Join Harmony Slater as she sits down with Stephen Thomas to discuss the profound changes in the yoga world over the past 25 years. From the early days of in-person classes to the rise of online platforms, discover how the practice and teaching of yoga have evolved. (Note: This thoughtful conversation continues next week, as Stephen and Harmony delve into a rich conversation about breathwork and pranayama.)

In this episode, we discuss:

Changes in the Yoga Industry: Reflecting on the significant shifts in yoga teaching from the early 2000s to today.

Impact of Online Yoga: How the pandemic and online platforms have transformed yoga practice and instruction.

Teacher Training Boom: Exploring the rise and influence of yoga teacher training programs.

The Role of Yoga Studios: The evolving importance of physical yoga studios as community hubs.

Dedication and Consistency: The necessity of long-term dedication to truly understand and master yoga.

Stephen's Journey: Insights into Stephen Thomas's personal yoga journey, including his experiences teaching in North America, Asia, and Europe.

About Stephen Thomas:

Stephen [eng] is an experienced Yoga teacher and practitioner. He leads classes, Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions. His teaching is rooted in the traditional Yoga practices. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in Yoga as well as Buddhism.

Stephen is long term student of O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India – a master in the science of Pranayama and Ayurveda. He combines that foundation with over 20 years of study and exploration in the fields of Alignment based Asana. He has spent these decades refining an evolution of practice that has spanned many years in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Anusara and his love of Iyengar’s approach. He teaches in a way that understands the value of transformation through effort and dedication without imposing Dogma.

Stephen teaches at his own studio, SVARUPA in Bern and as a senior teacher at AIRYOGA in Zurich. He is a father and dedicates his time to family life, writing, documenting and researching Yoga. He also works one-on-one with many students and helps to mentor teachers in the community.

Quotes:

- “To know something is to have a relationship to it over a long period of time.”

- “The practice itself will become the teacher.”

- “There’s so much gathered through shared karma and shared experience.”

Connect with Stephen

Svarupa Website: https://svarupa.com/about-svarupa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen.svarupa/

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com

• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast! In this episode, Harmony sits down with the incredible Kate O'Donnell, an Ayurveda expert, author, and holistic health practitioner. Kate shares her vast knowledge and insights on Ayurveda, specifically focusing on women's health and her new book, "Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health."

Key Topics Discussed:

• The uniqueness of Ayurveda for women's health
• Understanding the balance between solar and lunar energies
• The importance of nourishing the body and mind
• Practical Ayurvedic tips for daily living
• The transformative power of oil massage
• Addressing hormonal changes and managing stress
• Embracing the natural cycles and rhythms of the body

Want to listen to more episodes with Kate? Check these out!

Everyday Ayurveda with Kate O’Donnell episode

A Round Table on The Advanced Practice with Kate O’Donnell episode

Connect with Kate O'Donnell:

• Instagram: @kateodonnell.ayurveda
• Website: healwithkate.org

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• B-School with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/b-school-marie-forleo

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com

• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

Special Offers:

• Purchase Kate's new book, "Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health" from all major retailers.
• Join Kate's annual membership for access to seasonal self-care and cooking classes.
• Participate in Kate's seasonal cleanses for a hands-on experience of Ayurveda.

Call to Action: Don't forget to subscribe to the Finding Harmony Podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with Kyle Eaton, a Mysore teacher now living in Greece. Kyle shares his transformative journey from Florida to Greece, delving into his extensive experience with yoga and how he has integrated controlled articular rotations into his practice. This episode explores the importance of mobility and functional movement, providing insights on how these practices can enhance traditional Ashtanga yoga. Kyle discusses his personal practice and offers valuable advice on achieving greater stability, health, and healing in the body.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Kyle Eaton and his yoga journey
• Discussion on the importance of integrating different movements into yoga practice
• Benefits of controlled articular rotations for mobility and stability
• Kyle's experiences teaching yoga in Greece
• Insights on maintaining a healthy practice and avoiding injuries

