Dive into the profound philosophy of the Yoga Sutras with Akshay Bhat in this insightful episode. Akshay begins by exploring the meaning and philosophy behind the Yoga Sutras, highlighting their significance and the wisdom of Patanjali, the ancient sage who authored these foundational texts. Patanjali's teachings are revered for their focus on cleansing the mind, speech, and body, encompassing the core principles of yoga, Sanskrit grammar, and Ayurveda.

The discussion delves into the importance of understanding Shruti and Smriti in Vedanta, explaining how these concepts relate to the transmission and interpretation of divine knowledge. Through logical understanding, the Yoga Sutras provide a framework for living a life of ease and bliss. Akshay also touches on Buddha's journey to self-realization under the Bodhi Tree, drawing parallels between his experiences and the teachings of Patanjali.

Listeners will gain insights into moments of bliss and peace in yoga practice, learning how these moments contribute to spiritual growth and self-realization. This episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Yoga Sutras, offering valuable perspectives on the path to enlightenment and the practical application of ancient wisdom in modern life.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - The Meaning and Philosophy Behind the Yoga Sutras

07:04 - The Importance of the Yoga Sutras and Patanjali

10:10 - The Importance of Shruti and Smriti in Vedanta

15:39 - The Logical Understanding of the Yoga Sutras

24:06 - Buddha's Journey to Self-Realization under the Bodhi Tree

29:49 - Moments of Bliss and Peace in Yoga Practice

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

Discover the fascinating journey of Akshay Bhat as he delves into the deep connection between yoga, mantra chanting, and mental well-being. Akshay shares his upbringing in India, where he was immersed in yoga and mantra chanting from a young age, studying at a Gurukula, a traditional monastery school. He describes the rigorous yoga practices, discipline, and mental strength instilled through these ancient traditions.

The dialogue highlights the significance of mantras, such as "Sahana Vavatu" from the Upanishads, which symbolize the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student. Akshay's experiences include intense asana practices and interactions with wildlife, showcasing a unique blend of learning and playfulness in his Gurukula days.

Transitioning to a modern education system, Akshay faced culture shock and addiction to computer gaming but eventually returned to yoga, recognizing the value of his spiritual education. He studied pranayama and mantras, discovering their healing potential, particularly for back pain.

Akshay now teaches in Bali, incorporating pranayama and mantras into his practice. He emphasizes the importance of gradual healing, patience, and trust in the process. The discussion also touches on the benefits of hanging upside down using the Iyengar belt, enhancing energy flow, and experiencing pratyahara, or withdrawal of the senses.

The episode concludes with reflections on learning, sharing knowledge, and the value of service, hinting at future discussions on yoga philosophy, mantras, pranayama, and yoga therapy. Tune in to explore these enriching topics and more.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - The Importance of Om Chants and Vedic Prayer

03:09 - The Sacred Mantra: Sahana Vavatu and Its Spiritual Significance

10:39 - Gurukula Education Experience: Mantras, Yoga, and Ancient Knowledge

16:29 - Crazy Gurukula Stories: Stolen Coconuts and Peanuts

21:00 - Exploring the Transition from Modern to Gurukula Life

28:40 - The Yoga Vasishta: Rama's Depression and Healing

33:41 - Small Steps Forward: Kaizen Therapy with Breath and Movement

37:40 - Western Minds and the Practice of Yoga: Building Trust in Teaching and Practice

41:58 - Healing Back Pain with Pranayama and Mantras

47:32 - Iyengar Yoga Philosophy and the Benefits of Inversion

53:53 - The Profound Experience of Enhancing Sounds

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

Discover the intricate dynamics of energy work and personal boundaries with Cat Kabira in this insightful podcast episode. Cat delves into how unresolved issues can lead to projections that affect our interactions and energy fields during healing practices. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and striving for neutrality to manage these projections effectively.

