Best Kino MacGregor Podcasts (2025)

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#217 Walking in the Light of the Guru: Lineage, Faith & Living Wisdom 1:34:01

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10d ago1:34:01

1:34:01

Each year, under the bright full moon of Guru Purnima, yoga practitioners and seekers around the world pause to honor the timeless presence of the Guru, the teacher who removes darkness and reveals the light that has always been within us. This was written in July 2025, the first Guru Purnima Day, after Sharath Jois passed. Our hearts were still he…

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#216 The Importance of a Teacher, the Meaning of Being a Student and the Power of Transmission. 1:25:50

24d ago1:25:50

1:25:50

In a world where information is always within reach, it's tempting to believe we no longer need teachers. With a few clicks, we can access ancient texts, videos, and tutorials on nearly any aspect of yoga. But there's something that the internet cannot give you: transmission. Yoga is not simply learned; it is received. And it is only in relationshi…

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Bonus Episode: Accountability, Integrity, and the Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga 2:07:30

1M ago2:07:30

2:07:30

An incredibly important conversation examining the roots of abuse, ways of accountability, and what it means to be both a teacher and student of the Ashtanga yoga method with Sarah Nelson, Greg Nardi, Kino Macgregor, and Peg Mulqueen -- moderated by Melissa Matt. The first of an ongoing series of discussions hosted by Omstars. We appreciate you lis…

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#215 Dialogue and Discipline, Rethinking Authority in Ashtanga Yoga 2:07:47

1M ago2:07:47

2:07:47

In this deeply honest and sometimes difficult conversation, Melissa Matt, Kino MacGregor, Peg Mulqueen, Sarah Nelson, and Greg Nardi take a courageous step into the heart of Ashtanga Yoga's ongoing reckoning. This episode asks some of the most pressing and uncomfortable questions facing our community today: Who decides what practice looks like? How…

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Ashtanga Yoga: A Feminine Perspective with Monica Gauci, Genny Wilkinson, Tara Mitra, + Katy Scherer 1:17:30

1M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

What does it mean to be a woman practicing Ashtanga yoga? Join Monica, Genny, Tara, Katy and me as we discuss what can seem like a very masculine practice, from a female perspective. And if you enjoy this episode, then I invite you to join me over on Substack for a new 12-part series exploring the femine archetypes. We begin this month with The Que…

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#214 The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence 1:05:50

2M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Podcast notes The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence One of the most frustrating instructions I ever received in a meditation class was deceptively simple: Close your eyes and quiet the mind. I remember thinking, if I could do that, I wouldn't be here learning how to meditate. Like so many others, I was searching for pea…

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#213 Abhyāsa: The Sacred Art of Returning, Practice, Repetition, and Inner Cultivation 1:07:04

2M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

What does it really mean to practice yoga not just once in a while, but again and again, across years, through resistance, joy, boredom, and transformation? In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of abhyāsa, the Sanskrit word often translated as "practice," but whose roots reveal something far more enduring: the committed, intenti…

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#212 Understanding the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Invocation: Etymology, Meaning & Inner Alchemy 57:08

3M ago57:08

57:08

The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn't matter what shapes your body can or can't make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within u…

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#211 A Supported Practice: Finding Balance Between Yoga and Strength Training with Kino MacGregor and Wade Oakley 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training. Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey q…

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#210 Living Legacy: Sri Shubha on Krishnamacharya, Yoga, and Teaching from the Heart 54:42

4M ago54:42

54:42

In this rare and heartfelt conversation, Kino MacGregor sits down with Sri Shubha, daughter of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya, to share stories and insights from the man often called the father of modern yoga. Sri Shubha offers a deeply personal glimpse into her upbringing in a household where yoga was not just a practice, but a way of life. She …

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Bonus Episode: The Spiritual Hustle: Build Your Authentic Yoga Business Without Losing Your Soul 30:01

