In this episode, Indu Arora returns to explore the profound topic of enlightenment, or Samadhi, in yoga. Through an engaging and insightful discussion, she unpacks the concept of Samadhi as a state of total absorption and balance, achieved through consistent practice, silence, and discernment. Indu delves into the types of Samadhi described in yogic texts, the role of preparatory practices like pratyahara and dhyana, and the importance of cultivating humility and clarity on this path. She emphasizes that enlightenment is not a fleeting magical event but a process of everyday courage and sincerity, offering ripple effects of harmony within individuals and the wider world.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding enlightenment (Samadhi) in yoga
• Is Samadhi temporary?
• Types of Samadhi
• The Role of Silence (Mauna)
• The importance of enlightenment
• Is enlightenment for everyone?
• Ego and enlightenment
• Qualities of a Seeker
• Hard work is always valuable.

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In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative practice of 108 Sun Salutations, a sacred tradition in yoga. I explore the spiritual and astronomical significance of the number 108, explain why classical Surya Namaskar is the best choice for this ritual, and share how you can approach it with mindfulness and preparation. Whether you're a student or a teacher, I provide practical tips on building readiness, making modifications, and pacing yourself safely. I also discuss the meditative and symbolic aspects of this practice, highlighting how it can foster personal growth and a deeper connection to universal energy. This episode is your one-stop guide to understanding and experiencing the richness of 108 Sun Salutations.

Episode Highlights:

• Debunking myths about 108 Sun Salutations
• Significance of the Number 108
• Classical Surya Namaskar
• The distinction between regular practice and the 108 classical Surya Namaskars
• Preparation and readiness for 108 Sun Salutations
• Who Should Avoid 108 Sun Salutations
• Tips for leading and modifications
• Importance of not participating fully as a teacher when leading a class
• Encouraging breaks, hydration, and mindful participation without competition.
• Structuring the practice with a cooling-down period, Pranayama, and extended Shavasana

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A lot of people nowadays only have surface-level knowledge about karma. It’s often misunderstood and oversimplified in various contexts. For instance, you might be under the impression that karma is the consequence of our own “actions”. You reap what you sow, whether it be good or bad. Surprisingly, it’s actually more than just our actions but even our thoughts and words that are considered karma. It has a really profound philosophy. Well, in today’s conversation, we’re going to discover this and all things karma with Medha Narwani.

Law of Karma Episode Highlights:

• The law of karma
• How does karma become a part of yoga?
• Why does one act contrary to the laws of karma despite knowing it
• What qualifies as negative and positive karma and how to mitigate them through life
• The aspect of the intention behind one’s actions
• The new age concept of the “Law of attraction” in connection to karma
• How does one turn karma into karma yoga
• How does a teacher or a guru help with the navigation of karma

You can find the resources mentioned at https://letstalk.yoga/episode/understanding-the-law-of-karma/

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Sequencing in yoga is a vital skill that transforms a collection of poses into a meaningful and impactful practice, and that’s why I want to explore this topic today. As yoga teachers, our ability to craft thoughtful sequences directly influences how students experience and grow in their practice, whether they’re beginners seeking balance or advanced practitioners reaching for deeper challenges. By understanding the principles of sequencing—whether it’s preparing for a peak pose, building a theme-based class, or creating a well-rounded flow for general well-being—we can deliver classes that are not only structured but also deeply rewarding. This discussion sets the stage for my upcoming free masterclass, where I’ll dive even deeper into this essential teaching skill.

Episode Highlights:

• What is sequencing?
• Importance of tailoring sequencing to students’ levels and needs.  
• Sequencing is central to modern yoga teaching but is only one part of a well-rounded class.
• Three Key Types of Sequencing
  • Peak Pose Sequencing
    • Challenges: Requires adaptation to students' levels to avoid overwhelming them.
  • Themed Sequencing 
    • Caution: Avoid overly complicated or abstract themes to ensure substance and engagement.  
  • General Well-Being Sequencing

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In this episode, I had the honor of speaking again with the legendary Judith Hanson Lasater, who shared reflections on her 53 years of teaching yoga. We explored how her teaching has transformed over the decades, from an athletic focus to a holistic, life-centered approach. Judith shared her belief that true yoga extends beyond the mat and is woven into daily life, where being present and compassionate are at the heart of the practice. We talked about challenges like burnout and the importance of self-renewal, especially for yoga teachers today. Judith’s wisdom and insights on being “the bucket, not the water” remind us that teaching yoga is not about pushing students, but guiding them to connect with their own inner wisdom. Her philosophy and stories are sure to inspire both new and experienced yoga practitioners.

Episode Highlights:

• Judith’s evolution in teaching yoga over the past five decades.
• Experiences with feelings of overwhelm and burnout in Judith’s teaching career.
• How modern, digital life impacts yoga teachers’ fatigue and well-being.
• Key qualities that yoga teachers should cultivate.
• Judith’s approach to handling emotions, such as anger or irritation.
• The story behind how Judith began teaching yoga and her first class.
• Judith’s philosophy of being “the bucket, not the water” as a teacher.
• Core practices Judith believes are essential for students and teachers to incorporate.

