Join us for Part One of this captivating interview with Tom Norrington Davies, where we dive deep into his fascinating journey from drama student to renowned chef and authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher. Discover how Tom transitioned from the high-pressure environment of restaurant kitchens to the serene practice of Ashtanga yoga, and learn about the remarkable synergy between culinary arts and yogic philosophy. This episode is packed with insightful stories, practical tips, and profound reflections on managing anxiety, embracing seasonal wisdom, and finding balance in life through mindful practices.

Key Topics Covered:

- Tom's early career in the culinary world and his transition to yoga

- The influence of seasonal ingredients and sustainable cooking practices

- Managing anxiety and stress through breathwork and yoga

- The transformative power of Ashtanga yoga in personal and professional life

- Building community through Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga practice

More about Tom Norrington Davies:

Tom Norrington Davies is a celebrated chef and authorized teacher of Ashtanga yoga. Born in Camberwell and residing in southeast London for most of his life, Tom teaches Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga at Oru Space in East Dulwich, London, and offers evening classes at Astanga Yoga London. He has studied regularly with Paramaguru R Sharath Jois in Mysore, India, since 2010, and has been mentored by Hamish Hendry, the UK's most respected Ashtanga yoga teacher, for over 15 years. Tom’s journey from restaurant kitchens to yoga studios is a testament to the transformative power of the practice, which he now dedicates to helping others find balance and wellness in their lives.

Links from this episode: Yoga Gives Back

Work with Harmony

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
• Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey
• Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

Connect with Tom Norrington Davies

Links: https://www.instagram.com/tomnd.c.a.l.e/

Website: https://www.tomnd.com/

Join Harmony Slater and Russell Case as they welcome Cindy Lusk, PhD, an experienced yoga teacher and meditation expert, to delve into the profound journey of yoga and meditation. This episode offers deep insights into the interplay of yoga disciplines, meditation practices, and personal growth. Cindy shares her unique experiences transitioning from Ashtanga to Anusara yoga, her profound meditative practices, and the life lessons learned along her spiritual journey. Discover how yoga and meditation can transform personal challenges into pathways for profound inner growth and spiritual awakening.

Key Topics Covered:

• Cindy Lusk's transition from Ashtanga to Anusara yoga and the reasons behind it
• The influence of injuries on Cindy’s yoga practice and philosophical outlook
• Insights into Tantric philosophy and its application in modern yoga practices
• Cindy’s experiences and lessons learned from studying with renowned teachers like Richard Freeman
• The role of meditation in yoga and its transformative potential
• The process and inspiration behind Cindy Lusk's book, "Align and Refine: The Journey of Yoga and Meditation"

Guest Bio:

Cindy Lusk, PhD, is an acclaimed author and yoga teacher, known for her book "Align and Refine: The Journey of Yoga and Meditation." With a journey that began in 1985, Cindy has explored various dimensions of yoga, including Ashtanga and Anusara, and has taught numerous courses in yoga philosophy. She is also an authorized teacher of Neelakantha Meditation. Cindy’s approach integrates deep academic understanding with practical experience, offering students a comprehensive path to spiritual and personal development.

Connect with Cindy Lusk:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Exciting Quotes from the Episode:

1. "It's like refining a precious metal out of raw ore — that's what studying yoga philosophy is like." — Cindy Lusk
2. "Meditation is this guide to lead us to where we're looking to go." — Cindy Lusk
3. "I feel like if each of us can become conduits for this higher energy, this higher consciousness, it'll ripple out and have an impact in our own little ways." — Cindy Lusk
4. "The yoga works on us as beings to refine our beings so that we find our way back to our hearts." — Cindy Lusk
5. "You can't generate hostility when you're really connected to the heart because the other is you, and you are the other." — Harmony Slater

Suggested Links for This Episode:

• Cindy Lusk’s Book "Align and Refine"
• Neelakantha Meditation Official
• Yoga Gives Back

Work with Harmony:

Links and Resources:

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway

• Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey
• Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

This episode features an insightful conversation with hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case and featured guest, Sam Silversides, a dynamic new voice in the Ashtanga Yoga community. This riveting discussion bridges the gap between the rich traditions of Ashtanga Yoga and the contemporary practices of today. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, Sam’s experiences and insights are sure to inform and inspire.

In This Episode:

• Sam’s Journey: Discover how Sam transitioned from a budding actor to a devoted Ashtanga Yoga teacher, influenced by Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor.
• Teaching Philosophy: Sam discusses his approach to teaching, focusing on integrating modern life challenges with the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga.
• Future Aspirations: Learn about Sam's upcoming teaching stint at the Purple Valley Retreat Center in India, where he aims to bring his unique blend of traditional and contemporary yoga practices to students from around the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Yoga as a Lifelong Practice: Sam shares his insights on how yoga is more than just physical postures; it’s a comprehensive approach to wellbeing that encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Adapting Tradition: Hear how Sam, Harmony, and Russell balance the traditional aspects of Ashtanga Yoga with the needs of modern practitioners, promoting a flexible and inclusive practice environment.

About Sam Silversides:

Sam Silversides has been a student of yoga since 2010. His journey into the depths of Ashtanga Yoga began after five years of practice, following a pivotal meeting with Ashtanga luminaries Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. Sam’s teaching philosophy weaves traditional Ashtanga principles with a modern approach, making it accessible and relevant to today's practitioners.

Connect with Sam:

www.samsilversides.com

https://www.instagram.com/samsilversides/

https://www.tiktok.com/@silversidesyoga?_t=8kGda3uDioS&_r=1

https://www.youtube.com/@samsilversides3275

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1962204/

Work with Harmony:

Links and Resources:

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway

• Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