4M ago30:01

30:01

This bonus episode is a gateway into The Spiritual Hustle, an honest, practical, and soul-centered approach to building a yoga or wellness business. The conversation traces the roots of practice, the call to teach, and the leap of faith it takes to create an online presence that stays true to authentic voice. You'll hear about: • The real challenge…

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#209 Roots & Branches: Writing, Teaching, and Living Yoga with David Swenson 1:03:53

4M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

In this warm and inspiring episode, Kino MacGregor welcomes her dear friend and legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher David Swenson for a conversation about his new book, Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow. David shares what sparked the idea for the book — a collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom from decades of living yoga on and off the mat. He of…

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#208 The Many Shades of Devotion in Yoga 1:05:48

5M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Join Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Wade Oakley and Chandana Bhowmick as they discuss what devotion means for each of them. Finding the fuel of devotion in their practice is more sustainable than the fuel of ambition. Hear how they each found the student's heart of love in their relationship with their teachers and how they carry the flame of the pr…

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#207 How Yoga Teaches Us to Stand Up for Justice Without Losing Our Peace 59:39

5M ago59:39

59:39

In a world filled with conflict, injustice, and harm, how do we respond as yogis? In this episode, Kino explores the powerful yogic concept of *kṣānti*—forbearance, patience, and compassionate endurance—through scriptural sources including the Bhagavad Gītā, the Bodhicaryāvatāra, and the Yoga Sutras. We talk about how yogic activism is possible—and…

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#206: Dharma Talk: Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga with Kino and Tim 1:00:35

5M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga and Why We Hope You Keep Practicing Too Dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice is a powerful journey worth pursuing, even decades after your first class. Reflecting on more than 25 years of practice, we've discovered profound reasons to stay committed, which we captured in a recent series on wh…

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#205: Dharma Talk: The Discerning Eye of the Yogin — Becoming Connoisseurs of Spiritual Knowledge 1:09:21

6M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

We are, by nature, discriminating beings. We develop taste — for art, food, fashion, architecture. We learn to tell what is real from what is imitation, what is durable from what is fleeting. We become connoisseurs of culture, cuisine, aesthetics. So what happens when that same discriminating capacity is turned inward? This is what yogic philosophy…

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#204: Dharma Talk: The Grace of the Guru 1:40:40

6M ago1:40:40

1:40:40

In the sacred journey of yoga, the figure of the guru—the teacher, the revealer—is not merely someone who instructs us in techniques. The guru is the light that removes darkness, the presence that dispels confusion, and the voice that calls us back to the Self. The Sanskrit word guru itself is formed from gu, meaning darkness, and ru, meaning remov…

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#203: An Ocean of Grace, Saumanasya - The Cheerful Disposition of the Yogi's Mind 51:05

7M ago51:05

51:05

Many of us come to yoga seeking relief. Relief from pain, from restlessness, from uncertainty. And sometimes we find it. But over time, what we discover is more lasting than relief. We discover presence. We discover steadiness. We discover a kind of joy that doesn't have to shout. It only has to be. So we practice. Not to get rid of pain, but to kn…

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Outside the Box with Maverick Teachers Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum 1:35:40

7M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

A maverick is someone who is unconventional and thinks for themselves and today's guests are certainly that. Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum are all part of the same Ashtanga yoga tradition, and yet, they look almost nothing alike. Each offer their own unique perspective and approach that is in ways, totally opposite. On one end the…

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#202: How Yoga Grows a Heart of Unconditional Compassion 59:42

8M ago59:42

59:42

In the closing prayer of the Ashtanga practice, we chant: svasti prajābhyaḥ pari-pālayantāṁ, nyāyena mārgena mahīṁ mahīśāḥ, gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubham astu nityaṁ, lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu. These ancient words are an offering — a prayer for all beings to be protected, for the rulers of the earth to walk the path of righteousness, for all sacred …

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#201: Tears of the Path: Saṁvega and the Ocean Within — A Reflection on Feeling Deeply, Seeing Clearly, and Walking the Path with Urgency 48:20

