The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers
Description:
As yoga teachers, we can forget that we need to take care of ourselves too. Burnout and exhaustion are common occurrences among yoga teachers, especially now, which is why self-care is so important. Chara Caruthers is on the podcast to talk about how ayurveda and self-care are intertwined for yoga teachers.
Chara Caruthers is a registered yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist who has been practicing yoga since 1993. She is a wellness coach, registered ayurvedic practitioner with AAPNA and professional member of National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). As the founder of Bliss Body & Soul, Chara offers ayurveda courses, workshops, and an ayurvedic living community. Chara also hosts the Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast, where she shares more about how to live, age, parent, and just be more vibrantly engaged in the process of “growing up” in a way that feels balanced, authentic, graceful and juicy.
What is the role of ayurveda in self-care? Chara explains that we are each a unique individual, and accordingly our self-care needs differ according to who we are, how we are, and the environments we are in. She shares tips for tuning in to our inner selves, why self-care is essential especially when we’re busy, and so much more.
If you’ve wanted to know more about how to integrate Ayurveda into your own practice, or are needing to integrate self-care into your life, this is a great episode for you.
Key Takeaways:
[2:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chara Caruthers.
[8:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review!
[12:04] What is the work that Chara does and who does she do it for?
[13:14] How does ayurveda connect to self-care?
[14:44] How does self-care change depending on your doshas and the seasons?
[18:28] Where can we start to find information about ourselves and how we are?
[22:16] What are some ayurveda self-care tips for yoga teachers on days that are overwhelming?
[26:04] What does Chara's personal practice look like, and what are the expectations she has for herself?
[30:39] What are Chara's thoughts for a yoga teacher who thinks they don't have time or are too busy for self-care?
[35:19] As yoga teachers, we model the way for others, including with our own self-care.
[40:10] Shannon and Chara discuss why it is so important for people to have their own regular practice before training to become yoga teachers.
[46:54] Many of us are wanting to go out and do something about everything we're seeing in the world, but we can't do that unless we take care of ourselves first.
[51:48] Things that require mental energy and mental work can also be tiring. As yoga teachers who are trying to hold space for everyone who comes to you, it is all the more important to practice self-care for yourself.
[54:33] What are some things that have helped Chara in her self-care journey?
[57:29] Chara shares more about how she works with yoga teachers in the ayurveda space.
[63:17] Find out more about Chara and her work on her website and her podcast.
[64:18] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview, and invites you to share your self-care tips and tricks.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"Ayurveda is really about living longer. It's a system of health and wellness that focuses on longevity and so when you think about it in that sense, you realize ayurveda is all about self-care."
"What your body wants us to understand is that the way that we actually care for ourselves is by understanding who we are and how we operate."
"What's going on out in the world is also going on inside of us."
"Ayurveda wants us to know who we are and to know how we are so that we can make smarter choices for the things that we engage with, whether that be food or people or environments or yoga."
"We have this responsibility first and foremost to make really smart choices for ourselves. And that it starts with tuning into where we are and how we are."
"If we're not going to take care of ourselves, our bodies, our minds, who will?"
"Rest is going to look different for everybody, and so I think we have that responsibility to tune in to what rest actually feels like, what it actually is for each of us."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow
Description:
We all make mistakes. We all get things wrong, and say or do the wrong things at times. It is a part of being a yoga teacher, parent, coworker, friend, colleague, family member, partner, and every other role that we play. Being wrong is a part of learning and growing. In this episode, Shannon shares more from her experience about when she was wrong about some things and how she learned from these mistakes.
Staying stuck in previous knowledge and not learning from our mistakes doesn’t help anybody. Shannon draws on her own experiences as a yoga teacher, a teacher trainer, and as a podcaster to share some mistakes she has made and how she learned from them. She also shares how we can respond to the harm and hurt we may have caused, and how to receive feedback from others about our mistakes.
Being wrong is normal. What we need to do is learn and grow from our mistakes. This episode is a great reminder to all of us to normalize being wrong and about how we can do better.
Key Takeaways:
[3:43] Being wrong is a part of being a yoga teacher.
[7:47] We need to normalize being wrong.
[9:49] What would you do when you are in a position of having caused harm?
[10:48] Shannon shares an example of a mistake that happened recently within the Pelvic Health Professionals community.
[13:52] Shannon shares a personal example of how if we stay stuck in previous knowledge and stop learning, we will not be serving our students.
[16:23] Would you like to hear a podcast on what Shannon has learned about breath through the years?
[16:52] Shannon shares another example of when she learned to do better because she didn't have the information before.
[19:54] Shannon recalls how she started learning more to do better.
[22:04] We need to get comfortable with making mistakes and being wrong, but also with having more questions than answers.
[25:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[27:01] Getting feedback is part of learning from our mistakes.
[32:25] Receiving feedback can be really uncomfortable, and this is normal.
[33:04] When someone comes forward to share the hurt or harm you have caused with your words or actions, how can you respond? Shannon shares an example from her experience and reflects on her process of learning from feedback.
[41:13] We are all wrong sometimes, whether as yoga teachers, parents, coworkers, friends, colleagues, family members, partners, and all the different roles we play.
[42:58] How can we turn to the teachings of yoga in moments when we receive feedback and feel upset or defensive?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"We can't know everything about gardening or teaching yoga and really the best way to learn is to jump in and do the thing and learn as we go."
"Telling others that you don't know the answer to something or admitting that you were wrong is not a weakness. It is not showing that you don't know things. It takes a lot of strength and courage."
"If we stay stuck in previous knowledge, if we stop learning, we will not be serving our students."
"The thing that I hope we get really comfortable with as yoga teachers is not only making mistakes and being wrong, but also ending up with way more questions than answers. "
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard
Description:
Anger is a very human emotion that almost all of us experience, but society often encourages us to suppress it. Yet, dismissing, denying, or suppressing anger can cause it to spill out in the wrong way and unintentionally harm others. In this episode, Jacoby Ballard shares more about how anger, forgiveness, and self-care tie in together.
Jacoby Ballard is a social justice educator and yoga teacher with 20 year of experience. Since 2006, Jacoby has taught Queer and Trans Yoga, a space for queer folks to unfurl and cultivate resilience, and in 2008, they co-founded Third Root Community Health Center in Brooklyn to work at the nexus of healing and social justice. They lead workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, teach at conferences, and run a mentorship program specifically for yoga teachers, in addition to consulting in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space. Jacoby is also the author of a new book, A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation, released in 2021.
When we feel anger, we may think it is out of line with being ‘yogic’. Jacoby addresses this perception and explains how we can begin to understand and process the anger that we may feel. They share tips for calming the nervous system, strategies to integrate what’s going on in the world into your own practice, and how our daily practice can help up show up in the work that we do. Jacoby also shares more about their new book and what they have learned from the experience of writing it.
This is a remarkable episode that will speak to anyone who is feeling tired, worn down, angry, struggling to forgive or to be forgiven, or feeling ready to take on new challenges and wanting to gather their energy.
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] Shannon does a little check in with you.
[6:42] Check out Jacoby's book and join the book launch party!
[9:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[11:09] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jacoby Ballard.
[13:31] What does Jacoby do and who do they do it for?
[15:34] We may experience anger when looking at the injustices in the world, but this can feel like it's not in line with yoga. What are Jacoby's thoughts on that?
[18:15] What are some healthy ways to discharge anger and calm the nervous system?
[20:54] Society often encourages us to suppress anger and big emotions. How can we encourage healthy expression of this?
[23:43] What are some things we can do when we feel like we can't receive someone's message because of their anger?
[25:52] How does Jacoby integrate what's happening in the world into their own practice?
[28:50] Jacoby talks about how their daily practice and routines really enables them to show up in the work they do.
