The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

Shannon Crow (she/her)

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is a place where yoga teachers can tune in each week to learn, connect with community and gain inspiration. After a yoga teacher training it can feel like being left out in the wilderness for yoga teacher entrepreneurs. The business side of yoga is often not talked about as much as philosophy, anatomy and other topics covered in a yoga teacher training. This podcast addresses the questions and challenges that yoga teachers face. Hear interviews with yoga teachers and other professionals on a variety of topics.

#48 in the Top 100 yoga All time chart

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Top 10 The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

03/18/19 • 43 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow

Description:

How can we use inclusive language in a fertility, prenatal or postnatal yoga class so that our students feel heard, seen, accepted and welcome? This episode is a mini-training on how we as yoga teachers can make our classes more accessible and inviting through the words that we use.

Inclusive language is not something a lot of us think about or consider when we are teaching yoga. However, it is an important part of creating welcoming spaces where our students feel accepted and safe. This can be particularly complicated in a prenatal, postnatal, fertility, or baby & me yoga class.

On this episode, Shannon shares more about the different aspects to consider when it comes to inclusive language. Starting with your core values and beliefs, to your promotion and marketing materials (yes, even the images!), to the language you use during the class - Shannon dives headfirst into the kinds of inclusive language you can use in your classes, with tips, examples and templates for you to tap into.

Whether you’re trying to be more mindful of the language that you use to create a safe space for your students, or you’re wondering how to keep up with the times and include different students in their birth journey, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

Key Takeaways:

[3:57] Shannon almost backed away from doing this episode - she shares why it was so difficult for her.

[5:15] This episode is all about inclusive language.

[5:47] Inclusive language begins with your core beliefs and values. Shannon has an exercise - the "I Believe List" - for you to try out.

[9:29] Your core values and beliefs get communicated through all your promotional and marketing materials, not just through language but through your images as well.

[11:08] Getting to know your students helps you use appropriate and inclusive language. Shannon recommends a waiver form and suggests some of the topics to ask about to better understand your students.

[14:51] The next part of using inclusive language for prenatal yoga ties in with the "Welcome and What to Expect" portion of the class. Shannon shares an example that she might use to welcome students in a prenatal yoga class.

[22:15] In class with your students, what is the inclusive language that you can use?

[22:47] The first two categories of inclusive language have to do with acknowledging and including baby, and on the flip side, acknowledging self and space for the pregnant student. Shannon has some examples of how you might cue this in your class.

[25:39] In your prenatal yoga class, choose empowering and encouraging language.

[26:55] It's important for us as yoga teachers to learn the medical language, and then to choose what you don't want to use.

[28:14] Get comfortable talking about pelvic anatomy and different conditions that the prenatal yoga student may have.

[28:48] Part of inclusive language in a prenatal yoga class is using gender-neutral language.

[34:20] Another important part of inclusive prenatal yoga classes is being inclusive of all family dynamics, beliefs and choices.

[35:35] Shannon touches on the topic of postnatal and parenthood inclusive language.

[38:38] Birth circles are a time for new parents to share their birth story, with no judgment.

[39:53] Shannon leaves us with some final thoughts about this topic.

Links:

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366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

03/11/24 • 54 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku

Description:

Is making money yoga-like? How is making money aligned with the principles of yoga? How do you balance making money as a yoga teacher with keeping your offerings financially accessible to people? Chioma Njoku shares her insights on these questions and more.

Chioma is the owner and Chief Mindful Operator at the Mindful Bookkeeper, and host of the Cheers to Your Prosperity podcast. By integrating the lessons she has learned from her own financial struggles and her professional experience as an Accountant of 18 years and Financial Coach, Chioma helps entrepreneurs and small business owners keep more of their hard-earned money in the bank without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable.

In this episode, Chioma dives into the nitty gritty details of the money and finances aspect of running a yoga business. She talks about how bookkeeping software can help us with our finances, how to track payment fees, how to check your financial reports with intention, and why creating money practices is like practicing yoga. Tune in for Chioma’s tips on how to be consistent with money and shift your money mindset.

Key Takeaways:

[2:23] This episode is powered by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[3:58] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming yoga series: Nourish Your Nervous System.

[5:12] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chioma Njoku.