Kyle’s Links:

• Kyle Eaton's Instagram
• Kyle Eaton's Online Platform

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• B-School with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/b-school-marie-forleo

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com

• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

Call to Action: Join our summer challenge and show us where you're listening to the Finding Harmony Podcast! Snap a photo of yourself enjoying the episode, whether you're at the beach, in the mountains, or relaxing at home. Tag us on Instagram at Finding Harmony Podcast and let us know what you loved about the episode. Don't forget to register for B-School on our website and start your journey to building the business of your dreams with Harmony's guidance!

Harmony and Russell sit down with the inspiring Tamika Caston-Miller, a yoga futurist and the founder of Ashe Yoga Collective and Ranch Houston. Tamika shares her journey of discovering yoga, the challenges of navigating traditional yoga spaces as a Black woman in a larger body, and her mission to create inclusive and authentic yoga practices.

Key Points Discussed:

• Tamika's introduction to yoga and her early experiences with breathwork and singing.
• The concept of yoga nidra and its role in radical imagination and creating new realities.
• The importance of representation and visibility in yoga, particularly for marginalized communities.
• Tamika's experiences with body image and societal expectations within yoga spaces.
• The impact of social media on yoga practice and the commercialization of yoga.
• Tamika's projects, including Ranch Houston and Ashe Yoga Collective, and their focus on inclusivity and empowerment.
• Practical advice on mindfulness and staying true to oneself amidst external pressures.

Join us for a powerful conversation that challenges conventional notions of yoga and highlights the transformative potential of inclusive practices.

More about Tamika Caston-Miller:

Tamika is an international yoga teacher, trainer, contributor toYoga Journal, and founder ofAshé Collective–an onlie platform & The Ranch Houston a space for community and collectivehealing through flowers, art & yoga.With special interest in yoga for renewal, transformation, and social justice, Tamika’s school andstudio have a special emphases on trauma-informed yoga, ancestral remembering, rest, andsomatics in support of traditionally marginalizedcommunities.Focused on creating rest, empowerment and inclusion through yoga both on & off the mat. Tamika Caston-Miller, E-RYT 500, curates yoga experiences and trainings in service ofcollective healing and community repair. Having begun her yoga journey in 2001 with a home practice, she now holds advanced certifications and training in Trauma-informed Yoga, Somatics, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Tamika’s journey has been informed by chronic pain and injuries, social justice for QTBIPOC communities, the battle between shame and compassion and quest for ancestral healing, and the love for the practice and philosophy of yoga.

Connect with Tamika Caston-Miller:

• https://www.theranchhouston.com/yoga
• https://www.instagram.com/tamika_castonmiller
• https://www.facebook.com/theranchhouston/
• https://www.instagram.com/ashe_yoga/
• https://www.instagram.com/theranchhtx/
• https://www.youtube.com/TamikaCastonMiller
• https://www.facebook.com/lagrandiva
• https://www.facebook.com/tamika.castonmiller
• https://www.facebook.com/asheyogalife

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

In this episode, Harmony sits down with Liv Johansen, a manifestation coach, entrepreneur, and mindset expert. Together, they explore the world of manifestation, uncovering the steps and mindset shifts necessary to create the life and business you love. Liv shares her personal journey from overcoming adversity to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the power of belief, confidence, and heart-centered manifestation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to manifestation and its importance in personal and professional growth

• Liv's journey and transformation through manifestation

• Overcoming limiting beliefs and subconscious blocks

• The role of confidence and self-worth in manifestation

• Practical steps and techniques for effective manifestation

• The science and energy behind manifestation

• The impact of heart-centered manifestation and leading with intuition

• The importance of grounding, visualization, and aligned action

• How to create a juicy, meaningful goal that resonates with your true desires

• Liv’s Manifestation Accelerator course and other resources

Resources Mentioned:

• Liv’s website: Livness

• Free guide: Seven Steps to Manifesting Anything - Download Here

• Manifestation Accelerator Course: Enroll Here

• Follow Liv on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livness.co/

B-School Promo:

• https://harmonyslater.com/b-school-marie-forleo

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

Harmony Slater sits down with soul strategist and success coach Anita Rombough. Anita is a master at blending Eastern spirituality with Western practicality to help individuals achieve what she calls "soulful success." Anita shares her unique journey of integrating her Indian heritage and Western upbringing, discussing how she combines spirituality, science, and strategy to help her clients align with their true purpose and achieve personal fulfillment.