[31:07] What does Jacoby's self practice look like?
[34:54] Jacoby reads an excerpt from their book.
[37:12] Jacoby shares their experience of writing the book.
[39:27] What are some other examples of anger coming up that we should care about?
[39:27] What are some issues that Jacoby cares deeply about in the yoga world?
[40:31] Jacoby and Shannon discuss the question of 200hr yoga teacher trainings.
[42:42] As humans, we are going to feel harm and we are going to harm others.
[45:43] Jacoby shares their experience of teaching about compassion in a prison.
[50:59] Jacoby leaves us with a concluding message for yoga teachers.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"Anger is a very human emotion and if we dismiss it, or deny it, or oppress it then it's going to come out in all the wrong places and probably all over those that we care about most in our lives."
"If we don't look at the anger first, then we can't get to the heartbreak, the fear, or the exhaustion. And if we can't get there, then we can't heal, we can't get to the other side."
"Having the daily practices allows me to be grounded in myself, remember my commitment, remember my purpose, and then turn back towards whatever is calling my attention on a given day."
"I must create boundaries that protect me from internalizing harm while practicing compassion that allows me to remain sensitive to suffering around the world."
"Anger tells us, pay attention! Anger gives us the energy to do something, for something precious is being killed, injured, threatened, tarnished, taken, abused, polluted, appropriated or harmed."
"Working with feedback, inviting feedback and working with it really conscientiously is so important in so many yoga dharma spaces."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
245: Share Your Yoga on Insight Timer with Liza Colpa
Description:
For many yoga teachers now, building your unique yoga business includes figuring out how to teach yoga online. While Zoom classes and audio recordings are options, you can also consider Insight Timer as another avenue to grow your yoga business. Liza Colpa is on the podcast to share more about her experience with Insight Timer, as well as some useful information to help you get started.
Liza came to yoga as a teenager, and after ten years of practice, went on to become a yoga teacher. Today, Liza teaches yoga and meditation, and recently set up her independent and online business. She focuses on creating meditation and yoga video content for people who believe in the power of yoga and meditation as tools to improve their lives. She currently offers meditations and 1:1 coaching through Insight Timer, as well as uses Insight Timer for live classes, and online courses.
Being on Insight Timer has allowed Liza to have a well-paying career as a yoga teacher. She shares how she got started on the platform, and her tips to continue growing her audience. Liza gives her recommendations on equipment and software you can use to get started, how to get paid, and how Insight Timer can complement your yoga business. If you are looking for a new platform to grow your yoga business and become a successful, well-paid yoga teacher, this episode on Insight Timer is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Liza Colpa.
[7:31] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review!
[11:27] What is the work that Liza does and who does she do it for?
[12:36] What prompted Liza to move onto Insight Timer?
[14:17] Some yoga teachers have tried applying to be on Insight Timer but they haven't received any response. What are Liza's thoughts on this?
[16:42] What equipment does Liza recommend to get started on Insight Timer?
[18:02] What editing software does Liza suggest?
[19:19] Does Liza only share pre-recorded videos or does she also do live classes?
[20:50] How does scheduling work on Insight Timer?
[21:54] Shannon and Liza discuss how payments and getting paid works on Insight Timer.
[24:56] What are the rules around promoting your own offerings on Insight Timer?
[26:34] What kind of tech support or training is available for yoga teachers looking to get started?
[27:54] What is something Liza wishes she had known when she started using Insight Timer?
[30:26] Liza shares more about doing courses on Insight Timer.
[31:54] What are some of Liza's offerings available on Insight Timer?
[35:47] How did Liza cultivate an audience on Insight Timer?
[38:08] Find out more about Liza and her work on Insight Timer, and check out her website too.
[39:50] Are you on Insight Timer? Share with us so we can connect with you!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"I truly believe that we've entered into a stage of quality content being really desired by these platforms."
