The Heart of Yoga
Mark Whitwell and friends present heartfelt conversations from the heart of yoga. “Indeed a soft message for a hard time. Please listen to Mark Whitwell. God is in this moment. God is as close as your own breath. So be here now! Mark will show you an easy way.” — Ram Dass on Mark’s book ‘The Promise’ In the spirit of yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ, we offer this podcast as a tool to direct attention towards relationship, intimacy with our experience, and the sublime beauty of our human situation. Ever since he met his yoga teachers TKV Desikachar and his father Tirumalai Krishnamacharya in Madras / Chennai in 1973, Mark has been sharing the tools of intimacy with body and breath through asana, pranayama and meditation, the practical method of response to grace in our life. The influence of J and UG Krishnamurti has clarified Yoga for all time as a practice of participation in the given reality, not a struggle towards a future result. "If you can breathe, you can do Yoga!" Join us for an experience of union / Yoga (not just more knowledge about it), resolution of spiritual confusions, insight from decades of teaching experience, stories from the diverse sangha of practitioners, practical relationship discussion, and the application of Yoga to every aspect of our everyday life. To find out more about teachings, retreats, online yoga classes, and our in-depth online yoga courses for both beginner and advanced practitioners, please visit www.heartofyoga.org.
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The Yogic Arts Series: Yantra & the Tantric Arts with Melissa Forbes
09/13/2024
The Yogic Arts Series: Yantra & the Tantric Arts with Melissa Forbes
In this episode of "The Heart of Yoga " Rosalind kicks off the Yogic Arts Series with a deep and enlightening conversation with artist and Yogini Melissa Forbes. They explore the intersection of art and spirituality through the study of Yantra, numerology, and Jyotish (Vedic astrology). Melissa shares her personal journey into sacred geometry and how these ancient traditions have shaped her practice, teaching, and artwork. Through this conversation, listeners are invited into the rich, intricate world of sacred Yogic arts and the deeper meaning behind these practices. They discuss… The profound relationship between Yantra, numerology, and the energies of the planets, exploring how specific shapes, colors, and numbers influence one's life and spiritual journey. Melissa’s background in sacred geometry and her teachings on how constructing Yantras can help align an individual's energy with cosmic forces. The influence of Melissa’s teacher, Harish Johari, and the tradition of integrating chanting, numerology, and sacred geometry into the spiritual practice. Insights into the powerful energy of certain colors and planets, such as working with green and emerald to harness the healing energy of Mercury. The importance of natural movement and geometry in understanding the true essence of Yoga beyond its physical form. Favorite Phrases: "The study of the macrocosm via the microcosm. Tantra offers a holistic approach to the universe through the lens of the individual." "The energy of the Yantras is all about alignment—through sound, color, and shape, we can tap into the deeper forces of the cosmos." "Working with a spiral in sacred geometry mirrors nature’s own patterns; it’s a theme that’s as universal as the DNA in our bodies or the form of a fern unfurling." Resources Mentioned: Books by Harish Johari: Numerology, Tantra, Ayurveda: You are invited to join Melissa on her Sacred Geometry luxury retreat in India, January 2025. Melissa leads an annual retreat at Shreyas, member of Relais & Chateaux, focusing on Sacred Geometry. An excellent opportunity to explore the inner dimensions and rekindle our creative energies, and direct it towards spiritual unfoldment. Yoga, Ayurveda and Art in a refined beautiful environment. Connect with Melissa on IG @melissaforbes8 Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Melissa Forbes [00:01:00] Melissa shares her initial journey into Yoga and sacred geometry [00:03:00] Discussion on numerology and the relationship mandala [00:06:00] Exploring the deeper meaning of Yantra and the connection with planets [00:20:00] Transition into Jyotish and how numerology ties into personal energies [00:36:00] Retreat discussions and how participants interact with the Yogic arts [00:50:00] Personal anecdotes about U.G. and Melissa's experiences in sacred spaces [00:59:00] Conclusion and final reflections on art, spirituality, and cosmic energy
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The Lifesaving Power of Yoga with Raúl Petraglia
08/28/2024
The Lifesaving Power of Yoga with Raúl Petraglia
In this episode of the Heart of Yoga podcast, Raul Petraglia, a former high-flying corporate executive, shares his incredible journey from the high-stress world of luxury hospitality to finding profound peace through the practice of Yoga. Raul opens up about his past life of excess and stress, the physical and emotional toll it took on him, and how a serious health crisis led him to discover Yoga. This transformative experience not only saved his life but also inspired him to dedicate himself to sharing the healing power of Yoga with others, including the corporate world he once inhabited. They discuss: Raul’s early life in Argentina and his rise in the luxury hotel industry, leading to a lifestyle of excess and eventual burnout. The pivotal moment when Raul realized his lifestyle was unsustainable, leading him to seek a different path through Yoga. How Raul’s journey into Yoga began as a necessity for physical rehabilitation and evolved into a profound personal practice. The unique challenges of teaching Yoga within a corporate environment and the impact it has on stressed executives. The importance of adapting Yoga practices to individual needs, as Raul did for his own mother. Favorite phrases: "I used to party till sunrise. Now I wake up to see the sunrise and do my practice." "There is a special feeling there, Mark. It’s like this is my goal, my dharma." "Yoga is participation in reality via the breath." Resources: Books: The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar Websites: Heart of Yoga Studio Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Raul’s background and entry into Yoga. [07:00] Corporate Burnout: Transition from a high-stress career to discovering Yoga. [16:00] Yoga’s Impact: How Yoga transformed Raul’s life. [26:00] Teaching Yoga: Bringing Yoga into corporate settings. [40:00] Personalizing Yoga: Adapting practices for individual needs. [52:00] Reflection: Raul’s ongoing journey and mission with Yoga.
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From The Archives: Are You Born In The Wrong Body?
08/15/2024
From The Archives: Are You Born In The Wrong Body?
Teaching at Liliana Lakshmi's teaching training, this question arises.. hear the response. In this episode, Mark explores how Yoga can provide a sense of unity and belonging amidst conflict and division in the world. He emphasizes that Yoga is not about seeking or trying to get somewhere, but recognizing and participating in the beauty, power and extraordinary intelligence that is always there, the wholeness and the harmony. Mark argues that religious seeking and presumption of separation are the root of conflict, and Yoga dissolve this illusion. He shares the principles from Krishnamacharya on adapting Yoga to each person’s needs, and the recognition of the Tantras of life’s inherent unity. His position is that teaching Yoga is the necessary, cultural shift required to end conflict in separation, to end trauma, destructive tribalism and disconnection. They discuss: - Why Yoga is needed as the response to divisiveness and terror. - Krishnamacharya’s emphasis on Yoga as embracing ‘what is’ rather than seeking some future state - How religious doctrine has been used to create division, but true religion needs Yoga as its practical means - The end of spiritual seeking and ideas of a perfect future state - wholeness is already here - The tantric recognition and response - Adapting Yoga to each person’s body, age, health and cultural background - Teaching Yoga as a stand against trauma and disconnection in the world Favorite phrases: “The yogas of participation in the given reality.” “Your body is in a profound unity with the total cosmos.” “Yoga is the practical means by which individuals actualize the great ideals of their culture, of their religion.” “Trying to come into union implies the two are separate.” “Your body is the extraordinary intelligence that is the cosmos happening as you.” Bali teacher training Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] Krishnamacharya's emphasis on adapting Yoga to the individual [00:05:00] Already being the beauty - no need to get somewhere [00:10:00] Yoga as actualizing the ideals of religion and culture [00:15:00] Division created by religious doctrine and seeking [00:20:00] The body as already in unity with the cosmos [00:25:00] Yoga as participation versus seeking [00:30:00] Personal examples of transformative effects of simple Yoga [00:35:00] Science, religion and Yoga as three stabilizing forces [00:40:00] Consciousness and objects as a unity [00:45:00] No separate self or other [00:50:00] Being beyond gender identification [00:55:00] Introducing principles of Krishnamacharya's Yoga
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Demystifying Tantra - A Conversation with Domagoj Orlić - Part 2
08/07/2024
Demystifying Tantra - A Conversation with Domagoj Orlić - Part 2
In this episode, Rosalind and Domagoj have an enlightening discussion demystifying Tantra. They explore how Tantra is a path to freedom that teaches you to fall in love with life. Tantra aims to help one realize everything is infinite and discover naturalness, spontaneity and openness to the mystery of life. Rituals in Tantra go hand in hand with meditation and realization of the teachings within oneself. The goal is freedom and absolute independence. They talk about transcending duality between matter and spirit, external rituals and internal experiences, embracing life and relationships as they are. They discuss: - The importance of modernizing and adapting tantric rituals and practices to suit the practitioners rather than just following fixed external instructions. - How Tantric philosophy sees matter and spirit as one, both being divine. - The interplay and correlation between external tantric rituals and internal meditations and realizations. - How intimacy, relationships and embracing life and others enables easy ascent of energy compared to forced individual practices. Loving presence effortlessly moves energy. - How Tantra teaches one to fall in love with life just as it is - overwhelming, enormous and mysterious. - The role of a Tantric guru and how the teacher principal always exists within and guides one's own direct experience. Favorite phrases: "The teachings are like gold jewelry, you receive a lump of gold and you must hammer it into a jewelry for yourself." "If the doors of perception were cleansed, then everything would appear to men as it is - infinite." Timestamps: [00:00] Introducing the topics of discussion [00:39] The essence of tantric rituals being inner experience vs outer form [02:28] Correlating external rituals and internal realizations in tantra [05:19] Embracing life effortlessly moves energy compared to forced practices [09:10] William Blake on seeing matter and spirit as one [14:50] Falling in love with life as the essence of tantra [18:45] The role of a tantric teacher and physical vs inner gurus [21:20] Domagoj shares about his tantric guru [28:04] Closing chant
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Demystifying Tantra - A Conversation with Domagoj Orlić - Part 1
07/31/2024
Demystifying Tantra - A Conversation with Domagoj Orlić - Part 1
In part one of this two part episode, Rosalind is joined by Domagoj Orlić to demystify tantra, a profoundly misunderstood spiritual tradition. As both a scholar and practitioner of Tantra, Domagoj sheds light on what Tantra actually is, its key principles and aims, and how it differs from the "Neo-Tantra" appropriated in the West. They explore Tantra's emphasis on liberation through feeling unity with the divine feminine, why ritual and initiation by a guru matters, and how Tantra can help overcome conditioning to realize inherent power. Domagoj clarifies Tantra's nuanced relationship with sexuality and why it has been misportrayed. Far from just exotic techniques, traditional Tantra offers potent tools for those called to dive deep into self-realization and awakening through embodied practice. They discuss: - What is Tantra? Defining the principles, aims and practices of traditional Tantra vs Neo-Tantra - Why guru, lineage and transmission matters in Tantra - Tantra as a monistic spiritual path emphasizing unity with the divine feminine - Ritual, puja and worship of deities to receive empowerment - Tantra's goal of deconditioning the mind and realizing power - Clarifying Tantra's nuanced relationship with sexuality - Tantra's influence on Yoga - integrating mantra, yantra, embodied ritual - Adapting traditional Tantra wisdom for the modern world and individual need Favorite phrases: "Tantra teaches us that we actually are very powerful and we have the power of Shakti to change reality, to change whatever we want to change and live our full human potential. That's the basic premise of Tantra." "The idea of the Tantric practice is to viscerally feel that I am one with the divine feminine...this can be called motherly love, which is the same as compassion, which is love generally, our ability to actually love life and love ourselves and love other people and love all creation." Timestamps: [1:00] Domagoj introduces his background in Tantra as a scholar, practitioner and teacher [3:00] What is Tantra? Domagoj reads his definition [5:00] Explaining the core elements: guru, lineage, student effort [7:00] How traditional Tantra differs from modern and Neo-Tantra [12:00] Clarifying Tantra's nuanced relationship with sexuality [15:00] Discussing themes from Passage to India that reveal Western misunderstandings of Tantra [17:00] Krishnamacharya's veiled tantric influences [21:00] Tantra's influence on Yoga - integrating ritual, mantra, deity [25:00] Yoga as a means to directly experience the ideals of religion [27:00] Tantra's monistic view of unity with the divine feminine as heretical [32:00] Tantra's emphasis on deconditioning to uncover power [34:00] Bringing tantra wisdom into the modern world [36:00] End of part 1
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Discovering Wholeness and Beauty Amidst Suffering
07/24/2024
Discovering Wholeness and Beauty Amidst Suffering
