Understanding Yourself and Your Practice Through the Prism of Gunas

Understanding Yourself and Your Practice Through the Prism of Gunas

The gunas podcast
Solo Episode

Understanding Yourself and Your Practice Through the Prism of Gunas

In this solo discussion episode, we’ll explore the three intertwined modes that constitute our very existence, the Gunas. This enlightening discussion will offer a fresh perspective on the intense sensations and fluctuations experienced in a yin practice, allowing you to cultivate a deeper understanding of your own nature.

But we don’t stop at the yoga mat. Imagine applying these timeless lessons to your everyday life – finding meaning in the changing seasons, and adopting an attitude of curiosity and joy instead of fixating on a particular state or rejecting others. Fascinating, isn’t it? We also delve into the intriguing biological component of this experience, using the stress-strain curve of connective tissues as an analogy.

For those among us grappling with pain, we offer a unique perspective on its understanding and a potential path to alleviate it. So, if you’re curious about how ancient philosophy intertwines with contemporary yoga and life, join us on this journey of discovery.

Get your FREE Practice Gallery Workbook: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/greatest-hits-practice-gallery-gallery-workbook/

Ready to apply your practice to healing your pain issue? Schedule a FREE discovery call to chat about your options: https://yoga.mandyryle.com/appointments/

The Future of Yin: A Conversation with Nikki Hajitoma

The Future of Yin: A Conversation with Nikki Hajitoma

Nicky Hadjithoma
A Conversation with Nicky Hadjithoma

The Future of Yin Yoga

In this episode you will meet Nikki Hajitoma, a renowned Yin Yoga teacher and trainer.  We delve into Nikki’s unique approach to yoga, where Western anatomy meets Eastern philosophy, and how this fusion supports psycho-spiritual development.

In our conversation, we discuss some misconceptions about Yin Yoga, a practice often misunderstood as ‘easy’ or ‘just for beginners’.

On the contrary, Yin Yoga requires mental fortitude and physical resilience, offering immense benefits in terms of emotional strength and mindfulness. We discuss Nikki’s experiences teaching Yin Yoga in Hong Kong and Singapore, where Yin is gradually gaining recognition.

We’ll give you a primer into functional yoga, a practice model that values individuality, one that uses stress as a tool for growth, and a mindful approach to movement.

We also tackle the evolution of yoga alignment models, underscoring the importance of comprehending anatomy in yoga and the need for continuous learning. We challenge the traditional ‘one-size-fits-all’ alignment mindset, advocating for a shift towards functional movement and an understanding of individual biomechanics. Join us for a conversation that will enlighten, inspire, and broaden your perspective on yoga and its untapped potential in our lives.

Thanksgiving Practice Replay: For Gratitude

Thanksgiving Practice Replay: For Gratitude

Yoga for Chronic Pain

Yin & Somatics

Episode Replay:

A Celebration of the Body: Yin Yoga, Cellular Respiration, and Gratitude

Experience the profound connection between the universe within you and the world around you as we journey through an exquisite exploration of yin yoga, mindfulness, and the incredible power of gratitude. This is a 90-minute yin yoga practice that fosters a profound sense of appreciation for your body. Designed to bring tranquility, connection, and a space exclusively for you, we anchor our attention on the breath and the internal movement of light within the rib cage.

 

In this episode we unravel the marvels of cellular respiration, the universe within your cells. With each breath, nourish and support the teeming life within you, The experience of cellular respiration, will profoundly deepen your sense of self and body connectivity. 

With each pose, take a moment to appreciate the sensations, the echoes of movements and the hard work of your cells. We conclude with a reflective Shavasana, inviting you to contemplate the remarkable journey of evolution, and your place in the universe. This practice is a loving reminder of the miracles within us and our bodies’ phenomenal ability to evolve, exist, and flourish. Tune in for this enriching adventure of self-discovery and appreciation.

Props needed: Bolster, blocks, blanket and strap.

The information on this podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this podcast is for general information purposes only.NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS podcast.

Somatic Practice: Your Daily Routine for Stiff Upper Back and Neck

Somatic Practice: Your Daily Routine for Stiff Upper Back and Neck

Routine for Upper Back and Neck Tension
Somatic Practice

Your Daily Routine for Stiff Upper Back and Neck

Ever felt like you needed some extra TLC for your upper back, neck, and shoulders? You’re not alone. Come along as I guide you through an enriching somatic session, inspired by Feldenkrais method. 

This is a sublime practice that will not only bring a peaceful awareness to these often cranky areas, but also provide some valuable somatic learning. Healthy human movement is variable, and the most sophisticated movers have the capacity to move globally. This practice will help you to cultivate both for comfortable movement and posture. 

You will need a blanket and a bolster or pillow.

Meet the Traps

Meet the Traps

Release Tight Hip Flexors
Yin & Experiential Anatomy

Meet the Traps

In this practice, we unravel the potential an often overlooked and misunderstood part of our bodies. We’ll delve deep into the anatomy and function of the trapezius muscles, introducing you to a range of exercises that help you understand and experience these muscles in a whole new way. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, we’re sure you’ll find this exploration fascinating and useful.

In this experiential anatomy approach, I’ll guide you through a series of poses and mobility drills designed to familiarize you with the sensation of your trapezius muscles engaging and releasing. I’ll show you how to actively engage both the lower and upper trapezius muscles and teach you some innovative ways to to experience your shoulder blades, spine and neck. 

All you need is a bolster, a couple of yoga blocks, a blanket, and an open mind.