Keen on Yoga Podcast

Adam shares his personal journey of recovery following a hip replacement surgery, reflecting on the challenges and insights gained during the process. He delves into the role of yoga teachers, discussing the pressure to perform and the misconception that teachers must be the best practitioners in the room. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for students, where they can explore their own practice without the burden of comparison. He advocates for a shift in perspective regarding the validity of teachers, highlighting that their worth should not solely be based on physical ability but rather on their capacity to guide and support their students. The conversation culminates in a call for honesty and compassion within the teaching community, encouraging teachers to embrace their humanity and the realities of aging and injury.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

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Key Points

·      Recovery from surgery is a gradual process.

·      Yoga teachers should focus on teaching, not performing.

·      The pressure to be the best can hinder effective teaching.

·      Idealizing teachers can create unrealistic expectations for students.

·      Teaching should prioritize individual student growth over performance.

·      Aging and injury are natural parts of a teacher's journey.

·      Teachers should not feel like frauds for their physical limitations.

·      Kindness and care are essential qualities in teaching.

·      Students need space to explore their practice without pressure.

·      The essence of yoga is about being present and authentic.

Adam interviews Stuart Ray Sarbacker, a scholar and practitioner of yoga, discussing his journey into Ashtanga yoga, the definitions and roots of yoga, and the evolution of yoga traditions from Brahminical to Buddhist influences. They explore the distinctions between yoga and Buddhism, the relevance of modern asana practice, and the goals of yoga, particularly focusing on the concept of Samadhi. Stuart also shares insights into his upcoming work on the relationship between yoga and psychoactive substances.

 www.liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/directory/stuart-sarbacker

LISTEN ON PODCAST

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

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

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Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Key Points

• ·       Stuart Ray Sarbacker has a deep academic and personal connection to yoga.
• ·       Ashtanga yoga has been transformative for Sarbacker, shaping both his practice and scholarship.
• ·       Yoga can be defined as a mind-body discipline that enhances human capacities.
• ·       The concept of tapas is integral to the development of yoga practices.
• ·       Yoga's roots can be traced back to Brahmanical and Shamanic traditions.
• ·       The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism contributed significantly to yoga's evolution.
• ·       Yoga and Buddhism share similarities but differ in their views on self and existence.
• ·       Modern asana practice can benefit from Buddhist mindfulness techniques.
• ·       The goals of yoga include both the pursuit of powers and liberation from suffering.
• ·       Sarbacker's upcoming book will explore the relationship between yoga and psychoactive substances.

Adam and Stuart M. McGill delve into the complexities of back pain, emphasizing the importance of individual assessment and understanding the unique stories behind each person's pain. They discuss the roles of genetics, exposure, and psychosocial factors in back health, as well as the significance of spinal stiffness and proper posture. The conversation also touches on the impact of physical culture, the importance of moderation in physical activities, and the need for tailored approaches to managing back pain.

www.backfitpro.com  | @backfitpro

Book: Back Mechanic: The Step-by-step McGill Method to fix back pain

LISTEN ON PODCAST

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

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

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE

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

SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA

Subscribe, like and share our videos

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

Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

FOLLOW ADAM

https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

KEY POINTS

·       Genetics plays a crucial role in determining individual back pain susceptibility.

·       Each person's back pain story is unique and requires thorough assessment.

·       The psychosocial context can significantly influence pain responses.

·       Yoga practices can sometimes exacerbate back issues if not approached mindfully.

·       Stiffness in the spine is a material property that can be beneficial when managed correctly.

·       Moderation in physical activities is essential for long-term health.

·       Back pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis; understanding the underlying cause is key.

·       Proper posture is vital for spinal health and can prevent pain.

·       The hip hinge is an important movement pattern for maintaining back health.

·       Everything in physical performance involves trade-offs; balance is necessary.

Adam Keen on his 25 years of yoga practice, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of self-acceptance, the role of genetics in practice, and the significance of breathing. Adam emphasizes the need for balance in life, the value of strength training, and the importance of creating a safe space for students. He also explores the evolving meaning of yoga and the joy of letting go of postures as one progresses in their practice.

YOUTUBE

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

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

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FOLLOW

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Key Points

·      No posture makes you happier; self-acceptance is key.

·      Practice alone is not stronger than genetics; genetics play a crucial role.

·      Breathing is essential; it dictates how we do postures.

·      Tradition in yoga is less important than personal understanding.

·      People's bodies don't open by being pushed into postures; they open themselves.

·      Being a good teacher is not about being the best practitioner.

·      Yoga means more than just union; it's a multifaceted practice.

·      Making your whole life yoga can lead to a narrow perspective.

·      Practice is for life, not the other way around; enjoy life outside of yoga.

·      Giving back postures can be more liberating than holding onto them.

This conversation explores the themes of yoga as a form of power and its intersection with politics, particularly in the context of India. Sunila S. Kale and Christian Lee Novetzke discuss their book, The Power of Yoga, which examines how yoga has been historically understood not just as a spiritual practice but as a means of political expression and control. They delve into ancient texts like the Rigveda and the Mahabharata, the role of figures like the Raja of Aundh, and the implications of yoga in modern political contexts, including its use by leaders like Gandhi and Modi. The discussion highlights the evolving understanding of yoga and its relevance in contemporary society.

Sunila: https://jsis.washington.edu/people/sunila-kale

Christian: https://jsis.washington.edu/people/christian-novetzke/

Excerpt from the book about the film on Surya Namaskar: The Yoga of Power, Yoga as Political Thought and Practice in India:  https://thewire.in/books/the-yoga-of-power-surya-namaskar

LISTEN 

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

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

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga 

SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos

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

Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Key Points

·       Yoga can be understood as a means of power and control.

