In this enlightening episode, Michelle Jacobi shares her captivating journey into the world of yoga. Starting as a professional dancer in New York with a keen interest in philosophy, Michelle stumbled upon yoga for its profound background rather than its physical aspect. During this conversation she recalls a transformative experience at the Uptown Integral Yoga Studio, and how it triggered a deep connection to herself and the interconnectedness of life. Michelle delves into the integral yoga system, highlighting its power to bring balance, self-awareness, and healing. Her story serves as an inspiration, emphasizing the profound impact yoga can have beyond the physical, guiding listeners on a journey of self-discovery and well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This dialogue between James and Avi takes a deep dive into the states of unified consciousness and the challenges of maintaining an expanded awareness amidst the daily nuances of life. Explore the concept of 'inner yes' as a guiding force in decision-making, where the body's sensations become a compass for mindful choices. Witness James' reflections on maturity, humility, and the ever-evolving exploration of consciousness.In a thought-provoking twist, the conversation contemplates individuals as waves of light, with thoughts and emotions influencing the vibrations they emit. Dive into the exploration of undesirable emotions, the art of staying with discomfort, and the transformative power of embracing the unknown. The concept of freedom takes center stage, intertwined with practices like meditation and conscious breathing.As the episode unfolds, the speakers share a unique exchange of energy, expressing gratitude and reflecting on conscious choices during a birthday celebration. This episode offers insights into conscious living, emotional exploration, and the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Govind Das shares profound reflections on his recent visit to India, marking his 21st journey to the country. He emphasizes the spiritual richness of sacred places like Rishikesh and Vrindavan, contrasting them with the materialistic focus of big cities. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals and practices in connecting with the divine, emphasizing the challenge of letting go of attachments and ego-driven narratives. Govind Das also discusses the essence of strength and courage, rooted in acknowledging a higher power and being open to divine guidance. Overall, the episode explores the deep spiritual culture of India and the transformative power of surrender and daily practices.Govind Das on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G35TSwUM8xttVQyxIlCmu?si=GdjdQ2roS6OQzjq-dx0pNQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prakash explores yoga as unity, emphasizing its role in bringing people together.She delves into Raja yoga, focusing on the study of yoga sutras, advocating for individual reflection and practical application of yogic principles.Capen addresses the challenge of self-judgment, advocating for a sense of humor in the pursuit of balance. She discusses the tendency to rank individuals in the spiritual realm and underscores the value of openness to diverse perspectives.Prakash Capen (KAY-pen) left behind her career in broadcasting when she realized her real passion — to serve by teaching yoga. Over the years, she was Director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Washington DC, Boston, and San Francisco. In San Francisco, Prakash served as Director of Life Enhancement for the AIDS/HIV Study Group, taught a popular weekly meditation & yoga program for people with AIDS/HIV, worked with Dr. Dean Ornish‘s program for reversing heart disease, and began hospice service. A professional writer and editor, Prakash now focuses on concerns for those with chronic illness and disabilities, and, also, teaches application of yoga in daily life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Jess Frey about her recent silent retreat experience and the idea of "coming home" to oneself.Jess and Avi delve into finding a balance between self-improvement and helping others. They discuss the concept of emotional armor and authenticity, highlighting the practice of pausing. The conversation also explores the importance of community in personal growth and self-discovery, with an emphasis on healthy community characteristics. Additionally, the conversation touches on setting intentions and having a flexible Guiding Light in one's life journey, the power of gratitude, and the difference between compliments received in the mind and heart. The discussion underscores the value of presence, love, and connection, while recognizing the multifaceted nature of human experience. ---Jess is a Kripalu Yoga educator, truth blazer, life coach, artist, and lover of life, intimacy, connection. Jess has been connected to Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for 15 years and facilitates yoga, ayurveda, and silent meditation retreats as well as designs and develops curriculum content for Kripalu's experiential programs and workshops. With an enthusiasm for personal and professional development, she also provides mentorship to the organization's teaching staff. Jess is devoted to the process of compassionate inquiry, self-discovery, and the art of living yoga in everyday life. She stewards and facilitates connectivity, curiosity, and co-creates brave spaces for all beings. She believes community offers a pathway to learning, healing, and individual and collective transformation. Together is how WE find our way. Her passion and expertise lie in post-traumatic growth, addiction recovery, embodied presence, creativity, and exploring ways to live the truth of one's self. With more than 20 years of personal practice, professional development, and