Wakenings

Rod Stryker
Wakenings

Join me for conversations on... The wisdom of yoga and Tantric philosophy and the practical and extraordinary ways that these ancient teachings transform modern life. Hosted by renowned yoga master Rod Stryker, these are more than just conversations that translate esoteric knowledge about yoga practice or teaching it into practical and applied wisdom. Our focus is on deeper and more important questions: What it means to be fully alive, How do we live most authentically? At the intersection of spirit and matter, modern science, conversations and interviews, we explore what it means to embrace our humanity as face life’s most essential lessons. Each episode offers "dharma pearls"—gems of insight for self-discovery and purposeful living––accessible, actionable wisdom for all those seeking growth and evolution for themselves and the world.

Episodes

  1. 24 FEB

    Kundalini Yoga: The Real Story (Part 2)

    Drawing from his more than forty years as a Tantra Yoga lineage-holder, practitioner and master teacher, Rod clarifies the often-misunderstood subject of Kundalini Yoga. He focuses on the critical distinctions between the modern “brand” of Kundalini Yoga popularized by Yogi Bhajan and its ancient, traditional roots––which span more than three millennia. His aim is to help modern practitioners break through the common confusion about the practice, the significant distinctions between contemporary interpretations with the depth of knowledge found in ancient texts and the living oral tradition. These teachings are at the core of yoga practice, providing a singular roadmap for personal transformation. Kundalini Yoga should not be reduced to simply the awakening of “coiled energy at the base of the spine.” Rather it is methodical approach, rooted in time-tested principles that awaken consciousness and potential. In this discussion Rod goes on to detail the role of the navel center and how transformative processes take place. Rod shares key insights and systematic methodology, into how we can transcend our limitations and ultimately experience profound creative and aspirational shifts towards realizing non-duality and unity. Rod inspires the listener to reconnect with the true essence of Kundalini Yoga and explore its traditional practices, inviting practitioners to––instead of turning away from the practice––approach this ancient art with a discerning mind––a sublime exploration that reveals infinite potential and fosters a richer, more connected existence. For further study check out Rod’s online course: Tantra Shakti

    39 min

  2. 24 FEB

    Kundalini Yoga: The Real Story (Part 1)

    Drawing from his more than forty years as a Tantra Yoga lineage-holder, practitioner and master teacher, Rod clarifies the often-misunderstood subject of Kundalini Yoga. He focuses on the critical distinctions between the modern “brand” of Kundalini Yoga popularized by Yogi Bhajan and its ancient, traditional roots––which span more than three millennia. His aim is to help modern practitioners break through the common confusion about the practice, the significant distinctions between contemporary interpretations with the depth of knowledge found in ancient texts and the living oral tradition. These teachings are at the core of yoga practice, providing a singular roadmap for personal transformation. Kundalini Yoga should not be reduced to simply the awakening of “coiled energy at the base of the spine.” Rather it is methodical approach, rooted in time-tested principles that awaken consciousness and potential. In this discussion Rod goes on to detail the role of the navel center and how transformative processes take place. Rod shares key insights and systematic methodology, into how we can transcend our limitations and ultimately experience profound creative and aspirational shifts towards realizing non-duality and unity. He inspires the listener to reconnect with the true essence of Kundalini Yoga and explore its traditional practices, inviting practitioners to––instead of turning away from the practice––approach this ancient art with a discerning mind––a sublime exploration that reveals infinite potential and fosters a richer, more connected existence. For further study check out Rod’s online course: Tantra Shakti

    25 min

  3. 01/10/2024

    What is the Right Meditation Practice for Me?

    A practical discussion about meditation––there are so many approaches. Do they all lead to the same place, generate the same affect? The answer is: no. Different practices and approaches can lead to very different results. In this podcast I introduce some key ideas to better understand meditation’s larger terrain and its many approaches. There are essentially four categories of meditation. Practices that: 1. calm the mind 2. develop greater insight and awareness 3. accelerate growth, increase power, and capacity 4. awaken spiritual experience, devotion, love and connection to Source. While there are common threads in all meditation practices, knowing the particular outcome of a specific practice can help you choose the best one for you at any given time. It's tempting to judge the value of a particular approach based on how you feel when you're doing it. A more meaningful way to determine the value of a particular practice is: How does it affect you. How does a particular practice help you show up most fully in the world?