This episode features Kathrin, a Yoga practitioner and mother of two living in Germany. She shares how she came to Yoga to relieve suffering during the pandemic, and through her daily practice discovered a profound intimacy with her own body and breath. Kathrin describes how Yoga helped her shift from feelings of "not being enough" to simply receiving and participating in each moment just as it is. She and Mark discuss how Yoga connects us to the miracle of life, and talk about translating this experience into everyday life and language. Key topics include releasing shame, rebuilding society through education, participating in wholeness already here, and rediscovering the beauty in one's own culture and tradition. They discuss: - How the pandemic and suffering led Kathrin to deeper Yoga practice - Moving from self-judgment to receiving and intimacy with the body - Letting go of "becoming" and future salvation, participating in life now - Translating Yoga wisdom into everyday German life and language - Educating our children in wholeness beyond knowledge and thought - Rediscovering beauty in her Catholic upbringing through Yoga - Releasing cultural shame and rebuilding society through education - Sex and eros as mutual participation versus transaction Favorite phrases: "Everything that lives is holy." - William Blake Resources: - The Art of Yoga online course - Hridaya Yoga Sutras (German translation) - Writings and podcasts by Mark Whitwell (German translations) Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] How Kathrin came to deeper Yoga practice [00:05:00] Discovering intimacy with body and breath [00:10:00] Yoga for everybody [00:15:00] Participating in life now, beyond self-improvement [00:20:00] Rediscovering beauty within her Catholic upbringing [00:30:00] Rebuilding society through education [00:35:00] Shifting views on sex and intimacy [00:45:00] Translating Yoga wisdom into German [00:50:00] Releasing cultural shame
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“Christians need Yoga“ The story of a Christian Yogi with Paul Hoffman
07/19/2024
“Christians need Yoga“ The story of a Christian Yogi with Paul Hoffman
This episode features Paul Hoffman, a devoted Christian who discovered yoga and has found it deeply enriches his religious life and spiritual connection. He shares how yoga complements Christian teachings and practices, helping him integrate breath, movement and prayer. Paul recounts his journey to incorporating yoga into his church community and daily spiritual rituals. He provides insights into how yoga can allow Christians and people of all backgrounds to more fully embody sacred teachings. They discuss... - How yoga created a framework for Paul's daily devotional practice and connection to the divine presence. - Adapting yoga for Christians using biblical language and Christian concepts. - Teaching yoga and breathwork before Sunday services at his Episcopal church. - Experiencing yoga as a form of whole body prayer and spirit baptism. - Integrating sacred sexuality, intimacy and union as yoga. - Releasing grief, trauma and obstructions through asana to receive grace. - Participating through yoga in the grace and blessings already present. Favorite phrases: "Yoga has urged me, forced me, urged me to take seriously what it is that I'm doing in church." "The kingdom is, inside you or, you know, the, the divine is like, yeast and bread. it's just part of the deal." "What I'm starting to feel is that, well, no, actually that's, that might be where it is for me. it's a lot of conditioning, a lot of programming to, to break through, isn't it? This notion that you get to God by giving up sex." Resources: Paul Hoffman's website: www.breathemovepray.org Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:01] How Paul was first introduced to yoga by his wife [00:03] His beginner's yoga retreat with Mark at Esalen [00:07] Finding yoga provided what was missing from only attending Sunday church [00:10] Using Christian concepts and chanting in yoga class [00:15] Adapting yoga language and teachings to the Christian context [00:22] Yoga helps actualize the essence of Christianity [00:26] The continued impact of realized beings like Jesus [00:31] Participating through yoga in the living divinity [00:35] Teaching yoga at his church on Saturdays [00:43] A dying friend urging him to start a daily prayer practice [00:48] Yoga as receptivity to Christ's baptism, releasing obstructions [00:54] Introducing yoga at church through video [01:00] Yoga practice as participating in ever-present grace [01:10] Conclusion and close
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Already Free: The Life of Yogini Acharya Akia Merritt
07/10/2024
Already Free: The Life of Yogini Acharya Akia Merritt
This episode features yogini Akia Merritt who shares her life journey growing up in Miami and discovering her capital S Self through yoga sadhana. Akiya recounts the journey from aspiring fashion designer in New York City to becoming a capital-Y Yoga teacher, and the pitfalls of the industry along the way. Relatable to everyone whose journey has taken them far from where they started, and then back home with compassion. Mark and Akia discuss: - Akia’s childhood in poverty, family struggles with addiction, and dangerous neighborhood in Miami - Her drive to get out of that environment and pursuit of fashion career in NYC - A psychic telling her she would be a teacher… which she dismissed! - Discovering through yoga practice 'you are what you're looking for' - Anger, then compassion arising, seeing her family clearly - Embodying freedom allowing her to be a mirror and bridge - Sharing with friends and family and helping create shifts in their lives - Her continued shedding and settling into being a teacher Favorite phrases: - "Language is limiting, and you, you transmit to your family and friends, just by you being you." - "You are, you are what you're looking for. You are what you're searching for." - "I'll give my life over to be able to hold someone's hand to that gate, to that door." Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:00] Akia shares her challenging upbringing in Miami [00:08:00] Her drive to get out and pursuit of fashion career [00:12:00] A psychic tells Akia she will be a teacher [00:19:00] Getting in touch with anger, then compassion for her family [00:24:00] Finding clarity through yoga [00:28:00] Now teaching yoga, starting with friends and family [00:33:00] Akia describes discovering 'you are what you seek' [00:38:00] Mark affirms Akia as an exemplary yoga teacher [00:43:00] Conclusion
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Women, Life, Freedom ژن، ژیان، ئازادی
07/03/2024
Women, Life, Freedom ژن، ژیان، ئازادی
This episode features a powerful and insightful conversation between Mark and a Yogini living in Iran, who we refer to as Sarah for her safety. They discuss the ongoing revolution and protests in Iran, along with the government brutality and oppression people, especially women, face daily. Sarah shares her personal experiences surviving the turmoil, finding refuge through community, and taking action for freedom through sharing yoga's teachings. This episode offers an inside look at Iran's struggle, the universal need for connection, and the hope that comes from within through truly knowing oneself. Key Topics: - Living under an oppressive regime in Iran - Government use of fear and financial struggle for control - Intergenerational trauma and the younger generation's desire for freedom - Taking action through spreading yoga's teachings and building community - The importance of knowing and expressing your authentic self - Universal issues across cultures and religions that suppress life and intimacy - Iran's deep culture and history of ancient wisdom now lost Insights: - 80% of Iran's population is dissatisfied with the current regime - Younger Iranians are questioning the system and motivated from within for change - The Southeast province with high suppression has the brightest fire for revolution - Islam's rituals contain yogic principles of movement and breath that connect to the divine within Quotes: - "They've been traumatizing people for as long as they've been in the country, for the past 40 years, 45 years, it's...they've started their authority with fear and killing people." - "I really believe that more people, my quest is to open people's heart a little bit more. So build intimacy for every person for themselves so they can find their own way of conquering their fears." - "I was a kid...wearing shorts and a tank top. I was four years old, eating ice cream. And a woman with veil and everything comes and she's like, You have to cover up, you know, you're going to go to hell." Takeaways: - Oppressive power structures that deny life create dysfunction across humanity - Revolution requires intimate self-knowledge and courage to take wise action - Fostering community and spreading empowering teachings is key for change - We can all offer support to those fighting for freedom in Iran and beyond Resources: - Mark's essay "Iran: Root Causes and Root Solutions" - YES - Yoga Education in Schools program Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [00:45] Living under an oppressive regime in Iran [02:30] Government use of fear and financial struggle for control [04:15] Intergenerational trauma and desire for freedom [07:00] Taking action by spreading yoga's teachings [12:00] Universal issues across cultures and religions [17:00] Iran's deep culture and history of ancient wisdom [22:00] Insights into the revolutionary movement [27:00] Islam contains yogic principles [32:00] Effects of suppressing life and intimacy [37:00] Iran's need for connection to its ancient wisdom [44:00] Beauty of Iran and loss of wisdom traditions [49:00] Conclusion and Call to Action