Cat discusses how projections can empower or disempower individuals, highlighting their significant impact on both yoga teachers and students. She explores how idolizing or demonizing teachers can create confusion and challenges within group dynamics. The episode underscores the importance of integration and self-awareness to navigate these projections in teaching contexts.

Healthy projections can create positive energy fields, while negative projections often stem from unresolved past issues. Recognizing and managing personal projections are crucial for facilitators and teachers to maintain a clear and organized state, ensuring they don't transmit negative energy to their students.

Cat shares her approach to preparing for classes by grounding herself and setting positive intentions. She emphasizes the importance of genuine connections with students to create transformative experiences. The episode also discusses the importance of setting boundaries, maintaining professionalism, and responding to projections neutrally rather than taking them personally.

The conversation highlights the need for balance, playfulness, and authenticity in teaching and energy work. Cat reflects on her own experiences, stressing the value of staying centered and composed when facing challenging emotions and trauma. The episode wraps up with insights on managing expectations, setting goals, and maintaining gratitude in the journey of personal growth and energy management.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Continuation with Kat Kabira: The Energy Expert

01:58 - The Importance of Projection in Energy Work

05:06 - The Challenges for Yoga Teachers: Dealing with Projections

08:28 - Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Projection

11:56 - The Power of Projections: Changing Your Energy Flow

14:40 - Projection of Emotions and Self-Reflection

19:27 - Daily Life as a Teacher: Setting Positive Intentions

22:50 - The Teacher and the Art of Transmission

27:00 - The Healing Power of Self-Reflection

41:30 - Male vs. Female Communication Patterns

44:46 - When Assumptions Become Obstacles

47:46 - The Power of Goals vs. Expectations in Self-Growth

51:23 - Energetic Field and Energy in Motion - Recap of Previous Episodes

52:42 - Final Words and Gratitude

Cat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catkabira/

Dive into the enlightening conversation with Cat Kabira, a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, as she explores the subtle energies in yoga and their impact on mental health. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing and managing overwhelm, emphasizing personalized approaches to grounding oneself to effectively navigate wellness practices.

Cat shares insights on the detrimental effects of overgiving and the need for balance in healing journeys. She touches on her experiences with pranayama and meditation, discussing how chasing spiritual highs can lead to internal fragmentation and unintentional disconnection from oneself. The conversation also explores irresponsible healing practices that overwhelm rather than aid recovery, advocating for gradual, titrated healing experiences that genuinely lead one back to themselves.

Furthermore, the importance of setting and respecting personal boundaries is emphasized, along with understanding the body’s intelligence and maintaining a balance between openness and healthy defense mechanisms. The dialogue delves into the challenges of decision-making, the paralyzing effects of perfectionism, and the societal pressures that complicate these processes.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace change, tune into their feelings, and make choices that resonate with their true desires. Cat Kabira urges embracing curiosity and pleasure in decision-making, highlighting how self-awareness and presence are crucial for making authentic choices and achieving personal growth.

Episode Chapters:

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Exploring Boundaries and Overwhelm with Kat Kabira

01:45 - Kabira Energy School: Energetic Arts in Bali

23:11 - Finding Balance Between Yes and No: Overcoming Self-Judgment

26:11 - Perfectionism in Yoga and Healing Paths

31:15 - Space of Healing: Understanding Choices and Risks

35:04 - Practical Steps to Prevent Overwhelm and Make Decisions

43:18 - Recognize Your Truth: Making Decisions and Breaking Patterns

45:32 - A Path to Developing Intuitive Skills

49:59 - The Importance of Presence and Engagement

52:23 - The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Respect

55:20 - Energetic Training for Empathic Individuals

57:38 - Learning Energy Work: Two Intensive Weeks

01:00:09 - Get Ready for the Next Session

Cat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catkabira/

Tags: Yoga, Mental Health, Awareness, Wellbeing, SelfCare, boundaries, energy

Discover the intricate relationship between yoga philosophy and mental health in this insightful podcast, particularly focusing on yoga teacher training. The dialogue highlights the stress and anxiety often encountered by participants due to the intense nature of these trainings, including the high expectations and pressure to excel. It explores how individual experiences vary, with some feeling intimidated by the standards set by others, which can lead to anxiety and hinder progress.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding the right training program that suits one's needs, researching teachers, and understanding the program's demands. It stresses the need for a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth, rather than just performance. Embracing mistakes, managing self-doubt, and balancing rigorous learning with self-care are discussed as crucial elements for a positive and transformative experience.

