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In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, Mataji shares insights into her life journey and spiritual path.
Born in Washington DC on April Fool's Day, she considers her birth a blessing. Reflecting on her childhood, Mataji recalls her cheerful disposition and love for quiet introspection and learning. She discusses her upbringing in a household that valued curiosity, art, and science.
Mataji also delves into her spiritual journey, influenced by encounters with Swami Satchidananda and her Catholic background. Throughout the conversation, Mataji emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating love and understanding in a rapidly changing world.
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Swami Gurucharanananda, lovingly called Mataji, is a senior sannyasi (monk) and disciple of Gurudev, Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj. She lives at Yogaville and serves on the Sannyas Board. Mataji is a guided meditation leader and Hatha Yoga teacher, an inspiring speaker, Integral Yoga® mentor, and private retreat guide. She loves to offer pujas (worship service), read Sri Gurudev’s teachings at lunch, and play the violin as a wake-up call in the dorms! In 2014 she was awarded the Swami Satchidananda Lifetime Service Award
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6rIahfE98wM
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The podcast delves into the profound spiritual journey of Snehan Born, tracing his path from early experiences in church to a lifelong quest for truth and enlightenment. Through encounters with various religious traditions, philosophical explorations, and travels worldwide, Snehan embarks on a quest to understand the deeper meaning of existence. Snehan grapples with existential questions, confronts personal privileges and challenges, and ultimately finds solace and guidance through Integral Yoga.
Through anecdotes and reflections, the podcast explores themes of spiritual evolution, transformation, and the universal search for meaning in life.
Watch on Youtube
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Snehanji has over four decades of experience with yoga. He resides at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, where he serves as Swami Ramananda's assistant, teaches yoga classes and is a lead teacher trainer at all levels. Snehan is certified in all levels of Integral Yoga Hatha and has received additional certifications in Pranayama, Meditation, Raja Yoga and Stress Management from Integral Yoga. He has also received teacher training from yoga master Sri Dharma Mittra of the Dharma Yoga Center, Manhattan and has also studied with Sharon Gannon and David Life from Jivamukti Yoga Center, Manhattan. Snehan has studied Bhakti Yoga globally with Jai Uttal and Govind Das. Chanting mantra and playing the harmonium are part of his regular practice and classes.
Snehan has lived and traveled extensively within India and practiced with many teachers there. He has taught yoga all over the US as well as in India, Nepal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan and Europe.
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Rachel discusses her philosophy of "Let's Do Less," advocating for slowing down in today's fast-paced world. She emphasizes the power of doing less for self-care and healing, particularly in trauma work. Rachel explores the intersection of presence, genuine connection, and identity in self-care practices. She highlights the importance of being mindful of one's biological experiences and emotions while navigating personal growth and well-being.
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Rachel Jensen is a Licensed Massage Therapist, certified Health Coach through Duke University, 200 and 300 HR certified Integral Hatha Yoga Teacher, and is currently pursuing her certification in Somatic Experiencing- a body-based approach to dealing with trauma created by Peter Levine.
A Licensed Massage Therapist for 18 years, Rachel is passionate about finding the connections between modern science, trauma research and the ancient practices of yoga, touch, and movement. In a practice focusing on trauma informed bodywork, especially as it applies to chronic conditions of pain, stress, anxiety, and disease, Rachel has seen first hand the way somatic practices like yoga and massage can encourage and support a client’s healing journey.
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The conversation delves into the profound impact of communal singing and the healing power of sound vibration, emphasizing the significance of discovering one's authentic voice. It explores experiences in group singing settings, highlighting the importance of encouragement and support for individuals to overcome fear and judgment. Reflections on practices like meditation and cold therapy underscore the journey towards fearlessness and acceptance. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the conversation underscores the transformative potential of music and self-expression, ultimately advocating for the cultivation of a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore and embrace their musical abilities.