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Yoga Education in Schools Y.E.S. with Andrew Raba
06/26/2024
Yoga Education in Schools Y.E.S. with Andrew Raba
Rosalind and Andrew meet again to lay out the vision for the Heart of Yoga ‘YES’ programme: Yoga Education in Schools. Andrew shares the vision behind it: for every young person to leave school with a basic yoga education including the ability to practice connection with body and breath at home by themselves. We discuss how the project was born from Andrew's experience teaching yoga at a high school in New Zealand, where he saw firsthand how it benefited both students and teachers. And we discuss the 8-week teen yoga course that is at the heart of the YES program. Key Topics: - The mental health crisis among teens and the need for new solutions - How the YES project started at Andrew's high school in New Zealand - The vision for bringing yoga education to every student globally - The 8-week teen yoga course and how it's structured - Teaching yoga breathing and asana to younger kids - Stories of how teens benefit from yoga classes at school - Training people to deliver the YES teen program in schools internationally - Creating positive experiences for young people through yoga Insights: - Young people intuitively understand and feel the benefits of yoga for themselves. When they experience it, they don't need convincing to keep practicing. - Yoga can create contexts for authentic human connection between teens and teachers. It's not about assessment or filling them with knowledge. - Teens appreciate having a space to rest, be quiet, and tap into inner peace amidst the stresses of school. The yoga "cleans the pot" so they can focus again. - Teens provide profound and sensitive feedback on how yoga helps their mental health, grounding, sleep, and ability to engage life. - Yoga is a positive cultural intervention, offering kids tools to transform their relationship with themselves, others and nature. Quotes: "Yoga is prior to intellectual subjects and learning about life. It's to be connected to your actual life." "After doing this, I feel like nothing can knock me off my balance." — teenage practitioner "The breath made me feel all tingly and calm. Afterwards I feel like I can sleep for an eternity because I'm so connected to the earth." — 13 year old student Resources: Heart of Yoga: heartofyoga.org/YES YES New Zealand Project Website: yogainschools.org.nz Train to be a facilitator: October–November 2024, online Timestamps: 2:00 - Introducing the YES project and its vision 4:00 - How the project started organically at Andrew's New Zealand high school 6:00 - Taking yoga into schools globally, training facilitators 10:00 - The mental health crisis and need for yoga in schools 15:00 - Creating the 8-week teen yoga program 20:00 - On the profound wisdom and experiences of teens 25:00 - Powerful stories of teens benefiting from yoga 30:00 - Using yoga for relational intelligence and autonomy 35:00 - Training people internationally to share the program 45:00 - Teaching yoga breathing to younger kids 50:00 - Allowing teens to experience all facets of life in yoga 55:00 - Yoga as a positive intervention in society and culture
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From The Archive: Mark at The Omega Institute
06/19/2024
From The Archive: Mark at The Omega Institute
This episode is a recording of a talk Mark Whitwell gave at the Omega Institute in New York in 2008. He speaks of Reality itself as an intelligent nurturing force, like a mother. Yoga is our direct participation in this nurturing reality, not an effort to achieve some future spiritual goal. This episode is a dharmic reset-reminder of yoga as participation in union, merging strength and receptivity just as we came into being ourselves through the union of our parents. Mark encourages listeners to see that any pain or difficult circumstance in life is ultimately healing and rebalancing when embraced fully. The practice of yoga reconnects us to the fact that we are cared for, no matter what arises. Quotes: - "Looking for God implies God is absent." - "The more charming or logical a teacher is, the more they'll delude you into thinking you are less and have to get somewhere." - "Spiritual language implies you're not already there and have to attain something." - "Relate to the life in people rather than labeling something as evil." - "Mother is here. You are utterly cared for." - "This pain is healing. My pain is nurturing." - "On the mat is my complete intimacy with reality. I can now go off the mat and do it." Timestamps: 4:00 - Discussing reality as nurturing force 8:00 - Pain as healing 15:00 - Promising a daily yoga practice 27:00 - Relating to pain and healing 38:00 - Reality appearing as you 58:00 - Closing discussion
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God And Sex: Part 3
06/13/2024
God And Sex: Part 3
Welcome back to “God and Sex” book club part 3. Mark and Rosalind argue about themes of the book around relationship, love and intimacy. Mark goes to the root of things as usual, connecting up the separate self to how relationship chaos plays out, and how yoga intervenes. We discuss the longing for a “soulmate” and whether this idea is useful, reflect on the China teacher training, and a few more controversial subjects relating to intimacy. Be aware some of these subjects may be connected with painful emotions in ourselves & feel free to reach out any time if you need to. Key Topics Covered - The presumption of being a separate self as the root of human suffering - How religions tend to devalue the body and sexuality - Ramanuja's teaching that we need yoga to actualise oneness - Participating in the union of opposites through yoga - Merging with your experience to understand yourself and life - Letting go of ideas like "soulmate" that create impossible expectations - How vulgarity and abuse can also be expressions of denying sex - Sharing yoga as a way to increase intimacy and improve relationships Key quotes: - "The hostility and disturbance in the world arises because people are not loving their life." - "If the man could learn to love bodily, sexually, then there would be peace." - "Consciousness perceiving an object is a single movement — there is no separation." - "Once you've tasted actual intimacy, the common patterns of sex finish." - "There must be yoga, and there must be the polarity of opposites within and without." - "The presumption of being a separate self with problems is an illusion." - "You can't use anybody to make you happy." Resources - God and Sex: Now We Get Both by Mark Whitwell - Yoga of Heart by Mark Whitwell Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:00] The problem of separation as the root of suffering [00:06:00] Ramanuja's teaching about needing yoga [00:11:00] How religion devalues the body and sex [00:16:00] Krishnamacharya's example of yoga and family life [00:21:00] How modern society still denies sex [00:26:00] Merging with your experience through yoga [00:31:00] Letting go of the myth of "soulmates" [00:36:00] The misery caused by unrealistic expectations [00:41:00] The problem with techniques and sacred sexuality [00:46:00] The motivation to share these teachings [00:51:00] Being cautious about rushing into relationships
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Intimacy With The Natual World w/Henriette Geber
06/05/2024
Intimacy With The Natual World w/Henriette Geber
