Keen on Yoga Podcast Adam Keen

 Celest Pereira –  (www.celestpereira.com | @celestpereirapt )
Adam and Celest discuss the topic of pain and its relationship to the brain. They explore the idea that pain is not solely felt in the body, but rather is an output of the brain. 
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Key Points
·      Pain is not solely felt in the body, but is an output of the brain.
·      Pain is a communication tool used by the brain to alter behavior and promote safety.
·      Outputs can be both safety outputs (like pain) and empowering outputs.
·      The biopsychosocial model of pain considers the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to pain. The brain is a highly suggestive organ that can influence pain perception.
·      Empowering language and positive suggestions can have a significant impact on pain management.
·      The placebo effect is a real and powerful phenomenon that should be explored and utilized.
·      Movement is medicine and can help in pain management. It is important to keep moving and try different forms of movement.
·      Subtle interventions can have profound effects on the body and brain.
·      Finding joy in activities outside of studying or work is important for overall well-being.
 
 
 

#171 Adam Keen - Are we practicing Patanjali's yoga?
(www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga)
Adam explores the question of what kind of practice we are doing in modern yoga. He discusses whether we are practicing Patanjali's yoga and how it aligns with our current aims and aspirations. Adam highlights that Patanjali's yoga does not focus much on asana and aims to control the senses and transcend the suffering of the world. He also delves into the concept of Dharma and its importance in yoga philosophy. Adam touches on the evolution of yoga and the inclusion of dynamic asana in modern practice. He concludes by discussing the influence of tantric yoga and its emphasis on using the body as a vessel of knowledge.
Key Points
·      Modern yoga practice differs from Patanjali's yoga in terms of its focus on dynamic asanas and its aim to live in unity and connection with the world. ·      Dharma, the objective principles of life, is the basis of yoga philosophy and guides our actions and attitudes towards the world. ·      The inclusion of dynamic asana in modern yoga can be seen as a way to use the body as a vessel of knowledge and to live in harmony with the world. ·      Tantric yoga offers a body-positive approach and emphasizes the awakening of energy and the exploration of esoteric practices. ·      Modern yoga is an evolution of traditional yoga practices, incorporating elements from Patanjali's yoga and tantric yoga.  
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Richard Rosen (www.m-yoga.org/richard-rosen  | @richardrosenyoga)
Adam interviews Richard Rosen, a yoga teacher and author, about his background in yoga and his book, Yoga FAQ. They discuss the evolution of yoga texts, the influence of yoga on Western psychology, and the potential for yoga to suppress emotions. They also explore the role of asana in yoga, the trend of yoga anatomy in classes, and the need for assessing students and structuring classes effectively. 
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This conversation covers various topics related to yoga, including accessibility and challenges, the importance of beginner's courses, the practice of pranayama, the significance of savasana, meditation and concentration, the relevance of Sanskrit in yoga, and influences on modern yoga. Richard Rosen shares his insights and experiences, highlighting the need for a balanced and patient approach to yoga. He also discusses his guilty pleasure of writing silly poetry and draws inspiration from various writers and books.
 
Takeaways
Yoga is more than just asana; it is a comprehensive practice encompassing philosophy, meditation, and self-discovery.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, while a foundational text, can be seen as life and world-denying, and may not fully align with modern yoga practices.
The Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient texts provide valuable insights into the history and philosophy of yoga, but they can be challenging to read and interpret.
The popularity of yoga has led to the evolution of different styles and approaches, and teachers need to have a solid understanding of the tradition and the needs of their students.
Yoga anatomy can be useful for teachers, especially in therapeutic contexts, but it should not overshadow the broader aspects of yoga practice. Yoga should be accessible to all, but it is important to approach it cautiously and seek proper guidance to avoid injury or discouragement.
Beginner's courses can provide a solid foundation for yoga practice and help new students ease into the practice gradually.
Pranayama, the practice of breath control, can be challenging to teach and may require patience and perseverance from both the teacher and the student.
Savasana, the relaxation pose, is an essential part of yoga practice and can help develop self-awareness and a witness consciousness.
Meditation and concentration are integral to yoga and can be practised both on and off the mat.
Learning Sanskrit can deepen one's understanding of yoga and its traditional texts, but it is not necessary for all practitioners.
Various individuals and schools, including B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, have had significant influences on modern yoga.
Richard Rosen finds joy in writing silly poetry and draws inspiration from writers such as Ian Banks, Stanislaw Lem, and José Saramago.
 