[9:49] What does Chioma do and who does she do it for?

[10:42] What does it look like when Chioma works with someone?

[12:47] Chioma addresses the idea that making money is yoga. It's okay to make money.

[15:24] How can yoga teachers balance the need to get paid with keeping their yoga classes accessible to people with limited funds?

[17:54] Chioma shares a little about the saviorism she encountered in 2020, when people invited her to attend their yoga classes for free because she is Black.

[21:09] Chioma talks about bookkeeping and what that means for yoga businesses.

[22:11] How often should we be looking at our money?

[24:34] What's a good starting point for yoga teachers who are not tracking their income or their expenses?

[29:06] Shannon pops in to share a great article that Sinead from the Connected Yoga Teacher Team wrote for OfferingTree.

[31:02] Shannon and Chioma chat about different software that is available for bookkeeping and tracking income and expenses.

[33:25] How does Chioma recommend yoga teachers look at their reports?

[35:18] What are some things yoga teachers can do to cut their expenses or increase their income?

[39:34] What are some other roadblocks yoga teachers often run into around mindset?

[42:57] How can yoga teachers work on their money mindset and get comfortable with money?

[46:33] Chioma shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers around money and running their own yoga business.

[47:56] Check out Chioma's podcast to learn more, and visit her website to connect.

[49:19] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Chioma.

Links:

320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

04/17/23 • 23 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow

Description:

Once you are signed up for a yoga teacher training (YTT) program, what should you pack to bring with you? This is a common question among yoga teachers. Shannon Crow did a survey in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group to find out what people recommend!

Tune in to this episode to find out what are some must-haves, some nice-to-haves and to get Shannon’s full list of what she packs for a YTT! This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are wondering what you need to bring for your next YTT.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Shannon Crow introduces the topic for this episode - what to take with you to a yoga teacher training.

[4:25] First few items on Shannon's list are a yoga mat and props.

[5:19] Some yoga teachers bring a yoga mat cleaner but Shannon advises against it. She explains why.

[7:10] Shawls, scarves, and layers of clothing are all useful items to add to your packing list for a YTT.

[8:37] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[11:22] Shannon always packs writing instruments to attend a yoga teacher training.

[13:10] Shannon shares some other personal items you may want to include in your packing list like deodorant, snacks, water bottles, and tissues.

[15:52] Cell phones can be a useful tool to capture parts of your learning experience at the YTT, and a large tote bag to hold all your belongings is handy too!

[17:11] Don't forget to bring an open mind and your critical thinking skills!

[18:20] You might want to bring along a towel and your yoga business cards as well!

[19:46] What are some of your essentials to bring to a yoga teacher training? Share them in the comments!

What to Bring to a YTT:

Yoga Mat
Blocks
Yoga Belt
Blanket
Bolster
Eye Pillow
Meditation Cushion
Yoga Mat Cleaner (without essential oils if possible)
Shawl or Scarf
Layers of (or extra) Clothing
Notebook, Journal and/or Clipboard
Coloured Pencils, Markers, Pens or Crayons
Deodorant
Snacks, Food & Drinks
Water Bottle
Kleenex
Phone & Charger
Large Tote Bag
An Open Mind AND Critical Thinking Skills
Hand Towel and/or Mat Towel
Business Cards

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“Don't forget to bring an open mind.”

“Be ok with questioning and asking for information that supports something that is said in class.”

363: Build a Full-Time Private Yoga Career with Mary Reddinger

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

02/19/24 • 53 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

363: Build a Full-Time Yoga Career with Mary Reddinger

Description:

Teaching private yoga is a topic that often comes among yoga teachers. Questions like about finding and retaining private students, the difference between group classes and private sessions, and how to make sure private students are getting what they need are common. Mary Reddinger shares her insights.

Mary is a full-time yoga teacher and mother to two boys, ages 9 and 5. Mary has practiced yoga on and off for many years, but integrated it into her life after her first pregnancy when she started really seeing the benefits of yoga. Mary also shares a little about her journey to working with perinatal students – she currently teaches prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga and private lessons. In addition to her yoga teacher training, Mary has also studied under Francesca Cervero about The Science of the Private Lesson.

