Ep 200 Adam Keen – Reflections on 200 Episodes: A Journey Through Yoga

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

"I felt like I was coming home."

In this reflective episode marking the 200th podcast, Adam shares his personal journey through yoga, mental health struggles, and the influence of Sharath and the Mysore tradition. He discusses the evolution of his practice, the challenges of teaching, and the balance between personal experience and traditional methods. The conversation highlights the importance of community, authority in practice, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery in yoga.

Key Points

Yoga became a healing tool for my mental health.

The journey to yoga started with a search for meaning.

Ashtanga practice shifted my understanding of yoga.

Mysore offered a sense of authority and accountability.

Teaching requires adapting methods to different students.

The modern yoga landscape is saturated with teachers.

Personal experience in yoga is essential for authenticity.

Sharath's influence shaped my understanding of practice.

Navigating the balance between tradition and personal experience is challenging.

Community support is vital in the yoga journey.

"It's a time for us all, very sad." 

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

Adam reflects on the profound impact of Sharath Jois on his Ashtanga practice and the yoga community. He shares personal anecdotes from his experiences in Mysore, exploring the emotional complexities of practicing under Sharath's guidance, the challenges of teaching, and the legacy left behind. Adam navigates through feelings of admiration, disappointment, and unresolved emotions, ultimately expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the community built around their shared practice. 

Key Points

·      Sharath was a pivotal figure in the Ashtanga community.

·      Practicing in Mysore evokes deep emotional experiences.

·      The journey of growth in Ashtanga is often filled with challenges.

·      Teaching in Mysore requires navigating complex relationships.

·      Expectations can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction in practice.

·      The pressure of performance in Mysore can be overwhelming.

·      Sharath's unique teaching style fostered personal growth.

·      Conflicted emotions about legacy are common among practitioners.

·      Community support is essential in the healing process.

·      Moving forward requires reconciling past experiences with present realities.

"The rules are just the wrapping paper."

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

Adam discusses the complex themes of trust and surrender within the context of yoga practice, particularly Ashtanga. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal autonomy and critical thinking when engaging with teachers and the practice itself. Adam warns against the dangers of surrendering blindly to a teacher's authority and advocates for a more inclusive and supportive environment in yoga classes. He highlights the need for trust to be built incrementally and the significance of creating space for individual expression and growth in yoga practice.

Key Points

·      Trust should never be given blindly to a teacher.

·      Surrendering one's autonomy can lead to negative experiences.

·      The teacher-student relationship should be supportive and inclusive.

·      Commitment to practice does not equate to surrendering to authority.

·      Space in yoga allows for personal growth and self-exploration.

·      Adjustments should be approached with caution and respect for individual limits.

·      Trust is built through consistent and supportive interactions.

·      The Ashtanga method is a tool for personal development, not a strict dogma.

·      Critical thinking is essential in the practice of yoga.

·      The rules of yoga are guidelines, not absolute mandates.

"Asana is beneficial, but context is everything."

www.truthofyoga.com   | @danielcsimpson

The Truth of Yoga Course Nov 2024 

Adam and Daniel explore the complexities of modern yoga practice, particularly the push for performance in asana and the confusion surrounding its original purpose. They discuss the emotional journey that practitioners undergo, the disconnect between asana and traditional yoga philosophy, and the addictive nature of striving for progress. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding objectives in practice and the need for emotional awareness in yoga, ultimately advocating for a reframing of how yoga is taught and experienced. They also touch on the modern yoga landscape, the commodification of yoga, and the search for deeper meaning beyond superficial happiness.

Key Points

·      Modern yoga often emphasizes performance over original objectives.

·      The confusion in asana practice stems from a lack of clear aims.

·      Asana was originally about sitting comfortably, not performing shapes.

·      Emotional processes are integral to the yoga experience.

·      Striving in practice can lead to addiction and desensitization.

·      Progress in yoga is often perceived linearly, which is misleading.

·      Conditioning affects how we approach yoga and our expectations.

·      Advanced asanas do not necessarily correlate with emotional well-being.

·      The pursuit of satisfaction in yoga can lead to suffering.

·      Reframing yoga practice can enhance emotional awareness and understanding. Reframing Ashtanga Yoga can lead to a deeper understanding of its benefits.

·      Context is crucial in evaluating the practice of asana.

·      Yoga originally aimed for a state of being, not just physical practice.

·      Honesty in practice is essential for growth and understanding.

