Leadership and Yoga: Tips for Yoga Teachers, Entrepreneurs and Students

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode on why purpose is a state of being, not a thing or an activity.  This episode on finding purpose is supposed to feel reassuring and put you in a good mood. It makes me sad to see people really stressed about their purpose when it’s already been there all along. Purpose can only truly be found in deep presence. Today we discuss how to simplify to see clearly, how to take the weight off your shoulders and change your state, how to have more time to think about your purpose… or feel like you have more time… and how service can give you momentum.  If you are feeling down and out about your purpose and place in life, I’m here to show you what you already have within you. Just relax, get present, and be prepared to look with new eyes and a fresh attitude. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Join my upcoming retreat: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Purchase a my new guided journal: https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/  Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:44 Shawna’s four laws of purpose.  5:10 Hello other entrepreneurs and wanna be entrepreneurs  8:00 What is lounging? Storytime. 11:40 Agenda 15:30 Your purpose is already there. Richard Rudd quote from the Gene Keys.  18:47 What being present does to your feeling of purpose.  21:26 How to truly practice being present? 24:00 Simplify to see clearly. Clarity.   27:30 Set something down and change your state.  30:55 Time is a feeling. Change how you feel to get more time.  35:30 How do I start connecting to my purpose? 38:17 If you make others feel connected, needed and significant, that will be returned to you. 41:30 Visiting prior versions of myself. 44:11 Rio Chirripo retreat 45:00 My new guided journal --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger and my guest, Manuel Oria, for an episode on the art of teaching yoga. Manuel is my OG Ashtanga teacher, an international yoga teacher trainer, and a musician. Tune in to hear practical tips on creativity and comfort while teaching, setting class rhythm, comedy, taking risks and delivering an experience that is truly authentic. Plus, some good laughs as Manuel shares some stories you can’t miss.  Please SUBSCRIBE and drop me a RATING to support this show if you have enjoyed today’s interview with Manu. Thank you!! Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Find Manuel Oria on instagram: @manuel0ria Manuel’s website and yoga teacher training info — this is the only YTT I recommend!!  https://www.manueloria.com/  Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Quitting my job to train with Manuel and becoming a full-time yoga teacher. 04:15 Agenda. 04:46 Teaching yoga as an art form and service. 9:50 Starting teaching yoga and reading students. 11:50 Who to take feedback from? 14:00 How to get comfortable in front of the room, natural talent versus gaining confidence over time. 17:00 Detaching from what a yoga teacher “should” be. 24:00 Reinventing yourself on the spot to teach ANY group. 27:30 Taking risks while teaching and comedy in class. 35:00 What’s a yoga voice? 38:00 Rhythm in class. 44:00 Ashtanga yoga. 47:00 Experience, theory and mistakes. 49:00 How to know when you are ready to teach. 52:30 Simplify it, and really put some groove in it.  53:50 What makes an excellent yoga teacher. 55:00 Billboard message: Let your practice speak for itself. Don’t say, do. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an interview with CJ. Carleton James is a yoga instructor, artist, musician and a facilitator of soft spaces. In my own words, I would describe his classes as exceptional, moving, and noteworthy in style. His classes are well-known and loved in the Seattle yoga community and around the world where he teaches internationally.  Tune in to hear all about teaching yoga. We’ll get into the specifics of teaching, practicing, reading the room and CJ’s experience and insight in yoga. Please SUBSCRIBE and drop my podcast a RATING if you enjoyed this interview, it enables me to bring you more epic episodes. THANK YOU. Find CJ on instagram: @carletonjames Find Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction  02:30 Agenda 03:50 It’s not louder than a whisper.  04:00 Realizations that come through in soft moments. 10:00 Finding exceptional teachers to learn from. 13:00 Taking his first class. 17:00 Reading the room.  17:50 Teaching his first class.  21:10 Gatekeeping in the yoga world. 24:00 How to start teaching somewhere. 27:40 It’s subjective, don’t feel undervalued.  30:00 How CJ’s style evolved.  33:00 Students show up for energy.  36:00 On taking feedback. 38:00 Music and rhythm in yoga classes. 45:00 Yoga class as a composition.  46:00 What is the essence of yoga? A check in.  49:00 What makes an excellent teacher and leader? Communication and empathy.  52:30 Yoga studios are not that different than a church.  57:00 Billboard question: “If you’re ever in a rush, leave the party early.”  “The best leaders care more about the mission than themselves.”  