Finding Harmony Podcast
Finding Harmony Podcast
Harmony Slater
How Somatic Awareness Can Alter Your Approach to Ashtanga Yoga
1 hour 17 minutes Posted Jul 1, 2025 at 9:01 am.
Introduction to Finding Harmony Podcast
Meet Samira and Leo
Upcoming Workshop in Sao Paulo
Samira's Journey: Blending Ashtanga Yoga and Somatic Work
Leo's Story: From Airline Pilot to Ashtanga Teacher
Creating an Inclusive Yoga Community
Reflections on Viktor Frankl and Artistic Acts
Harmony's Upcoming Visit to Brazil
Life in Sao Paulo: Yoga, Community, and Favelas
Samira and Leo's Wedding in India
The Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga and Authorization
Integrating Bioenergetics with Ashtanga Yoga
The Importance of Emotional Expression in Yoga
Adjustments and Generational Differences in Ashtanga
Understanding Bioenergetic Processes
The Role of Touch and Energy in Teaching
Adjustments and Sensations in Practice
The Impact of Light and Hard Adjustments
The Power of Presence and Psychic Adjustments
Balancing Firm and Gentle Approaches
Reflecting on Past Practices and Injuries
Embracing Individual Needs in Teaching
Personal Journeys and Teaching Philosophy
Emotional Release and Acceptance in Practice
Navigating Disagreements in Teaching Approaches
Conclusion and Invitation to Community
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Show notes
What does it take to hold space for both structure and sensitivity in modern yoga practice? In this warm and wide-ranging episode, Harmony and Russell talk with Leo Castro and Samira Eidi, co-founders of Coletivo Mysore, a thriving Ashtanga yoga community in downtown São Paulo, Brazil. Together, they explore how somatic intelligence and bioenergetic therapy can be integrated with traditional yoga practice to create more inclusive, emotionally aware spaces.
Sami and Leo share their personal stories—how Leo transitioned from a life in aviation to becoming an Ashtanga teacher, and how Sami’s deep dive into bioenergetics has transformed her understanding of embodiment and healing. This episode is a thoughtful examination of tradition, adaptation, and the courage it takes to meet people where they are — whether they’re seeking strength, softness, or something in between.
Harmony also shares exciting news: she’ll be teaching a Mysore intensive at Coletivo Mysore this October! Details below.
🧭 Episode Themes
Founding a yoga community in the historical center of São Paulo
Why yoga spaces need to embrace emotional sensitivity
How Leo balanced life as an airline pilot with a dedicated practice
The intersection of bioenergetics, trauma, and traditional yoga
Making adjustments more ethical, intuitive, and embodied
Emotional energy as a teacher: learning to hold space without control
Moving from orthodoxy toward curiosity and community
Co-teaching, disagreement, and the “third space” between teacher and student
The power of subtle adjustments and energetic presence
Remembering who we are through the body
🌍 Guest Bio: Samira Eidi & Leo Castro
Samira and Leo are longtime practitioners and teachers of Ashtanga Yoga, and the co-founders of Coletivo Mysore, a community-driven yoga shala located in the historical center of São Paulo, Brazil. With backgrounds that include aviation, bioenergetics, and years of spiritual discipline, their work blends structured practice with somatic intelligence and emotional awareness. They are committed to creating inclusive, non-hierarchical yoga spaces that prioritize embodied transformation over rigid dogma.
Website: https://www.coletivomysore.com
Follow them on Instagram: @coletivo.mysore
🌟 Call to Action
If you’re in South America—or looking for an excuse to visit—Harmony will be teaching a Mysore intensive + weekend workshop at Coletivo Mysore from October 8–12. Come practice in São Paulo and connect with this vibrant, evolving community.
For details and registration, visit: coletivomysore.com
Follow Harmony: @harmonyslaterofficial
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