Sivana Podcast: Eastern Spirituality, Yoga Philosophy, And Conscious Living

If you’ve been struggling to practice self-love or set boundaries, this episode is for you! Life coach and spiritual teacher, Glenn Ambrose, tells us the mental shift we need to make in order to increase our self-esteem. Learn the question you must ask before practicing self-care in order to truly make it worthwhile. Next, discover more about boundaries: What they are, how to set them, that step that’s often missed, and what to do when you can’t distance yourself from negativity. Tons of practical tips you can take into your own life and relationships in this episode!   ---   Glenn Ambrose's philosophy is that happiness & fulfillment are there for you to have and is attainable by anyone. He is a Life Coach, Spiritual Teacher, Host of the Podcast: "Life, Lessons, & Laughter with Glenn Ambrose," and an Inspirational Speaker. Combining his coaching skills with his finely tuned style of getting to the heart of the matter, he inspires the change that is necessary for truly successful living.   Special Gues

Today we continue our conversation with professional coach, Laurie Gerber. She shares how she saved her marriage from the brink of divorce by entering into emotional, spiritual and physical integrity with her husband. Learn what these different categories mean and how to use them to enhance your own relationships in today’s empowering episode.  --- Passionate about personal development, Laurie has been coaching individuals and groups for over 15 years. Her professional and personal mission is to better the world by teaching people to tell the truth and pursue their dreams. Her focus is on maximizing clients’ ability to thrive across all areas of life–health, love, career, money, family, etc. Laurie spreads her message of empowerment through live international events, one-on-one coaching, virtual coaching courses, as a writer, on radio and in TV appearances such as MTV’s True Life Special: I’m Getting a Second Chance, A&E’s The Marriage Test, the Dr. Phil Show and TODAY show. Special Guest: Laurie Gerber w

If you’re single or looking for love, tune into this episode with professional coach, Laurie Gerber. Understand her framework for finding love, called “the 3Hs.” Laurie explains how to use the 3Hs while dating and as tool for self-awareness. Uncover your inner dialogue and subconscious patterning when it comes to love. Laurie also goes over how to be smart about dating online, how to use the 3Hs to find “the one,” and how to know when to abort a relationship if your head and heart are not aligned. Fantastic tips for anyone single or currently dating! --- Passionate about personal development, Laurie has been coaching individuals and groups for over 15 years. Her professional and personal mission is to better the world by teaching people to tell the truth and pursue their dreams. Her focus is on maximizing clients’ ability to thrive across all areas of life–health, love, career, money, family, etc. Laurie spreads her message of empowerment through live international events, one-on-one coaching, virtual coachin

Ever wondered how certain yogis seem to easily flip into inversions and balance on their hands? Today master yoga teacher, Danni Pomplun, joins us as he shares all his tips on how to get upside down and into arm balances. We cover: What inversions and arm balances to master in what order. How to adjust your hands so balancing on them feels more like balancing on your feet. Should we use the wall when learning handstand? Plus, tips and tricks on how to fall. We also talk about cross training. Is it necessary in order to master some of these advanced poses? Listen and find out!   ---   Danni Pomplun runs his own popular 200-hour teacher training in San Francisco, and is the lead teacher for various teacher trainings both in the U.S. and abroad. He has over 700-hours of advanced yoga training with teachers like, Jason Crandell, Noah Maze, and Darren Main. He offers continuing education workshops and tune-up retreats where instructors can refine and deepen their skills - one of which we are offering together in 2

Ever wondered how certain yogis seem to easily flip into inversions and balance on their hands? Today master yoga teacher, Danni Pomplun, joins us as he shares all his tips on how to get upside down and into arm balances. We cover: What inversions and arm balances to master in what order. How to adjust your hands so balancing on them feels more like balancing on your feet. Should we use the wall when learning handstand? Plus, tips and tricks on how to fall. We also talk about cross training. Is it necessary in order to master some of these advanced poses? Listen and find out! --- Danni Pomplun runs his own popular 200-hour teacher training in San Francisco, and is the lead teacher for various teacher trainings both in the U.S. and abroad. He has over 700-hours of advanced yoga training with teachers like, Jason Crandell, Noah Maze, and Darren Main. He offers continuing education workshops and tune-up retreats where instructors can refine and deepen their skills - one of which we are offering together in 2019.

