The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of Yoga Rane Bowen, Jo Stewart

In the latest episode of The Flow Artists Podcast, we speak with Renae Stevens and Kristin Mathiassen.

Renae Stevens is the creator of the Aerial Yoga Therapeutics training program, a pioneering approach that integrates the aerial hammock as a therapeutic modality for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. With a background in yoga, somatic practices, and mental health recovery, Renae has developed a unique methodology that bridges the mind-body connection through the versatile and supportive medium of the aerial hammock.

Kristin Mathiassen, a trained aerial yoga therapist, specialises in working with individuals with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome. Her personal experience as a mother to a son with Down syndrome inspired her to explore the therapeutic potential of the aerial hammock and sensory-based activities. Kristin's expertise lies in creating safe, playful, and engaging environments that support the unique needs and abilities of her clients.

The aerial hammock's "superpower," as described by Renae and Kristin, lies in its ability to provide a soothing, supportive, and sensory-regulating space for practitioners of all ages and abilities. Whether used for physical rehabilitation, mental health recovery, or simply as a means of exploring movement and body awareness, the hammock offers a diverse range of applications within the realm of aerial yoga therapeutics.

One of the key strengths of aerial yoga therapeutics is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. Renae and Kristin stress the importance of offering progressions, modifications, and grounding experiences to ensure the safety and engagement of participants with diverse needs and abilities. Instructors in this field must possess a deep understanding of the human body and the ability to adapt and facilitate sessions that cater to a wide spectrum of presentations.

Renae is running a series of aerial yoga therapeutics training courses later this year. This is an opportunity to receive some of the best aerial yoga training available in the world with Renae and a whole host of experienced facilitators, including Kristin, as well as yoga luminaries such as Simon Borg Olivier.

For more details head to https://aerialyogateachertraining.com/our-courses/ for more information and the ‘discover more’ link for each training for start dates and pricing.

The first unit - Aerial Essentials Teacher Training starts in June 2024!

Use our code GARDENOFYOGA to get a free online mentoring session valued at $200 (and offered in multiple languages!). Just write the coupon code: GARDENOFYOGA at checkout.

Links
Renae
Aerial Yoga Teacher Training Website: https://aerialyogateachertraining.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerial_yoga_therapeutics/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aerialyogatherapeuticsteachertraining

Kristin:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/elementsofflow2024/
Elements of Flow on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556267041098

In this episode, Jo and Rane take you through a journey of the creative process, self-discovery, and the intersection of art and wellbeing. We share updates on our personal and professional endeavours, sharing the inspirations behind Rane's SoundMadeSeen app and Jo's forthcoming book on aerial yoga.

One of the episode's highlights is the discussion surrounding Rane's SoundMadeSeen app, which generates dynamic visuals and video content from podcast audio. We delve into the app's development process and its potential to enhance the auditory experience with visual elements. Jo's progress on her book about aerial yoga also provides valuable insights into her aim of making this practice accessible to diverse populations, emphasising its sensory benefits.

We also touch on our recent trip to New Zealand, where we experienced the awe-inspiring "Wharenui Harikoa" crochet art installation. Our reflections on this immersive sensory experience underscore the power of art to connect individuals with their surroundings and themselves. Additionally, the conversation with guest Claire Holloway on applying yogic principles to parenting offers a thought-provoking perspective on embracing the present moment and letting go of expectations in the parenting journey.

We also reflect on the challenges of maintaining a consistent podcast schedule and our decision to transition to a monthly release schedule.

LINKS
SoundMadeSeen: https://soundmadeseen.com/
Podcast mailing list: https://podcast.flowartists.com/
Garden of Yoga Website: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/
Aerial Yoga Therapeutics: https://aerialyogateachertraining.com/our-courses/ Use our code GARDENOFYOGA to get a free online mentoring session valued at $200 (and offered in multiple languages!).

Claire's links:
The Centre of Bright Beginnings
Website: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au
Socials: @yourbrightbeginning (instagram and facebook)
Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood Course (hosted by Bliss Baby Yoga): https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/

We are delighted to welcome back Ann Swanson, a certified yoga therapist, speaker, and author, to the Flow Artist Podcast. Ann has previously graced our show in 2019 to discuss her book "The Science of Yoga," which has being translated into over 15 languages. As a unique blend of a heart-based healer and a self-professed science nerd, Ann has dedicated her life's work to making yoga and wellness accessible and non-intimidating, especially for those who might feel intimidated by these practices.

With a Master of Science in yoga therapy and roots studying yoga in India and qi gong in China, Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her teachings. She seamlessly integrates cutting-edge research with the heart of ancient mind-body traditions, creating a powerful synthesis that resonates with a wide audience. Ann's ability to make complex scientific concepts relatable and actionable is truly remarkable.

Ann's journey is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of personal growth. After embarking on a worldwide book tour following the success of her first book, "The Science of Yoga," she found herself unexpectedly confined during the COVID-19 pandemic, nestled in the familiar confines of her mother's basement. This time created space for the writing of "Meditation for the Real World," a poignant exploration of meditation's accessibility and applicability to our daily lives.

With a keen understanding of the human condition, Ann acknowledges the diverse emotional landscapes we traverse. Her approach transcends the one-size-fits-all paradigm, offering a cornucopia of meditation techniques meticulously tailored to address specific emotional and mental states. From panic attacks and trauma to the pull of "doom scrolling," Swanson's guidance empowers us to harness the transformative power of meditation, cultivating resilience and inner calm amidst life's turbulences.