·      Cultural perspectives on shame and guilt influence modern yoga practices.

·      The modern yoga landscape often prioritizes performance over true practice.

·      Finding meaning in yoga goes beyond achieving physical postures.

·      The commodification of yoga can detract from its philosophical roots.

·      Self-identity plays a significant role in how we approach yoga.

·      True contentment in yoga comes from understanding and relationships.

Ep 196 Adam Keen – The Struggles of a Modern Yoga Teacher

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam explores the struggles faced by modern yoga teachers. He discusses the complexities of defining the role of a yoga teacher, the pressures and expectations from students, and the crisis of integrity that can arise in the profession. Adam emphasizes the importance of holding space for students and the emotional landscape of yoga practice, while also addressing the challenges of teaching in modern studios and the need for professionalism. He concludes by reflecting on the ambivalence of student expectations and the complexities of being a yoga teacher in today's world.

Key Notes

·      The modern yoga teacher faces unique challenges and expectations.

·      Defining the role of a yoga teacher is complex and ambiguous.

·      Teachers often feel pressure to meet student expectations.

·      Integrity can be compromised in the pursuit of student retention.

·      Holding space for students is a crucial aspect of teaching.

·      The structure of modern yoga studios can hinder teacher-student relationships.

·      Emotional dynamics play a significant role in yoga practice.

·      Professionalism is essential for yoga teachers to be taken seriously.

·      Students often have conflicting expectations of their teachers.

·      The journey of a yoga teacher is filled with both rewards and challenges.

Ep 195 Eddie Stern - From Ashtanga to Exploration

www.eddiestern.com | @eddiestern

Eddie Stern discusses his evolving relationship with yoga, moving from a strict Ashtanga practice to a more holistic approach that incorporates various elements of yoga, spirituality, and personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of community, the role of the temple in his spiritual life, and the need to adapt practices to suit individual needs. Eddie also reflects on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, advocating for a personalized yoga experience that fosters growth and self-discovery

Key Points

 ·    Eddie's yoga practice has evolved significantly over the years.

·  The temple serves as a vital space for spiritual expression.

·      Transitioning from Ashtanga allowed Eddie to explore a more holistic approach to yoga.

·      Community and relationships play a crucial role in the yoga journey.

·      Listening to one's body is essential for a sustainable practice.

·      Eddie integrates scientific research into his yoga teachings.

·      Personal growth is a continuous journey in yoga and life.

·      Diversity in yoga practices is important for individual needs.

·      Eddie emphasizes the importance of joy and creativity in practice.

·      The future of yoga lies in embracing change and personal exploration.

Adam discusses the pervasive issue of systemic abuse within the yoga community, particularly in Ashtanga yoga. He explores the impact of hierarchy and control, the role of language in perpetuating abuse, and the various forms of psychological and physical abuse that can occur in yoga spaces. Adam emphasizes the need for accountability among teachers, the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, and the necessity for change within the community to address discrimination and gaslighting. He concludes with a call to action for teachers and students alike to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment in yoga.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

"Language can mean different things to different people."

Key Points

• ·      Systemic abuse exists in the yoga world, particularly in Ashtanga.
• ·      Hierarchy and control can lead to psychological and physical abuse.
• ·      Language used in yoga can have different meanings and implications.
• ·      Psychological abuse is often more prevalent than physical abuse.
• ·      Discrimination and ableism are significant issues in yoga spaces.
• ·      Teachers have a responsibility to create safe environments for students.
• ·      Gaslighting and denial are common responses from teachers when confronted with abuse.
• ·      There is a lack of accountability and transparency in yoga teaching.
• ·      Creating avenues for feedback is essential for improvement.
• ·      We must encourage open dialogue to address these issues.

Explore Beryl Bender’s journey into yoga, her experiences with Ashtanga, and the evolution of Power Yoga. Beryl shares her insights on the importance of mindfulness, the intersection of yoga and meditation, and the moral responsibilities of yogis in today's world. They discuss the challenges of aging in practice, the significance of teaching philosophy, and the need for activism in the yoga community. Beryl's optimistic outlook on life and her dedication to her practice shine through as she reflects on her past and future aspirations.

 www.power-yoga.com | @berylbenderbirch

Key Points

·      Beryl's early curiosity about life's big questions led her to yoga.

·      Her first yoga class was Kundalini yoga with Yogi Bhajan.

·      Beryl was inspired by Norman Allen's Ashtanga practice.

·      Power Yoga was created to make yoga accessible to athletes.

