of support we have received during these pasta 88 weeks! When we think of you, we feel we know you, even though we cannot see you. Thank you!

Until next time...

Thank you to our amazing team! Please visit their links for more information! This has been a most excellent collaboration!

Our Amazing Team:

Judith George - Editor (video & audio)

Keith Kenny - Music

Cindy Fatsis - Photography

You know you’ve changed when what once made you mad now makes you laugh. (Tony Gaskins)

That sounds like wisdom. Perspective often yields to wisdom which is why we assume it comes with age. In this, our penultimate episode, we revisit Vijnanamayakosha - the wisdom sheath, which includes intellect and intuition. While this is not a new topic for discussion, but it is spoken about and explored in a different way.

The wisdom of experience is the best teacher. We can fill our cups with data-driven knowledge, but without the nuance of story and context, often we're left with dry dates and numbers. Minus any part, it may touch the intellect but will rarely stir the soul.

Wisdom shows up sometimes when we are trying to form the right response in the moment, knowing there is no one-size-fits-all. Wisdom in the skillful reading of any room. One person may need to hear something that would make another person roll her eyes. Reading the room is where wisdom and compassion meet.

Being present is a window into wisdom and intuition. The times when we're gazing through that window and still miss the mark, wisdom clears the way for resolution.  Wisdom also asks, how can I best serve you? Or just guides deep listening.

While the Koshas (Vijnanamaya, the fourth of five) are depicted having a certain order, it can be illuminating to explore them in different ways. Observing your thoughts as a means to discover the origin story of back pain, for example. Or using breath practices to activate the parasympathetic nervous system as a way to work with discursive and anxious thoughts.

There are many subtle body anatomy maps to study and play with, including the koshas and chakras, among many.

Working with secondary awareness, also referred to as the awareness of awareness, gives us an in-the-moment opportunity to make the choice to interrupt an unproductive pattern. It is the wisdom of growth.

On the road to growth and self-discovery, we are often presented with a variety of teachings, lineages, and practices; wisdom allows us to discern what works best for us without getting lost in the din. 

There are myriad practices available for exploration, something for everyone. We don’t always know why we end up where we are, but when it resonates, we know.  Over time, we get to look back and understand the wisdom of the journey through the perspective of a wider lens.

Theresa shared a definition she recalled from her time on this path, “Wisdom is the ability to perceive the unintended consequences of both actions and inactions.” This provides for reality that not making a choice is making a choice.  It’s not always what we choose to do, but what we choose not to do. It’s the choice that allows us to interrupt patterns AND there are consequences to both.

Wisdom is knowing what you don't know or even that you don't know.

Wisdom may arrive in the form of trust. When we have faith in the messages we receive and the circumstances we are in, we cultivate the ground for wisdom.

Sherry reads a story about a Zen Master (link below). It not only speaks to knowing when enough is enough, it reveals how we must empty our cups to receive teachings, that if we arrive full with what we know, our opinions, and stories, there won't be space for learning. That's wisdom.

NOTE: For those who felt left hanging after Sherry referenced Surya (Sun) and were wondering about its counterpart (which fizzled in the conversation) - Chandra (moon).

Sources and mentions from the show:

Zen Master Story with the Teacup

This episode looks at play through the lens of Manomayakosha, the mental/emotional sheath (see Koshas, Season 1). Slipping into a playful mindset is beneficial in many ways.

• Enhances creativity
• Reduces stress
• Improves problem-solving skills
• Increases resilience
• Strengthens social bonds
• Boosts self-confidence
• Elevates mood
• Enhances cognitive function
• Helps with emotional regulation
• Increases optimism

Theresa and Sherry share stories of how play has shown up in their lives, from jobs to grandkids. They explore the value of play through storytelling, song, and poetry, and its capacity for healing. They also touch on the shadow side of play, including being overly competitive.

Ultimately, they agree that a playful mindset is essential for optimal growth, connection, and overall wellness.

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Sources & Mentions from the Show:

• Wetlands, NYC - Environmental Rock-n-Roll Nightclub (closed 2001)
• Kids' Music Round
• Cortina Institute
• Bone Dance - Hannah Montana song
• Backgammon
• Jenga
• Anatomy Trains Tom Myers
• Psoas - a/k/a Theresa's favorite muscle (because it's the filet mignon of the cow)
• Robert Schleip

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Our Amazing Team:

Judith George - Editor (video & audio)

Keith Kenny - Music

Cindy Fatsis - Photography