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger and my guest, Nathan Tsuji, for a deep dive into handstands. Nathan is a professional acrobat, performer, trainer, model, and gymnast. He was on America’s Got Talent and has been featured on the Ellen show as part of the Positive Impact Movement. Currently he performs in Las Vegas with Voltaire, and he has also been a part of Cirque Du Soleil. He is the host of the Positive Impact Movement festival. If you are tuning in today, you will hear primarily about standing on your hands. We start with hearing about how you get to superhuman levels of handstanding, what it takes physically and mentally. Then we move into beginner-friendly conversations about how to start… tips, advice and insight. And finally, we talk about performing: how it feels, managing stress and pressure, and practicing for excellence.  Shawna Krueger on instagram: @shawnakru Nathan Tsuji on instagram: @nathantsuji  Nathan’s Positive Impact Movement Festival: https://www.positiveimpactmovementfest.com/  Please SUBSCRIBE and drop my podcast a rating if you enjoyed this interview, it enables me to bring you more epic episodes. THANK YOU. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction. 02:48 Agenda and what to expect. 04:45 Handstanding on a hoverboard?  10:46 Where motivation comes from. 16:40 The hardest thing about training is recovery. 18:00 Training to get to the next level. 20:30 On injuries.  23:15 Handstand myths 28:00 Number one piece of advice for handstands. 29:30 Sneaky limitation for handstands: Lats. 33:15 Wrist flexibility. 37:50 Do you deal with stage fright? Anxiety? 40:50 Pre-performance routine? 41:30 The America’s Got Talent experience. 48:20 What keeps Nathan inspired.  50:10 What makes a good coach? A good leader? 55:10 Billboard message: “Know your limits but never accept them.”  57:00 Connect with Nathan Tsuji.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode on the value of being able to make decisions… from tough decisions to the smallest points of indecision, there is value in trusting ourselves to be decisive. So how can we do it?  Today we’ll touch on, to say it as simply as I can, why you should not “get real” on making decisions and why decisions are what get in the way of goals and true presence. Then we’ll turn to facing fear within decisions, and how having decisions to make ultimately shows us our oneness.  Plus, you’ll hear a personal share and update about my work trip to Costa Rica last week.  Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:00 Teaching with a Migraine 06:20 Agenda 07:00 Open share about my week, Costa Rica work. 12:00 Synchronicity from my Spanish school in Ecuador 13:30 An entire day with my phone hidden away. 17:00 The decision to buy a $200 pen with ease? 20:50 Why you should not “get real” on your decisions. 21:50 Decide means “to cut off from” 22:00 Goals, presence and why they rely on decisions.  28:15 Facing fear within decision making without jumping in blind. 30:50 I am the person who will turn your water cold. 32:20 Flip a coin practice.  35:20 Decision making, discipline and teaching yoga.  38:30 Why decisions are proof of our oneness. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Sign up for our Find Your Voice Yoga and Journaling Retreat: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Tune in to listen to an interview with Marco Mora, General Manager of Río Chirripó, by Shawna Krueger.  Today you’ll hear about all things hosting yoga retreats from the retreat center side of things. Why to host, why to join, what works, what doesn’t, and other tips and insight.  Plus some fun stories and synchronicities that will make you smile.  Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Agenda and overview 04:00 An eye for detail 07:30 Why go on a retreat? 10:15 Tips for teachers wanting to host. 14:00 What works in a retreat and what doesn’t. 19:50 The negotiation process and relationship building 22:00 Funny moments 24:40 Providing scholarships and giveaways 33:00 Where to find Río and connect. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Sign up for our Find Your Voice Yoga and Journaling Retreat at Río: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Río Chirripó’s website: https://riochirripo.com/en/  Find Río Chirripó on instagram: @riochirripo Find Marco on instagram: @marcoxmora Río Chirripó retreat recap episode with Katie Williams: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5O3PQmnXVFSmWKJfbABqYc?si=QWiCYaiYQNODl7tvTX1H0A --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode on changing our nuero association on receiving a “no.” Tune in if you are facing difficulties and dealing with disappointments, or feeling like things are unfair or impossible.  Today we start to reverse the fear around receiving a “no” and being turned down, and reframe how we can be resourceful even if we don’t have all of the resources. Learn how to choose a new meaning, and why getting a “no” is a resourcefulness activator. This is a motivational episode aimed at helping you get “unstuck.” Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Sign up for our Find Your Voice Yoga and Journaling Retreat: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Sign up for Off the Mat Mastery: https://shawnakru.com/offthematmastery/ Timestamps: 00:00 Receiving the big X in South Korea 6:30 The best podcast “no” I’ve ever received 10:30 The danger of taking a “no” personal 14:45 It’s not as painful as you think to take a “no” 18:30 What’s the opportunity cost? What are you throwing down the drain? 20:50 Only resistance can build your strength.  28:00 Flow state where the challenge is greater than our skill. 30:00 It’s not our resources, but our resourcefulness 36:00 Choose another meaning, NOW 38:00 Man’s Search for Meaning 43:00 What a “no” really is. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for a practical episode for beginners. Whether you are just starting yoga, teaching beginners, or starting another project, today’s episode has tips on how to commit and what to expect.  We discuss everything from the meaning of yoga to changing intimidation into inspiration. You’ll also get an overview of common types of yoga so you know what you’re signing up for.  Tune in if you’re asking… How do I get consistent with my yoga practice? What kind of yoga should I do? What type of yoga is best for beginners? What should I know before going to a yoga class? Why don’t I like yoga yet? How do I improve my flexibility and yoga practice? See the list below for a full list of topics. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:00 Agenda and Structure 04:40 Note on Overcoming Fear of Teaching Yoga 10:00 Off the Mat Mastery Group Program 14:04 Understanding the Meaning of Yoga 20:13 Dealing with Difficulty in the Beginning 23:00 Changing Intimidation into Inspiration 26:30 Keeping Your Yoga Practice Simple 28:00 Practical Notes for Complete Beginners 33:50 Yoga as a Ritual 38:00 When Will You Experience the Effects of Yoga? 40:00 Body Control and Flexibility 42:00 Experiencing Energy Shifts 44:50 Treating Your Practice Time as Sacred 48:19 Breaking the Conditioning of How You’re Living 51:48 Different Styles of Yoga 01:03:35 Teacher Training and Choosing the Right Program Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Sign up for our Find Your Voice Yoga and Journaling Retreat: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Sign up for Off the Mat Mastery: https://shawnakru.com/offthematmastery/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an interactive episode designed to help you reflect on your year.  This episode consists of three parts: Creating a greenlight list, synthesizing key lessons and thoughts and creating an iOS instead of a vision board.  I share the wins I’ve experienced this year from my first full calendar year of entrepreneurship after quitting my 9-5 law firm job.  If you are enjoying the Leadership and Yoga content, I’d love to practice with you in my upcoming retreat at Río Chirripó, May 9-13, 2024. For my iOS template, aka the format that serves as my true north and gives me clarity, sign up for Off the Mat Mastery. It’s my most affordable group program of all time.  Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Sign up for our Find Your Voice Yoga and Journaling Retreat: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Sign up for Off the Mat Mastery: https://shawnakru.com/offthematmastery/ Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 01:57 Overview of the 3 step reflection process 06:40 Create your greenlight list and hear mine 42:32 Synthesize key lessons and thoughts 46:03 Create your iOS and an open share --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message

Join Shawna Krueger for an episode on the ins and outs of celebrating others. What it means and why you should do it. In a time of celebration we can get totally overwhelmed if we are only thinking about celebrating ourselves, what we have and where we are. But I’m going to argue that second hand joy is often more potent. There’s a profound power that’s born out of celebrating others, which means showing off their strengths, complimenting them, recognizing them, sending them business. Sending them your own students and clients. Letting go of scarcity mindset and instead believing in the contagious power of excellence. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Sign up for our Find Your Voice Yoga and Journaling Retreat: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Sign up for Off the Mat Mastery: https://shawnakru.com/offthematmastery/ Here’s the agenda for today's episode so you know what to expect: How abundance mindset zaps jealousy. Why seeing reasons to celebrate others is a good sign. Recognizing that it’s all a gift. Don’t expect anything from anyone. It’s all a good surprise. Your focus can shift to the question of, “but who am I serving?” Why confusion takes time, not copying. And how copying is the enemy of creativity. A note on not being afraid to make an ask mid-celebration, and knowing that others will have asks for you as well. And finally, why you don’t have to be too cool to acknowledge others, or be unreachable, to be celebrated in return. Plus a note on how to learn to celebrate yourself. P.S. Our new weekly release date for new episodes is WEDNESDAYS!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawnakru/message