Ep 233 Adam Keen – Lessons from a Lifelong Practice
Adam Keen on his 25 years of yoga practice, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of self-acceptance, the role of genetics in practice, and the significance of breathing. Adam emphasizes the need for balance in life, the value of strength training, and the importance of creating a safe space for students. He also explores the evolving meaning of yoga and the joy of letting go of postures as one progresses in their practice. YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga  Key Points ·     No posture makes you happier; self-acceptance is key. ·     Practice alone is not stronger than genetics; genetics play a crucial role. ·     Breathing is essential; it dictates how we do postures. ·     Tradition in yoga is less important than personal understanding. ·     People's bodies don't open by being pushed into postures; they open themselves. ·     Being a good teacher is not about being the best practitioner. ·     Yoga means more than just union; it's a multifaceted practice. ·     Making your whole life yoga can lead to a narrow perspective. ·     Practice is for life, not the other way around; enjoy life outside of yoga. ·     Giving back postures can be more liberating than holding onto them.
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Ep 232 Sunila S. Kale and Christian Lee Novetzke: The Yoga of Power
This conversation explores the themes of yoga as a form of power and its intersection with politics, particularly in the context of India. Sunila S. Kale and Christian Lee Novetzke discuss their book, The Power of Yoga, which examines how yoga has been historically understood not just as a spiritual practice but as a means of political expression and control. They delve into ancient texts like the Rigveda and the Mahabharata, the role of figures like the Raja of Aundh, and the implications of yoga in modern political contexts, including its use by leaders like Gandhi and Modi. The discussion highlights the evolving understanding of yoga and its relevance in contemporary society. Sunila: https://jsis.washington.edu/people/sunila-kale Christian: https://jsis.washington.edu/people/christian-novetzke/ Excerpt from the book about the film on Surya Namaskar: The Yoga of Power, Yoga as Political Thought and Practice in India:  https://thewire.in/books/the-yoga-of-power-surya-namaskar LISTEN Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·      Yoga can be understood as a means of power and control. ·      The intersection of yoga and politics has historical significance. ·      The Rigveda presents yoga in a context of war and power. ·      The Mahabharata connects yoga with governance and leadership. ·      Yoga's meaning has evolved over centuries in various texts. ·      The Raja of Aundh used yoga for political empowerment and social reform. ·      Modern interpretations of yoga often overlook its political roots. ·      Gandhi and Aurobindo viewed yoga as a tool for political action. ·      Yoga's role in nationalism is complex and multifaceted. ·      The contemporary practice of yoga is influenced by historical political contexts.    Â
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Ep 231 Adam Keen – Why Everyone Should Practice a Version of Ashtanga Intermediate Series
Adam discusses the importance of the Intermediate Series in Ashtanga Yoga, arguing against the common gatekeeping practices that prevent students from exploring these postures. He emphasizes the complementary nature of the Primary and Intermediate Series, advocating for a more integrated approach to practice. Keen highlights the significance of understanding the foundational principles behind each posture rather than merely striving for the ideal shape. He encourages practitioners to make a start with the Intermediate Series, regardless of their current abilities, and to seek guidance that fosters a deeper understanding of their practice. LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Points ·     Everyone should do the intermediate series. ·     It's wrong to withhold the intermediate series from students. ·     The two series complement each other in practice. ·     Practicing both series can prevent injury and enhance flexibility. ·     Understanding the foundations of postures is crucial for safe practice. ·     The emotional temperament of the Intermediate Series differs from the Primary Series. ·     Gatekeeping in yoga can hinder personal growth and exploration. ·     Practitioners should focus on function over form in their practice. ·     It's important to modify postures to suit individual capabilities. ·     The primary and second series are all you need for a fulfilling practice.
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Ep 230 Adam Keen – The Role of Trauma in Yoga Practice
Adam explores the deeper aspects of yoga practice, particularly in relation to trauma and the body's response to it. He discusses the importance of understanding the nervous system, the need for both regulation and arousal in yoga, and how to adapt practices to suit personal seasons of life. Keen emphasizes the significance of listening to one's body, the necessity of variation in practice, and the role of breath in achieving balance. He concludes with reflections on the importance of self-practice and personal responsibility in yoga. www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga  WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga  Key Points ·     Yoga is not just about relaxation; it goes deeper. ·     Trauma can be stored in the body and needs to be addressed. ·     Hatha yoga involves both arousal and regulation of the nervous system. ·     There are different seasons for different types of yoga practice. ·     Variation in practice is essential for growth and awareness. ·     Listening to your body is crucial for effective practice. ·     Breath plays a significant role in regulating the nervous system. ·     Self-practice is necessary for personal development in yoga. ·     The method of practice should suit the individual's aims. ·     Responsibility in practice leads to deeper understanding and growth. Â
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Ep 229 Peter A. Levine - Healing Trauma Through Somatic Experiencing
Peter A Levine, Ph.D., is the developer of Somatic Experiencing®, a naturalistic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma. He holds doctorates in both Biophysics and Psychology. He is the Founder and President of the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International and has received Lifetime Achievement awards from Psychotherapy Networker and from the US Association for Body-Oriented Psychotherapy. He continues to teach trauma healing workshops internationally. Dr. Levine’s books including his latest book, An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey is available at: Ergos Institute, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon UK, Inner Traditions, Books A Million, and Bookshop.org Learn more at:  www.somaticexperiencing.com | @drpeteralevine LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga SUPPORT KEEN ON YOGA Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ FOLLOW ADAM https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga  Key Points ·      Peter A. Levine's work focuses on the connection between trauma and the body. ·      Somatic Experiencing helps individuals process trauma without reliving it. ·      Animals naturally release trauma through physical responses, unlike humans. ·      Trauma is often a disorder of presence, where individuals are stuck in the past. ·      Intuition plays a crucial role in healing and understanding trauma. ·      The importance of having an empathetic presence during trauma recovery. ·      Healing trauma involves completing the body's natural responses. ·      Practical exercises can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions. ·      The relationship between trauma and spirituality is intrinsic and significant. ·      Current projects include a book on trauma and spirituality.
Adam Keen engages in a deep level of discussion with Ashtanga yoga teachers as well as others involved in inquiry, wellness, diet, or simply people he finds interesting.
The in-depth discussions and honest conversations are often surprising. Prepare to have your thoughts expanded.
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Ireland