adam keen podcast

JAMES RAFAEL (www.jamesrafael.com | @jamesyoga )

James Rafael shares his journey from mental health and addiction to health through yoga and meditation. He emphasises the importance of embodiment and finding balance in yoga and meditation practices. James also discusses the role of trauma-informed approaches in these practices. He advocates for incorporating strength training into yoga practice and shares his daily routine.

James addresses common concerns about strength training impacting flexibility and encourages a long-term perspective on physical well-being. In this conversation, Adam and James Rafael discuss various aspects of yoga and movement. They explore the practical applications of yoga in daily life, the techniques used in contortionism, the incorporation of different movement modalities, the relationship between embodiment and meditation, the challenges of addictive tendencies, and the importance of creating kind and compassionate spaces. James shares his journey and emphasizes the need for balance and self-awareness in one's practice.

Key Points

·      Embodiment is a key aspect of yoga and meditation practices, allowing individuals to connect with their bodies and address deeper traumas or shame.

·      Strength training can be beneficial for yoga practitioners, helping to create balance, and stability, and prevent injuries.

·      Finding a balance between different practices, such as yoga, meditation, and strength training, is essential for overall well-being.

·      Incorporating trauma-informed approaches into yoga and meditation practices can lead to more holistic and helpful experiences.

·      Taking a long-term perspective on physical well-being and training for the body you want in the future can guide your yoga and strength training practices. Yoga can be used as a tool for feeling comfortable in one's body and living a fulfilling life.

·      Contortionism involves technique and strength and can be a valuable addition to a yoga practice.

·      Incorporating different movement modalities can enhance one's understanding and practice of yoga.

·      Embodiment and meditation are interconnected, contributing to a deeper sense of presence.

·      Maintaining balance and self-awareness is crucial in managing addictive tendencies.

·      Creating kind and compassionate spaces is essential for fostering growth and healing in yoga communities.

ADARSH WILLIAMS (www.ashtangayogagroningen.nl | www.smartstretch.com | @ adarshw)

Adarsh Williams shares his journey into yoga and how it helped him overcome anxiety and insomnia. He started with self-taught yoga practice using library books and later transitioned to Ashtanga Yoga. Adarsh emphasizes that yoga is a tool that can be applied in various ways and does not necessarily require a spiritual context.

He also discusses his experiences with Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois, highlighting their consistency and dedication to the practice. In this conversation, Adarsh Williams discusses his time with Sharath and the transition he went through after the passing of Pattabhi Joyce. He reflects on Sharath's pressure to fill his grandfather's shoes and how he has grown into his role as a teacher.

Adarsh emphasizes the importance of tolerance and understanding in the yoga community, as well as the need for a pragmatic approach to the Ashtanga method. He shares his experience with injuries and how he incorporates functional movement into his teaching. Adarsh concludes by revealing his guilty pleasure of being a professional wrestling fan and expressing his inspiration from his yoga students.

In this conversation, we discussed the importance of effective communication and explored various strategies to improve communication skills. We covered topics such as building trust and rapport, active listening and empathy, non-verbal communication, managing conflict, cultural sensitivity and diversity, and effective feedback.

These themes highlight the key aspects of communication that can lead to successful interactions and relationships. By implementing the strategies discussed, individuals can enhance their communication skills and achieve better outcomes in personal and professional settings.

Key Points

·      Yoga can be a powerful tool for managing mental health issues such as anxiety and insomnia.

·      Self-taught yoga practice can be effective, especially when combined with reading and learning from various sources.

·      Ashtanga Yoga offers a structured and efficient practice that can lead to physical and mental transformation.

·      The guru-disciple relationship in yoga can vary, and it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and not idealize the teacher. Transition and growth are natural processes in any practice or role.

·      Tolerance and understanding are essential in the yoga community.

·      A pragmatic approach to the Ashtanga method can benefit students of all levels and abilities.

·      Incorporating functional movement can help prevent injuries and enhance the practice.

·      Finding inspiration in yoga students and their dedication can motivate teachers to continue their work. Effective communication is crucial for successful interactions and relationships.

·      Building trust and rapport is essential for effective communication.

·      Active listening and empathy help in understanding others and fostering better communication.

·      Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in conveying messages.

·      Managing conflict requires effective communication and problem-solving skills.

·      Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness are important for inclusive communication.

·      Providing constructive feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.