"As a content creator and yoga teacher and meditation teacher you are learning, sometimes as you go."
"The tools are there. It's just a matter of being like, how do I get bold and confident and just say out loud, I'm a yoga teacher, this is my career, this is my business and every single donation that you give me, goes straight to me and thank you for supporting me and helping me support you and being a patron of my craft."
"That's the hardest part for a content creator is just to simply do it just to record just to hit post."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
244: Create & Share Audio Recordings with Claire Villarreal
Description:
The pandemic has forced most yoga teachers to teach yoga online, but a less common alternative (or addition!) to videos is audio recordings. A lot of yoga teachers think doing audio recordings is difficult, but this isn’t the case. Claire Villarreal has a wealth of experience in creating audio recordings, and she shares all her expertise on this episode.
Claire works to adapt traditional Buddhist teachings for the demands of modern life, particularly focusing on guided meditations. She began meditating daily in 1997 in the Theravada and Vajrayāna traditions, and she has traveled to study and meditate in traditional settings around the world. She is the former Programs Director for Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism and former board member for Compassionate Houston. Currently, Claire contributes to a GenX dharma teachers community, and she is funded by the Hemera Foundation to write and podcast about what Tibetan teachings on reincarnation can teach us about living well.
Claire explains how you can record good quality audio using only your phone and a set of earbuds, as well as the software you can use to transcribe a meditation, how to edit and store your audio, what format to save it in and more technical details. This episode is for you if you want to create audio recordings for your students to take home or as a freebie to build your email list - it is a quick and easy starting place to explore if audio recordings are the right fit for your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Claire Villarreal.
[7:14] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity.
[11:55] What does Claire do and who does she do it for?
[13:01] A lot of people think that creating audio recordings is too difficult, but it's not!
[14:01] What is the quickest way to get started doing audio recording with our phones?
[15:01] Audio recordings can also be helpful in situations where visuals aren't the best way to convey the message.
[15:42] How should the microphone be set up for the best audio quality?
[17:36] What is the best way to edit audio to make it sound good?
[20:31] Shannon pops in with an update on the episode on closed captions for Zoom with Landon Stacy and to talk about the transcription tool she uses.
[24:07] What does Claire recommend doing with the transcript of your audio recording?
[26:03] Claire recommends recording a live session or training you are doing and using the transcript of that as a starting point for a script you can read.
[26:56] Claire shares some tips around where to record.
[28:40] Claire talks about her process of recording and what she does after she has recorded her audio.
[30:54] Tip: If possible, record in a wav format rather than mp3 format.
[33:27] Claire makes a note about recording directly to your computer vs. to your phone and transferring to the computer.
[35:57] Audacity is a good option for audio editing software that you can use to clean up the audio recording.
[37:17] Claire describes the three main functions she performs using her audio editing software.
[39:04] Shannon shares some of her tips from her experience of recording podcasts.
[40:23] How can we achieve a meditation quality in our audio recordings?
[42:38] Claire shares a little about teaching on Insight Timer.
[48:04] Check out the next episode for more information about using Insight Timer in your yoga business.
[48:43] Insight Timer presents a huge opportunity for yoga teachers.
[49:28] How can we stop our audio recordings from turning off automatically?
[52:52] Claire shares some final thoughts about creating and sharing audio recordings.
[54:14] Connect with Claire via her website and check out her podcast!
[55:05] Are you going to start using audio recordings in your yoga business? Let us know in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
“[Creating audio recordings] is way more accessible than people think."
"It'll probably take recording some test recordings a few times to get your setup right. But once you have your setup the way you want it, it's pretty easy to just go back in and record another episode."
"You have to figure out the right relationship between the microphone and your mouth."
"If possible, it's great to record in a wav format instead of MP3."
"Experimentation is the heart of finding your audio sound."
"How you're feeling comes across so clearly in your voice."
"I think it is better to put stuff out there and get feedback and grow than to hold back because you think you're not good enough."