The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

317: Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko 0

Mar 27, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

317: Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko

Description:

As we age, our balance reaction changes, our strength decreases, and our general mobility is reduced. This can put us at greater risk of falls. Movement is a great tool to help prevent falls, improve balance, and also reduce the risk of injuries. In this episode, Shelly Prosko shares more about her new offer - Balance Flow Yoga - designed to address these common concerns.

Why is balance so important for yoga teachers, yoga students, and people who are interested in pelvic health? Shelly explains how she came to offer Balance Flow Yoga and why it is such a relevant topic for everyone. This offer is created in such a way that yoga teachers would be able to experience it and then go on to share it in their community - why was this such an essential part of how this program is structured and what’s covered in the program? Shelly answers these questions and more.

Tune in to learn more about Balance Flow Yoga and how you can join the upcoming training sessions with Shelly Prosko!

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[2:29] Shannon welcomes returning guest Shelly Prosko to the podcast.

[2:29] What is the work that Shelly does?

[4:26] How did the idea for Balance Flow Yoga come about?

[7:36] How has Shelly been sharing Balance Flow Yoga out in her community?

[9:16] Why did Shelly think that it was important for yoga teachers to be able to share this in their community?

[16:39] Shannon pops in with a quick message about OfferingTree.

[18:15] Shelly talks about some of the things they cover in terms of the balance aspect in her course.

[19:13] Balance Flow Yoga also has a connection to the pelvic floor.

[22:14] Shannon shares the details of the upcoming Balance Flow Yoga course.

[23:01] Who should attend and what should you bring when you sign up?

[25:11] Get the early bird pricing if you sign up by the end of March!

[25:56] Sign up for Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko on the Pelvic Health Professionals website.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“"We have evidence that shows movement is really good to help prevent falls, to help improve our balance and also reduce the risk of injuries."

"It's wonderful to be able to translate the research... and then to actually offer that in the community for everybody."

"Our world just kind of gets smaller and smaller and we do less and less because we're afraid to fall. And then that causes it, it perpetuates the cycle."

"We can look at different meditative practices and different breathing practices that can not only help us with our movement but also with the emotions of confidence and self compassion."

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316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow 0

Mar 20, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow

Description:

Do you plan out your vacation days, holidays, and CEO days? Do you schedule them into your calendar to ensure you have no-work days to look forward to? If you don’t already do this, this episode is for you!

It can feel uncomfortable to take time off work, or even impossible but we need to find a balance. Shannon shares how she has managed to take time off for holidays and vacations even as a single mother of three young children and encourages you to reflect on the time you would like to take off in your yoga business. She also talks about the importance of taking CEO days in your business to plan and move forward. Listen in for tips on how to plan for vacations and holidays in your business, especially if you feel like you don't have time to take time off from work!

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Shannon continues the theme of the last few podcast episodes in talking about taking breaks, time off, and vacations.

[4:01] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[6:56] To help plan out her vacations and time off from work, Shannon recommends looking at a big annual calendar to see the year at a glance.

[8:29] Ask yourself: How many days off a year do you want to take for a vacation, staycation, or just to not work?

[10:25] Shannon invites you to reflect on a number for the amount of time you would like to take off working and to notice what comes up for you.

[11:53] You can plan for time off and give yourself the flexibility to change things if needed.

[12:54] Add your vacation time to your calendar. Then mark off the holidays that you want to take off work too. Include state and country holidays, but also think about if there are special days (birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations) you want to be off work too!

[13:33] Shannon uses OfferingTree to help her to plan her vacations, holidays, and time off.

[15:00] CEO days are planning times for you to look at data from your business and your goals and make big plans.

[18:27] Shannon shares some other resources that may be helpful to you as you plan out your vacations, time off, and CEO planning days.

[19:56] Hang out with Shannon in real-time!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"How many days off a year do you want to take for vacation or a staycation?"

"The important thing is that you are adding some vacation time to your calendar."

"CEO planning time is where you get to look at the data from your business and your big goals and dreams and ideas and you get to plan big."

"I want to see you really sustain yourself and be in this and enjoying your life outside of work."