Participants are encouraged to maintain boundaries and self-care to manage the physical and emotional exhaustion that can come with intensive training. The dialogue also touches on the broader implications of yoga teacher training, from personal development and deepening yoga practice to navigating the potential mental health triggers that such intense experiences can provoke.

This podcast offers valuable insights for anyone considering yoga teacher training, providing practical advice on how to approach these programs thoughtfully and sustainably for personal growth and well-being.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Connecting Yoga Philosophy with Mental Health

04:11 - Managing Stress and Anxiety in Yoga Teacher Training

06:06 - The Challenges of Perfectionism and Stress Management in Yoga Trainings

10:25 - Struggling with Imposter Syndrome in Yoga Teacher Trainings

17:52 - The Impact of Traveling on Training Participants

20:13 - Benefits and Reasons for Undertaking Yoga Teacher Training

25:14 - The Meaning of a Transformational Experience

32:31 - The Importance of Integration After an Intensive Course

35:29 - The Philosophy of Yoga in the Context of Religions

44:16 - Yoga Training: Inclusivity and Diversity in Practice

48:02 - The Challenges and Benefits of Yoga Teacher Training

53:26 - Top Tip for Starting Yoga Teacher Training: Openness with Boundaries

55:53 - Tips for Yoga Teacher Training: Eating, Resting, Preparation

58:39 - The Importance of Rest Periods During Training

01:00:07 - Using Yoga Teacher Training as Self-Care

01:03:16 - Wrapping Up the Wellbeing Series

Discover the profound connection between yoga philosophy and mental health in this enlightening podcast discussion. The conversation explores how traditional yogic principles like Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truthfulness), and Saucha (cleanliness) can enhance mental well-being by promoting self-respect and mindfulness in everyday life. Michael and Dr Brendan delve into the concept of Asteya (non-stealing), extending it beyond physical theft to include the conservation of one's time, attention, and energy.

Emphasis is placed on the importance of setting boundaries to protect personal energy and prevent burnout, a practice embodied in the principle of Brahmacharya, which focuses on energy preservation. This includes managing how one interacts with technology and social media to maintain mental health and overall vitality.

The discussion highlights the role of self-discipline (tapas) in pushing through challenges, the value of self-study (svadhyaya), and the balance needed to achieve personal growth and self-care. The dialogue touches on integrating these practices into daily life, showing how yoga can lead to better self-awareness, enhanced relationships, and a healthier approach to mental challenges.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their energy management and how they can apply yogic principles to improve both personal well-being and interactions with others, paving the way for a fulfilling and balanced life.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

02:56 - Asteya: Beyond Physical Theft and Time Stealing

05:21 - Setting Boundaries: Time Thieves and Technology Use

12:15 - Find Your Balance: Giving and Setting Boundaries in Relationships

16:27 - The Importance of Setting Boundaries and Showing Respect

19:04 - Setting Boundaries with Yourself and Others

23:42 - The Value of Time and Filtering Messages

26:34 - The Importance of Brahmacharya for Energy Preservation

33:13 - Understanding Sexual Energy and Celibacy for Spiritual Growth

37:24 - The Importance of Tapas in Self-Discipline

41:15 - Finding Balance Between Pushing and Pulling in Yoga Practice

44:49 - The Importance of Tapas and Self-Discipline

55:24 - Cultivating More Presence for Mental Health

Dr. Brendan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry4soul/

Explore the transformative power of yoga philosophy for mental health in this enlightening conversation. The discussion centers on Yamas and Niyamas, ancient yoga guidelines that encourage self-restraint and observances to improve life quality. Michael and Dr. Brendan explain these concepts as ways to promote nonviolence, kindness, and self-compassion, addressing both physical and mental health.

The dialogue highlights the importance of nonviolence towards oneself and others, which includes avoiding negative self-talk and verbal abuse, and showing respect to all living beings. It emphasizes the need for setting boundaries and the crucial role of professional help for mental health, over self-help methods like podcasts.

They also delve into saucha, or purity, stressing the significance of cleanliness and organization in both physical spaces and mental states. They discuss how external cleanliness can reflect and influence internal well-being, advising listeners to find a balance that suits their personal needs without judgment.

Moreover, the conversation touches on the importance of integrity and truthfulness (satya) in fostering mental clarity and authentic relationships. It encourages listeners to be honest with themselves and others, highlighting that consistency builds trust and aligning actions with values enhances life satisfaction.

This insightful discussion not only links yoga philosophy with practical mental health strategies but also invites listeners to engage deeply, embracing their journey of self-exploration and authenticity.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

03:13 - Yamas and Niyamas in Yoga Philosophy

07:50 - Origins of Yamas and Niyamas in Yoga Sutras

09:09 - Ahimsa: Compassion and Nonviolence for Yourself and Others

13:16 - Taking Care of Yourself Without Excessive Self-Criticism

18:26 - The Importance of Self-Compassion in Eastern Philosophy

21:10 - Saucha: Purity in Body, Mind, and Environment

27:19 - Control Behavior in Relation to Mental Health

31:58 - Sacha and the Importance of Self-Care

34:41 - The Importance of Truth and Self-Trust

43:50 - The Meaning of Satya: The Journey to Authenticity

Dr. Brendan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry4soul/

Discover the profound connection between yoga and mental health in this engaging podcast featuring Dr. Brendan and Michael Henri. They delve into how yoga not only provides stress relief but also enhances overall well-being by bridging the body-mind gap. This series kicks off with a discussion on the multifaceted nature of mental health, which encompasses resilience, functionality, and the integration of physical and mental well-being.

They explore how modern challenges like social media and technology impact our mental health and emphasize the holistic benefits of integrating yoga into daily life for improved mind-body connection. They discuss the importance of physical movement in yoga, such as preparing the body for meditative practices and enhancing circulation, which can significantly boost mental health.

Drawing from personal experiences, they share how yoga has been a sanctuary during stressful times, highlighting its role in promoting relaxation and training the mind and body to handle discomfort with resilience.

The conversation also touches on the transformative potential of yoga teacher training, describing it as an immersive experience that combines ancient teachings with modern science for significant personal growth and mental health benefits.

This insightful discussion invites listeners to consider yoga not just as a physical exercise but as a comprehensive approach to improving mental health and achieving personal transformation.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

03:26 - Mental Health Integration in Yoga

07:11 - What is Mental Health Really?

09:37 - The Importance of Yoga for Mental Well-being

12:11 - The Nature of Mental Health

14:52 - The Quest for Human 2.0: From Survival to Optimization

16:02 - Life Game: The Search for Improvement

18:24 - Yoga and Self-Actualization: Connecting with Your Deepest Self

21:50 - Yoga: Improving Mental Well-Being Through Practice

25:27 - Yoga: The Path to Inner Peace and Relaxation

28:45 - Yoga: Training to Face Challenges with Presence

35:53 - The Motivation Behind the Desire to Become a Yoga Teacher

38:18 - The Mental Benefits of Yoga Teacher Training

41:45 - The Importance of Mental Health in Yoga Teacher Training

47:09 - The Importance of a Strong Mental Foundation

Dr. Brendan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry4soul/