Adam explores the relationship between yoga asana, other physical activities, and the evolution of yoga practices. He discusses historical roots, modern misconceptions, and practical advice for balancing yoga with strength training for longevity and health.

KEY TOPICS

· Historical roots of yoga and ascetic practices

· The relationship between yoga asana and body care

· Risks of over-stretching and joint instability with age

· The importance of strength training for longevity

· Integrating energy work with physical exercise

SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

CONNECT WITH ADAM

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

In person events: https://www.keenonyoga.com/all-events/

LISTEN

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

WATCH

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

Yoga expert Jason Crandell shares his journey into yoga, explores the relationship between yoga philosophy and asana practice, and discusses how to integrate strength training with traditional yoga. He offers practical advice on self-regulation, avoiding common pitfalls like naive flexibility, and balancing repetition with variation in teaching.

Support the Podcast: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Main Topics:

· Relationship between yoga asana and philosophy

· Self-regulation and nervous system balance

· Naive flexibility and control in yoga

· Integrating strength training with yoga

· Teaching strategies for consistency and variation

Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonyoga.com/

Instagram: @jason_crandell

Connect with Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam explores the complex topic of whether yoga can be considered a cult, examining warning signs, cultural influences, and the importance of open dialogue in the yoga community.

Key topics

· Definition of cults and their characteristics

· The role of charismatic leaders in yoga

· Control and coercion in yoga practices

· Cultural and religious influences in yoga

· The importance of transparency and dialogue in yoga communities

Connect with Adam

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/

Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

In this episode, Adam Keen explores the profound relationship between yoga and trauma healing, emphasizing the somatic, emotional, and energetic dimensions of the practice. Discover how yoga goes beyond relaxation to facilitate catharsis, integration, and genuine recovery from unresolved trauma.

Key topics covered:

· The role of trauma and karma in the body and mind

· How yoga acts as a cathartic process for emotional release

· The importance of ritual and framing in yoga practice for healing

· The connection between spinal movement and emotional release

· Managing the stimulating effects of asana to avoid overstimulation

· The significance of touch, visualization, and nervous system regulation

· How to build a stable framework for safe emotional processing during practice

· The potential risks of using yoga to numb or suppress issues

· Diaphragmatic breathing techniques to release trapped tension

· The neck as a vulnerable area storing trauma and its release

Resources & Links:

· Peter Levine on the Keen on Yoga Podcast

· Bessel van der Kolk on the Keen on Yoga Podcast

· The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

· Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine

· Peter Levine - Somatic Experiencing

Connect with Adam

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/

Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

LISTEN

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

WATCH

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

Leslie Howard and Richard Rosen discuss with Adam the profound topics of death, Savasana, and their intersection with yoga philosophy. They explore the history, practice, and spiritual significance of Savasana, as well as the importance of facing mortality to enrich life.

Buy the Book: Savasana, Between Breath and Death

Support the Podcast: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Lesley and Richard Share

· History of Savasana in Yoga

· Differences in Savasana practices among teachers

· The role of death doulas and legacy planning

· The philosophical significance of facing death

· Practical tips for deepening Savasana practice

Find Leslie

Instagram: @lesliehowardyoga

Website: https://lesliehowardyoga.com/

Find Richard

Instagram: @richardrosenyoga

Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Adam explores the challenges faced by modern yoga teachers, including lack of professionalism, support, and societal recognition. He discusses the differences between traditional and modern yoga, the impact of societal structures, and the importance of establishing a professional framework for yoga teaching.

Adam Shares

• · Differences between traditional and modern yoga
• · Challenges faced by modern yoga teachers
• · Lack of professional standards and support
• · Societal perception of yoga teachers
• · The role of yoga in society and capitalism

Keen on Yoga

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/

Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modern Yoga Teaching Challenges

05:55 Yoga vs. Modern Wellness: A Philosophical Divide

12:45 Professionalism and Standards in Yoga Teaching

20:59 Teaching in a Commercialized Yoga Environment

30:43 Friendship vs. Professionalism in Yoga Teaching

Adam interviews Mark Epstein, a psychiatrist and author, discussing the complex nature of desire from both a Buddhist and psychotherapeutic perspective. They explore how desire is often misunderstood as an obstacle, when in fact it can serve as a vehicle for spiritual growth and understanding. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing and embracing desire rather than suppressing it, the role of the ego, and the lessons learned from personal experiences and stories, including the Ramayana and the parable of the strawberry.

Buy the Book: Open to Desire – The Truth About What The Buddha Taught

Support the Podcast: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Mark Shares

· Desire is not inherently negative; it's often our perception of it that limits us.

· Suppressing desire can lead to greater dissatisfaction and emotional issues.

· Desire can be a pathway to spiritual growth and understanding.

· The ego plays a crucial role in our awareness and spiritual practice.

· Meditation helps us to understand and transform our desires.

· The middle path involves finding a balance between indulgence and suppression of desires.

· Personal anecdotes can illustrate the complexities of desire and satisfaction.

· Understanding the nature of desire can lead to greater empathy and connection with others.

· The Ramayana serves as a metaphor for the journey of desire and its true purpose.

· Self-awareness is key to transforming our relationship with desire.

Find Mark

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/markepstein108

Website: www.markepsteinmd.com

Keen on Yoga

Website: http://www.keenonyoga.com/

Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats

Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Epstein

01:01 Desire: A Different Perspective

05:55 Desire as a Vehicle for Growth

11:55 The Nature of Desire and Suffering

18:04 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

24:06 Empathy and the Objectification of Desire

30:46 Exploring Desire and Unsatisfactoriness

33:42 The Middle Path: Balancing Indulgence and Suppression

36:09 Understanding Desire: The Role of Self and Shame

37:12 The Ramayana: A Story of Desire and Purpose

40:37 The Strawberry Parable: Appreciating Desire

43:43 The Ego: Our Greatest Obstacle and Hope