    27 min

  4. 25/09/2024

    What is Yoga without Self-Inquiry?

    · The promise of Yoga is that we can experience freedom and thriving while living in the world, but is that realistic in today’s world? · Can yoga really deliver on these lofty goals, given the pervasiveness of our: anger, division, anxiety, despair and fear? · If so, how and what are the tools that can lead us to yoga’s treasures? · Could it be that we're not practicing the one part of yoga that could actually provide freedom and thriving? · Practice does not necessarily make perfect… · Practice without philosophy is exercise · Practice without a deeper understanding of its methodology is less than effective · Practice without self-study leads to us repeating the patterns that are the roots of suffering. · Now, more than ever, yoga without self-study will necessarily lead us into again and again to cycle and recycle our difficulties. · Unfortunately, even those committed to yoga and meditation, subsumed in the normalization of these most basic destructive tendencies, are uninformed about how to practice self-inquiry. · Enter the yoga sutra (1:33). · Resolving anger, the withholding of compassion, the diminishment of yourself and others and learning to accept, rather than judge others are essential if one is to make the promises of yoga real and realizable. • Living with freedom and while thriving, even in this world, are possible when we reflect what we bring to it and how to expand our acceptance of self and others.

    1h 1m

  5. 11/09/2024

    Why Meditate?

    A far-ranging conversation on why human beings developed and continue to practice meditation. Research confirms that meditation improves quality of life. It enhances the immune system and positively impacts the brain. However, are there more compelling, even existential, reasons that help explain why it evolved and continues to be practiced. Might the impetus for meditation have something in common with the use of drugs in general and more specifically, psychedelics? In the end, we all sense that there is more than what we normally perceive. If we are to find peace, and some level of certainty in the midst of so much uncertainty, loss and even death, there is a natural seeking to “see” beyond our rational mind. Being able to do so is essential if we are to find a meaningful way navigate the larger challenges of what it means to be alive. Some of the topics covered include… - The limits of the five senses and the conditioned mind - “We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.” (credit: The Talmud & Anais Nin) - Clinical studies have shown that psychedelics can change perception sometimes, permanently, in the treatment of trauma, prolonged mental illness, chronic despair in those facing end-of-life-related distress, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. So too, does meditation… - Experiencing what lies beyond normal perception can change the brain (increase neural plasticity). - Meditation is a means to step beyond the confinement of the mind and step into the boundless, the sacred, Source. - The 3 stages of meditation - The four categories of meditation practice - Meditation activates meta-cognition and can promote self-compassion - Everything in nature contains the intelligence to be the fullest version of itself - Beyond ego, fear, and death

    58 min

  6. 01/09/2024

    What is a Yoga Teacher?

    A conversation about the breadth and potential of teaching that begins with a confession: Even after more than 40 years of teaching yoga and meditation, I hesitate and am a bit embarrassed to identify myself as a "yoga teacher.” The conversation continues and touches upon the following themes: · What does it mean that you teach yoga? · Distinguishing between teaching “asana” and teaching “yoga.” · Yoga is not just something you do, yoga also refers to a “state.” · Potential intentions of teaching/sharing actual yoga include physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual. · Three orientations for impacting the mind through practice: stability, stillness and insight. · Yoga practice as a tool for energetic transformation. · Introduction to yoga as a spiritual practice, wherein we touch on kundalini yoga---not the brand but rather, the ancient understanding of the process of becoming more conscious/awake. · Closing notes on how we more positively impact the sustainability of the practice and those that are practicing it.

    41 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Join me for conversations on... The wisdom of yoga and Tantric philosophy and the practical and extraordinary ways that these ancient teachings transform modern life. Hosted by renowned yoga master Rod Stryker, these are more than just conversations that translate esoteric knowledge about yoga practice or teaching it into practical and applied wisdom. Our focus is on deeper and more important questions: What it means to be fully alive, How do we live most authentically? At the intersection of spirit and matter, modern science, conversations and interviews, we explore what it means to embrace our humanity as face life’s most essential lessons. Each episode offers "dharma pearls"—gems of insight for self-discovery and purposeful living––accessible, actionable wisdom for all those seeking growth and evolution for themselves and the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Rod Stryker
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Wakenings

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