We all know that yoga is much more than a physical practice; it is underpinned by a framework of philosophy that is centuries old. But as a yoga teacher, you may or may not have incorporated this theoretical understanding into daily action - or helped your students do so.

So today we talk about the practical application of some key yoga sutras with returning guest Diane Malaspina PhD. In this episode, Diane helps host Rachel appreciate how three of Patanjali's sutras apply to the challenges we face in daily modern life.

Listen in as we discuss the balancing act we must manage to realize any important long term goals, and how self-compassion can be a powerful tool for connection.

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• Defining the yoga sutras [3:16]
• What yoga philosophy teaches us about the nature of life [6:58]
• Committed practice (abhyasa) & non-attachment (vairagya) [10:54]
• Rolf Gates’ definition of abhyasa [14:35]
• Another definition of sutras 1:12-1:16 – “Trust the Process” [19:42]
• Ahimsa as a counter to fear & polarization [30:36]
• The change begins with us; self-compassion leads to connection [35:07]
• Boundaries as a sustainable balance to Ahimsa [48:15]
• More resources & Diane’s Yoga Medicine courses [51:02]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Inside the Yoga Sutras – The Path to Freedom Online Course
• Exploring the Yamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course
• Join Diane LIVE & IN-PERSON for the Yoga Medicine® Resilience Retreat from Nov 2nd – 3rd in Santa Rosa, CA
• Suggested reading:
  • Meditations from the Mat, Rolf Gates
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Chip Hartranft
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami Satchidananda
  • Inside the Yoga Sutras, Jaganath Carrera
  • Kristin Neff, Self Compassion Journaling
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes with Diane Malaspina PhD:
  • 04: Find Ease in Uncertainty
  • 31: The Power of Intention
  • 57: Drishti, the Potency of Our Focus – Research Roundup
• Connect with Diane Malaspina:

Facebook | Instagram | Diane Malaspina

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-121.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

We all deserve to feel good in our bodies, but when we have negative perceptions of how our body looks, feels, or functions that experience can seem impossible.

Today host Rachel talks with returning guest Alison Heilig about the sometimes sneaky ways body image manifests in yoga. In this episode, we discuss how body image forms and the different ways negative body image can show up - including the perpetual optimization of health and demonization of the aging process. We also touch on implications for gender conformity and advocate normalizing diversity in ability and appearance in yoga classes. We share our tips on how yoga teachers can provide positive embodiment experiences, ensuring that body image isn’t what stops our students practicing.

Listen in as we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of body image.

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• Defining body image, and why it matters more in yoga than you think [3:05]
• How does body image form [7:33]
• Personal experiences of poor body image [8:58}
• The added impacts of social media, photoshop, filters & AI [12:50]
• Body image challenges through life; perceptions of aging [14:39]
• The surprising ways poor body image can manifest [16:40]
• Orthorexia, perpetual optimization & the medicalization of body image [20:00]
• Implications in yoga [24:59]
• How yoga teachers can foster more positive body awareness [30:58]
• Tips on teaching groups [39:45]
• Advice for individuals & the slow journey to positive body image [53:33]
• The conversation continues: Fit Bottomed Girls [1:02:26]
• Final thoughts & key takeaways [1:08:04]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 32: Yoga for Athletes
  • 96: Creating Change
  • 116: Yoga for Menopause & Beyond
• Yoga Journal articles:
  • Are the Poses You Hate The Ones You Need Most?
  • The One Cue I Never Use When I Teach
• Yoga for Athletes Teacher Training
• Connect with Alison Heilig:

Facebook | Instagram | Alison Heilig | Yoga Medicine Online Guest Teacher

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-119.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.