Deepen Your Yoga Practice

Summary In this episode, Lauren Leduc explores the rich history of yoga, tracing its evolution from ancient spiritual practices to its modern-day interpretations. She discusses the significance of understanding yoga's roots for both practitioners and teachers, emphasizing the importance of honoring its origins while adapting to contemporary needs. The conversation highlights key historical figures and texts that shaped yoga, the challenges of commodification and cultural appropriation in the modern yoga industry, and the call for a deeper connection to yoga's philosophical teachings. Takeaways

• Understanding the history of yoga provides context for modern practice.
• Yoga's origins may trace back to ancient Egypt or the Indus Valley.
• The Vedic period introduced the first yogic texts, the Vedas.
• Patanjali's Yoga Sutras formalized the philosophy of yoga.
• The Bhagavad Gita outlines different paths of yoga beyond physical postures.
• Tantra and Hatha yoga emphasized the physical body for spiritual awakening.
• Modern yoga emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century.
• Krishnamacharya is considered the father of modern yoga.
• The yoga industry faces challenges of commodification and cultural appropriation.
• Practitioners should strive to honor yoga's roots while adapting to modern needs.

Chapters

00:00 The Historical Roots of Yoga 10:35 The Evolution of Yoga Practices 14:46 Modern Yoga: Challenges and Opportunities Follow Lauren on Instagram True Love Yoga on Instagram True Love Yoga- Book a Class!

Welcome to the final episode of 2024! Host Lauren Leduc, founder of True Love Yoga, guides us through setting mindful, purpose-driven intentions for 2025 using yogic principles. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to enter the new year with clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Lauren shares insights on the following:

• Sankalpa: Understanding this yogic practice of setting heartfelt, purposeful intentions for the year.
• Drishti and Focus: Using yogic techniques like Drishti, or focal point, to set and maintain focus throughout the year.
• Dharma and Purpose: How to align your intentions with your deeper purpose through universal and individual dharma.
• Prana Piggy Bank: An exercise inspired by Sarah Kucera to identify what energizes you and what drains your energy, helping you to make more mindful choices.
• Reflection and Gratitude: Acknowledging both highs and lows from 2024 with gratitude, to inform the growth of 2025.
• Journaling Prompts: Thought-provoking prompts to help guide you in setting your intentions.
• Aparigraha (Non-Attachment): Releasing old patterns, limiting beliefs, and unnecessary attachments for greater clarity.
• Saucha (Purity) and Santosha (Contentment): Creating space for authenticity, acceptance, and gratitude.
• Tapas (Discipline): Turning your intentions into actions, reframing discipline as devotion to support growth and alignment.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on how to start the year with clear intentions, a sense of purpose, and practical steps for manifestation. Lauren also invites listeners to her annual New Year’s Day workshop at True Love Yoga on January 1st.

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In this episode of Deep in Your Practice, Lauren Leduc and Melody Butler discuss the intersection of yoga, marketing, and the importance of workshops. They explore the challenges yoga teachers face in marketing themselves authentically, the value of workshops for both students and teachers, and how to create and sell effective yoga workshops. Melody shares insights on building community, trust, and the significance of following one's passion in teaching and practice. Takeaways

• Yoga is a practice that connects body, heart, and mind.
• Many yoga teachers feel uncomfortable with marketing due to societal programming.
• Marketing should be seen as sharing rather than bragging.
• Workshops provide a space for deeper learning and community connection.
• Hosting workshops can help teachers grow personally and professionally.
• Workshops can diversify income streams for yoga teachers.
• Creating a workshop requires understanding its unique value compared to regular classes.
• Effective marketing involves transparency and authenticity.
• Teachers should focus on their purpose and intention in offering workshops.
• Self-study and following one's passion are key to deepening yoga practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Marketing 07:43 The Challenges of Marketing in Yoga 12:31 The Importance of Workshops for Students 21:53 Benefits of Hosting Workshops for Teachers 32:34 Upcoming Workshop Overview 39:28 Final Thoughts and Connection Join Melody 12/14/24 for How to Create and Sell a Great Yoga Workshop Follow Melody on Instagram Lauren on Instagram True Love Yoga on Instagram True Love Yoga- Book a Class!

In this episode, Lauren discusses Ustrasana (camel pose) and its connection to gratitude and contentment, particularly during Thanksgiving week. She explores the physical and emotional aspects of the pose, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment, safety, and the yogic philosophy of Santosha. Through practical tips and personal anecdotes, Lauren encourages listeners to cultivate a sense of acceptance and gratitude both on and off the mat, highlighting the transformative power of yoga in fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the world.

Takeaways:

• Camel pose embodies vulnerability and courage.
• The sensation after the posture brings a sense of openness.
• Gratitude is essential, especially during Thanksgiving.
• Santosha requires acceptance and gratitude.
• Proper alignment is crucial for safety in camel pose.
• Engaging the glutes helps maintain structural integrity.
• Finding contentment in your practice is key.
• Mindful neck positioning is important for safety.
• Exploring variations of camel pose enhances practice.
• Cultivating gratitude and acceptance strengthens resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ustrasana and Gratitude
01:50 Understanding Santosha: The Niyama of Contentment
04:16 Tips for Proper Alignment in Camel Pose
07:33 Safety and Core Engagement in Camel Pose
08:28 Mindful Modifications for Individual Needs
12:17 Cultivating Gratitude and Acceptance on the Mat

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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

00:00 Introduction 01:08 Starting Where You Are 02:50 Finding Your Style 03:39 The Right Teacher and Community 05:39 Being Patient with Progress 07:38 Embracing the Full Yoga Experience 09:07 Conclusion Follow Lauren on Instagram True Love Yoga on Instagram True Love Yoga- Book a Class!