Ever feel like someone else’s success means you’re falling behind? You're not alone.

In this episode, we explore the emotional trap of comparison—and how it often leads to scarcity thinking, self-doubt, and isolation. Whether you're a yoga teacher, creative, or entrepreneur, it’s easy to wonder, “Am I doing enough?” But comparison, when left unchecked, can shrink our sense of possibility and worth.

Instead, this episode invites a mindset shift: from competition to community, and from scarcity to shared abundance. You’ll hear reflections on the yogic philosophy of aparigraha (non-attachment), the neuroscience of social comparison, and how genuine inspiration can rewire the brain for creativity and courage.

With real-life metaphors (like running behind a pace-setter), affirmations, and somatic practices, this episode encourages you to celebrate others without dimming your own light. Because someone else’s success isn’t your loss—it’s proof of what’s possible.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:23 Scarcity vs. Enoughness

00:05:09 Shifting the Comparison Lens

00:09:41 Yogic Philosophy: Aparigraha

00:11:19 Science: Fear & the Brain

00:14:48 Isolation vs. Collective Growth

00:17:46 Real-Life Example: Physio Teamwork

00:19:56 Comparison as Pace, Not Threat

00:22:29 Sangha & Shared Success

00:24:22 Hormones: Cortisol vs. Oxytocin

00:25:17 Embodied Reflection Practice

00:27:49 Reflective Questions

00:30:20 Closing Meditation

00:32:28 Bonus Reflections

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📚 Mentions & Resources:

• Yogic concept: Aparigraha (non-attachment)

• Yogic concept: Sangha (community)

• Science: Amygdala activation, cortisol, oxytocin

• Metaphor: Running behind a pace-setter
  

• 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: scarcity mindset, abundance, comparison trap, yoga philosophy, community, growth mindset, personal development, aparigraha, neuroscience, enoughness, self-worth, inspiration, collaboration

What if starting over wasn’t a sign of failure… but an act of courage?

This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological journey of beginning again—whether it's a new habit, role, relationship, or mindset. It explores how fear of failure often blocks us from saying “yes” to new opportunities, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset can help us stay curious, resilient, and open to growth.

Through personal reflection and a story about volunteering at a yoga festival, the speaker shares how keeping a simple “Courage Journal” helped transform habitual “no’s” into brave “yes’s.” The episode weaves together yogic philosophy (like svadhyaya and abhyasa), Zen teachings (shoshin), and neuroscience (neuroplasticity) to illustrate how starting fresh isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom in action.

You’ll be guided through reflection prompts and a short breath-based meditation to reconnect with the idea that it’s not only safe to begin again—it’s brave.

💡 A gentle, powerful reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just have to begin.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:35 Emotional contrast: Fear vs. Curiosity

00:06:00 The Courage Journal story

00:12:34 What is curiosity and wonder?

00:14:34 Yogic and Zen perspectives on beginner's mind

00:15:45 Brain science and neuroplasticity

00:20:00 Judgment vs. Trust in the Process

00:24:16 The illusion of control

00:27:24 Growth isn’t linear

00:30:01 Releasing the pressure to be good

00:31:28 Abhyasa & Vairagya – non-attachment and effort

00:33:41 Adaptability as strength

00:34:50 Affirmations: “It’s safe to be a beginner”

00:37:38 Closing meditation

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📚 Mentions & Resources:

• Zen Buddhism: Shoshin – beginner’s mind

• Yoga Philosophy: Svadhyaya, Abhyasa, Vairagya

• Neuroscience: neuroplasticity, growth mindset

• Movie: Yes Man (Jim Carrey)
  

• 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: beginner’s mindset, courage, self-growth, personal development, yoga philosophy, fear of failure, neuroscience, abhyasa, non-attachment, curiosity, starting fresh, emotional intelligence, mindset shift

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