Yoga Solutions Podcast for Mindfulness & Transformation

Yoga Creates Space in Your Life with Sarah Ezrin

In this episode of Yoga Solutions, I connect with the incredible Sarah Ezrin to dive deep into the intersection of yoga, mental health, and motherhood. Sarah, a long-time yoga teacher, writer, and now a maternal mental health advocate, shares her journey and how yoga has been a pivotal part of her life, especially through the transformative experiences of becoming a mother and dealing with postpartum anxiety. Together, we discuss the challenges of early motherhood and the immense pressure that new parents face, which is often exacerbated by the lack of adequate support systems. 

 

Sarah emphasizes the importance of finding space and grounding through simple yet profound practices, whether it’s through mindful breathing, connecting with nature, or incorporating yoga into daily life with children. Sarah’s insights offer valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of parenting with grace and mindfulness, reminding us of the power of yoga to create calm amidst chaos.

 

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

- [01:03] Micro Practice to Center Yourself

- [04:19] The Power of Yoga in Parenting

- [08:10] Personal Yoga Practices and Mental Health

- [13:39] Navigating Postpartum Anxiety and Support Systems

- [22:42] Yoga Practices for Anxiety and Overwhelm

 

 

Quotes from the Episode:

"My practice is the deepest that it’s ever been, even though it doesn’t look like traditional asana. I just do tiny sits and micro practices throughout the day.”

 

“Nature and trees, that was my medicine and continues to be.”

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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Yoke Yoga Social 

@yokeyogasocial

 

Connect with Sarah: 

Website

Instagram 

Susanna’s Socials: 

Instagram

Website

 

 

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.

Yoga for Self Care & Social Change with Jaz Hines

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I have the honor of hosting the inspiring Jaz Hines. Jaz is the visionary founder of the Amplify and Activate Summit, the pioneering event dedicated to highlighting and uplifting BIPOC and LGBTQ voices. This groundbreaking summit emphasized the powerful intersection of yoga, self-care, and social justice, redefining the practice as a catalyst for personal and collective empowerment. 

 

Together, we explore the complexities of identity, the essence of yoga, and the transformative power of spiritual practices. Jaz shares her yoga journey, shedding light on critical issues of accessibility, inclusivity, and social justice, all while underscoring the importance of self-care and communal support.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

- [00:54] Drop-In Exercise 

- [02:04] Jaz's Personal Journey and Identity

- [06:38] Yoga and Social Justice

- [10:09] Amplify and Activate Conference

- [14:21] Self-Care and Social Justice

- [27:17] The Inspiration Behind Yoke Yoga

 

Quotes from the Episode:

“Spirit is gangsta and we know that because of karma.”

 

“The practice of yoga is to listen to the subtle body because within there is the transformation.” 

Yoke Yoga

This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.

 

Buttons to Download

Yoke Yoga Social 

@yokeyogasocial

 

Connect with Jaz: 

Instagram 

Susanna’s Socials: 

Instagram

Website

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.

Yoga Is a Process, Not a Pose - What Is Yoga and How Can It Benefit You?

Hello and welcome to the Yoga Solutions Podcast. In this episode, we explore the foundational elements of yoga and discuss how integrating yoga into your daily routine can lead to transformative changes. We cover the historical origins of yoga, its ethical and philosophical underpinnings, and the many benefits of incorporating yoga practices into your life. From the ancient civilizations that birthed yoga to the practical applications of its teachings today, this episode is filled with insights to help you deepen your understanding and practice of yoga.

 

You can access the benefits and short, evidence-based practices we mention in this podcast for free on the Yoke Yoga app. Go to yokeyoga.com and download the app now to experience yoga’s transformative power. Because when you are truly well, you make the world better. Let’s transform together with yoga.

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

- [01:00] The Origins and Foundations of Yoga

- [03:31] The Ethical Foundations: Yamas and Niyamas

- [05:38] The Physical and Mental Benefits of Yoga

- [07:01] The Eight Limbs of Yoga

- [09:45] Yoga as a Lifelong Practice

Quotes from the Episode:

“Yoga is a process, not a pose, and anyone can do yoga anywhere.”

 

“Yoga gives us a choice in how we engage with the world, helping us regulate our stress response and connect harmoniously.”

Yoke Yoga

This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.

 

Buttons to Download

Yoke Yoga Social 

@yokeyogasocial

Susanna’s Socials: 

Instagram

Website

 

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.