8M ago48:20

48:20

As we go deeper on the spiritual path—whether through yoga, meditation, or self-inquiry—we often discover a paradox: We feel more peace… but we also feel more pain. The highs become transcendent. The lows, unbearable. We start to feel everything more intensely. This intensity is not a mistake. It is the heart of the path. The Buddha says: you have …

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Is Ashtanga Right for Everyone? With David Keil, Scott Johnson, and Jen René 58:01

8M ago58:01

58:01

In this episode of the Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast, David Keil, Jen René and Scott Johnson join me to explore the question of whether Ashtanga yoga is suitable for everyone, not just as teachers but as students, ourselves with our own challenges and needs. We talk about the importance of context, adaptation, and the need be critical thinkers. But lik…

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#200: The Benefits of Strong Practice in Cultivating Tapas 1:07:08

9M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Sometimes we may not understand why it is necessary to engage in strong practice. This talk dives into how the effects we put into asana practice cultivate a powerful internal fire of purification. This was a talk given after a 4 day immersion with Kino and Tim in Bangkok. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with …

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#199: Honoring the Lineage and Understanding Merit in Ashtanga Yoga 1:42:36

9M ago1:42:36

1:42:36

Kino and Tim discuss how to honor the lineage in the absence of our teachers. They further dive into the definition of what constitutes merit in the practice of Yoga. Ending with a Q&A that captures the spirit of the conclusion of their first week of teaching in Bali Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-da…

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The Tradition that Connects Us with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, Kino MacGregor, and Tim Feldmann 1:04:10

9M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this heartfelt conversation, Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman, Tim Feldmann, and Kino MacGregor join Peg Mulqueen and reflect on the profound sense of loss within the Ashtanga Yoga community after the sudden passing of Sharath Jois. They explore themes of grief, connection, and the importance of practice in navigating uncertainty. The discussion del…

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#198: The Lifelong Path of Yoga: Kino MacGregor on Insightful Self-Discovery 39:43

10M ago39:43

39:43

Why yoga? Anyone who has practiced for a decade, two decades, or even a lifetime knows that the answer to this question is anything but simple—or perhaps so simple that words fail to capture it. Some truths can only be understood through embodied knowledge, a form of wisdom that arises not from intellectual effort but from deep receptivity. Yoga is…

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#197: Tristhana Unveiled: Breath, Body, and Mind in Ashtanga Yoga with Kino & Tim 46:00

10M ago46:00

46:00

Join Kino and Tim as they explore Tristhana, the foundational framework of Ashtanga Yoga that unites breath, body, and mind. Whether you are new to the practice or have been teaching for years, this episode offers a deeper look at how these three elements work together to cultivate presence, focus, and transformation. Breath serves as the bridge be…

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#196: Astrology Talk with Kino MacGregor and Gahl Sasson 39:21

10M ago39:21

39:21

Astrology is more than just predictions. Join Kino and Gahl for a conversation about spirituality, past lives, and how astrology can help guide us along our journey Gahl Sasson makes Kabbalah, astrology and psychology engaging, illuminating, and fun. His book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, (published by Simon & Schuster and co-written with Steve Wei…

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#195: Discipline, Method and Studentship in Ashtanga Yoga 1:10:27

11M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

With set sequences, rules, and repetitions, Ashtanga is often seen as a devotion to discipline. But if you look closely, it is a delicate orchestration where breath, movement, and focus unite to reveal the clarity within. In today's episode, we reflect on the purpose behind the method, exploring how every inhale, every exhale, and every asana carri…

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#194: The Pillars of Happiness with Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman 1:14:58

11M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman join us to share timeless insights exploring how impermanence and interconnectedness form the foundation of a meaningful life. With wisdom rooted in years of spiritual practice, they reflect on the paradox of happiness – not as something to chase but as a natural state revealed through presence and self-awareness. Ou…

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#193: Honouring Lineage When the Teacher is Gone 1:00:55

11M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

The lineage of Ashtanga has always been a living tradition carried forward by devoted practitioners. But what happens when the Guru who once held the lineage are no longer present? Without an Acharya to guide us, the responsibility shifts to each of us – to show up, to practice, and to nurture the teachings within ourselves. And it's not about perf…

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#192: Living The Lineage: Dedication in The Face of Change 33:14

12M ago33:14

33:14

Ashtanga Yoga is more than a personal ritual - it's a living tradition carried forward by generations of teachers and students. Those who came before us made sacrifices to do so and as yogis, we share a responsibility in keeping the lineage alive. So in this episode, we explore what it means to honor our teachers. Not through idolization, but by as…

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#191: Accessibility in Ashtanga: Honoring Tradition And Embracing All Bodies 43:15

1y ago43:15

43:15

Ashtanga Yoga reminds us that practice is not about perfection, it's about presence. And while this truth features throughout life's ups and downs, let's take a moment to reflect on this through the lens of accessibility. There is, after all, great power in offering adaptations that make the practice available to all bodies and abilities… And what …

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#190: The Hidden Knowledge of Yoga Within 55:41

1y ago55:41

55:41

While our practice connects us to a lineage of timeless teachings, its essence is deeply personal and woven into our breath, our movement, and our awareness. It's here within this space that we begin to understand the true source of the practice - our being - and the resilience it cultivates both on and off the mat. Yet, the journey is not always e…

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#189: Honouring the Teachings of Sharath Jois: A Memorial 36:52

1y ago36:52

36:52

As we honor the life and teachings of Sharath Jois, we are reminded of the deep roots and enduring spirit of the Mysore yoga tradition. This episode invites us to reflect on the profound relationship between teacher and student – a connection built on humility, surrender, and a flow of wisdom passed through generations. Grief, like yoga, requires u…

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#188: Yoga and War: Hala Okeili on Holding Space for Peace in Lebanon's Crisis 50:49

1y ago50:49

50:49

As Lebanon endures yet another wave of conflict, Hala speaks candidly about the heartbreak of leaving her homeland to protect her young son while holding fast to her role as a guide and healer for her community. Her journey reminds us that yoga is a practice far beyond the mat – it's a call to connect, to serve, and to hold space even in the most d…

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#187: The Humble Practice of Non-Attachment 24:25

1y ago24:25

24:25

Yoga is an invitation to meet ourselves just as we are, embracing both the ease of sukha and the discomfort of dukkha with presence and patience. It's a practice that calls us to observe the fluctuations of the mind – our desire for comfort, our resistance to pain – and, through each cycle of breath, to cultivate a quiet resilience that meets both …

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#186: The Quiet Strength Within - Redefining Success in Yoga 43:34

1+ y ago43:34

43:34

Perfection is enchanting—but it promises an end destination that doesn't exist. Yoga, if you listen carefully, asks us to turn inward, embracing tapas - disciplined effort - not as a demand for perfection but as a gentle guide through life's ups and downs. Let's be humbled by the reminder that yoga is not a performance after all. It's a daily ritua…

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#185: Satya and the Limits of Cognition 43:24

1+ y ago43:24

43:24

In a world where we often seek certainty, clear answers, and the comfort of knowing, yoga offers a humbling reminder: truth is rarely as simple as it seems. It's in this awareness of our behavioral patterns we can take the opportunity to question our reality… Or maybe we don't get a choice. It's easy to assume that our view of the world is objectiv…

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#184: No Hierarchy, No Race In The Ashtanga Practice 18:36

1+ y ago18:36

18:36

For many, the allure of yoga is wrapped in ideals of achievement – perfect poses, precise counts, and the polished image of a seasoned yogi. Yet, the heart of the practice invites us to embrace something far deeper. Being a student means showing up with an open mind, being willing to stumble, and finding peace in not knowing the big answers. It mea…