·       The intersection of yoga and politics has historical significance.

·       The Rigveda presents yoga in a context of war and power.

·       The Mahabharata connects yoga with governance and leadership.

·       Yoga's meaning has evolved over centuries in various texts.

·       The Raja of Aundh used yoga for political empowerment and social reform.

·       Modern interpretations of yoga often overlook its political roots.

·       Gandhi and Aurobindo viewed yoga as a tool for political action.

·       Yoga's role in nationalism is complex and multifaceted.

·       The contemporary practice of yoga is influenced by historical political contexts.

Adam discusses the importance of the Intermediate Series in Ashtanga Yoga, arguing against the common gatekeeping practices that prevent students from exploring these postures. He emphasizes the complementary nature of the Primary and Intermediate Series, advocating for a more integrated approach to practice. Keen highlights the significance of understanding the foundational principles behind each posture rather than merely striving for the ideal shape. He encourages practitioners to make a start with the Intermediate Series, regardless of their current abilities, and to seek guidance that fosters a deeper understanding of their practice.

LISTEN ON PODCAST

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

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

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE

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

SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA

Subscribe, like and share our videos

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

Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

FOLLOW ADAM

https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Key Points

·      Everyone should do the intermediate series.

·      It's wrong to withhold the intermediate series from students.

·      The two series complement each other in practice.

·      Practicing both series can prevent injury and enhance flexibility.

·      Understanding the foundations of postures is crucial for safe practice.

·      The emotional temperament of the Intermediate Series differs from the Primary Series.

·      Gatekeeping in yoga can hinder personal growth and exploration.

·      Practitioners should focus on function over form in their practice.

·      It's important to modify postures to suit individual capabilities.

·      The primary and second series are all you need for a fulfilling practice.

Adam explores the deeper aspects of yoga practice, particularly in relation to trauma and the body's response to it. He discusses the importance of understanding the nervous system, the need for both regulation and arousal in yoga, and how to adapt practices to suit personal seasons of life. Keen emphasizes the significance of listening to one's body, the necessity of variation in practice, and the role of breath in achieving balance. He concludes with reflections on the importance of self-practice and personal responsibility in yoga.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

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Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Key Points

·      Yoga is not just about relaxation; it goes deeper.

·      Trauma can be stored in the body and needs to be addressed.

·      Hatha yoga involves both arousal and regulation of the nervous system.

·      There are different seasons for different types of yoga practice.

·      Variation in practice is essential for growth and awareness.

·      Listening to your body is crucial for effective practice.

·      Breath plays a significant role in regulating the nervous system.

·      Self-practice is necessary for personal development in yoga.

·      The method of practice should suit the individual's aims.

·      Responsibility in practice leads to deeper understanding and growth.

Peter A Levine, Ph.D., is the developer of Somatic Experiencing®, a naturalistic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma. He holds doctorates in both Biophysics and Psychology. He is the Founder and President of the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International and has received Lifetime Achievement awards from Psychotherapy Networker and from the US Association for Body-Oriented Psychotherapy.

He continues to teach trauma healing workshops internationally. Dr. Levine’s books including his latest book, An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey is available at: Ergos Institute, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon UK, Inner Traditions, Books A Million, and Bookshop.org

Learn more at:

 www.somaticexperiencing.com | @drpeteralevine

LISTEN ON PODCAST

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

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

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE

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

SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA

Subscribe, like and share our videos

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

Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

FOLLOW ADAM

https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Key Points

·       Peter A. Levine's work focuses on the connection between trauma and the body.

·       Somatic Experiencing helps individuals process trauma without reliving it.

·       Animals naturally release trauma through physical responses, unlike humans.

·       Trauma is often a disorder of presence, where individuals are stuck in the past.

·       Intuition plays a crucial role in healing and understanding trauma.

·       The importance of having an empathetic presence during trauma recovery.

·       Healing trauma involves completing the body's natural responses.

·       Practical exercises can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions.

·       The relationship between trauma and spirituality is intrinsic and significant.

·       Current projects include a book on trauma and spirituality.

Andrey Lappa shares his extensive journey into yoga, detailing his early experiences in Ukraine, his studies with renowned teachers like Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, and the development of his own style, Universal Yoga. He emphasizes the importance of individual practice and understanding the deeper aspects of yoga beyond physical postures. Lappa discusses the significance of Kundalini awakening and the pursuit of Samadhi, advocating for a scientific approach to yoga that yields tangible results. He also critiques the current state of yoga education and the need for a more profound understanding of yoga's true essence.

www.andreylappa.com   | @andreylappa

LISTEN ON PODCAST

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

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

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE

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

SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA

Subscribe, like and share our videos

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

Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

FOLLOW ADAM

https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Key Points

·     Andrey Lappa's journey into yoga began in Ukraine under the Soviet regime.

·       He studied extensively with various teachers, including Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois.

·       Lappa developed Universal Yoga to address the limitations he found in traditional methods.

·       He emphasizes the importance of individual practice tailored to each person's needs.

·       Kundalini awakening is a significant aspect of Lappa's teachings.

·       He believes that yoga should lead to tangible results and personal growth.

·       Lappa critiques the current state of yoga education as being too superficial.

·       He advocates for a scientific approach to yoga that transcends mere fitness.

·       The essence of yoga is about unity and connection with the Supreme.

·       Lappa encourages a deeper understanding of yoga's philosophy and practices.