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Nowadays, there are people who start yoga through asana practice but, at its core, keep saying that yoga is for the mind. The question is how is how can yoga be a tool of mind management? In this episode, I will be joined by a new guest, Sandipani Manur, who will help us look into managing the mind through yoga and the different layers of the mind.

The Mind Management Episode Highlights:

• How is the mind connected to yoga?
• Drawing parallels between the Eastern and Western views of the mind
• What is yoga’s view of the ego?
• Which layer of the mind should one be operating from?
• What does the Manas control?
• How does yoga view the mind?
• What happens when the mind is overloaded?
• How do practices like asanas help the mind?
• Why should someone spend so much time, energy, and effort in deconstructing their mind?
• Practices that can be used for different levels of the mind
• Will meditation help the mind?

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/episode/mind-management-through-yoga-with-sandipani-manur/

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Prana is something every yoga teacher knows. But many know it only as surface knowledge. In this episode, Arundhati interviews Indu Arora, a long-time yoga teacher, and author about Prana. They decode prana for today's yoga teacher & student. If you're keen to learn about prana clearly and from an authentic source. This is the conversation to tune into.

Prana Decoded Episode Highlights...

• What is prana?
• When did prana first appear in the scriptures or in yoga?
• How does one connect with their prana?
• How does breath play into prana?
• The different types of prana and their significance
• Recommended practices for healthy functioning of prana and apana
• Misinterpretations about prana

Indu Arora is a long-time yoga teacher, author, and mentor to yoga teachers. To read her full bio, head to https://letstalk.yoga/

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/episode/prana-decoded-with-indu-arora/

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In this episode, I highlight an often-overlooked but crucial step in yoga teaching—building a solid foundation before focusing on sequencing. I share a 10-point cheat list to help yoga teachers improve their class planning and sequencing skills. This includes understanding each pose’s fundamentals, knowing the Sanskrit and English names, and being aware of the benefits and contraindications. I also emphasize the importance of using props, guiding students through breathwork, and recognizing whether a pose is heating, cooling, or neutral. Additionally, I discuss how to assess the difficulty of poses, incorporate proper warm-ups, and balance sequences with counter poses. Mastering these principles helps create more thoughtful and personalized classes that enhance students' well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• Know the Name of the Pose
• Know the Benefits of the Pose
• Contraindications
• Adaptations of Poses
• Use Props Skillfully
• Breathing Pattern for Poses
• Know the Nature of the Pose
• Pose Levels
• Warm-up Needs
• Counter Poses

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In this episode of Let's Talk Yoga, we explore the relationship between emotions, yoga, and Ayurveda with Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath, an expert in Ayurveda. Dr. Jay provides valuable insights into how Ayurveda views emotional health, the impact of doshas on emotions, and whether certain emotions are more harmful than others. We discuss the significance of prana, the Ayurvedic perspective on depression, and how to move from a tamasic state toward better emotional well-being. The episode offers practical advice on improving emotional health and managing relationships while maintaining balance, offering listeners a deeper understanding of emotions in holistic health.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Ayurveda’s perspective on emotions and emotional well-being?
• How can we identify signs of healthy emotional health in ourselves and others?
• What role do doshas play in shaping our emotional experiences?
• In what ways do emotions influence both the mind and the body?
• Are certain emotions considered more detrimental than others in Ayurveda?
• Understanding prana through an Ayurvedic lens: its connection to emotions.
• How does Ayurveda conceptualize and approach depression?
• Strategies for moving out of a tamasic state towards emotional clarity.
• Practical tips for cultivating better emotional health.
• How can individuals assess their progress in emotional well-being?
• Navigating interpersonal interactions while maintaining emotional balance.

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Today, I'm excited to introduce Adam Husler, a dedicated yoga teacher from the UK. I discovered Adam online a couple of years ago and have been inspired by his authentic approach to yoga ever since. In our conversation, Adam shares his unique perspective on teaching yoga, especially for beginners. His insights offer a fresh alternative to the often academic and sequence-focused discussions in modern yoga.

Episode Highlights:

• How do yoga teachers show up and be their own authentic selves?
• The fine balance between being liked and not liked as a yoga teacher.
• What should a new teacher focus on?
• Moving from confusion to clarity
• The importance of grounding and reflecting
• Asking for feedback from students
• How do teachers respond to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)?
• Asking your “why”
• The importance of reading
• How can students ask for support?
• Adam’s biggest mindset shift

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I've been increasingly interested in the topic of meditation over the past year and have been waiting for the right guest to kickstart the conversation. Recently, I came across Jimmy Wightman, also known as That Meditation Guy on Instagram. Based in the UK, he is a well-respected meditation and mindfulness teacher. I've been following Jimmy's work for quite some time, and I believe the time is right to have him as a guest on the podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• What is the goal of meditation and why should someone meditate?
• Setting yourself up for success in meditation
• Mindfulness and meditation: what comes first?
• Dealing with rough moments in meditation
• What type of meditation to start with
• Stages of attention
• Do you meditate for joy or happiness?
• How much time is needed to cultivate a steady meditation practice?
• Grief and trauma in meditation
• Learning meditation through apps and videos versus going to a teacher
• How does someone choose their mantra?

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