In this episode, Mary gives us a detailed look at her full-time yoga career as a private yoga teacher. She shares how she got started teaching private yoga lessons, what helped her retain her students, how she structures classes with private students and how she manages her schedule as a mother and yoga teacher. Tune in to learn all about the art of teaching private yoga lessons.

Key Takeaways:

[0:17] Hang out with this episode's guest, Mary Reddinger, in Pelvic Health Professionals!

[3:08] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals!

[3:44] Check out the upcoming yoga series with Kathleen Pratt - Nourish Your Nervous System.

[6:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mary Reddinger.

[10:53] What does Mary do and who does she do it for?

[11:55] How did Mary build up her private classes as her main business? How did private students find her?

[14:37] What challenges did Mary face after she completed her yoga teacher training in teaching 1:1?

[16:43] What did Mary find were the best ways to get the initial few students booked?

[17:44] How has Mary managed client retention after the initial set of sessions with a student?

[21:49] Does Mary do mostly online or in-person classes?

[22:47] What makes Mary's private sessions different from the group classes?

[26:02] Shannon pops in to share some exciting news about OfferingTree.

[27:59] Does Mary take notes when she is teaching 1:1?

[29:13] Mary explains why she goes to the student's home rather than having them come to her or meeting at a studio.

[34:00] What kind of responses or feedback does Mary get from her students about private sessions?

[38:03] How does Mary manage her schedule and find balance between teaching yoga and showing up for her family?

[43:06] Find out more about Mary and her work via her website.

[43:06] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Mary.

[50:15] If you would like to support the podcast, do leave a review or make a financial contribution!

Links:

358: Community and Communication with Shannon Crow

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

01/15/24 • 29 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

358: Community and Communication with Shannon Crow

Description:

Many yoga teachers are dealing with tiredness, overwhelm, sadness, and many other difficult emotions as we navigate living through the active genocide taking place in Palestine. Community and communication can be a good solution to dealing with these heavy emotions and the challenges of consistently showing up for causes we care about.

In this episode, Shannon reflects on what has been helping her as she faces some of these big emotions. She shares how being out in nature, doing yoga, and meditating has been helpful to get clarity and different perspectives.

It is also easier to keep going when you have community to support you in doing the work. Shannon talks about the different places she has found community, including a Discord server called Yoga Teachers for Change. In times like these, community and communication are what we can lean on and draw strength from.

Key Takeaways:

[5:09] Shannon reflects on how community and communication have come up for her recently.

[8:07] Many yoga teachers that Shannon has spoken to have shared feeling many heavy and deep emotions. Shannon shares what helps her get through those tough days.

[10:17] Shannon shares her experience of drawing inspiration from nature.

[12:34] Shannon pops in to share a complaint she has about Wordpress, and why she prefers OfferingTree instead.

[15:31] Shannon reflects on the clarity and different perspectives that sometimes become available when you spend time in nature, do yoga, or meditate.

[17:36] Shannon shares more about the Discord server called Yoga Teachers for Change.

[19:11] With a collective community, you can lean on each other for support and take it in turns to keep the torch burning.

[23:15] Shannon has also talked about the importance of community in a previous episode with Linda Sparrowe.

[24:49] Shannon highlights some other community initiatives that you might be interested in.

[27:40] Keen to hang out with Shannon in real time? Check out the Yoga for Pelvic Cancer series with Tyla Arnason.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"What I know is that in my heart, I'm going to keep living in this world that I know is the world that I want to be a part of where we are all connected and we can make a difference."

"Look for the people who are up for communicating right now, who are talking about this, who feel safe to talk about it, who can take this on."

"I know that many yoga teachers care about this de...

289: Limb Difference and Yoga with Melissa D'Errico

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

09/12/22 • 56 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

289: Limb Difference and Yoga with Melissa D'Errico

Description:

Many more people live with limb differences than we might realize. However, we are not taught as yoga teachers how to serve people with limb differences when they come into our classes or create more welcoming and comfortable spaces for them. Melissa D’Errico has some advice and insights to share.