leadership, Jess is known for her authenticity, heart, motivation, and depth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lakshmi has dedicated 16 years to the prison project, using Gurudev's teachings to help incarcerated individuals transform their lives. She speaks about the punitive U.S. prison system, its role in drug issues, and stresses the importance of kindness.The U.S. prison system's flaws are discussed, with the need for rehabilitation highlighted, given the high recidivism rate.Lakshmi shares her journey from a Catholic upbringing to studies in anthropology, a rebellious phase, and her return to spirituality through yoga. She reflects on the challenges of absorbing spiritual teachings, quieting the mind and staying open to learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Schweig sits down with Avi Gordon in a conversation that covers the importance of yoga, gratitude, and selflessness in reconnecting with one's heart and embracing life's conditioning forces. They discuss the transformative power of yoga in turning inward to confront inner conflicts and suffering, ultimately leading to self-awareness and growth. The role of the guru in guiding and reinforcing inner wisdom is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the significance of choices, trust in the process, and the power of supportive relationships. Self-care and selflessness are explored as interconnected aspects of spiritual practice, promoting both personal well-being and the capacity to serve others.Bio:Dr. Schweig is Distinguished Teaching and Research Faculty at the Center for Dharma Studies of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Schweig earned the master’s degree in religious studies at University of Chicago Divinity School, a master’s of theological studies in history of religions and a master’s of theology in comparative religion from Harvard University Divinity School, and earned his doctorate in comparative religion from Harvard. Schweig joined the faculty of Christopher Newport University (CNU) in the fall of 2000. Prior to coming to CNU, he was a teaching fellow at Harvard University, lecturer at University of North Carolina and Duke University, and while teaching at CNU, he was for two years, Visiting Associate Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Virginia. He has been recognized several times for excellence in teaching, including CNU's annual Alumni Faculty Award for Teaching and Mentoring (2013), and has delivered over three dozen invited lectures at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for over fourteen years. He has also given lectures widely in the US and in Europe, and has been invited to be a consultant on doctoral dissertation committees or a doctoral dissertation examiner in the US, Europe, India, and Australia. He has conducted yoga workshops, offered seminars and given lectures around the US and Europe for well over 20 years. In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Schweig has been a student of many traditional teachers of yoga, and is recognized by Yoga Alliance at the highest level of E-RYT 500 and YACEP. He has travelled to India thirteen times, once for a year on a Smithsonian Institution funded grant, and has been a practitioner of traditional and heart-centered yoga for over 50 years.Would you like to be notified when we release new content? Subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renowned kirtan artist Govind Das speaks with Avi Gordon about turning the mind into an "altar to God", making the transition to heart-centered living, the importance of understanding and accepting one's humanness while striving for spiritual progress, and much more.In his freshman year of college, in 1989, Govind Das was introduced to the practice of meditation and the spiritual culture of the east. A few years later, while on a road trip, G listened to a Ram Dass lecture. This cassette tape changed the course of his life. Govind Das has since dedicated his life to studying and sharing the practices of bhakti yoga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avi and Swami Divyananda discuss prioritizing inner peace, the role of meditation, nurturing personal relationships, letting go of the need to be "right", and they reflect on Swami Satchidananda's teachings and legacy.Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500, has had a wealth of experience teaching Integral Yoga around the world since 1973. She has taught at corporations, universities, the Commonwealth Cancer Center, and for the Dr. Dean Ornish Reversing Heart Disease programs. She has also served as one of Integral Yoga’s Basic Hatha teacher trainers.Swami Divyananda Ma took monastic vows in 1975 from Sri Swami Satchidananda. Over the years she has served as the director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and as Ashram Manager at Yogaville. She also served for ten years as the director of the Integral Yoga Institute in Coimbatore, India; this immersion into the South Indian culture has given depth to her understanding and practice of Yoga.Now an itinerant monk, Swami Divyananda is constantly “on the road.” She leads the annual Sacred India Tours to sacred sites in India in addition to international Yoga retreats and trainings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amma Kidd and Avi discuss the significance of collective prayer, the transformative influence of a guru, surrendering to God's will, and the interconnectedness of all creation. Amma emphasizes the importance of "seeking first the kingdom of God" by going within, and always and forever "rising above".Amma Kidd is a former secretary to and long-time devotee of Swami Satchidananda, and a beloved pillar of love and faith in the Yogaville community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.