This episode explores rekindling our innate connection to nature through yoga and sensing practices. Rosalind has an insightful conversation with her friend Henriette Geber, a yogini with a deep love of the mountains, plants and animals. They discuss how yoga helps us become more sensitive, intuit nature's aliveness, and dissolve harmful ways of relating that assume separation. Henriette shares how yoga empowers her natural affinities, from studying art history to living with the German Alps. We discuss removing overlays of ideology to intuitively relate directly with the living world. Key Topics - How yoga cultivates sensitivity to ourselves as nature - Dissolving the illusion of separateness from nature ingrained by society - Honoring the aliveness and subjectivity of all creatures and systems - Henriette’s countercultural move from the mountains to the city and back again - Following our natural talents and relationships that emerge through yoga Insights - Assumptions of nature as passive or dead prevent us from sensing its aliveness - Rituals trying to "connect" can reinforce separation if that belief is still there - Our bodies intuitively know which plants are healing if we relax our seeking mind Quotes "Yoga has given me this, that I trust what comes out of me. I think I was very outward oriented, like, how do you do certain things? How am I perceived? Always thinking like, oh, my perception might be really wrong or not even feeling how do I relate from the inside to this and giving me the sensitivity to actually feel how is my relationship to this, how is my sensing of this and then the strength to also act upon it and not be afraid." "If you cannot feel your body, you cannot feel the natural world because ultimately it's the same thing. It's totally the same thing." “It’s always there. It's there. You just need to listen.” Resources - Franz von Stuck's painting "Sin" that Henriette wrote her thesis on - The Correction by Amy Mindell, a book referenced Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:00] Henriette's background in the mountains and move to Berlin [00:05:00] How yoga enabled tuning into her needs [00:10:00] Studies in art history and disconnect from life [00:15:00] Henriette's return to the mountains from the city [00:20:00] Painting of a woman and snake Henrietta was drawn to [00:25:00] Positive symbolism of the snake across cultures [00:30:00] Henriette's relationship with animals and plants [00:35:00] Accessing intuitive knowledge about medicinal plants [00:40:00] Story illustrating the ever-present relationship between humans and nature [00:45:00] Rituals reinforcing separation versus assuming connection [00:50:00] Being in relationship versus demanding feelings from nature [00:55:00] Living creatures acknowledging Henriette [01:00:00] Moving to farm not being the happily ever after [01:03:00] Closing
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Andrew Raba: Keeping Safe with Psychics and Seers
03/14/2024
Andrew Raba: Keeping Safe with Psychics and Seers
In this week's episode of the Heart of Yoga Podcast, Mark and Andy Raba explore the world of psychics, seers, shamans and sages. As director of the Yoga Education in Schools Charitable Trust in New Zealand, Andy leads initiatives to bring yoga-based health programs to young people in NZ and abroad.With a Master's degree and over a decade of experience fostering literacy in NZ schools, Andrew has extensively published on yoga and meditation and is dedicated to bringing yoga's benefits to students' wellbeing. They discuss how to discern truth from charlatanry, the ethics around predicting the future, and why embodiment through yoga is key. Mark emphasizes the importance of maintaining autonomy through daily yoga practice rather than seeking escape or solutions from spiritual leaders. He shares perspective on how psychics and seers should serve the community without claiming special powers. Mark and Andy also talk about relating to the subtle realm, trauma healing, and keeping ourselves safe from disempowerment on the spiritual path. Tune in for an insightful discussion about navigating the mystical with open eyes and an empowered heart. Key Points: There are genuine psychics and seers who have special abilities to perceive realms beyond normal perception. However, there are many more charlatans who falsely claim such abilities. To discern truth from falsehood, it's important to have your own direct participation and intimacy with reality through yoga practice. This gives you autonomy and empowerment. Making predictions about the future is unethical. It implies you don't have access now to deeper knowledge about your life. Psychics and seers should be ordinary, humble people, not claiming to be special or different. Their abilities should be used to serve the community, not for ego or profit. For people with trauma, the subtle realm can seem an escape. But yoga brings embodiment and healing, not escape. Wake down into the body, don't go up into the subtle. The gross tangible world and the subtle intangible world are one, not separate. Through embodiment and intimacy with the tangible, we access the intangible. Keep yourself safe from disempowerment by spiritual leaders. With yoga practice for autonomy, you can discern who to learn from without losing yourself. Connect with Any Raba : Instagram: @_andyraba_ Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on : https://www.facebook.com/yogaofheart : https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartofYoga and https://www.instagram.com/markwhitwell
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No Such Thing as A Thoughtless State: Embracing Presence Over Ideals in Yoga with Eva Košćak
11/27/2023
No Such Thing as A Thoughtless State: Embracing Presence Over Ideals in Yoga with Eva Košćak
In this episode, Mark interviews Eva about her journey discovering Yoga and music. Eva shares how she was classically trained in cello as a child but hated the competitive pressure. She dropped music for 18 years until finding Yoga, which helped her rediscover enjoyment and presence. A few years into Yoga, Eva spontaneously picked up guitar and started playing purely for pleasure, posting videos online. Mark and Eva explore how yoga catalyzed Eva's musical reawakening. Yoga helped Eva let go of striving for perfection and future attainment, and instead play music for the joy of each moment. Eva discusses how Yoga taught her to receive support and gave her courage to be vulnerable sharing imperfect musical videos. She also describes realizing Yoga isn't about achieving a thoughtless state, but being fully immersed in each experience. Eva offers an inspirational example of how Yoga provided the foundation to rediscover her musical self by cultivating presence, receptivity and relationship. Keypoints: [00:03:00] Discovering yoga helped Eva find enjoyment and presence [00:05:00] Yoga was the catalyst that allowed Eva's musical talent to emerge [00:08:00] Eva learned to receive support and be vulnerable through Yoga [00:12:00] Eva rejected the competitive classical music system as a teen [00:18:00] Finding a Yoga teacher who respected Eva as an individual was pivotal [00:20:00] Yoga felt like the opposite of Eva's prior athletic yoga experience [00:25:00] Eva played music purely for enjoyment rather than future goals [00:30:00] Eva had to unlearn criticism and perfectionism around mistakes [00:40:00] Simple Yoga helped a depressed musician rediscover her artistry [00:50:00] Eva realized Yoga wasn't about achieving a thoughtless state Memorable Quotes "Yoga as a system should adapt to the individual, not the other way around." "It's not to get to the end, to the grand crescendo of the great symphony. It's every note along the way in harmony with every other note." "There's no state like that, that I should be striving towards. What I have right now and what I'm doing right now is it." Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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From Recognition to Embodiment: A Yogi's Journey with Irina Esposito
11/14/2023
From Recognition to Embodiment: A Yogi's Journey with Irina Esposito