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Exploration of the mind, self-inquiry, and a search for deeper spiritual meaning set Narada Williams on a journey that led him to Yoga. His pursuit of teacher training brought him to Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in 2014, where he completed his 200-hour Integral Yoga training with Satya Greenstone. He taught Hatha Yoga classes in Radford, VA, while completing his degree in Tourism and Special Events Management. He returned to his spiritual home, Yogaville, in 2017 to teach and serve. A father and husband, Narada seeks to live a dedicated life, find joy in every moment, and recognize life for the divine miracle it is.
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Heather Mason, the founder of the Minded Institute, shares her compelling journey from personal mental health challenges to becoming a leading advocate for yoga therapy integration into healthcare systems. Drawing from her own experiences and the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness meditation, Mason emphasizes the need for alternative approaches to mental health treatment beyond medication. She underscores the importance of social prescribing, highlighting how socialization can have tangible physiological benefits on health. Mason's advocacy extends to promoting the inclusion of yoga therapy in healthcare protocols and providing training for healthcare professionals, envisioning a future where yoga becomes a recognized and accessible tool for mental well-being.
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Heather is an internationally renowned yoga therapy school, and the Yoga in Health Care Alliance, focused on bringing yoga into the UK’s NHS. She holds master’s degrees in Buddhist Studies, in Psychotherapy, Medical Physiology, and has extensive training in Neuroscience. Heather has been teaching yoga since 2001 and has specialized in the use of yoga therapy for mental health populations since 2007. She designed and taught an elective on yoga at the Boston University School of Medicine and created and taught the bioscience course the MUIH launched its MA in yoga therapy. Actively focused on the integration of yoga into healthcare, in 2018 Heather helped create an All-Party Parliamentary Group, “Yoga in Society”. Heather has also co-authored “Yoga and Mental Health” and “Yoga on Prescription”. In 2023 Heather and co-director Elaine Collins developed the first yoga therapy psychotherapy course in the world. This course is accredited by the NCIP.
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Links:
https://www.themindedinstitute.com
IG: @themindedinstitute
Facebook: @Themindedinstitute
Youtube: @Themindedinstitute
Twitter: @MindedInstitute
Linkedin: The Minded Institute
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In this enlightening episode, Michelle Jacobi shares her captivating journey into the world of yoga. Starting as a professional dancer in New York with a keen interest in philosophy, Michelle stumbled upon yoga for its profound background rather than its physical aspect.
During this conversation she recalls a transformative experience at the Uptown Integral Yoga Studio, and how it triggered a deep connection to herself and the interconnectedness of life. Michelle delves into the integral yoga system, highlighting its power to bring balance, self-awareness, and healing. Her story serves as an inspiration, emphasizing the profound impact yoga can have beyond the physical, guiding listeners on a journey of self-discovery and well-being.
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This dialogue between James and Avi takes a deep dive into the states of unified consciousness and the challenges of maintaining an expanded awareness amidst the daily nuances of life. Explore the concept of 'inner yes' as a guiding force in decision-making, where the body's sensations become a compass for mindful choices. Witness James' reflections on maturity, humility, and the ever-evolving exploration of consciousness.
In a thought-provoking twist, the conversation contemplates individuals as waves of light, with thoughts and emotions influencing the vibrations they emit. Dive into the exploration of undesirable emotions, the art of staying with discomfort, and the transformative power of embracing the unknown. The concept of freedom takes center stage, intertwined with practices like meditation and conscious breathing.
As the episode unfolds, the speakers share a unique exchange of energy, expressing gratitude and reflecting on conscious choices during a birthday celebration. This episode offers insights into conscious living, emotional exploration, and the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
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In this episode, Govind Das shares profound reflections on his recent visit to India, marking his 21st journey to the country. He emphasizes the spiritual richness of sacred places like Rishikesh and Vrindavan, contrasting them with the materialistic focus of big cities. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals and practices in connecting with the divine, emphasizing the challenge of letting go of attachments and ego-driven narratives. Govind Das also discusses the essence of strength and courage, rooted in acknowledging a higher power and being open to divine guidance. Overall, the episode explores the deep spiritual culture of India and the transformative power of surrender and daily practices.
Govind Das on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G35TSwUM8xttVQyxIlCmu?si=GdjdQ2roS6OQzjq-dx0pNQ
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Prakash explores yoga as unity, emphasizing its role in bringing people together.
She delves into Raja yoga, focusing on the study of yoga sutras, advocating for individual reflection and practical application of yogic principles.
Capen addresses the challenge of self-judgment, advocating for a sense of humor in the pursuit of balance. She discusses the tendency to rank individuals in the spiritual realm and underscores the value of openness to diverse perspectives.
Prakash Capen (KAY-pen) left behind her career in broadcasting when she realized her real passion — to serve by teaching yoga. Over the years, she was Director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Washington DC, Boston, and San Francisco. In San Francisco, Prakash served as Director of Life Enhancement for the AIDS/HIV Study Group, taught a popular weekly meditation & yoga program for people with AIDS/HIV, worked with Dr. Dean Ornish‘s program for reversing heart disease, and began hospice service. A professional writer and editor, Prakash now focuses on concerns for those with chronic illness and disabilities, and, also, teaches application of yoga in daily life
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This podcast episode features a conversation with Jess Frey about her recent silent retreat experience and the idea of "coming home" to oneself.
Jess and Avi delve into finding a balance between self-improvement and helping others. They discuss the concept of emotional armor and authenticity, highlighting the practice of pausing. The conversation also explores the importance of community in personal growth and self-discovery, with an emphasis on healthy community characteristics.
Additionally, the conversation touches on setting intentions and having a flexible Guiding Light in one's life journey, the power of gratitude, and the difference between compliments received in the mind and heart.
The discussion underscores the value of presence, love, and connection, while recognizing the multifaceted nature of human experience.
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Jess is a Kripalu Yoga educator, truth blazer, life coach, artist, and lover of life, intimacy, connection. Jess has been connected to Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for 15 years and facilitates yoga, ayurveda, and silent meditation retreats as well as designs and develops curriculum content for Kripalu's experiential programs and workshops.
With an enthusiasm for personal and professional development, she also provides mentorship to the organization's teaching staff. Jess is devoted to the process of compassionate inquiry, self-discovery, and the art of living yoga in everyday life. She stewards and facilitates connectivity, curiosity, and co-creates brave spaces for all beings.
She believes community offers a pathway to learning, healing, and individual and collective transformation. Together is how WE find our way. Her passion and expertise lie in post-traumatic growth, addiction recovery, embodied presence, creativity, and exploring ways to live the truth of one's self. With more than 20 years of personal practice, professional development, and leadership, Jess is known for her authenticity, heart, motivation, and depth.
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Lakshmi has dedicated 16 years to the prison project, using Gurudev's teachings to help incarcerated individuals transform their lives.
She speaks about the punitive U.S. prison system, its role in drug issues, and stresses the importance of kindness.
The U.S. prison system's flaws are discussed, with the need for rehabilitation highlighted, given the high recidivism rate.
Lakshmi shares her journey from a Catholic upbringing to studies in anthropology, a rebellious phase, and her return to spirituality through yoga.
She reflects on the challenges of absorbing spiritual teachings, quieting the mind and staying open to learning.
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Graham Schweig sits down with Avi Gordon in a conversation that covers the importance of yoga, gratitude, and selflessness in reconnecting with one's heart and embracing life's conditioning forces. They discuss the transformative power of yoga in turning inward to confront inner conflicts and suffering, ultimately leading to self-awareness and growth. The role of the guru in guiding and reinforcing inner wisdom is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the significance of choices, trust in the process, and the power of supportive relationships. Self-care and selflessness are explored as interconnected aspects of spiritual practice, promoting both personal well-being and the capacity to serve others.
Bio:
Dr. Schweig is Distinguished Teaching and Research Faculty at the Center for Dharma Studies of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Schweig earned the master’s degree in religious studies at University of Chicago Divinity School, a master’s of theological studies in history of religions and a master’s of theology in comparative religion from Harvard University Divinity School, and earned his doctorate in comparative religion from Harvard. Schweig joined the faculty of Christopher Newport University (CNU) in the fall of 2000. Prior to coming to CNU, he was a teaching fellow at Harvard University, lecturer at University of North Carolina and Duke University, and while teaching at CNU, he was for two years, Visiting Associate Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Virginia. He has been recognized several times for excellence in teaching, including CNU's annual Alumni Faculty Award for Teaching and Mentoring (2013), and has delivered over three dozen invited lectures at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for over fourteen years. He has also given lectures widely in the US and in Europe, and has been invited to be a consultant on doctoral dissertation committees or a doctoral dissertation examiner in the US, Europe, India, and Australia. He has conducted yoga workshops, offered seminars and given lectures around the US and Europe for well over 20 years. In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Schweig has been a student of many traditional teachers of yoga, and is recognized by Yoga Alliance at the highest level of E-RYT 500 and YACEP. He has travelled to India thirteen times, once for a year on a Smithsonian Institution funded grant, and has been a practitioner of traditional and heart-centered yoga for over 50 years.
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Renowned kirtan artist Govind Das speaks with Avi Gordon about turning the mind into an "altar to God", making the transition to heart-centered living, the importance of understanding and accepting one's humanness while striving for spiritual progress, and much more.
In his freshman year of college, in 1989, Govind Das was introduced to the practice of meditation and the spiritual culture of the east. A few years later, while on a road trip, G listened to a Ram Dass lecture. This cassette tape changed the course of his life. Govind Das has since dedicated his life to studying and sharing the practices of bhakti yoga.
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Avi and Swami Divyananda discuss prioritizing inner peace, the role of meditation, nurturing personal relationships, letting go of the need to be "right", and they reflect on Swami Satchidananda's teachings and legacy.
Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500, has had a wealth of experience teaching Integral Yoga around the world since 1973. She has taught at corporations, universities, the Commonwealth Cancer Center, and for the Dr. Dean Ornish Reversing Heart Disease programs. She has also served as one of Integral Yoga’s Basic Hatha teacher trainers.
Swami Divyananda Ma took monastic vows in 1975 from Sri Swami Satchidananda. Over the years she has served as the director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and as Ashram Manager at Yogaville. She also served for ten years as the director of the Integral Yoga Institute in Coimbatore, India; this immersion into the South Indian culture has given depth to her understanding and practice of Yoga.
Now an itinerant monk, Swami Divyananda is constantly “on the road.” She leads the annual Sacred India Tours to sacred sites in India in addition to international Yoga retreats and trainings.
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Amma Kidd and Avi discuss the significance of collective prayer, the transformative influence of a guru, surrendering to God's will, and the interconnectedness of all creation. Amma emphasizes the importance of "seeking first the kingdom of God" by going within, and always and forever "rising above".
Amma Kidd is a former secretary to and long-time devotee of Swami Satchidananda, and a beloved pillar of love and faith in the Yogaville community.
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Sadhu and Avi discuss music, healing, and Yoga, with two short improvised performances.
Jesse Gallagher has been a professional touring musician since 2001, and a music producer and recording engineer since 2008. He toured extensively as a member of Apollo Sunshine from 2001-2010, and now composes and performs with a variety of projects, including Nightime Sunshine. Gallagher has practiced Kundalini yoga and meditation since 2000. In 2016 he was certified to teach Integral Yoga Hatha, which he teaches in the lineage of Swami Satchidananda.
Links:
Jesse's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5hjK3sDzk2W-jw9roHuVw
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Avi speaks with past broadcast journalist and present yogi Jeff Ananda Kamen, who shares some engrossing stories about his adventures and his search for meaning, purpose and understanding.
Jeff Kamen first met Swami Satchidananda in 1973 when he made the first public television documentary on yoga in America. It was a primetime special on New York City’s premiere public television station WNET 13. Jeff was 29 years old and already a veteran of news reporting in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London, and a confessed smart alec. He did his best to conceal that from the Swami during the interview. That documentary film was one of dozens Jeff had the opportunity to make over a career that has spanned more than a half a century. Besides the founder of Yogaville, Jeff has also been blessed by one-on-one contact with the Dalai Lama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other major figures in spiritual life. Jeff has lived in Yogaville for almost a decade.
Links:
Warrior Pups: True Stories of America's K9 Heroes (Amazon):
https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Pups-Stories-Americas-Heroes/dp/1493029657?tag=interior0d3-20
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In this inspiring interview, John Ferguson shares his personal journey of finding positivity and using it as a tool to help veterans struggling with mental health issues. John emphasizes the importance of service and reaching out to support those who are suffering. Through his experiences with yoga and meditation, he highlights the power of these practices in promoting mental well-being and healing.
John is a retired US Marine with three combat tours, and IY Yoga instructor, and the author of "Living Beyond PTS: Journey towards Peace - A Veteran's Path to Recovery - Through Mind Nidra". He works at helping people learn about PTS and its affects, both mental and physical.
Some highlights:
John's personal journey of finding positivity and healing in Yoga, and helping veterans with mental health issuesthe significance of service and supporting those who are sufferingthe transformative power of meditation and Yoga for mental well-being and healingLinks:
"Living Beyond PTS" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Beyond-PTS-Veterans-Recovery/dp/173591990X?tag=interior0d3-20Living Beyond PTS Website - https://livingbeyondpts.org/yoga-for-veteransFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064036477365Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kirtan artist Seán Johnson, of Seán Johson and the Wild Lotus Band, discusses:
the importance of preparation for presenting and his personal singing practice as a means of connecting to the universethe balance between planning and staying present in the moment - using templates as a framework for improvisation and creativityexperiences of doubt, grief, and loss, and finding solace in connecting with his brother's spirit through musicchallenges, self-care, and finding value in difficult experiences, as well as the universal nature and benefits of singing and chanting in many spiritual traditionsSeán's Bio:
Seán’s intimate, intuitive connection to the spirituality of music, singing, and songwriting goes back to his childhood. He was a member of the New Orleans Symphony Children’s Chorus and active in musical theatre. After a traumatic performance experience as an adolescent, he quit singing in public for many years and found his voice again in his early twenties by connecting deeply to his Irish ancestors through singing traditional sean-nos songs in a year long Irish Studies program at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, guided by ethnomusicologist Seán Williams. Williams shared songs that she had learned directly from Joe Heaney, considered to be one of Ireland’s greatest singers. In an intensive program focused on heart-centered spiritual traditions guided by Doranne Crable, Seán was introduced to the Sufi practice of dhikr, a powerful chanting practice that deepened his connection with the voice as a vehicle for spiritual transformation.
After focusing on Comparative Spiritual Traditions in his undergraduate studies, Seán went on to complete a Master’s degree in Creation Spirituality from The Naropa Institute-Oakland (1999) with focus on teaching chant as spiritual practice, apprenticing there with south Indian musician and teacher Russill Paul, author of The Yoga Of Sound. In 1999, Seán moved home to New Orleans, sharing weekly chanting sessions, and founding several spiritual music ensembles, introducing many people to the practice of chanting. In 2005 he founded The Wild Lotus Band as a post-Hurricane Katrina philanthropic music project, raising funds across the country for relief from the devastation of the storm through benefit concerts. Chanting mantras has been a deep and integral part of his personal spiritual practice, music, and teaching for the last 25+ years. Singing Irish music and connecting to his Irish ancestors remains a pillar of his life and spirituality. He guides online gatherings and retreats in Ireland with Mary Meighan, founder of Celtic Journeys each year.
Links:
Website - https://seanjohnsonandthewildlotusband.comInstagram - @seanwildlotusbandFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/SeanJohnsonAndTheWildLotusBand/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/SeanWildLotusBandThe Auricle Collective - https://auriclecollective.com/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Avi Gordon speaks with Swami Sugunananda, a monastic since 2010. Sugunananda shares her journey of becoming a swami after the loss of her partner, and discusses finding clarity through faith and guidance from her guru, the role of intuition in decision-making, the importance of faith and humility, the practice of meditation and prayer, and other topics.
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- Visa fler