 

 

#155 Adam & Theresa – Keens Xmas Chat (www.keenonyoga.com | @keen_on_yoga )

In this episode, Adam and Theresa discuss their background stories, their journey with Ashtanga practice and teaching, and their experiences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also talk about starting an online presence and the Keen on Yoga Podcast.

Theresa shares her experience working in corporate events and how she transitioned to running a yoga retreat centre. They discuss the benefits of teaching and practicing online, including the autonomy it gives to students.

Overall, they emphasise the importance of adapting and finding new opportunities in challenging times. In this conversation, Adam and Theresa discuss various aspects of yoga teaching and practice. They explore the sustainability of online yoga, the benefits of online teaching for improving in-person teaching skills, and the role of Mysore in yoga practice.

They also discuss the evolution of Ashtanga teaching and the need for flexibility and inclusivity in the approach. Adam shares his desired changes in Ashtanga teaching, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and individualization. They touch on the loneliness of teaching and express their desire for more connections and stability. Adam talks about finding inspiration for his writing and shares his gratitude for inspirational figures in yoga. They end the conversation by discussing their guilty pleasures and expressing their gratitude to the listeners.

SUPPORT US

👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot J

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 CONNECT WITH US

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👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com 

 

Key Points

 

• ·      Online yoga offers sustainability and flexibility for practitioners, allowing them to practice at their own pace without the pressure of competition or strong adjustments from teachers.
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• ·      Teaching online can improve in-person teaching skills by providing a broader perspective and allowing teachers to see different bodies and variations in practice.
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• ·      Mysore style yoga has its benefits, but it may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to approach teaching with inclusivity and flexibility, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
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• ·      The method of Ashtanga should be focused on encouragement and individual exploration, rather than strict adherence to rules and perfecting postures.
•  
• ·      Developing connections and finding stability in teaching and personal life are important goals for Adam and Theresa.
•  
• ·      Adam finds inspiration for his writing through his years of teaching experience and his passion for yoga philosophy.
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• ·      Mark Darby and Sharath are inspirational figures for Adam in his yoga journey.
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• ·      Adam's guilty pleasure is sitting in a cafe, enjoying a croissant and black coffee while reading philosophy or yoga books.
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• ·      Adam and Theresa express their gratitude to the listeners and their hopes for a positive and fulfilling new year.
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Ellen Johannesen – Buddhism & Ashtanga Yoga (  www.ashtanganepal.com | www.onyoga.no | @ashtanganepal )

Ellen Johannessen shares her journey from studying dance to discovering Ashtanga yoga and eventually delving into Buddhist philosophy. She explains the differences between yoga and Buddhism, emphasising the importance of compassion and wisdom in both traditions. Ellen discusses the integration of Buddhist teachings in her Ashtanga yoga practice and how it enhances the overall experience. She also reflects on her time teaching and practising in Nepal and the impact of long retreats.

Finally, Ellen opens up about her hip replacement surgery and the recovery process. In this conversation, Ellen discusses her decision to have hip replacement surgery after years of pain and limited mobility. She shares her recovery process and her challenges in regaining her yoga practice. Ellen emphasizes the importance of adapting the practice to accommodate physical limitations and finding joy in alternative movements. She also talks about her plans for the future, including online teaching and organizing yoga adventures in Nepal.

Key Points

·      Yoga and Buddhism share common principles of compassion, interconnectedness, and self-realisation.

·      The integration of Buddhist teachings in yoga practice can deepen one's understanding and enhance the overall experience.

·      Long retreats and intensive practices provide an opportunity for focused self-reflection and growth.

Hip replacement surgery can be a necessary step in maintaining physical well-being and continuing a yoga practice. Hip replacement surgery can provide relief from chronic pain and improve mobility.

    Recovery from surgery requires patience and a gradual return to physical activity.

    Adapting the yoga practice to accommodate physical limitations is essential for maintaining a consistent practice.

    Exploring alternative movements and practices can bring joy and fulfilment to the yoga journey.

    Online teaching and creating a supportive community can enhance the yoga experience for practitioners.

In this episode, Adam discusses his journey from studying philosophy to finding solace in Ashtanga Yoga. He shares his disappointment with the philosophy department and the lack of wisdom and inspiration he found in his professors. Adam explains how Ashtanga Yoga helped him deal with negative emotions and how the practice stimulates the spine to release stored emotions. He emphasizes the importance of a yoga lifestyle and provides tips for processing and digesting negative emotions in the practice.