Melissa D’Errico has had a lifelong love of movement. She started dance classes at a young age, and eventually found her way to yoga, earning multiple certifications in yoga in different modalities such as pre-natal yoga, yin yoga, yoga dance, and other forms of yoga. Melissa also offers healing energy work through Reiki. She currently teaches at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, the Meditate School of Mindfulness and at Beyond Transformation and supports the Lucky Fin Project, nonprofit organization working to raise awareness and celebrate children and individuals born with symbrachydactyly or other limb differences (upper, lower, congenital, and amputee).

Melissa shares her story of being born with a limb difference and how that never stopped her from doing anything she felt called to. Melissa also shared some valuable insights around the language that we use around people with limb differences as well as what we as yoga teachers need to know when someone with a limb difference attends our classes.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about people with limb differences and how we can better serve them in our classes.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Melissa D'Errico.

[5:15] What has Melissa's yoga journey been like? What is the work she currently does?

[7:17] Shannon and Melissa discuss her experience with yoga dance.

[9:26] Melissa lives in a body with a limb difference. She shares more about her experience.

[14:59] What should yoga teachers do when someone with a limb difference comes into their class?

[19:11] Melissa shares some insight about dealing with "uncomfortable moments" in a yoga class.

[20:34] What are some things around language and cues that Melissa would like yoga teachers to know and use?

[22:29] Shannon highlights some re-education she experienced at the Accessible Yoga Conference.

[25:18] Shannon shares a little about the sponsor, OfferingTree.

[27:43] What does Melissa say to people who have a limb difference that they were not born with and are feeling like it's a disability for them?

[30:54] What made Melissa stop calling her limb difference a birth defect?

[34:14] What are some things from yoga and yoga philosophy that Melissa has learned and applies to her life?

[35:16] Learn more about Melissa or join an online class with her!

[38:11] How does Melissa make her busy schedule work?

[40:25] Melissa shares some final thoughts about teaching students with a limb difference.

[41:06] Being a "helicopter yoga teacher" isn't helpful. Melissa explains more.

[42:24] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode.

[49:52] Shannon highlights some of her upcoming events and trainings.

Links:

346: Nāda Yoga with Rishima Bahadoorsingh

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

10/16/23 • 44 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

346: Nāda Yoga with Rishima Bahadoorsingh

Description:

Yoga is not just about asana - sound is also an important part of yoga, and this is called Nāda Yoga. Rishima Bahadoorsingh is a yoga teacher who focuses on teaching this element of yoga and she shares her insights about Nāda Yoga in this episode.

Rishima has been immersed in the tradition of yoga since birth, practicing it as a way of life in her family. She began singing spiritual Indian songs in the temple traditions of bhajans, kirtan and other devotional styles at a young age and also studied classical Raga. In 2016, she found a deep with Nāda Yoga—the Yoga of Sound. Rishima teaches locally and internationally online in Spanish and English, and her goal as a teacher is to make the intricacies and beauty of classical Raga and traditional bhajans accessible to all, and to spark love within ourselves through sound.

Rishima explains the three Nāda Yoga that she practices and teaches - Mantra, Raga and Kirtan/Bhajan. She talks about the differences between mantras and affirmations, how Sanskrit ties into to Nāda Yoga, what Raga is and how it is useful in meditation. Rishima also addresses some common questions like if you need to know Sanskrit to practice Nāda Yoga, how to deal with people who are uncomfortable with chanting or singing in Sanskrit (or other languages), and where to start learning about Nāda Yoga.

Key Takeaways:

[2:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rishima Bahadoorsingh

[6:01] What does Rishima do and who does she do it for?

[6:45] Why does Rishima say that she is not a yoga teacher?

[8:10] There are many ways to practice yoga that do not involve physical movement.

[9:17] What are the three parts that make up Nāda Yoga?

[12:14] What's the difference between a mantra and an affirmation?

[15:18] Rishima clarifies that mantras within the Yogic tradition would most likely be in Sanskrit.

[16:35] The second element of Nāda Yoga is Raga. Rishima shares some examples of what it is and how it is used.

[19:57] Raga is an excellent tool for meditation.

[22:19] Rishima explains a little more about the silence needed for meditation.

[23:51] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree.

[25:26] Listening to the sounds can be just as powerful as singing or sounding them.

[27:20] The third part of Nāda Yoga is Bhajan or Kirtan.

[28:32] Some people may feel uncomfortable with Sanskrit or a different language.