Spiritual Practices for Mental Clarity: Exploring the Science of Japa with Sunaina Madhav Dasi

In today's episode of Yoga Solutions, I connect with the wonderful Sunaina Madhav Dasi to dive deep into the transformative power of yoga. We explore how personal practice, ancestral wisdom, and the continuous journey of self-discovery through yoga can shape and enrich our lives.

 

Sunaina discusses the profound impact of grounding in both traditional and modern practices, sharing how yoga has been a pillar of support through her life transitions, including her journey into single motherhood. Her insights provide valuable guidance on weaving yoga into the fabric of everyday life and honoring our ancestral roots.

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

- [00:02:22] The Role of Yoga in Major Life Transitions

- [00:03:00] Balancing Identity and Spiritual Practice

- [00:05:34] The Importance of Ancestral Roots in Yoga Practice

- [00:07:51] Understanding and Implementing Japa Practice

- [00:13:59] Exploring Diverse Yoga Practices on Yoke Yoga

- [00:14:18] Hair Oiling as a Connection to Ancestral Wisdom

- [00:20:00] Closing Chant

Quotes from the Episode:

"Whenever you feel like your ego is getting in the way, do your japa. When you're feeling angry, do your japa. You want to call and yell at your mom, do your japa."

 

"It's very easy to make excuses, but I remember my ancestors, that I'm doing this for them in a way. I'm resting for them, I'm doing my japa for them."

Yoke Yoga

This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.

 

Buttons to Download

Yoke Yoga Social 

@yokeyogasocial

 

Connect with Sunaina: 

Instagram 

Susanna’s Socials: 

Instagram

Website

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.

Transformative Power of Yoga in the Intelligence Era

Welcome to the very first episode of Yoga Solutions! I’m Susanna Barkataki, your host, and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you. This podcast is dedicated to exploring the many ways yoga can provide solutions to the challenges we face in our daily lives. Each episode, we’ll dive into various aspects of yoga practice, wisdom, and philosophy, aiming to offer you practical tools and profound insights to enhance your personal journey.

 

In this inaugural episode, I explore the foundational elements of yoga and discuss how integrating yoga into your daily routine can lead to transformative changes. We cover essential themes such as establishing a consistent practice, connecting with your inner self, and understanding the broader philosophical underpinnings of yoga. 

 

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your yoga journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to support and inspire you.

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

- [00:51] The Ancient Roots of Yoga

- [01:50] The Overload of Modern Information

- [02:18] Technological Advancements and Their Impact

- [05:16] The Era of Meaning: Intelligence and Empathy

- [07:25] Simple Practices for Modern Life

- [08:31] Scientific Benefits of Yoga

Quotes from the Episode:

“As we explore the Yamas and Niyamas, we begin to understand yoga’s true essence: living a life of integrity, compassion, and mindfulness.”

 

“Yoga is not just about the poses; it’s about finding a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.”

Yoke Yoga

This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ Yoke Yoga, the only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.

 

Buttons to Download

Yoke Yoga Social 

@yokeyogasocial

Susanna’s Socials: 

Instagram

Website

 

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.

Yoga Solutions: For Mindfulness & Transformation Trailer

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 jnana - 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.

How to Have an Accessible Home Yoga and Wellness Practice During the Pandemic & Beyond

 

Overview:

In the midst of the pandemic, we had to redefine the way we approached wellness and yoga practices. When we couldn’t go to the gyms, or our friends houses, or other places we went to for our wellness practices. In this episode of Radical Resilience, your hosts Susanna Barkataki and Dr. Neelam Pathikonda sit down with their dear friend, Kelley Palmer to answer the question we have all been asking: how do you have an at-home yoga and wellness practice?

Kelley Palmer, a black queer creative is passionate about bringing equitable and sustainable wellness to the BIPOC community. For her, this time has made her feel the most whole and complete. Even though the state of the world has not changed that much and there is still significant changes that need to be made, Kelley feels that her wholeness has come from the realization that she can create a space of wellness for herself, and support others to do the same. 

The pandemic has redefined the way that Kelley has approached wellness for herself. In the last year wellness has taken many shapes and forms. It has allowed her to also focus on what is right for her. It looks like working less, sleeping in, making amazing food at home, roller skating so forth but the biggest takeaway Kelley has found is that her wellness does not have to be defined by what she provides externally. She has centered her practice around existing and breathing. 

