What if stress, overwhelm, and the pressure to “push through” are signals—not signs of weakness, but invitations to slow down?

In this powerful episode, Ethan Brown shares his personal experience with burnout and anxiety, including the moment that made him step away from teaching yoga and return to healing.

Ethan talks candidly about the illusion of perfection, especially for yoga teachers, and the fear of being seen as “not spiritual enough” when experiencing mental health struggles. He opens up about seeking help, the role of therapy, and how honoring his nervous system became the most spiritual act of all.

This conversation unpacks the dangers of spiritual bypassing, the power of nervous system awareness, and how rest and boundaries are critical for long-term resilience. It’s a raw and affirming listen for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to perform, to always be okay, or to be someone they’re not.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:45 Ethan's burnout journey

00:09:20 Anxiety and identity

00:14:58 Breaking the pattern of perfection

00:20:16 The moment he paused teaching

00:26:50 Nervous system & embodiment

00:33:22 Yoga teachers and shame

00:39:45 Rest as resistance

00:46:30 The return to authenticity

00:52:05 Tools for coming home

00:58:30 Closing reflections

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📌 Mentions

• Ethan Brown’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethpraylove/

• Ethan’s Substack: https://substack.com/@ethprayreflections?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
  

• Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

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Tags: yoga and mental health, burnout recovery, nervous system healing, spiritual bypassing, anxiety and embodiment, yoga teacher journey, authenticity, emotional regulation, rest and resilience, trauma-informed yoga