Tower Yoga Podcast

Ep 64 | Parinama: Why Change Is the Only Constant (And That's Okay)

What if the discomfort of change is actually where the growth happens? In this episode, Kellee Williams dives into parinama—the yogic concept of transformation—exploring how our minds, bodies, and the natural world are constantly shifting, whether we notice it or not. Kellee unpacks what it really means to embrace change as a gradual, ongoing process rather than something to resist or rush through. From the subtle shifts in a yoga practice to the bigger transformations we experience in life, this conversation offers a grounded, thoughtful look at how surrendering to change—rather than fighting it—can open the door to deeper peace and self-understanding. Follow us: ⁠⁠instagram.com/toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/toweryoga] ⁠⁠youtube.com/@toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@toweryoga] ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and personal update 04:56 Theme of the month: Parinama and its meaning 07:12 Types of transformation in yoga and life 08:30 Patience and resistance in change 10:25 Change in nature as a model for us 12:36 Acceptance of reality and embracing change 14:12 Connecting with the higher self 16:36 Transformation as a core aspect of life 19:02 Closing thoughts and reflections on change

Ep 63 | The Witness Within: Finding the Light of Awareness

What if the truest part of you has nothing to do with your thoughts or emotions? In this episode, Kellee introduces Tower Yoga’s theme of the month, the yogic concept of Purusha — the pure, unchanging awareness that lives beneath the noise of the mind. Through gentle guidance, she invites you to step into the role of the inner witness and discover the still, luminous presence that connects us all. A grounding listen for anyone seeking to go deeper on the mat and within. Follow us: ⁠⁠instagram.com/toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/toweryoga] ⁠⁠youtube.com/@toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@toweryoga] ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno] Chapters 00:00 Exploring Purusha: The Inner Witness 08:26 Identity and the Illusion of Change 12:21 Practicing Awareness: Noticing the Observer

Ep 62 | The Spiritual Meaning of the Summer Solstice — and Why Sun Salutations Are More Than a Warm-Up

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year — but in yoga, it's so much more than that. In this educational episode, Kellee Williams breaks down the deep symbolism and spiritual significance of the summer solstice through the lens of yoga philosophy, and connects it to one of the most foundational practices in yoga: Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation. If you've ever moved through a sun salutation without knowing why, this episode is for you. Kellee unpacks what each movement represents, how the practice mirrors the arc of the sun, and how tuning into the seasonal rhythms of the earth can become a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation. In this episode: * The spiritual and symbolic meaning of the summer solstice * The history and philosophy behind Surya Namaskar * How to bring more intention to your Sun Salutation practice * Using seasonal shifts as an invitation for reflection and renewal Perfect timing to roll out your mat and turn toward the light. Follow us: ⁠⁠instagram.com/toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/toweryoga] ⁠⁠youtube.com/@toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@toweryoga] ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Summer Solstice and Its Significance 01:18 The Symbolism of Surya Namaskar and Its Deeper Meaning 02:39 The Sun as a Symbol of Inner Light and Potential 04:40 The Hero's Journey and Self-Discovery in Yoga 06:22 The Beginning of Transformation: Stillness and Potential 08:10 Listening to the Call for Growth and Possibility 10:16 Challenges and Effort as Part of the Transformation 12:04 The Practice of Patience, Humility, and Letting Go 14:53 Humility, Effort, and Awakening in the Journey 17:09 Returning to Ordinary Life with Greater Clarity 18:39 Balance of Expansion and Contraction in Life and Nature 19:32 The Continuous Cycle of Growth, Surrender, and Return 19:59 Conclusion: Embracing the Inner Light and Transformation

Ep 61 | Understanding Citta: The Heart-Mind of Consciousness in Yoga

What’s shaping your inner landscape right now? In this episode, Kellee explores citta, the heart-mind field of consciousness, and how we perceive reality. It’s not just about thoughts; it’s about emotions, memories, and conditioning that shape our identities.  Ever notice how two people can experience the same event but walk away with completely different interpretations? That’s your citta at work! Your past experiences and conditioning mold your perception, impacting how you respond to life's challenges. Yoga teaches us to become aware of these patterns. Why do I react this way? What drives my thoughts? Movement, meditation, and stillness help us listen to our inner selves. What influences you? What clears your mind? Remember, the light of awareness is always there; sometimes we just need to clear the lens to see it.  Follow us: ⁠⁠instagram.com/toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/toweryoga] ⁠⁠youtube.com/@toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@toweryoga] ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chitta: The Heart-Mind Field 02:04 Understanding Chitta: Perception and Reality 05:08 Tools for Clarity: Yoga Practices for Awareness 07:55 Invitation to Curiosity: Exploring Your Inner Landscape

Ep 60 | The Ninth Limb of Yoga: From Inner Work to Outer Connection

You know the eight limbs of yoga — but have you heard of the ninth? In this solo episode, Kellee explores a concept she stumbled upon at a meditation retreat: the idea of a "ninth limb" of yoga, rooted in communal connection and the natural outward movement that follows deep inner work. It's not an official limb, and Patanjali didn't write it — but it might be the most relatable one yet. Kellee walks through the classical Eight Limbs of the Yoga Sutras and reflects on how years of self-study, discipline, and inner work eventually ask us a new question: okay — now what? Whether it looks like supporting local artists, cleaning up your neighborhood, cooking a meal for a friend, or simply choosing to show up and connect — this episode is an invitation to let your practice ripple outward. In this episode: * The eight limbs of yoga, simply explained * The concept of the "ninth limb" and where it came from * Why you can't backbend your way out of being an asshole (Kelly's words, not ours) * How personal development naturally leads to community care * Small, practical ways to embody yoga beyond the mat Follow us: ⁠⁠instagram.com/toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/toweryoga] ⁠⁠youtube.com/@toweryoga⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@toweryoga] ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/toweryogafresno] Chapters 00:00 Community Connection and Events 02:05 The Concept of the Ninth Limb 04:02 Exploring the Eight Limbs of Yoga 08:13 The Journey of Personal Development 09:35 The Role of Teaching and Community Care 12:01 Transforming Self-Improvement into Community Support