Continuing our conversation with author Michelle S. Fondin, we dive deeper into our exploration of chakras. We discuss the physic energy of the Gunas, and how they relate to each of these seven energy centers. Michelle explains how both the Yoga Sutras and Tantric philosophy weave into our understanding of the chakras. We also talk about awakening Kundalini energy, the role of Ida and Pingala nadis, and the association of Ida and Pingala nadi with each chakra.  If you already understand the basics of each chakra and are looking to go deeper, this episode is for you! ---   Michelle S. Fondin, author of Chakra Healing for Vibrant Energy and The Wheel of Healing with Ayurveda is owner of the Ayurvedic Path Yoga and Wellness Studio, where she practices as an Ayurvedic lifestyle counselor and as a yoga and meditation teacher. She holds a Vedic Master certificate from the Chopra Center and has worked with Dr. Deepak Chopra teaching yoga and meditation. Find out more about her work at www.michellefondinauthor.com.  

Positioned along the spinal axis, from the tailbone to the crown of the head, the seven main energy centers of the body are called chakras. In today’s episode, author Michelle Fondin explores and explains each one, demystifying their role in facilitating healing, balance, personal power, and everyday well-being. We discuss what it means to have a chakra that is “blocked,” and how to bring it back into balance. We discuss Ayurveda and each dosha as it relates to the chakra system. Whether you are experiencing an illness brought on by imbalance, feeling sluggish because of seasonal changes, or simply wishing to deepen your study of the subtle body, you will find healing and rejuvenation while discovering the power of these vibrant energy centers. Don’t miss this special two-part episode!   ---   Michelle S. Fondin, author of Chakra Healing for Vibrant Energy and The Wheel of Healing with Ayurveda is owner of the Ayurvedic Path Yoga and Wellness Studio, where she practices as an Ayurvedic lifestyle counselor and

Mark Walsh tells us more about how the transformative practice of “Embodied Yoga” with concrete examples of EYP poses you can try now at-home. This way of practicing yoga can be emotionally intense (and he describes that this looks like). Bringing this additional layer of observation to the practice is a powerful tool for looking at your personal patterns and changing your life for the better. Mark also discusses the role of meditation. While meditation is fantastic for self-awareness, it doesn’t teach us social awareness or interpersonal skills. We also discuss why the Guru-model is broken in the West and why you might want to practice inquiry instead of affirmations. Listen to learn more! --- Mark Walsh, founder of Embodied Yoga Principles, has extensive training and facilitation experience with organizations worldwide, including Unilever, L’Oreal, Shell, Ikea, Virgin Atlantic, NHS, The Institute of Development Studies, The Natural History Museum, The House of Lords, The Met Police, and The Army of Sierra L

What are you choosing to embody when you come to your yoga mat? Are you using the yoga postures to gain awareness of your subconscious patterning? These are the questions Mark Walsh, founder of Embodied Yoga Principals, poses in this powerful episode. EYP blends yoga asana, partner-work, body therapy, and martial arts to create a unique system of yoga for people who want to achieve real-world success. Postures and group exercises are used to explore and develop the body as a way of being, integral to how we live. This kind of yoga is not esoteric. It’s about improving personal freedom, the relationships that matter most in our lives, and effectiveness in making the world a better place. Because Embodied Yoga is a set of principles rather than a style, it can add a new dimension to any form of yoga you choose to practice. Transform the way you view your time on that! You won’t think about your yoga practice the same way after this episode. --- Mark Walsh, founder of Embodied Yoga Principles, has extensive trai

Enhance your life by tuning into the natural rhythm of lunar ebbs and flows. Continuing our conversation with author Ezzie Spencer, PhD, we dive deeper into how we flourish by better understanding the cycles of the moon. Ezzie helps clarify if we need to work with same intention multiple times, or just one per lunar cycle. She also goes through the full 8-phase moon cycle as outlined in her book. Learn what you should (and shouldn’t) focus on in each of these 8 cycles. In a time in which we feel increasingly disconnected from nature, Ezzie’s Lunar Abundance practices offer a path to reconnection.   Dr Ezzie Spencer wants people to flourish. She is a published author, and creator of Lunar Abundance®. She is the host of an iTunes podcast, and the author of the book, LUNAR ABUNDANCE, CULTIVATING JOY, PEACE AND PURPOSE USING THE PHASES OF THE MOON. Ezzie started out as a lawyer and academic researcher. She holds a PhD in therapeutic jurisprudence and women's wellbeing. Together with tracking the moon cycle, this