"Yoga doesn't affect the union, it reveals a union that pre-existed and will always exist."
"In any meditation practice, the world should be included in the meditation."
"I'm a little bit unhappy with flow classes."
"We can't put it to rights here, but yeah."
"Nobody wants to breathe."
"There's consequences often times."
 
 
 

Adam Keen – Exploring the Modern Mysore Tradition of Ashtanga Yoga                              
( www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga)
Adam discusses the modern Mysore tradition of Ashtanga yoga. He explores the early days of Krishnamacharya in the Mysore Palace and the emergence of a dynamic form of yoga. 
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Key Points
·      The modern Mysore tradition of Ashtanga yoga emerged with Krishnamacharya in the Mysore Palace, where a dynamic form of yoga started to take shape.
·      The Ashtanga tradition is a modern tradition that has evolved, with influences from various teachers and adaptations to suit different contexts and individuals.
·      The sequences in Ashtanga yoga are not fixed and rigid, but rather a general method that can be adapted to each individual's body and needs.
·      The emphasis on specific details and postures in the modern Ashtanga tradition is a recent innovation and not a fundamental aspect of the practice.
·      Understanding the historical roots and context of the Ashtanga tradition is important, but ultimately, the effectiveness of the practice should be judged based on individual experience and results.
 
 

( https://uni-hamburg.academia.edu/LauravonOstrowski | @yoganerds_de )
Adam and Laura discuss the application of the Yoga Sutras to modern yoga practice. Laura's PhD focused on how the Yoga Sutras can be applied to the physical practice of Ashtanga yoga. They explore the concept of embodiment and how it relates to the classical philosophy of the Yoga Sutras. They also discuss the idea of concentration and absorption in modern practice, and how it may differ from the traditional interpretation of Patanjali's teachings.
Laura emphasises the importance of observing the mind and finding practices that lead to heightened states of concentration. They also touch on the concept of the ego and its role in practice. The conversation explores the different perspectives on interpreting the Yoga Sutras, including the emic and etic approaches.
"My PhD was about observing how in the 21st century Patanjali is connected to the physical practice, especially to Ashtanga yoga."
"How do these practices get us into a state of concentration and absorption?"
"Flow state is not what Patanjali meant with Samadhi, but maybe it can be deemed as a small Samadhi."
"What we're doing is, I believe, ethic, is that right?"
"We're looking from the outside."
"We're not trying to lose the ego."
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Key Points
·      The Yoga Sutras can be applied to modern yoga practice, but it's important to consider the context and adapt the teachings to fit our current lifestyles.
·      Observing the mind and finding practices that lead to heightened states of concentration can be valuable in modern practice.
·      The concept of the ego in yoga practice is complex and can be interpreted differently. It's important to find a balance between honouring the teachings of Patanjali and adapting them to our modern worldview.
·      The Yamas, or ethical guidelines, can be seen as contemplation points rather than strict rules to follow. It's important to reflect on how they apply to our lives and make conscious choices.
·      Reading the commentaries on the Yoga Sutras can provide a deeper understanding of the text, but it's helpful to have guidance from a teacher or someone knowledgeable in Sankhya philosophy.
·      Recognizing that the Yoga Sutras have been interpreted and adapted throughout history can provide mental clarity and a sense of relaxation when exploring their teachings. There are different perspectives on interpreting the Yoga Sutras, including the emic (within the culture) and etic (cross-cultural) approaches.
·      It is important to question and critically examine the text rather than blindly following it.
·      The concept of ego should not be eliminated, as it is necessary for engagement and living fully in the world.
·      Vivekananda played a significant role in bringing the Yoga Sutras to the modern context, but his promotion of disembodied practices should be reconsidered.
·      Curiosity is a valuable trait that allows for open-mindedness and continuous learning.
·      Taking time to simply be and do nothing can be a guilty pleasure that provides a break from the busyness of life.

#167 Adam Keen -  The Power of Holding Space for Students (www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga )
Adam shares advice for yoga teachers, emphasising the importance of being authentic, kind, and adaptable. He encourages teachers to create a supportive network and find a mentor to guide them on their teaching journey. Adam also discusses the need to hold space for students and allow them to have their own experiences, rather than trying to change them. He reminds teachers to stay humble, open-minded, and inspired in their practice and teaching.
"Being kind is much more important than being right."
"Yoga is a low entry, high qualification bar."
"Know your blind spots and keep humble and caring."
 
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Key Points
·      Be authentic to yourself as a yoga teacher.
·      Create a supportive network and find a mentor to guide you.
·      Hold space for your students and allow them to have their own experiences.
·      Stay humble, open-minded, and inspired in your practice and teaching.