Ep 195 Eddie Stern - From Ashtanga to Exploration

www.eddiestern.com | @eddiestern

Eddie Stern discusses his evolving relationship with yoga, moving from a strict Ashtanga practice to a more holistic approach that incorporates various elements of yoga, spirituality, and personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of community, the role of the temple in his spiritual life, and the need to adapt practices to suit individual needs. Eddie also reflects on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, advocating for a personalized yoga experience that fosters growth and self-discovery

Key Points

· Eddie's yoga practice has evolved significantly over the years.

· The temple serves as a vital space for spiritual expression.

· Transitioning from Ashtanga allowed Eddie to explore a more holistic approach to yoga.

· Community and relationships play a crucial role in the yoga journey.

· Listening to one's body is essential for a sustainable practice.

· Eddie integrates scientific research into his yoga teachings.

· Personal growth is a continuous journey in yoga and life.

· Diversity in yoga practices is important for individual needs.

· Eddie emphasizes the importance of joy and creativity in practice.

· The future of yoga lies in embracing change and personal exploration.

Adam discusses the pervasive issue of systemic abuse within the yoga community, particularly in Ashtanga yoga. He explores the impact of hierarchy and control, the role of language in perpetuating abuse, and the various forms of psychological and physical abuse that can occur in yoga spaces. Adam emphasizes the need for accountability among teachers, the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, and the necessity for change within the community to address discrimination and gaslighting. He concludes with a call to action for teachers and students alike to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment in yoga.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

"Language can mean different things to different people."

Key Points

• · Systemic abuse exists in the yoga world, particularly in Ashtanga.
• · Hierarchy and control can lead to psychological and physical abuse.
• · Language used in yoga can have different meanings and implications.
• · Psychological abuse is often more prevalent than physical abuse.
• · Discrimination and ableism are significant issues in yoga spaces.
• · Teachers have a responsibility to create safe environments for students.
• · Gaslighting and denial are common responses from teachers when confronted with abuse.
• · There is a lack of accountability and transparency in yoga teaching.
• · Creating avenues for feedback is essential for improvement.
• · We must encourage open dialogue to address these issues.

Explore Beryl Bender’s journey into yoga, her experiences with Ashtanga, and the evolution of Power Yoga. Beryl shares her insights on the importance of mindfulness, the intersection of yoga and meditation, and the moral responsibilities of yogis in today's world. They discuss the challenges of aging in practice, the significance of teaching philosophy, and the need for activism in the yoga community. Beryl's optimistic outlook on life and her dedication to her practice shine through as she reflects on her past and future aspirations.

www.power-yoga.com | @berylbenderbirch

Key Points

· Beryl's early curiosity about life's big questions led her to yoga.

· Her first yoga class was Kundalini yoga with Yogi Bhajan.

· Beryl was inspired by Norman Allen's Ashtanga practice.

· Power Yoga was created to make yoga accessible to athletes.

· Beryl modified Ashtanga to suit the needs of her students.

· The practice of yoga is about learning to pay attention.

· Aging brings challenges, but Beryl remains optimistic and dedicated.

· Activism and yoga are intertwined; yogis have a moral obligation to speak out.

· Beryl emphasizes the importance of meditation in yoga practice.

· She has no regrets and believes everything happens for a reason.

Ep 192 Adam Keen – The Breath: A Journey Through Yoga

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam Keen the profound significance of breath in yoga practice. He delves into various aspects of breathing, including the traditional ujjayi breath, the role of the diaphragm, and the concept of bandha. The conversation also covers the importance of vinyasa in creating rhythm and awareness in practice, as well as the distinctions between pranayama and modern breath work. Throughout the discussion, Adam emphasizes the need for personal experimentation and understanding in one's yoga journey, particularly regarding breath control and its impact on emotional and physical well-being.

· Breath is fundamental to life and spirituality.

· Ujjayi breath has evolved from a heavier to a lighter practice.

· The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in breathing.

· Bandha helps in controlling breath and energy flow.

· Vinyasa creates a rhythm that mirrors diaphragmatic movements.

· Pranayama is more about breath control than rhythmic breathing.

· Breath reflects emotional states and should not be forced into equality.

· Yoga practice is an individual experiment.

· Understanding the diaphragm enhances pranayama effectiveness.

· Breath work can stimulate or calm the nervous system.

Ep 191 Ellen Johannesen – Buddhist Meditation and Christmas Retreat with Adam in Spain

www.ashtanganepal.com | @ashtanganepal

Join the Christmas retreat with Ellen and Adam: www.keenonyoga.com/events/ashtanga-christmas-retreat

Adam Keen and Ellen Johansson delve into the intricate relationship between meditation and asana practice. They explore Ellen's personal journey into meditation, the differences between yoga and Tibetan Buddhist practices, and the importance of compassion in meditation. The conversation emphasizes the integration of meditation into asana practice, the use of visualization techniques, and practical tips for starting meditation. Ellen shares insights on working with emotions during meditation and the connection between asana and meditation, ultimately encouraging listeners to cultivate a compassionate approach to their practice.

Here is a link to the meditation method with free resources: https://sustainablecompassion.org/

Article on (the shortcomings of) mindfulness in relation to Buddhism: The myth of the present moment: https://www.academia.edu/8070322/The_Myth_of_the_Present_Moment

Key Points

· Meditation can serve various purposes, including calming the mind and focusing.

· The Tibetan view emphasizes our relational nature and interconnectedness.

· Context in meditation practice is crucial for understanding and support.

· Compassion is fundamental in Buddhist practices and should be integrated into meditation.

· Visualization techniques can enhance meditation and deepen awareness.

· Emotions should be acknowledged and worked with during meditation.

· Setting intentions can transform the practice of asana and meditation.

· The nervous system plays a significant role in both asana and meditation practices.

· Meditation can help differentiate awareness from the content of thoughts.

· Practical meditation can be easily integrated into daily life.

Ep 190 Adam Keen – A Deeper Look at the Yamas and Niyamas

"The yamas look like monks' vows."

"Yoga is a physical method of inner conflict resolution."

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam delves into the complexities of the yamas and niyamas, exploring their relevance in modern yoga practice. He emphasizes the importance of inner alignment through Hatha yoga before adhering to moral codes, suggesting that true ethical living arises from a clear inner state. Adam discusses the challenges of moral actions, the nuances of non-violence, and the concept of Dharma in contemporary society. He advocates for a deeper inquiry into the nature of goodness and authenticity, ultimately positioning yoga as a process of self-discovery and alignment rather than mere adherence to social morality.

Key Points

· Yoga is not just about following rules; it's about inner alignment.

· Hatha yoga serves as a foundation for understanding the yamas and niyamas.

· Moral actions are complex and often lead to unintended consequences.

· Patanjali's yamas may be more suited for monastics than lay practitioners.

· Non-violence is a nuanced concept that goes beyond physical actions.

· Dharma is not fixed; it requires personal inquiry and reflection.

· Authenticity is more important than simply appearing good to society.

· The struggle with ethical living is part of the yoga journey.

· Inner cleansing is essential for genuine ethical behavior.

· Yoga encourages inquiry and challenges societal norms.

Ep 189 John Scott – The Journey of Self-Discovery

www.johnscottyoga.com | @johnscottyoga

"Some of us need to be putting our leg behind our head daily for a long time to realize, okay I don't really need to put my leg behind my head anymore."

John Scott discusses his journey from being known as John to becoming Jonny. He reflects on his passion for yoga and how it has shaped his life, the importance of mind control and reclaiming one's own sovereignty through yoga. He emphasizes the significance of posture, free breathing, and the counting method in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice. He also delves into the concept of drishti and the importance of seeing the God spark in oneself and others. Finally, he discusses the different stages of life and the process of letting go. In this conversation, John Scott discusses the importance of making choices from the soul and listening to one's inner voice. He emphasizes the need to let go of unnecessary attachments and beliefs, and to surrender to the wisdom within. John also shares his journey of self-discovery and the role of psychedelics in his transformation. He talks about the phases of his life and the evolution of his teaching style. He encourages practitioners to inquire and find their own answers, rather than relying on external sources. John emphasizes the importance of practicing for oneself and for the benefit of others.

Key Points

· Passion is an important aspect of life and should be nurtured and pursued.

· Yoga can help in reclaiming one's own mind and achieving sovereignty.

· Posture, free breathing, and the counting method are essential in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice.

· Drishti is about seeing the God spark in oneself and others.

· The different stages of life, from athlete to renunciant, bring different responsibilities and perspectives.

· Letting go is a process that can lead to inner peace and contentment. Make choices from the soul and listen to your inner voice.

· Let go of unnecessary attachments and beliefs.

· Surrender to the wisdom within and practice for yourself.

· Inquire and find your own answers.

· Practice for the benefit of others.

· Be practical and flexible in your practice.

· Embrace freedom and rebel against rigid rules.

· Let go of guilt and focus on self-love.

· Find inspiration in the presence of others.

· Transition from being a teacher to being a mentor.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam explores the concept of emotions in the body in the context of yoga. He discusses the origins of yoga asana as a steady seat for meditation and the use of asana as an ascetic practice to hold the body still against the changing world. Adam explains how yoga, particularly Hatha Yoga, can help change neurological pathways and transform states of mind. He emphasizes the importance of balancing the active and passive aspects of ourselves and the role of the diaphragm in breathing techniques.

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Key Points

· Yoga asana can be used as a steady seat for meditation and as an ascetic practice to hold the body still against the changing world.

· Hatha Yoga is a science of the body that uses the body to change the mind and affect neurological pathways.

· Balancing the active and passive aspects of ourselves is important for emotional well-being.

· Breathing techniques, particularly using the diaphragm, can stimulate the nervous system and affect states of mind.