Create peace, security and purpose in both your personal and professional life, guided by the phases of the moon. Ezzie Spencer PhD, author of “Lunar Abundance,” tell us how we can flourish by better understanding the lunar cycle. She speaks to us about scheduling: Does you current work and social calendar take into account the yang/yin patterns of the moon? We also discuss “intention setting.” What does setting an intention really mean? What rituals and actions surround this? What if your intention is to create LESS, instead of MORE of something? How do yoga and meditation play out within a lunar practice? Listen to find out!   Dr Ezzie Spencer wants people to flourish. She is a published author, and creator of Lunar Abundance®. She is the host of an iTunes podcast, and the author of the book, LUNAR ABUNDANCE, CULTIVATING JOY, PEACE AND PURPOSE USING THE PHASES OF THE MOON. Ezzie started out as a lawyer and academic researcher. She holds a PhD in therapeutic jurisprudence and women's wellbeing. Together wit

Continuing our conversation with author and Poet Laureate, Albert Flynn DeSilver, discover why poetry is the foundation all great writing (and why it couples so well with yoga and meditation). Albert opens up and tells us about his “failed” TedX talk, and why we should allow ourselves to write, even if we think it is “crap.” He shares several breakthrough tips about the editing process, as well as some of his own favorite journaling prompts. You won’t think about poetry, reading or writing the same way after this special interview. Albert Flynn DeSilver is an American poet, memoirist, novelist, speaker, and meditation teacher at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. Albert teaches nationally at the Omega Institute, Shambhala Mountain Center, the Esalen Institute and at writing conferences nationally. Albert is also an internationally published poet and served as Marin County California’s very first Poet Laureate from 2008-2010. Albert has read and shared the stage with U.S Poet Laureate K

Today, author and Poet Laureate, Albert Flynn DeSilver, shares with us how writing and meditation can be a powerful pair. “To engage in both practices fully is to activate a more complete creative and spiritual self,” states Albert. In this episode, learn about the spiritual nature of language. Albert talks about how we can write ourselves into “radiant beings,” and why he doesn’t believe in writer’s block. Whether you’re interested in journaling as part of your introspective practice or interested in publishing your work, this episode is full of inspirational tips.   Albert Flynn DeSilver is an American poet, memoirist, novelist, speaker, and meditation teacher at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. Albert teaches nationally at the Omega Institute, Shambhala Mountain Center, the Esalen Institute and at writing conferences nationally. Albert is also an internationally published poet and served as Marin County California’s very first Poet Laureate from 2008-2010. Albert has read and shar

Today we continue our conversation with Beth Weissenberger, master coach to CEOs and professional NFL players. Building on Tuesday’s episode, we shift to tips about how to have “Hard Conversations.” Beth teaches us concrete tools to overcome our fear, ‘frame’ the conversation, own our part in the problem and make a concrete ask for a solution. Whether you need to have a big difficult conversation with a partner, family-member or friend or just need tools to effectively ask for help at home or in the office, you’ll walk away from this podcast empowered to clear the air with everyone around you.   Beth Weissenberger is the Co-Founder and President of Handel Group® Corporate and Sports Divisions. With nearly 20 years in the coaching industry, Beth has led personal development seminars for more than 50,000 people globally, has been a featured Executive Coach at Businessweek.com, and is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. Beth’s ability to evolve corporate culture and bring about exponential financial gr

Meditation teaches us that we are not our thoughts, yet controlling our never-ending inner dialogue is a massive challenge. Today, executive coach Beth Weissenberger describes how she helps CEOs and professional NFL players achieve their desired results by gaining awareness of their own inner dialogue. Beth provides a framework of how we can ‘name’ the voices inside our head for greater awareness and ultimately, elevate our consciousness. Before recording this podcast, Beth told me she wasn’t sure if her message would resonate with yogis. One of my favorite parts of this interview is that so much of what she shares is almost identical to what’s taught in a variety of yoga traditions. If you’re looking to achieve a greater sense of awareness over your thoughts and your life, this episode is for you!   Beth Weissenberger is the Co-Founder and President of Handel Group® Corporate and Sports Divisions. With nearly 20 years in the coaching industry, Beth has led personal development seminars for more than 50,000 p

Yoginis often feel a tremendous amount of pressure to go for a “natural” birth. Today, we’re joined Izzy Adair, a Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula and 500 hr certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre and post-natal yoga. Learn why we want to use the term “unmediated birth” instead of “natural.” Izzy walks us through how the best birth preparation involves tuning in to our own body awareness, with tips on how to do exactly that. She also covers challenges that can arise in birth (especially for woman who do yoga), and tips on how to navigate both birth and post-partum gracefully. Do not miss this episode if you’re pregnant or considering conceiving soon! Izzy Adair is a Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, 500 hr certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre and post-natal yoga, Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, and student of Women’s Anthropology   Special Guest: Izzy Adair www.holisticbirthandwellness.com Instagram @izzyadair   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/  

What foods are pitta aggravating? Vata provoking? Good for balancing kapha? Today we review Ayurvedic wisdom with Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, Izzy Adair. We also learn: Should we eliminate coffee? Ditch smoothies? Do we need to be vegan, vegetarian or neither to practice Ayurevda? We cover the difference between a “yogic” diet and “ayurvedic” diet. Izzy also explains mono-eating: What is it? What’s the benefit? Walk away from this episode with tons of actionable Ayurvedic tips. Izzy Adair is a Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, 500 hr certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre and post-natal yoga, Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, and student of Women’s Anthropology.   Special Guest: Izzy Adair www.holisticbirthandwellness.com Instagram @izzyadair   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/   Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper www.zmcmusic.tumblr.com   Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com   Please consider leaving us a rating or review on iTunes! https://b

Today we continue our conversation with Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi.” After sharing how he developed his very first naked yoga class (and what it entailed), Aaron walks us through how this practice grew into a flourishing studio in New York City offering 15+ classes a week. We talk about stripping away clothing as a way of accessing the deepest layers of ourselves. We discuss potency of emotional release in yoga (and naked yoga in particular!). He tells us why simply listening to another person’s breath can change our lives. Aaron talks about the yoga practice as an experiment: “To practice, is to experiment.” If you’re not experimenting with your personal practice right now, this podcast will inspire you to start.  Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” is the co-owner of Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa, where he brings passion and adventure to countless students through his teachings and lectures. Inspired by his own practice, he guides students to secret and far-flung

Learn about the world of nude yoga – a practice that is much deeper than you may think. Our guest, Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” shares how he pioneered the practice of naked yoga for men in 2000. Learn from Aaron’s fascinating personal journey as he developed and grew this practice from a small experimental class, to a large nude yoga studio offering 15+ classes a week. Aaron walks us through how he developed his first naked yoga class, and the components that make this practice so special. Whether you think you might ever want to take your clothes off in yoga (or not), this podcast is full of gems that will help you break through any blocks or preconceived notions about yourself.      Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” is the co-owner of Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa, where he brings passion and adventure to countless students through his teachings and lectures. Inspired by his own practice, he guides students to secret and far-flung locales, empowers them to reali

We continue to celebrate menstruation through an Ayurvedic lens with expert Ayurvedic Consultant, Akshata Sheelvant. Building on Tuesday’s episode, we cover: Ayurvedic remedies for headaches, bloating and cramps. We learn what various menstrual side effects mean according to Ayurveda, and how they tie back to our digestive health. We also discuss common questions around birth control, hyperthyroidism, whether to exercise or practice yoga during your cycle and more! Ultimately, Akshata teaches us how to use your period as a time for powerful introspection and creative work.    Akshata (Akee) Sheelvant is an Ayurveda/Yoga Lifestyle Consultant living in Phoenix, USA. She is a RYT certified yoga teacher studied with Yogrishi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, India. Akshata is also a disciple of her Guru Paramahansa Yogananda and has been practicing Kriya Yoga for more than 15 years. Akshata has used the scientific wisdom of Ayurveda and practice of classical Hatha Yoga to successfully regulate her hypothyroidism. The Ayur