Although Kelley does not know exactly what equitable yoga and wellness looks like, what she does know is that we cannot get too hung up on our visions. When we only think of our visions, we don’t allow ourselves to be open to future improvements. Kelley’s first step to approaching equitable wellness is rest. It is not possible for anything to be “restorative, sustainable or equitable from a depleted space.” In addition to rest, Kelley is in a constant practice of questioning her values and beliefs. Being rested enough to sit with yourself and discomfort is vital to the progression of wellness. 

Even though life looks much different and we are slowly getting back to what we considered ‘normal’ life will truly never be the same. Tune in to this episode of Radical Resilience for tips on how to master your yoga and wellness practices no matter where you are. 

Quotes:

“If each of us is thinking that our vision is the end vision, we get held up every time we make the vision.” (14:48- 14:55)

“I don’t think that anything can be restorative, sustainable or equitable from a depleted space” (18:06-18:14)

“I know how I can change how I view resources, how I resource myself, what I uphold as the most important thing and be in a real practice of being okay with dumping out the contents of what I think is true about myself, about other people, about the world.”   (25:30- 25:50)

Links:

https://www.thesanctuaryinthecity.org/

https://www.accessibleyogatraining.com/

Benefits of Yoga 

Click here for Stress Reducing Meditation and Tips for Radical Resilience in #COVIDLIFE. Please review and subscribe. To your radical resilience!

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Journal prompts: 

1. If you had a day filled with radial self care and pleasure, what would it look like? Where would you be? Who would you be with? How would it feel in your body?
2. Do you have sacred space in your life? In what ways can you/do you cultivate sacred space?

Medical Disclaimer:

We want to remind you that 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.

Dealing with Anxiety

Overview:

It is estimated that almost 20% of adults in America suffer from some form of anxiety.  While this disorder can be treated, many people are suffering in silence. Your hosts Susanna Barkataki and Dr. Neelam Pathikonda take this week’s episode of Radical Resilience to discuss the interworks of anxiety in their own lives and on a systemic level, and offer tips on conquering it. 

Anxiety manifests in every one of us differently, says Dr. Neelam. It can cause one person to isolate themselves and another to fear being alone.  While everyone may experience different symptoms of anxiety, the treatment is pretty much the same. Dr. Neelam suggests treatment options such as: doing things that are good for your body, obtaining professional help when necessary, finding a community of support and ultimately seeking out joy. And Susanna suggests focusing on both movement and stillness.

Susanna and Dr. Neelam  want listeners to know how important it is to take care of your anxiety. Our bodies are so interconnected and while it seems easy to skate by, untreated anxiety can play a role  in much more serious health conditions. 

Tune in to this episode of Radical Resilience for a safe conversation surrounding the most common mental health disorder. Susanna and Dr. Neelam will break anxiety down on a scientific level to help you understand what’s going on inside your own body. The  hosts want you to be able to come to a place where you can see your anxiety, honor it, and love yourself without judgement. 

Quotes:

“The Mayo Clinic says occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, however people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.”  (01:42- 01:52) 

“The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that 40 million adults in the U.S 18 and older has anxiety, making it the most common mental health disorder.”(04:52- 05:10)

“It’s very difficult to make good decisions. People with a lot of anxiety are more prone to making bad nutrition decisions for instance, or getting into conflict with people, or worrying what other people are doing,, because they can’t see that big picture.” (24:10-24:25) 

“Find the stillness in your movement, and the movement in your stillness.” (31:18- 31:22)

Links:

For more information about anxiety please check out our resources at healthline and The Mayo Clinic 

Click here for Stress Reducing Meditation and Tips for Radical Resilience in #COVIDLIFE. Please review and subscribe. To your radical Resilience! 

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Journal Prompts: 

1. In what ways does anxiety show up in your body?
2. Does your anxiety have a color? A face? A shape? What does your anxiety say to you?
3. What situations bring on anxiety for you? What is your game plan when those situations arise?
4. How do you manage your anxiety? What ways work best for you? What are some other methods you could try to help deal with anxiety?

(Medical Disclaimer: We want to remind you that 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.)

 

Processing Grief

Overview:

Over the last year, the United States has seen the largest number of deaths since the Spanish Flu. The pandemic has come through and taken the lives of over 500,000 Americans, leaving the country in a devastating state of grief. Hosts Susanna Barkataki and Dr. Neelam Pathikonda welcome writer, activist, and dear friend Malkia Devich-Cyril to this episode of Radical Resilience for an open conversation about processing grief.

Malkia understands the concept of grief better than most. After many devastating losses in her life, the most recent one being her wife and the love of her life, Malkia has had to learn how to adjust to life during the grieving process.  

Currently, we are experiencing mass grief, not collective grief, says Malkia. She explains that the two types of grief are separated by the actions of reparation and reconciliation. For our country to truly metabolize grief in a collective way, we need to hold those responsible accountable. She suggests that we will continue the cycle of generational grief as long as nothing has been reconciled.

Grief is a part of life and it carries a negative connotation, but it does not always have to be that way. In this episode of Radical Resilience, guest speaker Malkia will share many of the ways that she has learned to cope with grief from a place of joy and celebration.

Quotes:

“It would take a wall almost 9x the length of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. to list the name of every person in the US who died of COVID. (01-29-01:38)

“We are talking about generational grief. Not only the loss of individuals in a natural order, but deeply unnatural and traumatic loss. Which scars generations of people, scars people on a collective level, as well as on an individual level.” (09:43-10:01)

“When there is no reconciliation, when there is no reparation, then grief remains lodged in the body. Whether it be the individual body or the collective body.” (12:12-12:22).

“Without action, mass grief turns to apathy…it turns to alienation…it turns to amnesia.” (12:34-12:38)

“Grief is one face of love. Grief is not inherently sorrow, it’s also joy.” (20:06-20:12)  

 Journal Prompts for this Episode:

In what ways does grief show up in your body?

What are some of your most beneficial resilience strategies to help process the pain of grief?

What would you like your loved ones to know about how you grieve and what ways to best support you?

Medical Disclaimer:

We want to remind you that 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.

Links:

Check out Malkia Devich-Cyril on her website  

The Relentlessness of Black Grief

For more information about the Stages of Grief and the Process of Grief

Click here for Stress Reducing Meditation and Tips for Radical Resilience in #COVIDLIFE. Please review and subscribe. To your radical resilience!

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Wellness to White Supremacy

Overview:

In this episode of Radical Resilience, Susanna Barkataki and Dr. Neelam Pathikonda, challenge the conspiracies rooted in white supremacy that are circling within the wellness community while offering solutions that bring intellectual data-driven thought, and wellness together.

Openness is a common theme among the wellness community. The idea of being open to thoughts, ideas, and others can bring out the best in people. However, Susanna notes that too much openness can also be paired with thoughts and ideas that make us anti-critical thinking and anti-science. It allows space for group thinking, which elevates prejudice and racial disparities within our communities.  We have come to a collective place where we acknowledge that our choices and beliefs affect the lives of others for a long time to come. It is possible to make decisions that decrease suffering not only for ourselves, but those around us.

Tune in for a 10-step breakdown of wellness to conspiritual white supremacy. By the end of the episode, your hosts Susanna and Dr. Neelam will have you searching for the middle path.

Quotes:

“How we know what we know often comes from what our friends say, or an article on a blog, one we haven’t researched.” (06:47-06:58)

“According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness industry is a 4.2 trillion global industry. And most of its growth has been in the last couple years. It’s 3x the growth of the global pharmaceutical industry.  (07:07-07:23)  

“This idea that we are in control is really harmful because it sets all of us up for failure when we live in such an unpredictable world and where we are dealing with unpredictable natural phenomena. (10:56-11:16)

“This loss of purpose and meaning makes that desire for control so high.” (13:07- 13:14)

“At the heart of anti-science is an anti-intellectualism” NEELAM (17:24- 17:29)

Journal Prompts for this Episode: 

How have you fallen prey to white supremacist colonialist thinking in they ways you have conceived of self care?

What does community care look like for your community? How can you participate more fully in the health of your community?

Medical Disclaimer: 

We want to remind you that 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.

Links: 

I’m immensely grateful for the work of Sanity Sanctuary, Anusha Wijeyakumar, Seane Corn, Hala Khouri, Conspirituality Pod, Jules Evans and others for their research and work on these topics - and all places to look for further information on this important issue. 

https://www.statnews.com/2020/06/26/public-health-officials-bullying-by-antivaxxers-endangers-us/

Resources on Anti-Vaccination Conspiracies: 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/qanon-anti-vax-covid-vaccine-conspiracy-theory-1125197/amp/

Click here for Stress Reducing Meditation and Tips for Radical Resilience in #COVIDLIFE. Please review and subscribe. To your radical resilience!

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing