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

Bestselling author and Western authority on the chakra system, Anodea Judith, shares her vast wisdom with us in today’s special episode. Learn how a top down approach to the chakra system can help you manifest your highest aspirations. Understand what makes the chakras spin. See how Anodea weaves Tantric philosophy into her current understanding of the chakra system. Walk away with actionable tips on how to better integrate the chakras into your yoga and meditation practice. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Anodea’s books or eager to learn more about the chakra system, this episode is not to be missed! Anodea Judith, Ph.D. is the author of several bestsellers and definitive works on the chakras. She’s best known for her books Wheels of Life and Eastern Body-Western Mind, as well as her award-winning DVD, The Illuminated Chakras. She has a doctoral degree in Human Health, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and is an experienced 500-hour registered yoga teacher. Anodea is considered the foremost Western writer

Understand the ins-and-outs of Chinese Medicine with this week’s special guest, Brodie Welch, L.Ac. Discover the 5 different branches of Chinese Medicine and the mystical powers of each of our internal organs. Learn how to face your “Yang addiction” and practice the world’s simplest Qi Gong move. We cover key terms like, “Qi,” “Taoism” “Yin/Yang” and compare Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda. This mind-expanding episode provides a fantastic foundation for yogis looking to dive deeper into all that Chinese Medicine has to offer.   Brodie Welch is a Licensed Acupuncturist, board-certified herbalist, and Chinese Medicine expert. She’s the founder of Life in Balance Acupuncture in Corvallis, Oregon, where she has been treating patients since 2003. In addition to her clinical practice, Brodie helps caring, high-achieving, women put themselves on their own to-do lists so they can trade stress and burnout for energy, joy, and vibrant health. And she has helped thousands of clients improve their digestion, sleep, and mood

How do we teach mindfulness to our children? Today’s expert, Susan Kaiser Greenland, shares with us practical ways we can bring mindfulness into our (often chaotic) family environment with young kids. Discover easy mindfulness games you can play with your children and a new way of learning the traditional “ABCs.” Understand the science of how mindfulness practices impact children’s brain development. If you’re a parent, prospective part, or have children in your life, this episode is a must-listen, full of practical tips!   Susan Kaiser Greenland is an internationally recognized leader in teaching mindfulness and meditation to children, teens, parents, and professionals. She played a foundational role in making mindfulness practices developmentally appropriate for young people and helped to pioneer activity-based mindfulness with her first book The Mindful Child and her second book Mindful Games. She speaks widely at prestigious institutions and meditation centers in the United States and abroad. In 2006, Sus

What is Kundalini Yoga and the Aquarian Age? How does Kundalini differ from a Hatha or Vinyasa-style practice? And can these styles of yoga compliment each other? In this conversation with Kundalini yoga teacher, Kia Miller, we explore everything you’ve been curious about in regards to Kundalini yoga, but been afraid to ask. How do we stay with the practice when Kriyas become challenging or unbearable? Why wear white? Where does Kundalini Yoga end and Sikhism begin? Why chanting? And what do these chants mean? Don’t miss this highly informative podcast demystifying the powerful principles behind Kundalini Yoga.   Kia Miller is the founder of Radiant Body Yoga, which has its roots in the ancient Kundalini and Tantric traditions. It encompasses and unites the transformational possibiltiies of Kundalini Yoga, the technical precision of Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga, and the power of prayer, mantra and meditation. She leads teacher trainings and retreats around the world.   Special Guest: Kia Miller https://www.kiami

Overcome your phobias, fears, and performance anxiety by using mindfulness to unlock your peak potential. Today’s guest, hypnotherapist John Hankey, gives us a unique perspective on how mindfulness can fuel your personal growth and success. He guides us through a simple two-minute meditation to get us “in a flow state,” whether at school or at the office. Learn performance-boosting exercises, like what John calls, “The Reset,” and why you might want to invite your fears and anxieties into your meditation practice. Walk away understanding why we all should consider being, “Type-A about relaxation.” If you’ve been curious about how mindfulness can fuel your personal growth and success, this episode is for you!   John Hankey is a certified hypnotherapist, specializing in phobias & performance anxiety. He’s the founder of Mindful Test Taking, a company that helps high school, college, and graduate students overcome test anxiety by teaching them mindfulness techniques, both in person and over videoconference.

