Summary

In this episode, Lauren discusses the intersection of yoga and civic engagement, specifically voting. She explores how the principles of yoga, such as ahimsa (non-harm), satya (truthfulness), and swadhyaya (self-study), can be embodied through the act of voting. Lauren emphasizes the importance of voting as a way to reduce harm, promote well-being, and contribute to the greater good. She also highlights the concepts of karma yoga (selfless action) and union, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the impact of individual actions on the collective. Lauren encourages listeners to engage in mindful voting and to align their choices with their yogic principles and values.

Takeaways

• Voting is a way for yogis to engage civically and be active participants in the world.
• The principles of yoga, such as ahimsa and satya, can be embodied through the act of voting by choosing policies and representatives that reduce harm and promote truth.
• Voting is a reflection of unity and interconnectedness, as individual actions have an impact on the collective.
• Engaging in mindful voting and aligning choices with yogic principles and values can contribute to creating a more just and peaceful society.

Chapters

Summary

In this episode, Lauren breaks down the pose Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward facing dog. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the energy and purpose of the pose, which is spinal decompression. Lauren provides five tips to elevate your downward facing dog, including using your hands correctly, finding external rotation through the upper arms, maintaining a neutral pelvis, and using props for support. She also encourages listeners to explore variations of the pose and share their experiences with her.

Takeaways

• Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward-facing dog, is a pose that provides spinal decompression.
• Understanding the energy and purpose of the pose is important for practicing it correctly.
• Using your hands correctly by spreading the fingers and pressing into the palms helps engage the shoulders and wrists.
• Finding external rotation through the upper arms and engaging the core can help maintain proper alignment.
• Using props, such as a wall, blocks, or blankets, can provide support and help with alignment in the pose.

Chapters

Summary

In this episode, Lauren Leduc discusses the benefits of traveling for yoga and participating in yoga retreats. She shares her personal experience of how traveling for yoga has deepened her practice and allowed her to connect with different cultures. Lauren highlights the benefits of disconnecting from daily life to reconnect with oneself during a yoga retreat. She also emphasizes the sense of community and personal growth that can be fostered through traveling and participating in retreats. Lauren addresses common obstacles and concerns, such as being a beginner or traveling alone, and provides reassurance and tips for overcoming them. She concludes by inviting listeners to join her upcoming yoga retreat in Portugal.

Takeaways

• Traveling for yoga can deepen your practice and provide a distraction-free environment to focus on yoga.
• Yoga retreats offer varying levels of intensity and can be a combination of practice and cultural experiences.
• Traveling for yoga allows for disconnecting from daily life and going inward, which can be rejuvenating and replenishing.
• Participating in yoga retreats builds a sense of community and fosters deep connections with fellow travelers.
• Traveling for yoga provides opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth, increasing compassion and connection to humanity.
• Common obstacles, such as being a beginner or traveling alone, can be overcome, and there are resources and support available.
• Investing in a yoga retreat is an investment in oneself and can lead to transformative experiences and better decision-making in daily life.

Chapters

Summary

In this episode, Lauren Leduc interviews Sedona Alvarez, a yoga teacher at True Love Yoga. Sedona shares their journey of falling in love with yoga, starting with online videos and eventually stepping into a yoga studio. They discuss how yoga and art influence each other in her life, and how both practices help them process emotions and connect with their intuition. Sedona also talks about the evolution of their teaching over the years, from ego-driven to focusing on helping her students feel resourced. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Sedona's upcoming workshops and the importance of community in deepening one's yoga practice.

Takeaways

• Stepping out of your living room and into a yoga studio can deepen your practice and provide a sense of community.
• Yoga and art can influence each other, helping to process emotions and connect with intuition.
• Teaching yoga is a journey of growth and evolution, moving from ego-driven to focusing on helping students feel resourced.
• Workshops and community connections can provide opportunities for deeper exploration and healing.
• Taking time to mark the change of seasons and reflect on personal growth can be powerful and healing.

Join Sedona for Pop-Up Yoga at the Kansas City Museum 9/14/24

Join Sedona for Autumn Abundance 9/21/24

Take a class with Sedona

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Summary

In this episode, Lauren Leduc shares five tips for starting or restarting a yoga practice. The tips include starting where you are, using props and modifications, finding a style that works for you, finding the right teacher and community, being patient with your progress, and embracing the full yoga experience. Lauren emphasizes the importance of accepting and listening to your body, trying different styles and teachers, and being open to the variety of yoga practices available. She also encourages deepening your understanding of yoga philosophy and continuing to explore and learn.

Takeaways

• Start your yoga practice where you are, accepting and listening to your body.
• Use props and modifications to support your practice and make it accessible for your unique needs.
• Explore different styles of yoga to find what works for you and be open to variety.
• Find the right teacher and community that resonate with you and create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Be patient with your progress and focus on the holistic benefits of yoga, including mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.
• Embrace the full yoga experience by deepening your understanding of yoga philosophy and continuing to explore and learn.

Chapters

Summary

In this episode, Lauren explores the question of what yoga really is. She explains that yoga is a subjective experience and that it has roots that date back thousands of years. She introduces the definition of yoga from the Yoga Sutras, which states that yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. She breaks down the Sanskrit words within the definition and explains their meanings. Lauren also discusses the relevance of yoga in modern times and the importance of stilling and calming the mind. She mentions that yoga is not considered a religion, but rather a philosophy and a science.

Takeaways

• Yoga is a subjective experience and has roots that date back thousands of years.
• The definition of yoga from the Yoga Sutras is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
• Yoga involves stilling and calming the mind, and realizing that we are not our thoughts or fluctuations.
• Yoga is not considered a religion, but rather a philosophy and a science.

Chapters

Summary

Lauren shares her personal yoga journey, starting from her first exposure to yoga in a hospital during treatment for an eating disorder. She talks about her experience with different forms of yoga, her struggles with mental health, and her decision to become a yoga teacher. She also discusses the creation of her yoga studio, her passion for teaching, and the challenges of balancing her practice with motherhood. Lauren emphasizes the importance of a regular personal practice and the transformative power of yoga.

Takeaways

• People start yoga for various reasons, such as physical exercise, mental health, or socializing.
• Yoga can provide a sense of autonomy, peace, and emotional release.
• A regular personal practice is the foundation of the yoga practice.
• Teaching yoga involves sharing one's own practice and connecting with the source.
• Balancing a yoga practice with motherhood can be challenging but rewarding.
• Yoga has the power to transform and provide a life source for oneself and others.

Chapters