Yoga Solutions Podcast for Mindfulness & Transformation

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I connect with Sangeeta Lerner, a yoga teacher, social justice activist, and the visionary behind Annapurna House. Sangeeta’s work integrates yoga, anti-oppression, and community care, creating spaces for repair, restoration, and collective well-being. She brings her lived experiences as a creative director turned yoga teacher, a survivor of personal trauma, and a mother to the forefront of her teachings, weaving together the personal and the political.   Sangeeta and I explore how yoga serves as a practice of liberation and resistance, grounding us in our humanity while challenging the systems that demand endless optimization. She shares deeply personal stories of resilience and transformation, offers practices to reconnect with our breath and natural rhythm, and calls on us to slow down, rest, and resist the pressures of capitalist culture. Key Takeaways from This Episode: - [00:03:29] The Role of Yoga in Navigating Injustice and Trauma - [00:05:20] How Breath Awareness Builds Resilience in Moments of Crisis - [00:10:00] Recognizing and Returning to Your Natural Rhythm - [00:16:35] The Power of Co-Regulation in Parenthood and Community - [00:19:19] Why Yoga Should Center Rest, Repair, and Anticapitalism - [00:23:00] Understanding the Harm of Misrepresenting Yoga in Modern Culture Quotes from the Episode: “Capitalism always makes us move faster than our rhythm. But we can reclaim our pace, even in small moments—waiting for a bus or sitting in the toilet.”    “Yoga isn’t about bettering yourself endlessly. It’s about slowing down, resting, and repairing—becoming a better human, not a better machine.”  Yoke Yoga This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ [https://carakovacs.mykajabi.com/course] Yoke Yoga [https://yokeyoga.com/] The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.     Buttons to Download Yoke Yoga Social [https://yokeyoga.com/] @yokeyogasocial [https://www.instagram.com/yokeyogasocial/]     Connect with Sangeeta:  Website [https://www.annapurna-house.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yogamitsangeeta/]     Susanna’s Socials:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susannabarkataki/] Website [https://www.susannabarkataki.com/]     Medical Disclaimer: Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I speak with Daniel Chandranayagam, a deeply compassionate yoga teacher, writer, and fitness professional who specializes in bringing yoga’s grounding presence to those facing significant life challenges. With a background spanning personal training and extensive yoga instruction, Daniel has devoted much of his life to teaching yoga as a means of support, especially to vulnerable communities like the visually impaired, at-risk youth, and survivors of human trafficking. In our conversation, Daniel shares profound insights into how yoga has helped him navigate grief, especially through experiences of caring for his parents during illness and loss. We delve into the powerful ways yoga can guide us through anticipatory grief, the importance of grounding practices, and the role of breathwork in processing difficult emotions. Daniel also emphasizes yoga as a service, reflecting on his work with various communities and how these experiences continue to shape his approach to teaching.   Key Takeaways from This Episode: [01:57] - How Yoga Supported Daniel During His Parents’ Illnesses [04:46] - Techniques for Anticipatory Grief: The “Inhale for Me, Exhale for You” Practice [13:58] - Embracing Yoga as Service: Teaching Vulnerable Communities [27:18] - Working with Human Trafficking Survivors: Building Trust and Relief through Yoga [32:57] - Embracing Grief and Collective Healing in Today’s World   Quotes from the Episode: “Yoga teaches you to take a step back and see everything as a connection of love, even when it’s difficult. It gives you the tools to hold space, for yourself and others.” “Grief isn’t just letting go—it’s a way to honor those who’ve shaped you, carrying forward the light they left in you.”   Yoke Yoga This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ [https://carakovacs.mykajabi.com/course] Yoke Yoga [https://yokeyoga.com/] The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.   Buttons to Download Yoke Yoga Social [https://yokeyoga.com/]  @yokeyogasocial [https://www.instagram.com/yokeyogasocial/]   Connect with Daniel:  Website [https://danyogafit.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dan_yogafit/]   Susanna’s Socials:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susannabarkataki/] Website [https://www.susannabarkataki.com/]   Medical Disclaimer: Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I have the pleasure of connecting with Alysia Makhani, a compassionate and skilled integrative health nurse, therapeutic yoga teacher, and the visionary founder of Flor Verde Healing. With a deep commitment to holistic wellness, Alysia draws from her expertise in health and therapeutic practices to guide patients and clients alike toward greater balance and healing. As a creator on Yoke Yoga, she offers tools for individuals to connect body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing mindful self-care that truly meets people where they are.   In our conversation, we explore how yoga and mindfulness techniques can be seamlessly woven into daily life as anchors for mental and emotional support. Alysia shares insights into managing anxiety and stress in real-time, offering tools and techniques she uses with patients in high-pressure environments, like hospitals, as well as with nursing students and other practitioners.    We also discuss the social and systemic elements that shape our well-being, from the challenges of late-stage capitalism to the often-hidden barriers in Western healthcare that yoga and mind-body practices can help to address.   Key Takeaways from This Episode: - [06:41] Defining Anxiety and Its Impact - [10:07] The Role of Capitalism in Anxiety - [13:39] Humanizing Yoga Teachers - [18:22] Normalizing Mind-Body Practices in Healthcare - [22:16] Evidence-Based Practices in Yoga - [27:02] Pranayama Practices for Anxiety Quotes from the Episode: “Our bodies are listening to us, so when we slow our breath, it’s like we’re giving our nervous system a gentle hug.”   “When we integrate mindfulness and breathing into healthcare, we’re not only treating symptoms but supporting the whole person.” Yoke Yoga This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ [https://carakovacs.mykajabi.com/course] Yoke Yoga [https://yokeyoga.com/] The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.   Buttons to Download Yoke Yoga Social [https://yokeyoga.com/]  @yokeyogasocial [https://www.instagram.com/yokeyogasocial/]   Connect with Alysia:  Website [https://www.florverdehealing.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flor.verde.healing]   Susanna’s Socials:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susannabarkataki/] Website [https://www.susannabarkataki.com/] Medical Disclaimer: Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I guide you through practical yoga techniques to help manage election anxiety and related stress. Whether you’re feeling tightness in your chest, struggling with sleeplessness, or simply overwhelmed by the weight of the world, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone. These physical and emotional signs of anxiety reflect the imbalance in the world around us. Together, we acknowledge the added burden on marginalized communities during election cycles and learn how to use yoga not just for self-soothing, but for radical personal and societal transformation.   In this episode, we practice mindful breathing, grounding yoga postures, and deep listening—all aimed at soothing anxiety and fostering community care. I introduce you to the concept of Satya (truth) and how we can use our voices for justice, Aparigraha (non-attachment) to release fear of the unknown, and Ahimsa (non-harm) to stay engaged in activism without burning out.   Join me in harnessing the transformative power of yoga to stay grounded, strong, and committed to justice during turbulent times. Key Takeaways from This Episode: - [01:48] Understanding Collective Anxiety - [05:11] The Power of Ahimsa and Community Care - [06:16] Pranayama Practice: Simhasana (Lion's Breath) - [07:22] Transforming Anger with Lion's Breath - [08:40] Centering with Heart Space and Gyan Mudra Quotes from the Episode: “This is not just personal. This is part of a larger collective anxiety around justice, fairness, and human rights. You are not alone.”   “Yoga is not only about feeling better personally, but about showing up for others. It’s about embodying justice in all aspects of life.” Yoke Yoga This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ [https://carakovacs.mykajabi.com/course] Yoke Yoga [https://yokeyoga.com/] The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.     Buttons to Download Yoke Yoga Social [https://yokeyoga.com/]  @yokeyogasocial [https://www.instagram.com/yokeyogasocial/]   Susanna’s Socials:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susannabarkataki/] Website [https://www.susannabarkataki.com/] Medical Disclaimer: Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.

For today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Monica Bright to explore how yoga can address chronic pain and deepen our connection to our bodies. Monica brings her extensive background in education and movement modalities to her yoga practice, enriching her teachings with a unique focus on body awareness and intentional movement.   Monica shares her journey from being an elementary school teacher and educational consultant to becoming a yoga teacher in 2012. Her passion for studying the human body and various movement modalities has set her apart in the yoga community. Now, she teaches online through her studio and has classes available on the Yoke Yoga app. Throughout this episode, Monica reminds us of the importance of slowing down, being intentional, and fostering a deeper connection with our bodies.     Key Takeaways from This Episode: - [04:13] The Importance of Proprioception and Interoception - [09:48] Yoga for Chronic Pain  - [13:30] Handling Common Yoga Injuries and Teaching Modifications - [16:23] The Benefits of Yoga: Research and Insights - [23:18] Monica's Yoga Classes on Yoke Yoga     Quotes from the Episode: “Practicing yoga is not just about the physical poses; it’s about tuning into our bodies, understanding our feelings, and being more intentional.”   “Always be in the inquiry. Always be questioning how does this feel? Does it feel okay? Does it feel different on one side compared to the other?”     Yoke Yoga This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ [https://carakovacs.mykajabi.com/course] Yoke Yoga [https://yokeyoga.com/] The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.     Buttons to Download Yoke Yoga Social [https://yokeyoga.com/]  @yokeyogasocial [https://www.instagram.com/yokeyogasocial/]     Connect with Monica:  Website [https://www.enhanced-body.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/monicacbright/?hl=en-gb]      Susanna’s Socials:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susannabarkataki/] Website [https://www.susannabarkataki.com/] Medical Disclaimer: Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.