The Monkey, the Coconut, and What You Won't Let Go Of

The Monkey, the Coconut, and What You Won't Let Go Of

The Monkey, the Coconut, and What You Won't Let Go Of On aparigraha, a three-year-old in the hallway, and the art of loosening your grip. There's an old story about a monkey and a coconut — and it might be one of the most honest teachings yoga has ever offered us. In this episode, Andrea shares the full Hanuman story and explores the yogic principle of aparigraha (non-attachment): what it really means, why it's so hard, and what it looks like to actually live it. She also shares a real moment from a recent yin yoga class at her new studio — where her three-year-old running down the hallway mid-class became the most alive teaching of the day. Spoiler: she caught herself mid-grip. And it felt really good. In this episode ✦ The full Hanuman and coconut trap story — and what it teaches us about freedom ✦ What aparigraha (non-attachment) actually means in everyday life ✦ How Andrea embodied her own teaching in an unexpected moment of solo parenting ✦ Why yoga nidra and the 40-day sadhana are teaching her about letting go ✦ A reflection question for your summer: what is your sweet treat inside the coconut? Reflection prompt What are you clinging to right now? What is it that you're gripping so tightly that it's keeping you stuck? Let aparigraha be your invitation this summer — not to drop everything, but to notice where your fist is still closed. Mentioned in this episode ✦ Yin yoga class at [Studio Name] — new studio! ✦ Andrea's yoga nidra teacher training (5-month program with Tracee Stanley) ✦ 40-day sadhana — currently in progress ✦ Aparigraha — one of the yamas in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras Connect with Andrea 🌿 Website: andreaclaassen.com [https://andreaclaassen.com] 📩 Weekly newsletter [https://andreaclaassen.com/3-day-mini-cooldown-challenge] 🧘 Work with Andrea 1:1 [https://andreaclaassen.com/services] 💪 Seasonal Strength Summer Edition [https://andreaclaassen.com/seasonal-strength]

The right pairings on and off the mat

The Right Pairing | Hallmark Mysteries & More Have you ever had a song hit you at exactly the right moment and completely undo you? That's where this episode starts — with a beautiful, tear-worthy moment in Season 4 of The Way Home — and it takes us somewhere much deeper. In this episode Andrea explores the Ayurvedic concept of the gunas — the three fundamental qualities of tamas, rajas, and sattva — and how they show up in everything around us. The music paired with a scene. The chemistry between actors. The food on your plate. The yoga class you choose on a Tuesday morning. Once you start seeing the gunas, you can't unsee them. The big idea? The right pairing changes everything. And when you understand your own Ayurvedic framework, you stop following everyone else's wellness rules and start finding what actually works for you. Whether you're a The Way Home fan, an Ayurveda curious beginner, or somewhere in between — this episode will leave you seeing the qualities around you in a whole new way. Work With Andrea Ready to find your own perfect pairings? The 1:1 eight-week Yoga and Ayurveda program was made for exactly this. You'll learn your constitution, understand the gunas in your daily life, and build a framework that's uniquely yours. Virtual and in-person options available. 👉 Click here to learn more [https://andreaclaassen.com/nourishedandrooted] Connect With Andrea 🌐 Website: www.andreaclaassen.com [https://www.andreaclaassen.com] If you watched The Way Home this season drop a comment and let Andrea know how it landed for you — and which season is your favorite!

How I Used AI to Deepen My Yoga Philosophy Practice (And Why I'm Still Skeptical)

I'll be honest — I don't use AI a lot. But this summer I did something unexpected with it, and I genuinely loved the result. In this episode I'm sharing how I used AI to build a personal Yoga Sutras morning devotional practice — something I searched for everywhere and couldn't find. I walk you through what I asked for, what it's given me, and why I've been showing up for it every single morning since mid-May. I'm also sharing where I'm still skeptical. Because I will stop reading mid-sentence if something feels hollow and AI-generated — and I think a lot of you feel the same way. This one is honest, a little unexpected, and very much from the heart. In this episode: * Why I wanted a Yoga Sutras devotional practice this summer * How I used AI as a creative collaborator — not a replacement * The AI cadence that makes me stop reading (and why it matters) * Where I've landed on the question of AI in wellness spaces * The distinction that changed how I think about it: who's driving? Links & Resources mentioned: * 🌿 Join the Free Cool Down in 3 Days Challenge → Join Here [https://andreaclaassen.com/3-day-mini-cooldown-challenge] * 📖 Read the full blog post → www.andreaclaassen.com/blog [https://www.andreaclaassen.com/blog] The Peaceful Power Podcast with Andrea Claassen helps women slow down, tune in, and live with more intention through Ayurveda, yoga, and mindful movement.

Books, Balance & A Little Break: What I've Been Reading Lately

Episode Summary: Andrea shares her love of reading — from a lifelong passion to her current goal of 50 pages a day — along with her favorite books from the last few months. She also opens up about her intentional Instagram break starting May 19th, her heartwarming daily reading ritual with her boys, and gives a sneak peek at an upcoming Ayurvedic Book Club launching at Green Lotus this fall. Books Mentioned: * Finlay Donovan Series — Elle Cosimano (6 books) * Frozen River — Ariel Lawhon * My Name is Emilia Del Valle — Isabel Allende * When We Had Wings — Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris & Susan Meissner * The Power of the Pause — Jillian Pransky Highlights: * Andrea's lifelong love of reading & the connection to Sphinx pose in yoga * Her 50-pages-a-day goal and how reducing social media created the space for it * The 4:30 family reading ritual with her boys (and her 3-year-old's picture books 🥹) * Her oldest reading 100 books at school this year * Instagram break starting May 20th- staying connected via newsletter & podcast * Sneak peek: Ayurvedic Book Club at Green Lotus — in October Stay Connected: * 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter [https://andrea-claassen.kit.com/4f350608c1] * 🎙️ Follow the Peaceful Power Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZlgN40sMshUh5f3QFon7j?si=b2dce8ffdc8a43eb] * 🌿 Watch for Ayurvedic Book Club details coming soon!

Why Your Winter Practice Is Wrecking Your Summer

Episode Description If you've been feeling edgy, overheated, or like you just can't slow down this episode is your sign. Pitta season is here, and the practice that carried you through winter may be the very thing throwing you off balance now. In this episode, we're diving into the Ayurvedic wisdom of Pitta season: what it is, how summer changes your body and your yoga practice, and exactly what to do right now to stay cool, grounded, and powerfully at ease. This is your guide to seasonal strength the peaceful way. In This Episode You'll Learn * What Pitta season is and why it matters for your body and mind * The signs of Pitta imbalance (on and off the mat) you might be ignoring * Why seasonal strength in summer means cooling down, not pushing harder * How to shift your yoga practice for summer poses, pacing, and breath * Two cooling pranayama practices to try today: Sitali & Chandra Bhedana * The Ayurvedic foods that pacify fire (and what to dial back) * How the Niyama of Santosha (contentment) is your greatest summer practice Key Concepts Mentioned * Pitta Dosha — the Ayurvedic mind-body type governed by fire and water * Pitta Season — late spring through summer; a time of heat, intensity & transformation * Chandra Namaskar — Moon Salutations; a cooling alternative to Sun Salutations * Sitali Pranayama — cooling breath practice; inhale through a curled tongue * Chandra Bhedana — left nostril breathing; calming and cooling for the nervous system * Santosha — the Niyama of contentment; the spiritual antidote to Pitta overdrive * Viparita Karani — Legs Up the Wall pose; deeply restorative and cooling Cooling Poses Mentioned * Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) * Supine Twist * Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall) * Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation sequence) Pitta-Pacifying Foods to Explore Favor: cucumber, coconut, mint, cilantro, fennel, fresh fruits, leafy greens, ghee Reduce: spicy foods, fermented foods, excess salt, alcohol, caffeine Reflection Questions for Your Journal 1. Where in my life am I running too hot right now physically, emotionally, or mentally? 2. What would it look and feel like to bring more cooling into my daily routine? 3. Where can I practice Santosha contentment this week? Connect & Continue the Conversation * Follow the Peaceful Power Podcast: @seasonalandrea [https://www.instagram.com/seasonalandrea] * Website & offerings: www.andreaclaassen.com [https://www.andreaclaassen.com] * Email the show: andrea@andreaclaassen.com * Leave a review: Spotify link [https://open.spotify.com/show/7sGtULLy5phq6oIHKfUzrX?si=efb3dff56fac4e1b] Loved this episode? Share it with someone who might be running a little hot this summer. 🌿 Resources & Further Reading * Yoga by Indu Arora [https://shop.yogsadhna.com/products/yoga_ancient_heritage_tomorrows_vision] * The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — for a deeper dive into the Niyamas [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-secret-of-the-yoga-sutra-samadhi-pada_pandit-rajmani-tigunait/9960402/item/29759335/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_high_vol_scarce_%2410_%2450_17400876848&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17400878123&gbraid=0AAAAADwY45iw8YVQp9AAS5XeCJ3ytglUd&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeSejqBlZDxg3-M0wqGrj4VkqYrArYT9sPYNH_U-LbChfNNyyvXZugQoaAuaTEALw_wcB#idiq=29759335&edition=9434114] (my favorite translation) * Seasonal Strength [https://andreaclaassen.com/seasonal-strength] Peaceful Power Podcast is produced with love and released weekly. If this show has supported your practice, please subscribe and leave a review it helps more people find their way here. © Peaceful Power Podcast | www.andreaclaassen.com [https://www.andreaclaassen.com]