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315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow 0

Mar 13, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow

Description:

Apart from taking breaks in your work day, it is also important to take time off from work. Whether that’s vacations, time away from teaching yoga, or time off for personal development or your mental health and wellbeing, this is a critical element of not getting burnt out. Shannon Crow shares insights from our very own Connected Yoga Teachers.

Shannon reads comments from different yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about how and when they take time off. Everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not for others. Tune in to hear how different yoga business owners are working time off into their schedule and use this episode as an inspiration for you to take more time off work too!

Key Takeaways:

[1:02] This week's episode will focus on taking time off, especially when you're feeling overworked and stretched to your limit.

[1:48] Have you heard about the 4-day work week? Shannon shares some findings from the largest trial of the 4-day work week.

[3:25] Shannon plans her time off and then fits her work time in.

[5:33] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[7:07] Shannon recently asked yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about their thoughts on taking time off.

[8:35] Shannon reads a reply from Erin Olsson.

[10:59] Shannon shares some comments from Jennifer Parker about how taking time off has evolved for her, and Rebecca Sebastian's comment about how Jennifer inspired her.

[14:42] Shannon reads a comment from Nathan Shiva retiring early to follow his passion - yoga.

[15:51] Before reading a few more shares from yoga teachers, Shannon answers a question she often gets about how to create an online studio membership. OfferingTree is a great option to check out!

[17:07] Charisma Whitefeather commented on the post that she takes about 50 days off a year!

[17:42] If you feel like it's impossible for you to take that many days off, Shannon invites you to explore how you can start taking action to make that a reality.

[18:58] Some yoga teachers shared their less-than-ideal situation with taking time off.

[21:59] Another yoga teacher, Sarah Garden, commented that most yoga teachers who live off their yoga income alone work too much.

[24:10] Shannon reads another comment shared by Barbara Germershausen.

[26:24] Everyone has a unique situation - not everyone's 24 hours looks the same.

[28:11] Shannon gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming episodes and some exciting real-time events!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“Time off has a really positive impact for employees for sure, but also for companies.”

"What I actually do is plan my time off and then fit my work time in."

"Let's start small and slow if that feels like a good fit for you."

"What would be the baby step to make [your dream time off] possible?"

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314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow 0

Mar 6, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow

Description:

Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult to do. It can be easy to dive into your work and forget about taking time off until you hit burnout or start to resent your schedule and even the work you do! Planning your breaks into your schedule can be helpful.

Shannon Crow shares a series of journaling prompts that you can use to reflect on what your ideal week would look like, as well as to include breaks into your work schedule. Using these journal prompts, take some time to write your responses and see what comes up for you. Then, start getting creative on how you can implement this into your life.

This episode is perfect for anyone who is serious about taking breaks from work and is keen to take action to create their ideal schedule!

Key Takeaways:

[0:56] Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult!

[2:32] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTreel and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[3:56] Sometimes, we are in a season where we don't get time off.

[6:25] This podcast is an actionable podcast, so go get your paper and pen or somewhere to write!

[8:33] Shannon has some journaling prompts for you if you are serious about taking time off.

[15:59] Take your time with these questions and make your responses as detailed as possible.

[16:26] How can you set up reminders for yourself about the important things as you set up your work schedule?

[16:56] Shannon shares a tip that has worked very well for her to manage her schedule.

[18:17] Join the conversation about taking time off in the Connected Yoga Teachers Facebook group and share your ideal week with Shannon!

[19:05] If you want to connect with Shannon in real time, there are some fun ways to do that!

Journal Prompts

On an ideal work day, I feel…
I can easily get my meaningful work done between the hours of _____ to _____.
An ideal start to my day feels…
Before I start work for the day, I want to…
The next one is my lunch break is _____ hours.
Between work, I take _____ minute breaks where I…
At the end of my workday, I feel…
To close my workday, I do these three things.
Before I move into "after work" time, I…
In my average work week, I have _____ days off.
Is there anything else that you want to feel or outline to have your ideal work week?

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“It can be so easy to focus on the work and forget about time off until you hit burnout."

"We want to build a schedule that is not only sustainable but is also your dream schedule because that's why you became an entrepreneur."

"Notice with compassion what feelings start to come up as you outline your work hours."

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313: 6 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow 0

Feb 27, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

313: 6 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow

Description:

Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! Thank you, dear listener, for your continued support of the podcast through the years. Shannon reflects on her journey in the past six years of podcasting and shares her gratitude for the team, sponsors, and people around her who have helped keep the podcast going.

Keeping a podcast going for six years is no small feat. Shannon also shares some of the tools she uses to keep organized and how she has managed to never run out of content ideas! Tune in to hear some of Shannon’s lessons learned from podcasting.

Key Takeaways:

[0:57] Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast!

[2:18] Shannon thanks you, the listener, for your continued support of the podcast.

[3:55] Shannon gives a shout out to the team that helps create the podcast each and every week.

[7:02] Special thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[8:37] How does it feel to be podcasting for six years?

[9:31] Shannon has a spreadsheet where she keeps track of every single podcast episode. It shows every single topic that was covered and the guests who have come on the podcast. Shannon reflects on this.

[11:08] One thing that keeps Shannon going on the tough days is thinking about how she helps yoga teachers. She keeps the podcast organized with Trello.

[13:05] For Shannon, a huge part of being able to come up with content for the podcast has been focusing on her niche.

[14:58] How can you apply to be a guest on the podcast?

[16:47] Shannon has a quick message for you about OfferingTree.

[19:03] Shannon is grateful to be in a place where it feels like the work she does is the right fit.

[20:24] Shannon shares her gratitude for other people who have helped her keep the podcast going by supporting her.

[22:28] Shannon has learned some big lessons from her podcasting journey.

[23:32] Shannon summarizes her six-year podcasting journey.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"If you are looking at a big project, don't look at all the what ifs and where that might lead. Don't let that hold you back or scare you."

"Podcasting is not about having all the answers, it is about listening."

" I am incredibly grateful and a lot of that gratitude is to you because you are here listening and supporting the podcast and you're the reason for the podcast."

"If you have an idea, what is one small baby step that you could do towards that idea today?”

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312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall 0

Feb 20, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall

Description:

We must not be afraid to speak up when we see harm taking place in the yoga world - that is part of yoga. Recently, there was recent news that Bikram Choudhury was scheduled to teach in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. If you are unaware of this, there are some resources you can use to learn more about why this is problematic and why it is upsetting many people in the yoga world.

In this episode, Shannon Crow is joined by Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss this recent event. They share what actions they and others in the yoga community took to put pressure on the organizers and hotel to stop the event from happening and what additional actions we can take to bring Bikram to justice.

Bikram will no longer present at the event as he was originally scheduled to but there is still more to be done to hold him accountable for his actions and the abuse he inflicted on women in his yoga classes and trainings. Tune in to find out more about what you can do and how we can collectively disrupt the sexual assault and harm that occurs in yoga spaces.

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] Shannon reads a note to the survivors.

[3:39] This podcast interview was recorded live with Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss the recent news of Bikram Choudhury teaching in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

[5:14] Shannon shares some resources where you can read more about the current situation.

[7:10] Shannon gives thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[8:43] There has been a recent wave of effort to keep Bikram out of Canada, and it has worked but there are many more questions arising from this situation.

[13:36] Colin Hall, Rebecca Sebastian, and Shannon Crow introduce themselves.

[16:09] Rebecca and Colin share some resources where you can get the backstory of what happened with Bikram.

[18:59] Colin started investigating who was behind bringing Bikram to Canada.

[22:27] Rebecca shares some of her tips on how to make movement happen, especially when dealing with non-profits.

[24:31] Shannon shares that there are survivors of abuse from Bikram who are being threatened by organizers of this event.

[27:11] Is this water under the bridge? Is this something that happened and we should all move on? Colin explains why not.

[29:20] Josh Cooper joins the call to share his experience in speaking directly with the GM of the hotel where the event was set to take place.

[32:04] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[33:11 - 33:12] Rebecca has some action steps that you can take if you are in the US.

[35:10] Colin explains some of the actions that he and other Canadian yoga teachers took to stop Bikram from teaching yoga in Canada and what actions you can take now.

[39:45] How can we decrease sexual assault and harm caused by the power imbalance in yoga?

[43:19] Shannon and Rebecca share their thoughts on why people might still be signing up for Bikram's trainings and what we can do about it.

[49:18] Not everyone, even in the yoga world, is aware of Bikram and what he did.

[52:05] How do we separate the yoga that we do from the people and the harm they caused?

[57:42] When people get together and organize, you can get results.

[60:16] Rebecca shares some resources for people who have experienced sexual assault.

[61:03] Shannon shares some takeaways and upcoming events you can join.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"How do we stop the abuse of power that is so prevalent in the yoga world?" - Shannon

"The truth is that we will get more impact by following the money." - Rebecca

"So many people are coming into our practices with that vulnerability piece." - Rebecca

"When people get together and organize, you get results." - Colin Hall

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311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow 0

Feb 13, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow

Description:

Your personal yoga practice doesn’t have to be long and complicated. It can be short and simple. You can start with a small seed and grow your personal practice from there. The important part is taking the time daily to do something that feels helpful and nurturing to you.

In this episode, Shannon Crow invites you to take a few minutes to do this short personal practice with her. If you have been wanting to start a short personal yoga routine but feel overwhelmed or like you don’t have time, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

[2:19] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - planting the first seeds of a personal practice.

[5:56] Shannon thanks the sponsors of the podcast, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[9:03] Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you?

[10:22] Shannon invites you to find a comfortable spot to start your personal practice right now.

[11:24] Check in with yourself to see what you need in this moment.

[12:05] Shannon shares the poem The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson.

[14:11] Shannon reads an email she received from the author of the poem, Pat Brisson.

[15:50] This is an example of a very short personal practice.

[16:45] Shannon has some resources that might be helpful as you explore building your own personal practice.

[17:44] Do you have a short personal practice? Share it with Shannon!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you?"

"Check in and see: What do I need in this moment?"

“Sometimes we're starting with something that's way too complicated when we're trying to add in a personal practice. So I hope this illustrates how short it can be, how simple it can be.”

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310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow 0

Feb 6, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow

Description:

Many yoga teachers started teaching yoga because they experienced the benefits of it for themselves and wanted to share it with others. However, once they start teaching and dive into running a yoga business, it can feel challenging to maintain a consistent personal yoga practice.

In this episode, Shannon Crow explores the reasons yoga teachers often give for not creating a self-care practice that feels nurturing to them, and what the benefits are of cultivating that personal practice. She shares her tips and strategies that have helped her form habits around her personal yoga routine and explains why falling away from our practice is normal - and how to get back to it. If you have been wanting to start a yoga routine for yourself, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - how to create and maintain a personal yoga practice.

[3:17] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[4:40] What is holding you back from creating a self-care practice that is nurturing for you?

[6:22] You are not alone if you have fallen away from your personal yoga practice.

[9:15] Why is having a personal practice so important?

[10:34] Shannon invites you to consider the intention of your personal practice as well as what your dream personal practice looks like.

[12:03] If creating a personal practice feels impossible to you right now, Shannon encourages you to dig into why that is.

[12:33] You don't need to choose movement as a part of your personal practice if it doesn't feel good to you.

[14:28] You can try out your chosen practice for a set amount of time to see how it feels to you.

[16:29] Shannon pops in to share how she is personally using OfferingTree to book podcast guests.

[18:18] Why is creating a routine around our personal practice so important?

[20:01] Shannon shares some tips and strategies to make it easier to start and maintain a habit.

[23:34] How can we get back to our personal practice when life throws us off track?

[27:06] How do you build a personal practice and stick to it? What are your tips and ideas? Share them!

[27:56] Shannon shares ways that you can connect with her in real time.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"What is holding you back from creating a self care practice that is nurturing for you?"

"Your personal practice is an amazing source of fuel for your life and business. It's like a promise that you make to yourself."

"Don't wait for the someday of it. Build your ideal personal practice and you'll slowly see that your ideal schedule will also build out of that."

"Similarity and routine really brings us comfort as humans and it really helps us to build it into being a habit."

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309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow 0

Jan 30, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow

Description:

Just like in nature, we go through different seasons in our business and in life. Each season is characterized by different rhythms and needs, and no one season lasts forever. How can we embrace these changing seasons and get the most out of each season instead of fighting it?

In this episode, Shannon Crow shares more about the four different seasons you may encounter in your business. She explains what you may be feeling in winter, spring, summer, and fall/autumn, as well as how you can adapt your business activities to match the seasons. Shannon also reminds us that your season in business may be impacted by things outside your control and that other people may be in different seasons from you. Tune in to find out how to work with the seasons and find balance in your business.

Key Takeaways:

[2:18] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - the four seasons of business.

[2:29] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[5:34] What season of life or business are you in now? This may not align with the seasons of nature or the seasons of the people around you, and may be impacted by things outside your control.

[8:09] As there are four seasons in nature, there are also four seasons in business.

[8:23] Shannon outlines some of the things that you might experience in a winter season of your business.

[11:54] Avoid looking at other people who may be in a different season in their business and comparing yourself to them.

[13:42] What can a spring season bring for your business?

[16:28] Shannon shares how she is using OfferingTree in her business.

[18:13] Summer is the season of growth and thriving in your business.

[22:22] Fall is the season of harvest. It is also a time to clean up and get ready for the next growing season.

[24:41] Fall is also a great time to save up.

[26:01] What have you noticed about the seasons of business or life that you're experiencing or have experienced?

[27:35] Connect with Shannon in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Seasons always change and there's a way to embrace it and get the most out of it instead of fighting against it."

"Winter is an amazing time to evaluate what's working, to check in on what's draining you, and let go of what is no longer a good fit."

"[Spring] is all about possibility and potential new growth."

"Fall is also a great time to save up."

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308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow 0

Jan 23, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow

Description:

As yoga teachers, we all know that we cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot give to others or connect with others, nor do our most creative and meaningful work when we're feeling exhausted, drained, and depleted. That’s why it’s important to take time to rest and refuel when things feel tough and overwhelming.

In this episode, Shannon Crow shares some of her strategies for finding time to rest and recharge every day and why rest is so important for us. However, rest isn’t just about sleeping and there are different kinds of rest we need. Shannon invites you to consider: What would it look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?

Key Takeaways:

[1:16] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - taking time to rest and refuel.

[1:41] Shannon shares an update from sponsor, OfferingTree.

[4:32] What can you do in this moment that would bring you ease and comfort as you listen?

[5:52] Check in with yourself to see what emotions are here for you at this moment.

[7:13] Shannon shares why noticing your emotions is a key part of resting and refueling.

[9:47] Shannon shares a little about her own journey in finding time to rest and refuel.

[15:23] Yoga teachers and entrepreneurs often ask Shannon how she's gotten to a place where she's been podcasting for almost 6 years and working for herself for 18 years.

[15:23] We can often have our inner critic kick in. It is important to notice when this happens.

[16:30] When she's going through a tough time, Shannon asks herself two questions. 1) How am I feeling?, 2) What baby steps can I take to bring more ease and comfort in this tough moment?

[18:56] We can find ways to fit rest and restoration into our daily lives.

[21:29] What would that look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?

[24:00] Shannon shares what's upcoming on the podcast.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“What could you do in this moment that would bring you ease and comfort?”

“Acknowledge those feelings, it's okay to not be okay.” - Tess Jewell-Larson

“We can't just depend on sleep to restore us.”

“What would that look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?”

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307: Taking Diet-Culture Out of Ayurveda with Diane Finlayson 0

Jan 16, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

307: Taking Diet-Culture Out of Ayurveda with Diane Finlayson

Description:

One of the harmful messages that we get in the broader health and wellness industry and in the yoga world is arounddiet culture. How does it show up in Ayurveda as well, and what can we do about it? Diane Finlayson shares her insights.

Diane Finlayson has been educating yoga teachers, therapists, ayurvedic and meditation facilitators for the past 20 years. Diane recently retired from her service at MUIH (Maryland University of Integrative Health) as the Department Chair for Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda. Prior to that, Diane had 3 yoga studios and ran YTT 200/300 Ayurveda trainings as well as meditation facilitator trainings for 15 years. Diane also serves the recovery community in her private practice.

Diane explains what Ayurveda is and how colonization has affected Ayurveda. She highlights the differences in practice between North America and India, and the scope of practice of different practitioners in the industry and what to be aware of before working with someone in Ayurveda. Diane also shares more about the ways in which diet culture can show up, what she does when she sees it online, and how people interested in adopting Ayurvedic practices can learn and integrate them in their lives more safely.

Key Takeaways:

[3:14] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Diane Finlayson.

[7:29] What does Diane do and who does she do it for?

[8:06] How does Diane feel about all the changes in her life at this time, especially around retirement?

[9:29] What is Ayurveda? Diane shares a little about the history of Ayurveda and the impact colonization had on it.

[14:28] Diane explains how Ayurveda is shared and consumed in North America.

[16:05] The scope of practice in Ayurveda around talking to people about food is really blurred. Diane explains how you can be aware of what you're getting into and how to check the credentials of a practitioner.

[19:41] Diane highlights some of the different levels of practitioners you might encounter and what they might offer.

[22:23] What is orthorexia?

[27:08] What are some things Diane wishes yoga teachers knew about orthorexia?

[30:06] Shannon pops in to share some news about OfferingTree.

[33:19] What are Diane's thoughts about how we talk about the food that we're putting into our own bodies?

[37:55] What was it like for Diane deciding which of her teacher's recommendations to follow?

[41:01] Whether you're teaching yoga or sharing Ayurveda, how can you encourage agency with our students?

[44:58] Shannon reflects that in a lot of our relationships as yoga teachers or Ayurveda practitioners, the other person may be looking for you to tell them what to do.

[45:43] Rather than approaching with an attitude of understanding and certainty, try keeping curiosity at the forefront.

[47:01] Where does Diane recommend going to learn more about Ayurveda?

[49:46] What is something that has really impacted Diane or the people she works with?

[53:14] Connect with Diane on social media to continue this conversation.

[53:55] What does Diane do when she sees harmful comments or perspectives shared online?

[56:31] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode.

[58:50] Please leave the podcast a review on iTunes!

[60:03] Hang out with Shannon in real-time online in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Diet culture has already put so many rules and weirdness in place on individuals that [orthorexia] is just one more flavor of eating disorder that can take hold."

"When a person can be curious and mindful about their lived experience, they can, in my opinion, better care for themselves because they have a deeper connection to self."

"It's about understanding how this digestive system we have operates and being able to support it in doing its job."

"I think people create a lot of more suffering for themselves than they need."

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306: Is There More Room for Online Yoga? with Sadie Nardini 0

Jan 9, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

306: Is There More Room for Online Yoga? with Sadie Nardini

Description:

If you have ever had the thought that “everyone is teaching yoga online, why should I add to the mix?” or felt like “someone else has already done what I want to do, why should I even bother”, you are not alone. Sadie Nardini answers the question that many yoga teachers are asking these days - is there more room for online yoga?

Sadie Nardini is the founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga®, an anatomy-enhanced yoga style, and The Yoga Shred®, a joint-safer HIIT + Yoga fitness style, designed to help people get stronger more safely, without wasting time or energy. She is a top online yoga and fitness course creator with a thriving online subscription studio: The Fit & Fierce Club. She translates her years of technical knowledge into success tools that are easy to understand and implement. Sadie is also the lead singer of the rock band Sadie & The Tribe.

As someone who was teaching yoga online long before the pandemic started, Sadie has a lot of experience in the online space. She shares her opinions about whether there is really room in the yoga world for more online yoga especially now that a lot of yoga teachers and studios have moved online because of the pandemic. Spoiler alert - there’s PLENTY of room for everyone. Sadie also explains why it’s so important to show up as yourself, regardless of how you look or how young or flexible you are (or aren’t) and how this can make your marketing online unique. She shares tips on how to tap into your creativity, how to stay consistent in your marketing, and more!

Key Takeaways:

[0:51] Shannon invites listeners to thank OfferingTree for sponsoring this podcast for a full year by creating a post on social media.

[3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sadie Nardini.

[8:46] Who is Sadie and what does she do?

[12:00] Sadie shares how she discovered her own style and uniqueness as a yoga teacher.

[14:46] As a surprise for Rebecca Sebastian (Ep. 304), Shannon invited her to join this call with Sadie.

[19:10] What would Sadie say to a yoga teacher who believes that there is no room for them to teach yoga online, especially since the pandemic?

[20:35] How can yoga teachers market themselves online without having to leverage their sad stories or trauma?

[25:28] How does Sadie plan her marketing so that she is consistently offering people value in some way?

[28:51] Sadie recently made a shift in the audience she was connecting with. What was that experience like?

[34:10] Shannon highlights the fact that people do want to learn from teachers who are older or have experienced pain or mobility issues because they bring that experience to their classes.

[36:40] There is a shift happening in the yoga industry as the first real generation of women yoga teachers are aging - how do they navigate continuing their careers?

[40:54] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree and how it has helped her run her business more efficiently.

[42:40] How can yoga teachers recognize their gifts and know that they have something unique and important to share online?

[45:39] Sadie shares some insights about how to practice yoga so that it doesn't have a negative impact on our bodies in the future.

[50:16] What tips does Sadie have for a yoga teacher who is just starting out and doesn't have the same level of support?

[55:42] What strategies does Sadie use to open the lines of communication with her audience online?

[58:28] What are some things that Sadie does to foster her creativity?

[62:35] You need to sit with yourself to get the inspiration and creativity from within.

[65:50] What are your biggest takeaways from this conversation with Sadie?

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"It was me realizing I wasn't being true to myself and just deciding to do something I wasn't seeing out there and I think that's where my success came from."

"Everyone has something unique to offer."

"If you don't go [online] you have a 100% chance of failure. And if you do go on there, the percentage is way less."

"It's deeply scary to change anything. Even if you know it might be for the best."

"If you're not in the business of serving other people and helping them, then go get a job that pays you better."

"Generating content from your passionate inner core is really important because it's just shinier energetically."

"When we get together, we rise together."

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305: Kicked Out of Yoga [Part 2] with Chioma Njoku 0

Jan 2, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

305: Kicked Out of Yoga [Part 2] with Chioma Njoku

Description:

Learning and unlearning is part of our journey as yoga teachers and as humans. In Episode 275, Shannon shared stories from people who had been kicked out of yoga class or made to feel unwelcome in yoga spaces. Chioma Njoku, podcast listener, shared a response to this episode, featured here.

Chioma is the owner and Chief Mindful Operator at the Mindful Bookkeeper. She is also the host of the Cheers to Your Prosperity podcast. Using the lessons she has learned from her own financial struggles, her professional experience as an accountant for over 18 years, and Financial Coach, Chioma helps entrepreneurs and small business owners keep more of their hard-earned money in the bank without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable.

In her response, Chioma reflects on how she may have contributed to making her yoga classes feel unwelcoming to some people because of what and how she was taught. She also shares a personal experience where she was kicked out of a yoga class. It is brave and vulnerable and we can all learn a lot from this to do better as yoga teachers and make the yoga world a more welcoming space for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

[3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chioma Njoku.

[6:50] Chioma shares a response to the podcast episode about being kicked out of a yoga class.

[11:52] Shannon pops to share a resource that has helped her book her podcast interviews.

[13:54] Chioma shares the incident that got her kicked out of a yoga studio.

[18:06] Shannon invites you to share your thoughts about this topic or anything else in the yoga world.

[20:37] Shannon shares some ways you can connect with her and continue learning forward.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"I understand that everything I just said in terms of what I was taught is foolish because your practice is your practice."

"Not many people are willing to speak to some of the unfortunate things of the industry, but in understanding some of the shadows of any industry, specifically this industry that's overall intended to be good, it helps those of us who do teach yoga."

"Sometimes we do have to take the negative feedback, the neutral feedback along with the positive feedback to really make this a much better situation."

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