Today we learn HOW to finally take charge of our own healing and let go of “the magic pill” solution mindset that permeates our modern culture. Learn why you might want to call into question the prescription and seemingly harmless over-the-counter drugs you may be taking. Kelly Brogan, M.D., a Manhattan-based holistic psychiatrist, shares her no nonsense, no excuses approach on how we can start truly listening to our symptoms in order to take charge of our own healing. Depression and a variety of other medical conditions can actually be viewed as a gift when we change our energetic approach. Listen to learn more!    Kelly Brogan, M.D. is a Manhattan-based holistic women’s health psychiatrist, author of the NY Times Bestselling book, A Mind of Your Own, and co-editor of the landmark textbook, Integrative Therapies for Depression. She completed her psychiatric training and fellowship at NYU Medical Center after graduating from Cornell University Medical College, and has a B.S. from MIT in Systems Neuroscience.

Everything you ever wanted to know about crystals, broken down! Today we speak to expert Samantha Fey about what crystals are, how to pick them out, and how to “work with them” in our yoga, meditative or spiritual practice. We cover how the crystals and the chakra system are interconnected, how to cleanse your stones once you bring them home and how to “charge” them up with the phases of the moon. Did you know you might want to wear your crystals and healing jewelry on different sides of the body, pending your intention? As if the conversation couldn’t get juicer, Samantha and I wrap up by speaking about Sacred Selfishness – one of her favorite topics. We’re taught to be of service to others, but not how to take care of and love ourselves. Both of us share our tips on how to make sacred time for yourself and practice saying “no.” Samantha Fey has been working with crystals for over 20-years and is an intuitive medium and Reiki Master. She co-hosts the popular podcast the Psychic Teachers with Deb Bowen and wr

Should you integrate cannabis into your time on that mat? Are you already doing so and looking to go deeper? Whether you’re a massive skeptic or someone already using cannabis as part of your spiritual practice, do not miss this episode with the founder of Ganja Yoga, Dee Dussault. Together, we cover the basics: how to begin if you’ve never tried cannabis before, best practices on dosing, ingestion methods, and subsequent yoga and meditation techniques. We learn about the history, health benefits and chemical properties of cannabis, as well as how to pick the best strain for you personally. Many say cannabis is clearly mentioned in texts such as the Yoga Sutras and the Vedas. Is it true? Listen and find out in this special episode! Dee Dussault is the creator of Ganja Yoga, cannabis-enhanced yoga classes. A yoga practitioner with over twenty years of experience, Dee was the first yogi to offer public enhanced yoga classes, and she's been doing it since 2009. Her book, Ganja Yoga, was released with Harper Coll

Learn from one of the few triple board-certified physicians in our country in today’s special episode! In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Zach Bush, we learn about the impact of chemical farming on human consciousness, what a “leaky gut” really is, and how we can eat in a way that decreases our risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses. Dr. Bush covers actionable steps we can take now to reconnect to mother nature, explains why there’s no such things as “good” and “bad” bacteria, and why the gut microbiome is what’s triggering so many people to turn to yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice as part of their healing. Don’t miss the magic blend of spirit and science in this episode!   Zach Bush MD is one of the few triple board-certified physicians in the country, with expertise in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Hospice/Palliative care. In 2012 he discovered a family of carbon-based redox molecules made by bacteria, and his team has subsequently demonstrated that this cellular co

Are you considering yoga teacher training to deepen your yoga practice? Do you dream of making yoga your fulltime career? Or are you currently teaching and struggling? If any of the above describes you, this week’s episode is a must-listen. I sit down with Youtube yogini Lesley Fightmaster, who teaches to an audience of over 300K dedicated subscribers online. She shares with us her courageous story of how she went from broke, struggling to take care of her family, to finally achieving success doing what she loves. At the end of the episode, Lesley shares with us how she stays grounded as a busy, successful teacher – from what exact crystals she has on her altar to how she integrates cards and Tarot into her personal practice.    Lesley leads a breath-focused, alignment based class that combines a deep love of movement with the practice of yoga. She’s a certified instructor registered with Yoga Alliance and earned her 200-hour certificate through YogaWorks in 2006 and went on to complete her 300-hour training

Curious about the idea of past lives, Karma and soul contracts? In this episode, spiritual healer Lisa Barnett breaks down for us what the Akashic Records are, how we can access them, and why we might want to. She explains the difference between a physic, a channel and a medium, as well as answers common questions relevant for anyone wanting to learn more about the idea of past lives. At the end of the episode, she shares with us why time and space are an illusion, as well as simple techniques to tap into the Akashic field through our own yoga and meditation practice at home. Lisa Barnett is an internationally recognized author, teacher and healer with more than 20 years experience in the Spiritual healing forum. Lisa specializes in clearing soul contracts, karma, and vows – and helping individuals align with their soul’s path. Her unique healing technique called “Pain Body Release ” helps her clients let go of their accumulated emotional pain, from both their current and past lives. She’s the author of The I

Learn easy-to-implement Ayurvedic best-practices that up-level your sense of well-being and balance on a daily basis. Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, Melanie Phillips, speaks to us about how to set the ideal sankalpa (daily intention), how our psychology affects our physiology, and why we all need a tongue scraper (and where to get the best one!) This episode is full of both detailed Ayurvedic wisdom and practical tips you can implement right away. Enjoy!  Melanie is an author, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, Energy Healer and yoga teacher trainer. She created the Madhuri Method: 85 hr-Ayurvedic Yoga Training & the Inner Empowerment Mentorship program, both to assist souls in a practical and empowering way to know their own brilliance and experience freedom and self-love. She is the co-author of "Your Irresistible Life: 4 Seasons of Self-Care through Ayurveda and Yoga Practices that Work.”   Special Guest: Melanie Phillips www.madhurimethod.com   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/

How can we age gracefully and consciously? How can we help our loved ones (parents and grandparents) do the same? In this episode, Carrie Hensley, Director of Yoga for YMEDICA, provides us with practical insights on how we can make yoga and meditation accessible to those 60 and older - even if they’ve never practiced yoga before. Learn how to best introduce yoga and meditation to older family members and friends. Discover the latest evidence-based approach to teaching an older population. Understand how yoga can give those 60 and over (and their caretakers) new opportunities for physical and spiritual growth.  Carrie has been practicing and teaching yoga for the past 19 years. She has had training in Ayurveda, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Healthy Backs, Forrest Yoga, Anusara, Integrative Yoga for Seniors at Duke Integrative Medicine, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Jyotish, Vedic Astrology. As the Director of Yoga for YMEDICA she has helped develop and teach evidence-based yoga programs and teacher trainings aro

You might want to eat dandelions rather than spray them after listening to this podcast with world-renowned herbalist Brigitte Mars. You’ll also never think of grass in the same way again! Brigitte teaches us simple first aid remedies already living in your the kitchen, easy ways you can create your own edible backyard, and why bees are your best friend in restoring your yard (and healing yourself!). If you have even the slightest interest in how to create your own garden – whether you live in high-rise apartment or a country ranch – this is a must listen. At the very end of the episode, we also get Brigitte’s perspective on psychoactive plants for spiritual use. Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant of Natural Health with almost fifty years of experience. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University, and The School of Health Mastery in Iceland. She has taught at Omega Institute, Esalen, Kripalu, Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Arise, Envision and Unify Festivals, and The Mayo Clinic. She blogs

Learn how self-compassion can radically transform your life with the world’s leading expert on self-compassion research. Dr. Kristin Neff teaches us the three main elements of self-compassion - mindfulness, common humanity and self-kindness – and how to apply them in challenging situations. We’ll learn how to relate to moments of struggle in order to thrive and achieve more. By stepping into the role of our own “friendly coach,” Kristin shares with us how we can gain more confidence and clarity about who we are. Included are special tips for caretakers on how to best practice self-compassion while consumed in the task of caring for someone else. Don’t miss this episode full of practical, transformation tips on how to care for ourselves in the way that matters most.    Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion over a decade a