[31:46] Where can yoga teachers start learning about Nāda Yoga if they have never experienced it or learned about it before?

[34:49] Where can yoga teachers learn more from Rishima?

[35:53] Rishima shares some closing thoughts on Nāda Yoga.

[37:27] Rishima does Nāda Yoga in Spanish and English!

[39:06] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"I feel like I do yoga as my life. It's not something separate from my life."

"When you sing [Raga], you become a nada yogi, one who practices the yoga of sound."

"With mantra and yogic practice in general, it's about repetition - the more you do it, the more benefits you will experience."

"Sin...

359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

01/22/24 • 59 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh

Description:

One of the most important yoga teachings is ahimsa, usually translated as non-violence or non-harming. How do we practice this in times of conflict like the one we are witnessing now in Gaza, Palestine? What can we do to make a difference? Rula Wardeh shares her perspective on the obligations we all have to show up during times like these.

Rula is a Palestinian yoga teacher, who studied yoga in Canada. She lives in Jordan, an hour away from the Occupied Territory of West Bank, Palestine. She has family and friends in Gaza and her yoga students are all Palestinian. Rula introduced Yin Yoga to Jordan in 2012 and she now leads a unique Yin Yoga immersion course in Jordan & Cairo. Rula is also one of the directors and founding members of the NGO Yoga Mandala Project which provides refugee communities in Jordan with psychosocial Yoga and trauma related sessions.

In this conversation, Rula shares what her experience has been like holding space for Palestininans as Gaza continues to be bombarded and held under siege by Israel. She speaks about yoga activism, how she draws on the teachings of yoga and the 8 limbs for support as she continues to speak up for ceasefire in Palestine, and what yoga teachers can do in these times to make a difference.

If you have been wondering how you can show up and practice ahimsa as a yoga teacher in times of conflict, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

[2:05] This podcast is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[2:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rula Wardeh. This episode originally aired as a live conversation in December 2023.

[5:22] What does Rula do as a yoga teacher?

[8:16] Shannon shares some context about the 1948 Nakba in Palestine.

[10:38] Rula shares how she started serving the population of urban refugees.

[13:03] How has it felt for Rula to hold space for Palestinians or people who have family in Palestine? What has she learned from the experience?

[21:08] Rula speaks to her experience of yoga activism: How do we implement what we have learned and what we teach in yoga?

[25:26] We can start feeling disconnected from what is happening in Gaza when we only focus on the numbers. We need to also focus on the individual, personal stories coming out of Gaza.

[28:55] What can people do when it feels to dysregulating to look at the news?

[32:38] Rula explains how we can practice ahimsa in times of conflict.

[36:17] We can draw on teachings from the eight limbs of yoga to guide us in how we should show up in times of conflict.

[41:18] Shannon shares a comment from a live listener: How we feel is quite frankly irrelevant in the face of people being murdered. We should not be centering our feelings, especially not on social media.

[41:58] How can you seek out the real truth and not fall into the trap of confirmation bias?

[44:00] Watch the rest of this full interview with Rula on YouTube.

[44:35] People are not their religion, their culture, or their government. We need to be mindful of conflating those.

[46:47] What should we do if we're afraid to speak up or if we spoke up and got attacked?

[50:10] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rula.

[56:29] Hang out live with Shannon inside Pelvic Health Professionals.

Links:

Rula Wardeh on Instagram
Rula Wardeh (Website)
Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh (Full Video on YouTube)
Wiser World Podcast: Palestininan-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 1
The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 by Rashid Khalidi
Updates from/about Gaza (Non-exhaustive list)

355: A Quick Niche Quiz with Shannon Crow

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

12/25/23 • 15 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

355: A Quick Niche Quiz with Shannon Crow

Description:

Shannon Crow continues the theme of Niche November by sharing a quick niche quiz she has created to help you figure out what yoga niche you want to be serving! In this short quiz, Shannon goes through a list of “would you rather” questions that can help you get more clarity about what kind of yoga you want to teach.

In this series of 14 questions, Shannon invites you to consider your preferences when it comes to 1:1 vs group classes, the age range and gender of your students, the style of yoga, location of your classes, and even class size. All these questions will guide to to uncover the kind of yoga offerings you feel most aligned creating, and will help you in your niching down and specializing journey.

