Keen on Yoga Podcast Adam Keen

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."
 
LISTEN ON PODCAST
👉 Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411
👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN
 
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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.

#166 Andrea Ferretti – The Human Side of Yoga Teachers (@andreaferretti | www. jasonyoga.com/yogaland-podcast/ )
Andrea Ferretti shares her journey into yoga, starting in the 90s and finding her passion for Ashtanga. She discusses the challenges of early yoga classes and the evolution of yoga studios, as well as her transition to working at Yoga Journal and the opportunity to study with different yoga teachers.
Andrea shares her struggles with mental health and how yoga and meditation have been transformative for her. She also discusses the phenomenon of imposter syndrome in the yoga teaching community.
They also touch on the purpose of yoga, the impact of yoga on mental health, navigating life as a cancer survivor, and starting the Yoga Land podcast.  Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of self-compassion, curiosity, and authenticity in the yoga teaching journey.
Key Points
·      The yoga community in the 90s was small and intimate, with studios often fitting only a handful of students. ·      Personal insight and experience are essential in yoga practice, and teachers should encourage students to find their own path. ·      Yoga can be a powerful tool for mental health, providing a refuge and a sense of connection. ·      Imposter syndrome is common among yoga teachers, but it can be managed by acknowledging it and focusing on personal growth. ·      The evolution of yoga has led to a more diverse and inclusive practice, with a focus on individual needs and experiences. Coping with imposter syndrome involves acknowledging and accepting one's flaws and mistakes, rather than trying to be perfect. ·      The role of the yoga teacher is to have genuine interest and care for students and to provide tools for self-inquiry and turning inward. ·      Yoga helps individuals observe themselves and spend time looking inside, providing a sense of quiet and self-awareness. ·      Embracing imperfection and learning in public is essential for growth as a yoga teacher, as it allows for continuous learning and improvement. ·      Yoga can have a profound impact on mental health, providing tools for managing anxiety and stress. ·      Being a cancer survivor can change one's perspective on life and priorities, leading to a greater appreciation for what truly matters. ·      Starting a podcast can be a way to share conversations and teachings with a wider audience, and it can be a platform for personal growth and learning. ·      Nerve-wracking and difficult interviews can be valuable learning experiences, teaching resilience and adaptability.  
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In this solo podcast episode, Adam discusses his personal journey with emotional healing through yoga practice. He emphasizes the importance of using the body to resolve and purge emotions, as emotions are stored in the body. He explains that the practice of yoga, particularly in the tantric tradition, allows for the digestion and integration of past experiences and emotions. Adam also highlights the significance of creating a ritual space for oneself, where emotions can safely arise and be processed. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-trust and the potential pitfalls of over-practicing and suppressing emotions.
Key Points
·      Yoga practice can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and purging stored emotions in the body.
·      The tantric tradition of yoga emphasizes using the body to resolve and integrate past experiences and emotions.
·      Creating a ritual space for oneself allows emotions to arise and be processed in a safe and supported environment.
·      Self-trust and commitment to a daily practice can lead to a sense of integrity and personal growth.