Takeaways

• Ashtanga Yoga can be an effective tool for dealing with negative emotions and trauma.
• The practice stimulates the spine and releases stored emotions and trauma.
• A yoga lifestyle, including diet, sleep, and social interactions, is essential for processing and digesting emotions.
• Breathing and compression techniques can enhance the effectiveness of the practice in releasing emotions.

SUPPORT US

👉 Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot J

👉 We work in a lot of cafes, buy us a coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

👉 Support us directly: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa

👉 Become a Patron for €10 monthly: https://keenonyoga.com/membership/

 CONNECT WITH US

👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keen_to_go/

👉 Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com

 

 

 

 

Day Christensen Choose Yourself (https://day1yoga.com/ | @day1yoga)

Being an ‘Ashtangi’ | Impact of back pain | Hooked on Ashtanga | Saving herself from herself | Not being a rule follower | Embracing the system | The desire for certificates | Wanting to feel good | Posterior v anterior pelvic tilt | Giving a happy alternative | Current practice | You can’t do what you can’t do | Building strength | Finding the spiritual aspect in every moment | Connecting with yourself | What's optimal? | I am not Ashtanga & Ashtanga is not me | I commit to me / my health

This episode is sponsored by Momence, the booking system we use and highly recommend. Momence facilitates online, in-person and hybrid classes and events, and there are packages to fit self-employed teachers to multi-site studios. With Momence, you can: ·  

• ·       Manage your class and workshop schedule
• ·       Organize your appointment types and availability
• ·       Create marketing and win-back campaigns
• ·       Organize your on-demand videos and courses
• ·       See exactly how your business is doing through insightful reporting.
• ·       Have customers self-check-in via kiosks
• ·       Sell products and services with a fully integrated point of sale 
• With live support by chat, phone and email Momence is easy to use for yourself and your customers.

2 MONTHS FREE TRAIL: for more information click on the link https://www.keenonyoga.com/momence/ or book a demo and quote “Keen on Yoga”

 Support Us

Subscribe, like, comment and share with your friends

Donate: https://keenonyoga.com/donate/

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

Become a Patron:  https://keenonyoga.com/membership/  Exclusive content, yoga & lifestyle tips, live Zoom meet-ups & more.  €10 per month, cancel at any time.

Connect With Keen On Yoga

Instagram Keen on Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/keen_on_yoga/

Instagram Adam Keen: https://www.instagram.com/adam_keen_ashtanga/

Website: https://keenonyoga.com/ 

Drawn to the elusive peacefulness and glow that so many yoga practitioners seemed to have while connecting with yogic philosophy, Day Christensen took up the practice of yoga in 2004. Starting out, she took classes that fit her schedule, but quickly became drawn to the Mysore-style practice of Ashtanga yoga, where students were taught in a relatively silent room with one-on-one instruction. There, in this environment, she recognized that the student’s potential for growth superseded what she had experienced in other styles of yoga that utilized the more typical “guided” method of teaching. 

It was then that she began to schedule around her yoga practice, and her life of late nights and unhealthy habits did a 180. After immersing herself in Ashtanga and the Mysore method, taking trips to Mysore, India to study where the practice was born within the lineage of those who created it, on her third trip to India, Day was given the blessing to teach as an Authorized Level 2 teacher.

 

However, shortly after that time, suffering from persistent back pain, Day found that the system with its hierarchy of postures and repetitive movements could be more harmful than helpful. Through the process and years of learning to heal and recover from back pain, Day finally was able to break free of the cookie-cutter method of giving all students the same sequences of postures meant to be learned and repeated 6 days a week, sometimes for years and years on end with no variation in asanas or movement patterns. With this new perspective due to her own pain caused by repetitive movement, she recognized that the system of learning yoga asanas can be improved: groups of asanas should be given according to each student’s current and developing postural needs. “The how” being the Mysore Method of one-on-one instruction where each person in the room is able to work according to their own needs, ability, and pace, was and is the most effective way to learn and grow. But “the what” of specific series and order of postures MUST be re-assessed.

 

Thus, The DAY1YOGA Method was born: A tailored and customizable practice, minus posture- or series-hierarchy, (zero delineation between “advanced” and “beginner” students), just students, people with issues, all there for the healing and strengthening modality that yoga should be.