In this episode of the Heart of Yoga podcast, Mark has an insightful conversation with his student Irina Esposito about her journey with Yoga. The cosmos and everything in the cosmos is obviously a pure intelligence, energy and an intrinsic harmony. In religious language of ancient India it is Shiva Shakti… or all that is, and there are no problems. This was Irina’s sudden realization. It hit her “like a done of bricks”. This is the realization of an ordinary life of anybody when the Hatha Yoga Tantras are practiced daily, actually, naturally and non obsessively. Life is unity, an indivisible condition of no separation, no difference, unique individuation in the context of utter singularity. Thank you Irina for your Yôga realization and sharing this, your self with the world Here. Irina shares how the simple daily yoga practice Mark taught her is transformative. She began to feel more connected to herself and worry less. The conversation explores pivotal moments of recognition Irina experienced through her practice, as well as how yoga shifted her perspective on body image and food. An illuminating part of the talk is when old family patterns came up after a vacation with a parent, showing there are still habitual conditionings even after deep insights. Overall, the episode offers a beautiful glimpse into the power of dedicated yoga practice. Timestamps: 3:55 - They discuss Irina's experience in yoga teacher training with Mark and how she started a daily practice. 12:55 - Irina talks about how yoga helped her feel more connected to herself and her body. 28:35 - Irina describes a moment of recognition where she deeply felt that the whole universe is female and male energy. 38:50 - Irina shares how yoga changed her relationship to food and body image. 55:15 - Irina talks about going on vacation with her mother after her recognition and how old patterns came up again. Quotes: "You gave us the simple practice and I just tried to do it every day. And this is so different to the practice I did before." "I don't overthink that much. The crown is open and receiving." Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Breathing, Unity, and Healing: On The Yoga Bus with Joseph Lauricella (#54)
10/23/2023
Breathing, Unity, and Healing: On The Yoga Bus with Joseph Lauricella (#54)
In this episode, I'm joined by Joseph Lauricella. We dive into Joseph's journey on The Yoga Bus, making yoga accessible to everyone. It is truly inspiring. We talk about the power of yoga for newcomers and the limitations of the popular styles. Joseph shares his motivation behind his book, "Miracle of Body Wisdom," and his vision for authentic yoga education for all. We discuss the discipline of writing a book. Also the function of yoga in dealing with anxiety in tough times. We explore how whole body breathing can boost our well-being and making yoga suitable for everyone, regardless of beliefs or body type. We discus the YES program, Yôga Education in Schools. How Yoga isn't just an exercise; it's vital for our future, a subject as vital as any other subject taught in schools, such as mathematics or physics! We discuss unity, authenticity, and the healing journey after loss. Joseph shares his personal story of loss and healing, and the positive impact of recent gatherings and upcoming retreats in Mexico. We're all in this together. Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Kurtis Goodwolf x Mark Whitwell: A Voyage to India, Mark's First Steps (#53)
09/07/2023
Kurtis Goodwolf x Mark Whitwell: A Voyage to India, Mark's First Steps (#53)
In this episode, we dive deep into Mark's transformative journey to India. Mark shares his personal experiences and first impressions upon arriving in this vibrant and diverse country. He discusses how The Beatles' presence in Rishikesh influenced his interest in Indian wisdom traditions, making it a global phenomenon. Mark reflects on the powerful impact of rock music from England and the U.S. on his life, particularly highlighting the musical genius of Ray Davies from The Kinks. He opens up about his initial moments in India, painting a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and emotions that overwhelmed him. We explore the challenges and insights of being a white minority in India, contrasting it with Mark's observations as a part of the white majority in New Zealand. Mark shares his candid thoughts on India's lack of a social welfare system and how survival takes on a unique meaning in this bustling country. Throughout our conversation, Mark takes us on a spiritual journey, recounting his encounters with Bhakti Vedanta Swami and the worldwide temple movement initiated through chanting in Hyde Park. We delve into the essence of India's holy cities, bringing to light the blend of spirituality and commerce that characterizes them. Mark's trip to India serves as the central narrative, intertwining with various topics such as colonialism and the preservation of authenticity in a rapidly changing world. Mark's personal experiences and insights offer a captivating window into his adventure and the profound impact it had on his life. Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Yoga Adapted to Cultural Context: Japan with Minami Takashima (#52)
07/07/2023
Yoga Adapted to Cultural Context: Japan with Minami Takashima (#52)
Our guest today is our wonderful collaborator in Japan, Minami Takashima. Minami is a yogini and heart of Yôga teacher, teaching in the traditions of the hathayoga non dual Tantra. She has written the introduction to the Japanese second edition of Mark Whitwell’s Yôga Heart and teaches throughout Japan and the world. Born in Sapporo, Japan, she found that early life spiritual awakenings were not really helping with the pain of corporate life and socialization, but were rather making society’s misalignment with nature’s flow even more obvious and miserable. One day, she came across Mark’s book Yoga of Heart, and says “this changed my life completely.” “There’s no steps to be taken”. “Everything you are seeking to become, you already are.” “You are the power of the cosmos”— the book was a great statement of your life’s actual worth. Minami has had victory over the oppressive misogyny of society that restricts women, and men, and all of life. In this victory she understands the difficulties of the usual life, so can be extremely helpful to others going through what she has had to go through herself. In Yôga such a person is called the “Acharya”, one who can teach. Minami found that traditional heart of Yoga, Hathayoga practice bridges spirituality and tangible reality, allowing our masculine and feminine aspects to find their natural harmony. Knowing herself and her students to be Reality itself (“divine existence” itsel.) Minami teaches from the authority of her own experience and power. She lives in Japan and New Zealand with her yogi-musician husband Rey. Teaching mainly one on one in an intimate, traditional way, Minami serves others to find their innate power, intelligence and beauty. Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Clayton Joseph Scott Talks of Music, Addiction, Seeking and Surrender (#51)
06/16/2023
Clayton Joseph Scott Talks of Music, Addiction, Seeking and Surrender (#51)
Clayton Joseph Scott is a singer, songwriter and master Yoga Teacher. Born in Los Angeles, California, he attended Santa Monica High School. Clayton lived most of his life as a street hustling native of Venice Ca. He was raised in the culture of musicians and pioneers of the counter culture. Clayton speaks clearly about over coming addiction of every kind. He was in his own words, a gourmet addict, masterful at keeping addictions finely counteracting each so as to hold them in all in place. Until…. ? As a Yôga enthusiast (one of his addictions) for many years Clayton mastered all the popular styles of the yoga industry. In this context he discovered the principles of the modern founder of Yôga, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and was then able to make sense of it all. Clayton’s own music career is highlighted by his touring band Brightside. He has a number of notable albums of poetic depth and beauty. Albums and EPs include Heavy Rest, More Love, West of Lincoln, Let Go and View from the Moon. Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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What is a Yogini? Liliana Lakshmi : From India to the Americas and Bali to Berlin (#50)
03/29/2023
What is a Yogini? Liliana Lakshmi : From India to the Americas and Bali to Berlin (#50)