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#183: Swadhyaya's Call to Introspection and Devotion 51:01

1+ y ago51:01

51:01

Self study offers a bridge between practice and self-understanding, yet in a world where achievement is often measured by what we know or what we can do, Swadhyaya gently redirects us toward a more introspective path. Here, memorization becomes an act of devotion - a way to internalize the teachings, grounding our practice in respect and humility. …

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#182: To Grow With Ashtanga, We Must Embrace The Fire 43:45

1+ y ago43:45

43:45

Life has a way of challenging us - pushing us to the edge of our comfort zones - and it's in those moments that we often find our true strength. Ashtanga yoga practice mirrors this perfectly, presenting us with both physical and emotional hurdles that test our discipline and resolve. It's time to delve into the heart of what it means to engage with…

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#181: The Heart of Ashtanga: Exploring the Yamas 1:47:34

1+ y ago1:47:34

1:47:34

From the first step onto the mat to the deeper journey inward, Ashtanga offers more than just physical transformation. It introduces us to the yamas, the ethical principles that lay the foundation for a truly holistic practice. These yamas - non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, ethical conduct, and non-attachment - invite us to reflect on our …

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#180: Consistency As A Spiritual Necessity 1:17:17

1+ y ago1:17:17

1:17:17

How often do we consider the profound impact of consistency in our yoga practice? Because it's in moments of resistance and wavering minds that we can witness the full loving force of yoga. It is here where we receive an invitation. And every time we RSVP "yes", we open up our capacity for growth… We start to see that Ashtanga invites us to move be…

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#179: Sacred Lineage: Celebrating Yoga's Generational Wisdom 43:55

1+ y ago43:55

43:55

Walk far enough down the yogic path and it will soon become clear that the guidance of a teacher and the support of our communities is invaluable. On Guru Purnima Day, we pause to reflect on the profound impact of our gurus and mentors who illuminate our journey. Yet, while this path is often illuminated by such wisdom, it is not without its challe…

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#178: Transforming Judgement into Discernment 1:47:43

1+ y ago1:47:43

1:47:43

The truth is, we each have a library's worth of past experiences and conditioning that can cloud our vision, trapping us in looping thoughts. And while that sounds uncomfortable, this is the instinctive reality of the human mind. Every day we face the urge to judge. Meanwhile, discernment (or Viveka) offers a different path. One of turning inward, …

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#177: Through the Looking Glass: Using Meditation for Transformation 36:53

1+ y ago36:53

36:53

Meditation holds the promise of transformation, but its path is not always straightforward. For some, it is a retreat from the chaos of daily life–a space to recharge. For others, it is a crucible, challenging the mind and revealing its deepest patterns. No matter what experience we affix onto the practice, meditation invites us to sit with ourse…

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#176: Letting Go of False Promises And Embracing Impermanence 1:02:58

1+ y ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Many come to the mat believing yoga will erase all suffering, bringing perpetual bliss and prosperity. Yet, the true essence of yoga offers something more profound and enduring. It's time to explore the ancient wisdom that yoga imparts, teaching us to embrace the inevitable changes and hardships with grace, wisdom, and compassion. Because it's not …

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#175: Revealing Our Highest Truth with Sadhana 47:39

1+ y ago47:39

47:39

Sadhana allows the waters of spiritual practice to simmer within us, gradually revealing the light within. It teaches us the value of patience and perseverance, emphasizing that the journey of yoga is a lifelong pursuit. Because truly, yoga is not something that can be mastered in a weekend, a month, or even a year. While a year of practice can est…

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#174: Transcending Discomfort of the Mind, Body and Senses with Tim Feldmann 1:19:25

1+ y ago1:19:25

1:19:25

As we delve deeper into this yogic path, we appreciate the practice not just for physical prowess, but for emotional and spiritual resilience too. Whether we're striving to show up daily despite life's demands or digging deep to overcome generational trauma, commitment is key to our growth. But what about once we're on the mat? How easily do our th…