Learn how to step into your courage and connect with your Shakti energy in this powerful conversation with Master Yogini, Shiva Rea. In this conversation, Shiva Rea shares with us her personal evolution from the structure of Ashtanga yoga, to listening to the call of her own “sway” to found her own style: Prana Vinyasa Yoga. She shares with us how she creates time and space for her personal practice, inspires us with the story of her own Shakti awakening, and provides practical tips on how we can tap into our own Prana and courage, whether alone at home, or at a yoga festival. Shiva Rea is the author of over 27 home-practice DVDs. She’s integrated the roots of vinyasa, yoga, ayurveda, and tantra in creative and life-transforming courses, workshops, retreats, and trainings. Join Shiva Rea along with over 200 live music performers at ARISE Music Festival in Loveland, Colorado this August.    Special Guest: Shiva Rea http://www.shivarea.com/ www.arisefestival.com    Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.br

In this episode, author Brian Leaf provides us with insight on how to power our personal practice through 108 prompts that are part of his most recent book. We learn about how he used the tools of yoga and ayurevda to overcome both ulcerative colitis and ADD, as well as a major Vata dosha imbalance. We also ask – who is the teacher? And how can we trust them to appear? Brian Leaf, M.A., is the author of thirteen books, including The Teacher Appears and Misadventures of a Garden State Yogi. Brian graduated from Georgetown University in 1993 with a BA in theology, English, and business, and in 1999 he completed a master’s degree at Lesley College, specializing in yoga and ayurveda. He lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, with his wife and two sons. Brian is a devotee of Swami Kripalvananda.   Special Guest: Brian Leaf http://www.teacherappears.net/   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/   Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper zmcmusic.tumblr.com   Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.

Who among us has not been paralyzed by fear? In this episode, award-winning journalist Jaimal Yogis explains why fear so often dominates our lives, what makes it tick, and how we can use fear to our advantage. He shares with us his experiences living in a monastery, overcoming heartbreak, and how we all can emerge triumphant from even the most paralyzing of fear, sadness and loss. Learn how fear evolved in the human brain, how to use the latest neuroscience to transform fear memories. Discover why fear spreads between us and how to counteract fearful "group think," and how to turn fear into a performance enhancer - athletically and at work. A graduate of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, Jaimal Yogis is the author of the best-sellers Saltwater Buddha, a coming-of-age memoir about how surfing and the sea helped him transition back to the world after a year in a Zen monastery (now also a documentary film); and The Fear Project, which looks at the neuroscience of fear and courage, using science, mindfu

Did you know your mental and physical Ayurvedic dosha might not be the same? In this episode, Ayurvedic expert Sahara Rose reviews the basic principles of Ayurveda for those of you whom are new to this science. Next, she explains why your dosha may be different in your body and your mind, and why this has so many people confused about their dosha. Through this mind-body unique approach, Sahara has helped her clients overcome major health challenges and personal obstacles. Walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the wisdom of Ayurveda from a mental and physical perspective, and how to integrate these principles into your daily life. Sahara Rose is an expert in the mind-body connection. She is a Certified Holistic, Ayurvedic and Sports Nutritionist, as well as the author of upcoming The Idiot's Guide to Ayurveda, which will be available in bookstores this August. She is internationally known for her unique blend of ancient Eastern healing methods and modern western nutritional science. Discov

Think you know all there is to know about yogic breathing? Think again! In this episode, Lucas Rockwood challenges us to redefine yogic breathing into “water, whiskey or coffee.” Learn practical hacks like how to “check” your nostrils to know if it’s a good time to work, eat, or exercise. Discover how you can manipulate your breath to wake up and fall asleep. Lucas also shares with us why C02, not oxygen, is what we need to focus on and understand when analyzing our breath.  Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, nutritional coach, writer, and serial entrepreneur. He’s studied with teachers like Pattabhi Jois and Paul Dallaghan. He’s trained in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze.  His company YOGABODY is an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries.    Special Guest: Lucas Rockwood http://www.yogabody.com/   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/   Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper http://zmcmusic.tumblr.com/   P