Topics Discussed:

• Anita’s background: Her journey from a Western upbringing and Indian heritage to becoming a soul strategist and success coach.
• The concept of soulful success and how it integrates personal fulfillment, impact, and financial prosperity.
• Practical tools for connecting with higher consciousness and intuition.
• The importance of authenticity, alignment, and abundance in achieving soulful success.
• Overcoming unconscious blocks and limiting beliefs to manifest your dreams.
• The power of co-creation and setting intentions to align with your true purpose.
• Anita’s bestselling book, "The Lighthouse Project," and its impact on readers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity: Discovering and living true to oneself is the first step toward achieving soulful success.
2. Alignment: Staying aligned with your values and vision is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.
3. Abundance: Cultivating an abundance mindset helps attract growth and prosperity in all areas of life.
4. Practical Tools: Meditation, breathwork, and journaling are essential practices for connecting with higher consciousness and maintaining high energy levels.
5. Co-Creation: Collaborating with the universe and setting clear intentions can help manifest your deepest desires.

Guest Bio: Anita Rombough is a soul strategist, success coach, inspirational speaker, spiritual guide, and host of the wildly popular Anita Chat podcast. With a background in psychology and occupational therapy, combined with an MBA, Anita integrates science, strategy, and spirituality to help individuals align with their soul purpose and achieve soulful success. She is the author of the bestselling book, "The Lighthouse Project," and has received honorable mention from Hay House for her written work.

Links:

• Anita Rombough’s Website: https://www.anitarombough.com/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anitarombough/
• The Lighthouse Project: https://www.anitarombough.com/book
• Free Guide - Quick Dopamine Hits and Spiritual Lifts: https://anitarombough.lpages.co/dopaminehits/

Work with Harmony

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey
• Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony
• Study with Harmony in Munich

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

In this episode of the Finding Harmony podcast, Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with Ganesh Balachandran, an electrical engineer turned enlightened sage. Ganesh shares his profound journey from engineering to deeply exploring ancient spiritual texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. After a hip injury led him to meditation, Ganesh rediscovered his cultural roots and began integrating these spiritual teachings into his daily life. This episode is rich with philosophical insights and practical wisdom, making it a treasure trove for anyone interested in the deeper aspects of yoga and Vedanta.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Ganesh's transition from engineering to spiritual exploration
• The intersection of Advaita Vedanta and yoga philosophy
• The significance of Ishvara in Yoga Sutras and Sankhya philosophy
• Karma and its impact on life circumstances
• The concept of subtle body (Sukshma Shariram) and its relation to karma
• Understanding Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha
• The importance of lineage (Parampara) in Indian philosophy

Special Announcement: Join Harmony Slater for her Spiritual Wellness Workshop on Sunday, June 16th. This free online workshop supports Yoga Gives Back, an organization empowering women and children in India through education and microloans. Donations go directly to the charity. Find more details and sign up via the link in the show notes.

Connect with Ganesh Balachandran: Ganesh offers weekly Bhagavad Gita sessions where he shares traditional teachings interwoven with engaging stories from the Mahabharata. Find more information about Ganesh and join these sessions through his website: https://www.yogasukshma.com/

Work with Harmony

• Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey
• Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony
• Study with Harmony in Munich

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

• Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
• Finding Harmony Community
• https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
• ⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
• Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
• ⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
• Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser