In the final episode of Season 1, Olivia Wilson Smith returns to the podcast to talk about self-compassion and why we need it now. Episode highlights include: Defining self-compassion and identifying what self-compassion is not An overview of Kristen Neff's book, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself Self-compassion practices Olivia's and Emily's experiences practicing self-compassion How to work with self-compassion on the yoga mat Note to listeners: this is the final episode of Season 1. Please check out the intro to this episode for more details! Olivia was previously featured on Episode 42: Trauma-informed yoga for children in crisis. Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Kati Buckner, Charlotte-based yoga teacher, joins Emily on the podcast this week for a continuation of their anatomy discussions. In this episode, Kati relates the eight-limbed yogic path to the body's major systems. Episode highlights include: An overview of the eight-limbed path, including: yamas (abstinences), niyamas (observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawl), dharana (concentration), dyana (meditation), and samadhi (absorption) Relating the yogic path to the body's major systems, including: nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system, reproductive system, and endocrine system Learn more about Kati by visiting her website: https://www.yogawithkati.com/ Be sure to check out Kati's other episodes: 69. Kati and Emily: Anatomy basics for all practitioners 65. Kati and Emily: Body awareness for everyone 54. Kati and Emily: Let's talk about yoga teacher trainings 44. Kati Buckner: Is it yoga or mindful movement? (A teacher's existential question.) Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠⁠⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠⁠⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Kim Weeks, of Weeks Well, joins Emily on the podcast for an in-depth conversation about yoga lineage and why it matters. Kim is a Certified Iyengar Yoga and Registered Yoga School with 25 years of experience in yoga, mindfulness, and also business. From her website, Kim works "in direct, real-life experience, research, and a deep respect for study and lineage." Episode highlights include: Kim's introduction to yoga during her college studies in Germany Kim's experience practicing and teaching Integral yoga Evolution of modern-day postural yoga in the West Trauma responses in yoga practice What yoga lineage is and why it matters Thoughts on 200-hour yoga teacher trainings Accessibility Where yoga might go from here... To learn more about Kim, visit her website: www. https://weekswell.com/ Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Natalie Piet joins Emily on the podcast for a discussion of Ayurveda. This episode is a continuation of Episode 49: Introduction to Ayurveda. In this episode, Natalie discusses ways we can embrace our current constitution to bring consciousness and balance to our lives. Episode highlights include: An introduction to Panchakarma Benefits of self massage An overview of the 5 elements (earth, air, fire, water, and space) and how these manifest in the body How building an understanding of our own nature can bring wholeness to our lives Cooling practices for the summer months The importance of consistent practice Natalie has been featured on 3 previous episodes: 53. Sara Flanders and Natalie Piet: Cultivating the Creative Matrix of Being 49. Natalie Piet: Introduction to Ayurveda 33. Sara Flanders and Natalie Piet: Exploring consciousness in yoga You can learn more about Natalie by visiting her website: https://www.earthskymoon.com/ Banyan Botanicals (Ayurveda resource): https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/ Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Nichol Walters of the Ahava Yoga Collective in Greensboro, NC joins Emily on the podcast for the fourth of a 5-part series of the yamas, the first limb of the yogic path. In this episode, we focus on brahmacharya (non-excess) from a variety of perspectives related to our practice on and off the mat. Episode highlights include: Identifying what is "just enough:" not excessive but also not too little How to relate to brahmacharya in physical movement practice The literal meaning of brahmacharya: behavior that leads to brahman, the divine Episode 64. Yamas series: The complexity of asteya (non-stealing) ⁠⁠Episode 48. Yamas series: Taking a broad view of ahimsa (non-harming)⁠⁠ ⁠Episode 58: Yamas series: Living boldly through satya (truthfulness)⁠ The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Yamas-Niyamas-Exploring-Ethical-Practice/dp/0974470643⁠⁠ Learn more about Nichol Walters and the Ahava Yoga Collective: ⁠⁠⁠https://ahava-collective.com/⁠⁠⁠ Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Mindy Eisenberg, yoga therapist specializing in multiple sclerosis in the Detroit, MI area, joins Emily on the podcast for a conversation about breathwork, which has become a passion for her. Episode highlights include: How Mindy became interested in breathworkHow breathwork is so essential for an anxious, stressed societyChallenges with teaching breathing in online settingsStudents' concerns about the "right" way to breatheWays to incorporate breath, mantra, and mudra into postural yoga (asana) Learn more about Mindy's offerings on her website: https://www.yogamovesms.org/ Mindy was previously on episode 23: Accessible yoga, breathing, and everyday spirituality: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/dpfS1TMvEBb Links from the episode: "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor: https://www.amazon.com/Breath-New-Science-Lost-Art/dp/0593420217/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1690064539&sr=8-1 "Body by Breath: The Science and Practice of Physical and Emotional Resilience" by Jill Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Breath-Inspiring-Emotional-Resilience/dp/1628604468/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HMD7YCPLVYDH&keywords=body+by+breath+jill+miller&qid=1690065002&sprefix=jill+miller%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 "Restoring Prana" by Robin Rothenberg: https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Prana-Therapeutic-Therapists-Practitioners/dp/1848194013/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1690065082&refinements=p_27%3ARobin+L.+Rothenberg&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Robin+L.+Rothenberg Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠⁠⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠⁠⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Tristin Miller, visual artist and USA Level 1 Weightlifting coach in Greensboro, NC, joins Emily on the podcast to talk about trauma-informed weight lifting. Highlights include: Tristin's background as a visual artist and how that influenced her experience as an athlete and coach Why Tristin started strength training and her experience in this often male-dominated world How weightlifting can be trauma-informed Why incorporating other movement modalities into our yoga practice is so important To learn more about Tristin, visit her website: ONE REP Weightlifting (https://www.tristinmiller.com/) or her awesome Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tristinmillerartist/?hl=en Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga Click here to join my email list: http://eepurl.com/icOan9 Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

I'm traveling this week, so I'm sharing a listener favorite in case you missed this one. Check back next week for a new episode! In our last episode of 2022, I talked with Olivia Wilson Smith, who I met a few months ago at a workshop with Nichol at the Ahava Yoga Collective. Olivia kindly offered to be a guest on the podcast to talk about her work teaching yoga to children at Youth Focus, a local organization that provides supportive housing to children, teens, and young adults who are at risk, in crisis, have run away, or experiencing homelessness. Highlights from our conversation include: Olivia's yoga background and why she decided to become a yoga teacher. Olivia's work as a social worker at Youth Focus. How Olivia bridges traditional psychotherapy and yoga to make lasting impact on children's lives. Olivia's perspective on trauma-informed therapy. To learn more about Youth Focus, visit their website:⁠ https://www.youthfocus.org/⁠ To learn more about Olivia's teaching at Ahava Collective, visit Ahava's website: ⁠https://ahava-collective.com/meet-our-team⁠ Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Yoga with emily rex website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Kati Buckner is back on the podcast for a beginner-friendly deep dive into anatomy basics. Topics include: Muscle actions: concentric, eccentric, and isometric Joint actions: abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension Why this is important for yoga students and teachers and how to apply this in your practice. Be sure to check out Kati's other episodes: 65. Kati and Emily: Body awareness for everyone 54. Kati and Emily: Let's talk about yoga teacher trainings 44. Kati Buckner: Is it yoga or mindful movement? (A teacher's existential question.) Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠⁠⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠⁠⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Detroit-based yoga teacher and practitioner Shelley Shindler joins Emily on the podcast this week for a lovely conversation about Shelley's experiences as a yoga teacher and practitioner. Episode highlights include: Shelley's introduction to yoga and experiences in Anusara yoga How feminism influenced Shelley's spiritual practice Intertwining Jewish mysticism and yogic philosophy The importance of being a strong woman in both body and mind. To learn more about Shelley, visit her website: https://www.shelleyshindleryoga.com/ The book referenced in the episode, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

In this episode, Emily talks with her mom about her mom's journey into yoga as a way to promote spinal health and develop body awareness. Highlights include: Joyce's yoga beginnings taking a body awareness class  A fun discussion about leotards, leg warmers, and "slimnastics" in the 80s Transitioning to practicing in a gym setting to a yoga studio in the 90s Joyce's experience with scoliosis beginning in her teenage years and how yoga has been a part of maintaining spinal health Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com Subscribe to our email list: http://eepurl.com/icOan9 Yoga with emily rex website: https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Ron and Emily talk about challenges that arise with living your practice off the mat and how we've worked with them. Enjoy! Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Brandon Joyner, yoga teacher in Greensboro, NC, joins Emily on the podcast to talk about minority representation in yoga. Episode highlights include: Inclusivity through the simple act of reaching out How vulnerability and accountability affect inclusivity The importance of taking yoga out of the studio setting Equity in yoga offerings for children, adults, and teacher trainings How working for equity aligns with yogic philosophy and the risks of spiritual bypassing Brandon was previously featured in Ep. 57: Showing up as an African American male yoga teacher: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/uLcI9AwXmAb You can learn more about Brandon by visiting his Instagram page: ⁠@bjoyner17⁠ Brandon teaches at ⁠Ahava Yoga Collective⁠, ⁠Find Your Flow⁠, and ⁠Humbled Warriors⁠, all in the Greensboro and High Point, NC area. Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠⁠⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠⁠⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Kati Buckner is back on the podcast for a fun episode about what we promised not to call yoga anatomy for yoga practitioners and teachers. Episode highlights include: Defining proprioception and interoception and why they are important on and off the matBenefits for both yoga practitioners of having a basic understanding of anatomyHow understanding anatomy helps teachers create more skillful sequencesHow we can take the body awareness we learn in yoga off the mat Be sure to check out Kati's other episodes on the podcast: 54. Let's talk about yoga teacher trainings 55. Is it yoga or mindful movement (a teacher's existential question) Learn more about Kati: https://www.yogawithkati.com/ Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Nichol Walters of the Ahava Yoga Collective joins Emily on the podcast this week for the third in a 5-part series on the yamas (outer observances). In this episode we discuss asteya (non-stealing) and the surprising complexity of this topic in our relationships with ourselves and others. ⁠Episode 48. Yamas series: Taking a broad view of ahimsa (non-harming)⁠ Episode 58: Yamas series: Living boldly through satya (truthfulness) The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele on Amazon: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Yamas-Niyamas-Exploring-Ethical-Practice/dp/0974470643⁠ Learn more about Nichol Walters and the Ahava Yoga Collective: ⁠⁠https://ahava-collective.com/⁠⁠ Email Ron and Emily your thoughts at ⁠⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com ⁠⁠ Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠⁠  Yoga with emily rex website:⁠⁠ https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga/home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Beth Hansen, founder of Lark Fitness Company in Greensboro, NC, joins Emily on the podcast this week to talk about inclusive fitness culture and creating a healthy life-"style." Episode highlights include: How Beth got into the fitness world after breaking her back Lark Fitness Company's values and "four agreements" Connections between fitness companies like Lark that have values statements and yoga philosophy Why we need fitness spaces that lead with the edge of including diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community The importance of having a skilled teacher or coach, no matter what you're practicing and studying To learn more about Beth and Lark Fitness Company: Website: https://www.larkfitnessco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkfitnessco/ If you like what you find here, be sure to rate and subscribe to this podcast and check out Emily's offerings: Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Jane Cable, longtime friend and yoga teacher in Asheville, NC, joins Ron and Emily in this episode to talk about using the breath to inform both our yoga practice and how we care for ourselves. Episode highlights include: How we can use the breath as a guide not only for asana (yoga postures) but for all of our interactions throughout our dayHow surrender makes space for new growthWhy each of us left the hot yoga communityJane's work with osteoarthritis and how that has changed her practice To learn more about Jane, send her an email at janecableyoga@gmail.com. If you like what you find here, be sure to rate and subscribe to this podcast and check out Emily's offerings: Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Ron is back on the podcast this week for a short episode about choosing the right practice for your day to day. This is an addendum to our popular episode about this topic. Episode highlights include: A recap of our previous episode: 11. What's the best practice for you right now?How daily sadhana, including our yoga, meditation, and self-study practices, inform our interactions with ourselves and others.A conversation about "post-lineage" yoga and it's effect on how we practice.Listening to what our body needs on the mat. If you like what you find here, be sure to rate and subscribe to this podcast and check out Emily's offerings: Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with Dawn Leonard who is a women’s wellness educator and yoga teacher in Greensboro, North Carolina. Episode highlights: How Dawn used yoga practices to heal her body and through her pregnancy. How women can use spirituality and sacred healing practices for embodiment and empowerment. Dawn's approach to her work as a women's wellness educator, which includes not only yoga but her work as a doula, childbirth educator, and energy healer. To learn more about Dawn: Visit her website, Sacred Rhythms: https://sacred-rhythms.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sridawn/ If you like what you find here, be sure to rate and subscribe to this podcast and check out Emily's offerings: Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support

Longtime friend and yoga teacher Erin Betlej joins Emily on the podcast to talk about her experience weaving together her work in yoga and Christian ministry. Episode highlights: How Erin finds the divine on her yoga mat by working with the breath, body, and spirit Weaving together yogic practices and philosophy into ministry. Erin's experience coming up against resistance to referencing God in yoga spaces and bringing yoga to Christian spaces. Erin is a minister at Jamestown United Methodist Church in Jamestown, NC: https://jumc.org/home Erin teaches yoga at Willow Wellness Center in High Point, NC: https://www.willowhighpoint.com/ More about yoga and religion: Ep. 32 with Carey Sims: Intertwining yoga philosophy, religion, and adaptive yoga If you like what you find here, be sure to rate and subscribe to this podcast and check out Emily's offerings: Yoga with emily rex: in-person and recorded yoga classes: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/emilyrexyoga⁠ Click here to join my email list: ⁠http://eepurl.com/icOan9⁠ Click here to email Emily and Ron with questions or suggestions: ⁠yogawithemilyrex@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yogaforreallife/support