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In these uncertain times, familiar foundations seem to be shifting. Welcome to Yoga Solutions! I’m Susanna Barkataki, your host, inviting you to explore how yogic tools can help navigate these shifts. What stories are you telling yourself about the world? What practices or tools are you reaching for? This podcast explores how yoga can address daily life challenges, offering practical tools and insights for personal and collective growth. We’ll draw from yoga tools, philosophy, world civilizations, and the vibrant Yoke Yoga community to provide keys to success in this new Era of Empathy and Intelligence. Join me in solo episodes and expert conversations to uncover the wisdom needed for a future-forward life, focusing on wisdom and empathy in action for personal and collective growth and healing. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, you’ll find valuable insights to support and inspire your journey. Let’s embark on this path together to shape our stories and heal ourselves and the world, exploring skills for optimal health and wellness in the new Era of Intelligence and Empathy.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I have the pleasure of speaking with Kat Heagberg, a yoga teacher, writer, and advocate for inclusivity in the practice. Together, we discuss how yoga can be a powerful tool for cultivating joy, embracing diversity, and fostering self-discovery.
Kat opens up about her personal journey with ADHD, rejection-sensitive dysphoria, and perfectionism, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how yoga has provided her with both grounding and liberation. She also shares valuable lessons from her time as editor-in-chief of Yoga International, highlighting the vital role of inclusivity, compassion, and creativity in shaping the modern yoga landscape. Through her experiences, Kat reminds us that yoga is a practice for everyone, regardless of ability, background, or life circumstances.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [02:32] The Role of Fun in Building a Consistent Yoga Practice
- [04:51] Overcoming Perfectionism Through Yoga
- [09:54] Embracing Neurodiversity in Yoga Practice
- [13:20] Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
- [25:47] Reflections on Leadership and Advocacy in Yoga Media
Quotes from the Episode:
“When things are fun, I stick with them. It’s not just for the future me—it’s for the me right now.”
“You can take your practice seriously, but you don’t have to take yourself seriously.”
Yoke Yoga
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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.
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
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
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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.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
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
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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.
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
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
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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.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
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 Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
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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.
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
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
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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.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the Yoga Solutions Podcast. For today's episode, I had the pleasure of connecting with Raina LaGrand, a remarkable trauma therapist and yoga teacher who specializes in somatic approaches to psychotherapy. Raina is passionate about helping people, particularly those who are multiracial or multicultural, find a sense of belonging in their bodies and identities. Her work bridges the worlds of therapy and yoga, creating a space where healing can happen from the inside out and the outside in.
We explore a wide range of topics in this episode, from the transformative impact of somatic practices in both therapy and yoga to the crucial importance of belonging and identity. We discuss how embracing a strong sense of self, particularly for mixed-race individuals, can be a powerful catalyst for healing and personal growth.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [01:02] Guided Somatics Practice
- [05:50] Raina’s Journey to Belonging and Identity
- [09:53] Exploring the Intersection of Yoga and Therapy
- [14:14] The Importance of Community and Connection
- [16:20] Somatics and the Wisdom of the Body
- [24:42] Research Insights on Mixed Race Identity
Quotes from the Episode:
“We become less creative, less curious, less experimental when trauma is present. But yoga, when honored in its roots, allows for experimentation, curiosity, and play.”
“Yoga is a reciprocal process of doing the work inside and also doing the work outside for the betterment of humanity.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
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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.
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
In today’s episode, I am beyond honored to connect with the visionary, Valarie Kaur. Valarie is a celebrated civil rights activist, lawyer, filmmaker, and author of the acclaimed book "See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love." Her life’s work revolves around her Revolutionary Love Project, which seeks to reclaim love as a force for social justice, healing, and transformation. Valarie has spent years traveling across the U.S., bringing communities together to practice deep listening, compassion, and action for justice. Today, we dive into the roots of her movement and explore how revolutionary love can change the world.
We discuss her upcoming Revolutionary Love Tour, an ambitious cross-country journey aiming to inspire people from all walks of life to see love as both a spiritual practice and a public ethic. We also dive into the duality of being a “sage” and a “warrior,” how we can integrate deep internal wisdom with courageous action, and how her new book Sage Warrior offers timeless lessons for anyone on the path of justice and liberation.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [02:06] The Inspiration Behind the Revolutionary Love Tour
- [04:04] The Challenges of Practicing Love in a Culture of Fear and Division
- [12:10] Learning to See the Humanity in Our Opponent
- [23:34] Breathing and Pushing: Finding Balance in Action and Rest
- [30:37] Maintaining Wellness and Joy
Quotes from the Episode:
“Love has never been a popular movement. It has never been safe or easy to stand in our shared humanity, especially in a world run on fear, division, and hostility.”
“We’re all just mixed-up cats, flawed and beautiful. We all have the capacity to love—it’s a question of awakening that love inside of us.”
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Yoke Yoga
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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.
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
In this episode of the Yoga Solutions Podcast, we dive into a crucial and timely discussion on how yoga can serve as a powerful tool for navigating the intense and challenging times surrounding elections, particularly in the face of rising fascism and ongoing genocides. As we confront these heavy topics, I invite you to explore with me how yoga’s principles, rooted in ancient wisdom, can empower us to resist oppression and stay grounded in our values of nonviolence and selfless service.
I explore how the practice of yoga extends beyond the mat, offering not just personal transformation but also serving as a foundation for social change. This episode is a call to embody the principles of yoga in the political arena, utilizing our practices to support activism, resilience, and compassionate action.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [02:17] Yoga Principles for Social Change
- [03:07] Historical Context of Yoga Activism
- [06:05] Modern Applications of Yoga for Social Change
- [07:42] Navigating Political Tensions with Yoga
Quotes from the Episode:
“Rooted in the yoga concepts from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras of Ahimsa, nonviolence directly opposes fascist ideologies rooted in oppression and domination.”
“Yoga is both an internal and external practice for building resilience in the face of societal challenges.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
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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.
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
In today’s episode, I discuss the profound ways yoga can support us in navigating anxiety. Drawing from my own journey through school and college, where anxiety was a constant companion, I share how yoga became a sanctuary and a powerful tool for healing.
By embracing asana practices, engaging in breath work, and shifting our focus towards service and empathy, we can find substantial relief from anxiety. These elements are not just physical practices but gateways to cultivating a deeper sense of inner peace and community connection.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [01:18] Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact
- [03:17] Yoga Practices for Anxiety Relief
- [04:43] Embracing Your Inner Goodness
- [07:17] Integrating Yoga into Daily Life
- [07:40] The Role of Service in Yoga
Quotes from the Episode:
“Yoga can offer us tools for living well in a sick world.”
“Knowing that our inner essence is pure and whole and good gave me so much inspiration.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
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Susanna’s Socials:
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.