If you have been needing help to figure out your niche or yoga specialty or have been wondering how to build a yoga business that suits how you want to work, this episode is for you! Get the downloadable PDF from the links!

Key Takeaways:

[2:01] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[3:21] Shannon has a niche quiz for you! Answer these questions as authentically and honestly as you can!

[7:18] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree.

[8:59] Shannon continues with her list of questions for this niche quiz.

[12:35] If you need additional support with finding and defining your niche, book a consultation call with Shannon!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"How can I help right now if you're thinking about specializing and niching down?"

"I hope these questions get you to a place where you can really figure out what is your ideal yoga that you want to teach."

“All of these questions can help you to define your niche. You might be left with more questions. And that's ok.”

362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

02/12/24 • 59 min

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon

Description:

Over 110 million individuals have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. As yoga teachers, we might be seeing people who are refugees in our yoga classes — and we need to know how we can support them, even if we don’t know their status. Molly Nixon shares her perspective and experience about how yoga can support us in times of war & violence.

Molly Nixon is the Director and Trainer for Yoga Mandala Project, a grassroots initiative cultivating a community of care among refugees and those serving them around the world while providing tools to support mental-health through yoga and other embodied modalities. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and teacher trainer, Molly believes yoga is an effective way to support the well-being of refugee communities, and can help to foster dignity, compassion and a sense of a shared humanity. She has spent the past eight years weaving together her passions for yoga, travel and service in the heart of the humanitarian sector while co-creating sustainable projects in Greece, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq.

In this episode, Molly shares her experience of losing her closest friend to violence in the Middle East and how yoga not only supported her in dealing with the grief and trauma in that moment, but also moved her to bring the healing tools of yoga to refugees, genocide survivors, and aid workers. She explains how supporting refugee communities is part of yoga and how we can help, even if we don’t have plans to move to a refugee community and start teaching yoga. Tune in to find out how you can support the work of the Yoga Mandala Project and more.

Key Takeaways:

[0:07] This episode goes beyond just teaching yoga in refugee communities.

[4:54] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[7:32] Kathleen Pratt shares about the upcoming yoga series in Pelvic Health Professionals: Nourish Your Nervous System

[8:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Molly Nixon.

[10:45] What does Molly do and who does she do it for?

[12:12] What does it look like when Molly goes to a refugee camp?

[14:11] Molly shares a little about how she started doing this work.

[16:09] Yoga supported Molly through the grief and trauma of losing her friend to violence in Syria.

[16:58] How did Molly deal with people in her life who were discouraging her from doing this work?

[18:42] Molly provides some context about how yoga teachers partner with the Yoga Mandala Project.

[23:20] Connections can be really powerful. Molly shares a little about why connection is a part of the mission of Yoga Mandala Project.

[26:44] In light of what is happening in Gaza, Palestine, what is Molly's response to people who are saying that we should be focusing more on the hostages instead of what the people of Gaza are experiencing?

[30:50] How is all of this related to yoga?

[33:30] Shannon pops in with a quick message about OfferingTree - especially if you dread updating or working on your website!

[34:53] How can you sign up for a trauma-informed training? How relevant is it to yoga teachers?

[39:08] Shannon and Molly discuss what people who are menstruating in Gaza are going through now with no access to menstruation products.

[41:15] What would Molly say to someone who says all this information about Gaza is triggering?

[46:39] What was one thing from yoga that helped Molly in the aftermath of her friend being taken?

[50:42] Connect with Molly via the Yoga Mandala Project website or email.

[52:45] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Molly.

[54:58] Come hang out in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership!

Links:

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast have?

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast currently has 392 episodes available.

What topics does The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Meditation, Yoga, Health & Fitness, Entrepreneur, Community, Podcasts, Business and Careers.

What is the most popular episode on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast?

The episode title '108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast?

The average episode length on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is 52 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast released?

Episodes of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast?

The first episode of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast was released on Feb 24, 2017.

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The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

Shannon Crow (she/her)

Top 10 The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episodes

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How many episodes does The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast have?

What topics does The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast?

What is the average episode length on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast?

How often are episodes of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast released?

When was the first episode of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast?

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