When Trust Is Broken: Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Yoga Spaces
When trust is broken in yoga spaces, the impact runs deep. I talk about sexual harassment, abuse of power, and misconduct in the yoga world—why silence protects harm, how to recognize red flags, and what we can do to rebuild safety and integrity in our communities.Episode Highlights:Announcements about upcoming workshops and the 300-hour online trainingReflection on recent misconduct cases in the yoga community and what they revealPersonal story of confronting harassment within Aru’s own dance studioHistorical overview of sexual abuse and misconduct in yoga lineagesDiscussion of how reverence without accountability allowed abuse to thriveBreakdown of how abuse begins—through trust, power imbalance, and manipulationExplanation of spiritual gaslighting and why survivors often stay silentCommon reasons victims don’t come forward: fear, loss of belonging, trauma response, and cultural conditioningRecognition of microaggressions and boundary violations in modern studiosRed flags to watch for in teachers and studio environments (flirtatious behavior, vague boundaries, unwanted touch, secrecy)Aru’s personal story of ignoring red flags and learning to trust her instinctsPractical suggestions for how to respond if someone confides in you about harassmentGuidance for yoga teachers and studio owners:Create written ethical policiesTeach ethics and boundaries in teacher trainingsEstablish independent reporting systemsModel consent and clear communicationCall to believe women first, foster open conversations, and stop idealizing teachersReminder that ethics isn’t cultural; it’s universal and foundational to yogaFinal reflections on accountability, community healing, and how true yoga shows up in how we treat one anotherWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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The Yoga Pose Born from a Curse - The Story of Ashtavakrasana
The story behind Ashtavakrasana, or Eight-Angled Pose, is as powerful as the pose itself. I share the tale of Sage Ashtavakra—born bent in eight places and mocked by many—whose wisdom and self-realization transformed both body and spirit. Discover how his journey teaches us to find strength in awkwardness, grace in imperfection, and alignment beyond the body.Episode Highlights:Announcements about upcoming online and in-studio programs at Aham YogaIntroduction to the monthly “Mythical Stories Behind Poses” seriesStory of Ashtavakra: born deformed due to a father’s curse, yet destined for greatnessHow Ashtavakra’s intellect and wisdom outshone physical limitationsThe debate between young Ashtavakra and scholar Vandin in King Janaka’s courtAshtavakra’s victory and miraculous transformation through the power of truthConnection between Ashtavakra’s journey and the yoga pose AshtavakrasanaSymbolism of the pose: steadiness through asymmetry, strength through surrenderLessons for modern practitioners: transcending ego, judgment, and appearanceReminder that real alignment comes from within, not from physical perfectionReflection questions for practice: Where am I resisting? What can I soften or “straighten” within?Encouragement to share these stories and teachings to keep yoga’s roots aliveWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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Pain vs. Inflammation: What Every Yoga Teacher Should Know with Andrew McGonigle
Join me and Dr. Andrew McGonigle as we unpack the difference between pain and inflammation, how language and mindset shape the way students experience discomfort, and what yoga teachers can do to create safe, supportive spaces. From understanding acute vs. chronic pain to practical advice on guiding students you’ve just met, this conversation blends science with compassion to give you tools you can use in every class.Episode Highlights:Defining pain: What it is, how the brain creates it, and the difference between acute and chronic (or “persistent”) painWhy language and mindset can change how pain is experienced—both positively and negativelySimple, general questions teachers can ask when they don’t know a student’s historyHow yoga teachers can respond compassionately when students share injuries or painIs pain always a sign of tissue damage? The biopsychosocial model and what landmark research revealsAru’s personal story of ACL surgery and recovery without heavy pain medsObservations of widespread knee pain in Indian women and the role of lifestyle and expectationGood discomfort vs. bad pain in yoga practice, and how to guide students without teaching from fearPlacebo and nocebo effects in yoga classrooms—why our words matter so muchThe nervous system’s role in amplifying or quieting pain, and how stress or mindfulness shifts the experienceTransitioning to inflammation: acute vs. chronic, myths about boosting the immune system, and what yoga can (and can’t) doThe link between osteoarthritis, systemic inflammation, and lifestyle habitsMovement as medicine: why physical activity is the best way to manage both pain and inflammationClearing up wellness myths around posture, core stability, and anti-inflammatory fixesClosing reflections for yoga teachers on recognizing and working with pain or inflammation in class and in lifeWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation (Explained)
Mindfulness and meditation often get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. In this episode, I explain how mindfulness sets the stage for meditation, why they nourish each other like soil and roots, and how cultural context shapes our understanding of both. You’ll also learn the most common pitfalls of meditation and get simple, practical tips to build a steady practice without frustration.Episode Highlights:Why mindfulness and meditation are often confused in modern wellness cultureHistorical and cultural roots of meditation (Dhyana) in yoga and BuddhismDefining mindfulness as present-moment awareness without judgmentDefining meditation as a structured, often seated practice of focus and absorptionTwo types of meditation: guided meditation and unguided meditationRelationship between mindfulness and meditation: how they support each otherWhy rushed, distracted living makes meditation harder and how mindfulness throughout the day creates better conditions for itHow deeper meditation strengthens qualities like concentration, equanimity, and compassion, which naturally support mindfulness in daily lifeThe cultural roots of mindfulness and meditation in Indian and Buddhist worldviews, and how Western wellness often dilutes their depthCommon traps in meditation: forcing, suppressing thoughts, lack of foundation, unrealistic goalsPractical tips for teachers: normalize the wandering mind, start small, embed mindfulness in daily lifeJournaling as a supportive tool for clarity and reflectionExamples of mindfulness practices in everyday life vs. seated meditationHow to measure success: awareness, presence, compassion, and consistency in daily livingWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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The Untold Story Behind Shavāsana: The Death That Changed Everything
Discover the deeper meaning of Shavāsana beyond just lying down at the end of class. I share two powerful mythological stories that reveal how this pose symbolizes surrender, rebirth, and transformation, and why it deserves as much respect as any peak pose in your yoga practice.Episode Highlights:Reflecting on the popularity of mythical pose stories and listener feedbackWhy Shavāsana is misunderstood and often rushed through in modern yogaOrigin of the term and its deeper meaning: corpse as a sacred pause, not an endMyth of Shiva and the sages: how surrender transforms death into awarenessMyth of Kali and Raktabeej: how desire and compulsion multiply, and the power of stillness to stop itThe symbolic death of Shavāsana: letting go of ego, effort, and identityPractical tips for teachers: honoring Shavāsana as the culmination of practiceWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
Welcome to the Let's Talk Yoga podcast—your ultimate online destination for everything yoga. Think of it as your virtual yoga school, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher, a dedicated student, or simply curious about the deeper layers of yoga.Join host Arundhati Baitmangalkar, an immigrant yoga teacher, studio owner, global mentor, and creator of some of the most sought-after yoga teacher training programs in the world. Each week, we bring you valuable insights, in-depth conversations with renowned yoga teachers, and an abundance of yoga resources designed to inspire, educate, and transform.From mastering the art of teaching to navigating the complexities of yoga philosophy and business, this niche podcast is your go-to resource for all things yoga. Ready to deepen your practice and expand your understanding? Hit subscribe now and never miss an episode of Let's Talk Yoga!
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