Liliana Lakshmi and her husband Satya are renowned yoga teachers, whose influence extends from India to the Americas, and from Berlin to Bali. Liliana, born into tribal culture of indigenous shamans of Colombia was quickly able to understand the shamanic cultures of ancient India, their yogas of participation and the profound realization of their ancient cultures, both of India and the Americas. Liliana is the hope of humanity, and she will not be exploited by any mere belief systems or point of view. She embraces all life and all cultures in the samyama of truth, the spotlight of absolute reality. Liliana is a bridge for humanity of cultures, ethnicities, of East and West, and of ancient to modern. Mark shares some time with Liliana discussing their time together over the years and their mutual purpose to bring the Yoga of intimacy to the entire world. They discussed the lost teaching of the Tantras that flourished for a thousand years prior to the 14th C. Liliana shares her early life in shamanic culture, and her eventual pilgrimages to India and Europe. In this episode you will hear... ''... I went to to see a doctor and ... I was asking ... how does it look if I want to remove these implants? And I remember ... he would tell me ''but you're a very young woman. You don't want to look like a man''...'' ''...There is a beautiful tribe in the north and I feel my ancestors land coming from there...they're quite famous because they have the ability to connect through space and time with all the tribes in another parts of the world...'' Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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A Yogini Amidst Unspeakable Love and Pain (#49)
03/01/2023
A Yogini Amidst Unspeakable Love and Pain (#49)
Ernessa Bergman is a world-travelling Yogini, Mother and Biosynthesis / Somatic Body Psychotherapist who is currently living and working in Tel Aviv, Israel. She reflects on her long friendship with Mark at trainings around the world and her life as a mother and yoga teacher. In this episode you will hear... '' ...you torture yourself with the insanity of trying to get enlightened or something, or the insanity of trying to get to God. It is completely insane. It creates the separate self that is seeking.'' ''...In the heart, that's where it says you break your heart, you start to cry because you realize that everything you've been doing up until now, at least mentally ...consciously, has not been putting your attention in the place that can give you more joy..." "...This yoga of participation in the given reality, the power of the cosmos that is factually their condit. Just like it happened to you and you pass it on to every kind of person there, and you do it without drama, without theater. You just do it consistently and you just stood your ground. You bloom in your own garden..." Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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The Yoga Confessions - Mark interviews Rosalind Atkinson (#48)
02/14/2023
The Yoga Confessions - Mark interviews Rosalind Atkinson (#48)
Mark Whitwell interviews Rosalind Atkinson about her life with yoga and realisations. In particular, Mark asks about her academic studies of english literature, especially the mystic poet William Blake, and the relevance of these studies to her life in yoga. This episode will be of interest to anyone with a mixed experience in academia or poetry, who is interested in the yogic process of making inspiration relevant to our lives right now. We also discuss the last two years of teaching around the world through zoom, and end with a little teaser about a new project, called "Wardrobe Dharma". In this episode you will hear... ''And I got to the end of this research project ... and I was trying to write a conclusion that summed up what I had learned in the process. And I came across a line by Blake that said something like ... the true faculty of knowledge is experience... And it was a very unsettling phrase to me because I realized in that moment that of everything I'd written about passionately, it wasn't my experience I was writing about Blake's experience.'' ''I fell straight into the spiritual seekers trap of hungrily seeking experience...for myself...'' ''It's like if my mind was the king and the body was the peasants of the kingdom. Even if the king ignores the peasants, they're still there. And they're still feeding him. But he's just not acknowledging them... Abusing them, mistreating them, not appreciating their work. '' "Blake's poetry speaks in and as that force of life that is beyond the mind. And that's why obviously people from different cultures resonate with it. If it was just culturally constructed, then the English would love Blake the best. But they didn't, they thought he belonged in a straight jacket." Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Anne-Tyler Harshbarger: From Prima Ballerina to Real Yoga for Real People (#47)
10/11/2022
Anne-Tyler Harshbarger: From Prima Ballerina to Real Yoga for Real People (#47)
What is natural movement for a human being? In this episode we are graced with the presence of Anne-Tyler, yogini of the Americas and her profound story of evolving movement patterns from the strictures of ballet into the natural forms for a human body. Mark and Anne-Tyler discuss learning to dance from a young age in the UK and developing her skills when moved back to the US, and how it wasn't obvious that ballet is a very unnatural way of movement. They discuss abuse of power in the world of ballet and the feeling of being replaceable at any minute. Tapping into pure beingness sheds a light while still being in the trap. Learning how to breathe. Getting through the stranglehold of thought, seeking and performance. Returning to the truth, returning to the heart, returning to the breath and to nature. Real yoga for real people, not performance, not gymnastics. ''I came here to disrupt patterns''. The breath enables the shedding of layers of old patterns and reveals one's true being. There is no denial or suppression in Yoga. Teaching people how to help themselves. Yoga as an empowerment and embodyment practise. Anne-Tyler's teachings and online gatherings are here at or on social media @theecstaticblossom Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Patrick Ryan: In the World Not of the World (#46)
08/03/2022
Patrick Ryan: In the World Not of the World (#46)
Mark and his dear friend Patrick collude at the beach in Australia to discuss Patrick's life of Yoga and insight. They unpack the lie of "trying to get there" through Yoga. Get where? We are already here! Patrick breaks down the regular Australian conditioning of beer and sport, and relates how one sentence from a partner inspired a quest for change. They chart the murky waters of addiction to asana, and transforming it to participation in reality. Patrick teaches Yoga and Tai Chi in Australia, Sri Lanka and Fiji, and has been the heart and soul of Fiji teacher trainings for nearly a decade. His teaching is characterised by wisdom, humour and the unexpected. Explore Patrick's website at https://www.bodyawareness.com.au Follow our podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can leave a recording here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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How to be a Yoga Teacher with Maja Dakskobler and Mark Whitwell (#45)
06/23/2022
How to be a Yoga Teacher with Maja Dakskobler and Mark Whitwell (#45)
This podcast tells the story of Maja’s transition from social activism to Yoga revelation. How Yoga becomes the means to enacting the change we want to see. As Gandhi said.. “be the change you want to see.” In this conversation we hear once again the process to become an actual Yoga teacher in real life and community. From Sloviana Maja’s background and society has had its own traumas and horrific trials. Life has been difficult. Maja speaks of her personal victory in the midst of societal patterning, hostility and despair. As a government public health professional working in the struggles of social policy Maja has been conscientious and ambitious to improve the difficult conditions of the world. She speaks of how her Yoga has enabled her to do this, while transcending conflict with society and in herself. Maja speaks of the various vehicles in which she has learned to teach Yoga effectively. At her work in very large groups of colleagues, in smaller intimate circles of friends, and in one-on-one private tuition. Maja is the hope of humanity.
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Finding Our Own Sadhana with Manisha (#44)
05/11/2022
Finding Our Own Sadhana with Manisha (#44)
In this episode we are graced by world-friend & yogini without borders Manisha Lebel. Yoga Teacher, Naturopath, Herbalist & Wisdom Holder. Manisha and Rosalind discuss how Manisha's extensive yoga practice, teaching and academic research backgrounds resonated straightaway with the breath principles Mark was passing on. We talk about being an outsider, New Zealand colonial patterning, people pleasing (especially as women), and how we can cut through indoctrination and authoritarianism of all kinds and stand in our own ground. We cut through the illusions of generational barriers to express our heartfelt gratitude for the friendship of each other. “Everything that I have been seeking is where I am”. Manisha describes experiencing the breath as the central feature in the Heart of Yoga practice, everything else falls away and loses significance. Not a rejection of life’s roles, but a releasing of projections on one’s self, and an acceptance of reality as it is. We discuss the falseness of the mind/body split and how the breath provides the doorway to realization that there is no such split between the heart, mind and body. “What an opportunity to live before we die”. A discussion about the pain that the body goes through during life and how this often makes us disassociate the mind from the body to avoid feeling pain. Manisha teaches both private and group sessions in her communities in rural NZ, and she talks about making relationship and breath the centre of every teaching occasion, and how this changes our relationships. And how, exactly? We talk about moving away from the commercial Yoga industrial complex, and learning to deal in diverse forms of exchange. Beyond the money economy. Manisha also tells the story of how she met Mark for the first time, and the profound effect that meeting had on her. We also touch on the resonance of the yoga wisdom with Māori culture. Follow this podcast for new episodes here: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS/XML If you have a question for a future episode, you can record it here: https://www.heartofyoga.com/podcast You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
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Becoming a Yoga Teacher "Capital Y" (#43)
04/23/2022
Becoming a Yoga Teacher "Capital Y" (#43)
How do we make the shift from practitioner to teacher? Who should become a teacher? How do we make sure we don't become "One more monkey" in the yoga industrial complex? How to keep the heart in yoga? Mark interviews Andrew about his experience of this process and emergence from the middle-class massage into a life of meaning, play, & subversive subtlety as a practitioner & teacher. Andrew talks about his current project offering yoga in high schools for both students and teachers, drawing on his own experience as a disillusioned teenager chafing against the restrictions of school and family. They discuss getting free of the search for an intangible distant realm of happiness, or a distant god, and instead coming home to the local and our immediate environment in time and space. Mark and Andrew talk about the natural movement to wish to share yoga after feeling the doors it has opened in one's own life, and how this gradually becomes the most important thing in one's life. How do we find teaching opportunities? When shoudl we teach? What if no-one is interested? What if they just want stimulating gymnastics? Mark and Andy also discuss the resonance between aspects of yoga and of the indigenous Māori culture of Aotearoa / New Zealand. Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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How to Find a Yoga Teacher (#42)
04/04/2022
How to Find a Yoga Teacher (#42)
''How to find a good yoga teacher? How do you find a teacher that you trust, and can generate a connection with? Not only that, but find a teacher that does not see themselves in a position of power and does not have your monetary value as student in their ’business’ as a priority?" In this episode Mark and Rosalind talk about this most basic of questions, along with the even more basic questions of why we would even want a yoga teacher, and what that is anyway. Some aspects we cover: - The origins of yoga as a practice of mutual respect and care for others and the community, without authority and power. - the change in student-teacher relationships to power dynamics and business interest as the norm - The three qualifications of a good yoga teacher according to Krishnamacharya. - Cultism in spiritual practice; how to sense someone who is driven by social hierarchy, power and money. - The use of knowledge as a means to create seniority and power in the modern world of spiritual practice. And the contrasting experience had by Mark with his teachers Krishnamacharya and Desikachar. - “Yoga is not a salvation cult”. A good teacher should not be promising any method or secret knowledge that will get you to where you think you want to go. Any promises of this nature should be treated with caution as the promise is most likely more of a product to be sold than a spiritual practice. - A conversation about the ironic inflexibility of modern yoga, how it pushes people into predefined patterns regardless of the differences between individuals, and how this is a reflection of the patterning seen in modern society. - What to look for: the breath as THE central element of asana practice. The unity of body, mind and breath must be present from the first moment of the yoga lesson, yet is often not given precise or any attention in modern yoga teaching. - “You don’t do yoga, yoga does you”. Participating in the flow of life and being in the moment, as opposed to using spiritual practice to try and get somewhere you think you need to go, and how a good teacher can help thwart the latter tendency. - Yoga as a method to release the mind from habitual thought. A symptom of modern living that affects most people in negative ways. Yoga can be a way to free yourself of unnecessary thought and be in the world's beauty. To find out if we know a good teacher near you, please email Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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Initiation Into Wisdom with Alesha Keen (#41)
03/28/2022
Initiation Into Wisdom with Alesha Keen (#41)
A conversation between Rosalind and Alesha Keen, yogini & important teacher of the UK. Alesha is breaking new ground in England, drawing upon her decades of experience across yoga, psychotherapy, and numerous other modalities from West and East to help individuals "bloom in their own garden." In our wide-ranging discussion, she offers us her first-hand yogic perspective on the initiations into embodied wisdom through our life, including the profound gateway into eldership of the menopause. Some of the other things we discussed: - The need for Yoga to be adapted to our bodies and lives as we ourselves and our needs change - Benefits of Yoga one-on-one as opposed to group classes - The barriers to Yoga created by its confusion with fashion, gymnastics and exercise, and how it can intersect with our already-pressured body image. - The journey with yoga and menopause and how the latter has demanded a refinement in asana and breath - How both Yoga and the initiation into wisdom of peri-menopause and menopause call us to slow down and listen to the body... - Ageism and loss of intergenerational relationships... looking at some examples of reverence for the "wisdom of years" in non-western cultures. - we discuss the unfortunate public perception of yoga as reflected in Ricky Gervais' new show 'Afterlife' and the painful yoga parody in it, and how to work with this - The initiation that is motherhood is also woven into our discussion! You can find more information about Alesha's work and teaching at and Follow this podcast for new episodes here: | | | If you feel moved to submit a question for a future episode, you can do so here: You can find more from the Heart of Yoga on , , and .
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