·      Beryl modified Ashtanga to suit the needs of her students.

·      The practice of yoga is about learning to pay attention.

·      Aging brings challenges, but Beryl remains optimistic and dedicated.

·      Activism and yoga are intertwined; yogis have a moral obligation to speak out.

·      Beryl emphasizes the importance of meditation in yoga practice.

·      She has no regrets and believes everything happens for a reason.

Ep 192 Adam Keen – The Breath: A Journey Through Yoga

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

Adam Keen the profound significance of breath in yoga practice. He delves into various aspects of breathing, including the traditional ujjayi breath, the role of the diaphragm, and the concept of bandha. The conversation also covers the importance of vinyasa in creating rhythm and awareness in practice, as well as the distinctions between pranayama and modern breath work. Throughout the discussion, Adam emphasizes the need for personal experimentation and understanding in one's yoga journey, particularly regarding breath control and its impact on emotional and physical well-being.

·        Breath is fundamental to life and spirituality.

·      Ujjayi breath has evolved from a heavier to a lighter practice.

·      The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in breathing.

·      Bandha helps in controlling breath and energy flow.

·      Vinyasa creates a rhythm that mirrors diaphragmatic movements.

·      Pranayama is more about breath control than rhythmic breathing.

·      Breath reflects emotional states and should not be forced into equality.

·      Yoga practice is an individual experiment.

·      Understanding the diaphragm enhances pranayama effectiveness.

·      Breath work can stimulate or calm the nervous system.

Ep 191 Ellen Johannesen – Buddhist Meditation and Christmas Retreat with Adam in Spain

www.ashtanganepal.com  | @ashtanganepal

Join the Christmas retreat with Ellen and Adam: www.keenonyoga.com/events/ashtanga-christmas-retreat

Adam Keen and Ellen Johansson delve into the intricate relationship between meditation and asana practice. They explore Ellen's personal journey into meditation, the differences between yoga and Tibetan Buddhist practices, and the importance of compassion in meditation. The conversation emphasizes the integration of meditation into asana practice, the use of visualization techniques, and practical tips for starting meditation. Ellen shares insights on working with emotions during meditation and the connection between asana and meditation, ultimately encouraging listeners to cultivate a compassionate approach to their practice.

Here is a link to the meditation method with free resources: https://sustainablecompassion.org/

Article on (the shortcomings of) mindfulness in relation to Buddhism: The myth of the present moment: https://www.academia.edu/8070322/The_Myth_of_the_Present_Moment

 Key Points

·      Meditation can serve various purposes, including calming the mind and focusing.

·      The Tibetan view emphasizes our relational nature and interconnectedness.

·      Context in meditation practice is crucial for understanding and support.

·      Compassion is fundamental in Buddhist practices and should be integrated into meditation.

·      Visualization techniques can enhance meditation and deepen awareness.

·      Emotions should be acknowledged and worked with during meditation.

·      Setting intentions can transform the practice of asana and meditation.

·      The nervous system plays a significant role in both asana and meditation practices.

·      Meditation can help differentiate awareness from the content of thoughts.

·      Practical meditation can be easily integrated into daily life.

Ep 190 Adam Keen – A Deeper Look at the Yamas and Niyamas

"The yamas look like monks' vows."

"Yoga is a physical method of inner conflict resolution."

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

Adam delves into the complexities of the yamas and niyamas, exploring their relevance in modern yoga practice. He emphasizes the importance of inner alignment through Hatha yoga before adhering to moral codes, suggesting that true ethical living arises from a clear inner state. Adam discusses the challenges of moral actions, the nuances of non-violence, and the concept of Dharma in contemporary society. He advocates for a deeper inquiry into the nature of goodness and authenticity, ultimately positioning yoga as a process of self-discovery and alignment rather than mere adherence to social morality.

Key Points

·      Yoga is not just about following rules; it's about inner alignment.

·      Hatha yoga serves as a foundation for understanding the yamas and niyamas.

·      Moral actions are complex and often lead to unintended consequences.

·      Patanjali's yamas may be more suited for monastics than lay practitioners.

·      Non-violence is a nuanced concept that goes beyond physical actions.

·      Dharma is not fixed; it requires personal inquiry and reflection.

·      Authenticity is more important than simply appearing good to society.

·      The struggle with ethical living is part of the yoga journey.

·      Inner cleansing is essential for genuine ethical behavior.

·      Yoga encourages inquiry and challenges societal norms.