Swanson illuminates the neurological underpinnings of meditation, unveiling its profound impact on brain structure, telomeres, and the aging process. Groundbreaking research reveals meditation's ability to slow or even reverse the effects of aging on the brain and body, a testament to the profound synergy between mind and matter.

Swanson's discourse also explores the notion of co-regulation, where the nervous systems of individuals in close proximity can become aligned through practices such as chanting, singing, and meditation. This concept holds wonderful implications for yoga teachers and their students, as the ripple effects of collective mindfulness can have a positive effect within shared spaces.

We really appreciate this book and enjoyed the conversation - we hope you do to!

Links
Order Meditation for the Real World and get exclusive bonuses: https://meditationfortherealworld.com/
Order SCIENCE OF YOGA book: https://geni.us/cpr0p7
Ann’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnSwansonWellness
Ann’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scienceof.yoga/

We're thrilled to welcome back beloved teacher and accessibility advocate Jivana Heyman to discuss his latest book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga.

As one of the early pioneers of making yoga welcoming and accessible for all types of bodies through his non-profit Accessible Yoga, Jivana has inspired countless teachers to rethink their approach. His new book offers practical guidance on best practices for making classes trauma-informed and tailored to each student's needs.

Jivana stresses that rather than focusing on perfect alignment or achieving advanced poses, a good teacher uplifts students to find their own inner wisdom. We discuss simple techniques like giving options, avoiding assumptions, and letting go of judgement that make yoga spaces safer and more empowering.

Other topics include:

Balancing discipline and self-compassion in practice
Integrating meditation and pranayama into asana classes
Teaching in a way that serves both introverts and extroverts
Fostering student agency and community
Jivana also shares personal stories from his 30 years of teaching experience to illustrate how yoga can be transformative when focused on creating connection rather judging ourselves or others. His humility and kindness shine through as always!

We're giving away a copy of Jivana's illuminating book The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga. Listen to the end of the episode to learn more!

Thank you for listening and for helping to spread the message of inclusive and compassionate yoga spaces!

Links:
The Teacher's guide to Accessible Yoga Book Launch: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/teachers-guide-to-accessible-yoga-launch
Accessible Yoga School: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/jivana-home-landing
Accessible Yoga Association: https://accessibleyoga.org/
Jivana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivanaheyman/

In this episode we speak with Claire Holloway, the founder of the Center for Bright Beginnings and co creator of the Practical Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood course, alongside Ana Davis and Nadine O’Mara of Bliss Baby Yoga. Claire is passionate about integrating Yoga Philosophy into our experience of life and especially parenthood.

Now as you probably know, Jo and I don’t have kids ourselves, but we had so much to talk about with Claire, especially around the intersection of yoga and social justice. We talk about honouring yoga’s South Asian roots and considerations of cultural appropriation and Claire’s work to form a Reconciliation Action Plan for Yoga Australia, as well as how we are all feeling about the Voice referendum.

One question we also asked Claire was about how to talk to your children about war and genocide, so we do want to give that content advisement.

Although we talk about some serious topics, we found this to be a very inspiring and uplifting conversation, and we really value and appreciate the chance to dig into and discuss yogic philosophy as a path of understanding and towards living ethically in our world today.

Claire wanted to note that it was actually Dana Raphael who coined the term matrescence, rather than Aurelie Athan.

Links
The Centre of Bright Beginnings
Website: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au
Socials: @yourbrightbeginning (instagram and facebook)
Course (hosted by Bliss Baby Yoga): https://blissbabyyoga.com/yogaphilosophyforparenthood/
Use coupon code: 30offclaire for $30 off the course

Reciprocity Page: Reciprocity — The Centre of Bright Beginnings (yourbrightbeginning.com.au)
Yoga Against Apartheid pledge: https://www.solahabibi.com/yoga-against-apartheid

Today we are speaking with Durga Leela. Durga is a pioneer in the field of holistic recovery, an Ayurveda and Yoga Therapist and the author of Yoga of Recovery.

Her book offers an integration of yoga and Ayurveda, combining the philosophy, psychology, and physical practices of these ancient traditions, along with modern recovery tools. It goes beyond the traditional pathways and challenges the common diet and exercise dogma promoted by mainstream media. Yoga of Recovery is for people looking to overcome any of their addictive or self-destructive behaviours or for people with a family or personal history of addiction. It’s also a great resource for yoga teachers, yoga therapists or anyone working within the recovery field.

Durga is so knowledgeable, and has such a gift for explaining yogic physiology and philosophy and we think this is a great conversation for anyone wanting to learn more about this traditional wisdom and how it can be applied today.

In the time since we recorded this episode we have seen the disappointing No result of Australia’s voice referendum, as well as horrific and heartbreaking violence unfolding in Gaza. While these are separate events, we see and support the global solidarity of first nations peoples and oppose the rise of racially motivated violence in any form. It can be hard to know what to do to help in times like these, and we encourage you to show support in whatever capacity you have, whether it is supporting local blak owned businesses, uplifting first nations voices online, attending a rally, emailing your government representative to call for a cease fire or making a financial aid donation. To our First Nations listeners - our hearts go out to you - you deserve so much better.

Links
Website: https://yogaofrecovery.com/
Donation classes: https://yogaofrecovery.com/events/yor-second-saturdays-by-donation/
Yoga for Recovery book on amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZuLjIE