Finding Harmony Podcast Harmony Slater

Join us for Part One of this captivating interview with Tom Norrington Davies, where we dive deep into his fascinating journey from drama student to renowned chef and authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher. Discover how Tom transitioned from the high-pressure environment of restaurant kitchens to the serene practice of Ashtanga yoga, and learn about the remarkable synergy between culinary arts and yogic philosophy. This episode is packed with insightful stories, practical tips, and profound reflections on managing anxiety, embracing seasonal wisdom, and finding balance in life through mindful practices.
Key Topics Covered:
- Tom's early career in the culinary world and his transition to yoga
- The influence of seasonal ingredients and sustainable cooking practices
- Managing anxiety and stress through breathwork and yoga
- The transformative power of Ashtanga yoga in personal and professional life
- Building community through Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga practice
 
More about Tom Norrington Davies:
Tom Norrington Davies is a celebrated chef and authorized teacher of Ashtanga yoga. Born in Camberwell and residing in southeast London for most of his life, Tom teaches Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga at Oru Space in East Dulwich, London, and offers evening classes at Astanga Yoga London. He has studied regularly with Paramaguru R Sharath Jois in Mysore, India, since 2010, and has been mentored by Hamish Hendry, the UK's most respected Ashtanga yoga teacher, for over 15 years. Tom’s journey from restaurant kitchens to yoga studios is a testament to the transformative power of the practice, which he now dedicates to helping others find balance and wellness in their lives.
 
Links from this episode: Yoga Gives Back
 
Work with Harmony
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon 
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
Connect with Tom Norrington Davies 
Links: https://www.instagram.com/tomnd.c.a.l.e/
Website: https://www.tomnd.com/
 

Join Harmony Slater and Russell Case as they welcome Cindy Lusk, PhD, an experienced yoga teacher and meditation expert, to delve into the profound journey of yoga and meditation. This episode offers deep insights into the interplay of yoga disciplines, meditation practices, and personal growth. Cindy shares her unique experiences transitioning from Ashtanga to Anusara yoga, her profound meditative practices, and the life lessons learned along her spiritual journey. Discover how yoga and meditation can transform personal challenges into pathways for profound inner growth and spiritual awakening.
Key Topics Covered:
Cindy Lusk's transition from Ashtanga to Anusara yoga and the reasons behind it
The influence of injuries on Cindy’s yoga practice and philosophical outlook
Insights into Tantric philosophy and its application in modern yoga practices
Cindy’s experiences and lessons learned from studying with renowned teachers like Richard Freeman
The role of meditation in yoga and its transformative potential
The process and inspiration behind Cindy Lusk's book, "Align and Refine: The Journey of Yoga and Meditation"
Guest Bio:
Cindy Lusk, PhD, is an acclaimed author and yoga teacher, known for her book "Align and Refine: The Journey of Yoga and Meditation." With a journey that began in 1985, Cindy has explored various dimensions of yoga, including Ashtanga and Anusara, and has taught numerous courses in yoga philosophy. She is also an authorized teacher of Neelakantha Meditation. Cindy’s approach integrates deep academic understanding with practical experience, offering students a comprehensive path to spiritual and personal development.
Connect with Cindy Lusk:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Exciting Quotes from the Episode:
"It's like refining a precious metal out of raw ore — that's what studying yoga philosophy is like." — Cindy Lusk
"Meditation is this guide to lead us to where we're looking to go." — Cindy Lusk
"I feel like if each of us can become conduits for this higher energy, this higher consciousness, it'll ripple out and have an impact in our own little ways." — Cindy Lusk
"The yoga works on us as beings to refine our beings so that we find our way back to our hearts." — Cindy Lusk
"You can't generate hostility when you're really connected to the heart because the other is you, and you are the other." — Harmony Slater
Suggested Links for This Episode:
Cindy Lusk’s Book "Align and Refine"
Neelakantha Meditation Official
Yoga Gives Back
Work with Harmony:
Links and Resources:
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon 
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

Featured Guest: Sam Silversides
This episode features an insightful conversation with hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case and featured guest, Sam Silversides, a dynamic new voice in the Ashtanga Yoga community. This riveting discussion bridges the gap between the rich traditions of Ashtanga Yoga and the contemporary practices of today. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, Sam’s experiences and insights are sure to inform and inspire.
In This Episode:
Sam’s Journey: Discover how Sam transitioned from a budding actor to a devoted Ashtanga Yoga teacher, influenced by Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor.
Teaching Philosophy: Sam discusses his approach to teaching, focusing on integrating modern life challenges with the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga.
Future Aspirations: Learn about Sam's upcoming teaching stint at the Purple Valley Retreat Center in India, where he aims to bring his unique blend of traditional and contemporary yoga practices to students from around the world.
Key Takeaways:
Yoga as a Lifelong Practice: Sam shares his insights on how yoga is more than just physical postures; it’s a comprehensive approach to wellbeing that encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Adapting Tradition: Hear how Sam, Harmony, and Russell balance the traditional aspects of Ashtanga Yoga with the needs of modern practitioners, promoting a flexible and inclusive practice environment.
About Sam Silversides:
Sam Silversides has been a student of yoga since 2010. His journey into the depths of Ashtanga Yoga began after five years of practice, following a pivotal meeting with Ashtanga luminaries Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. Sam’s teaching philosophy weaves traditional Ashtanga principles with a modern approach, making it accessible and relevant to today's practitioners.
Connect with Sam:
www.samsilversides.com
https://www.instagram.com/samsilversides/
https://www.tiktok.com/@silversidesyoga?_t=8kGda3uDioS&_r=1
https://www.youtube.com/@samsilversides3275
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1962204/
Work with Harmony:
Links and Resources:
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon 
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

Anouk Prop shares her inspirational journey from working as a psychologist to becoming a trauma therapist and yoga teacher. She recounts how traditional Hatha yoga initially interested her, but as she delved deeper, she discovered the power of Ashtanga. Anouk's experiences in India revealed the potential of yoga in healing trauma. This realization led her to shift her career focus, integrating yoga practices into her therapeutic approach. Anouk highlights the importance of trauma sensitivity, presence, and the power of touch within the context of yoga teaching. She also discusses her current work with individual therapy clients and trauma-sensitive yoga classes.
In this episode:
Anouk's transition from PhD student to a psychologist and her exploration of yoga.
The role of yoga in healing emotional states and the importance of breathwork.
Developmental trauma and how it can impact a person's life.
Trauma and its storage in the body; how yoga can facilitate release.
Co-regulation and the transformative power of physical touch in yoga teaching.
Challenges of re-adapting to Western culture after living overseas.
Anouk's transformative experience at an orphanage in India.
What Anouk is doing professionally in the present.
List of Resources Mentioned in Episode:
Yoga Gives Back: https://yogagivesback.org/
Gabor Maté: https://drgabormate.com/
Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing): https://traumahealing.org/
Psychology Magazine (Netherlands): https://www.psychologiemagazine.nl/
Calls to Action:
Watch the YouTube video for more information about the Yoga Give Back trip that Harmony and Anouk took in February.
Donate to Yoga Gives Back: https://yogagivesback.org/ (Support the non-profit organization discussed in the episode)
Connect with Anouk:
https://anoukprop.com/en
https://www.instagram.com/anoukprop/
https://www.facebook.com/anouk.prop
 
Work with Harmony:
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon 
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠

SPECIAL APRIL PROMO!
How to Enter
Show us where you like to listen to the Finding Harmony Podcast:  
Snap a selfie wherever you are listening to this episode and show us what Finding Harmony means to you!
Share on Instagram: Upload this photo or video to your Instagram feed.
Tag and Hashtag:
Tag @harmonyslaterofficial and @findingharmonypodcast in the post.
Include the hashtag #FindingHarmonyFav in your caption.

In this compelling episode of the Finding Harmony podcast, we meet Alex Medin, a man who has lived through an extraordinary life of transformation. From his early days as a boxer, to his deep immersion in Sanskrit studies, to his groundbreaking work with inmates and addicts, Alex's journey is a testament to the power of yoga as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and service.
Key Points and Themes:
Yoga for Trauma and Transformation: Alex shares how his own struggles led him to explore yoga's capacity to heal deep wounds, both for himself and others.
Yoga in Prisons: Discover how Alex's work in prisons ignited his passion for using yoga as a vehicle for rehabilitation and personal growth.
Building a Haven: Learn about the incredible story behind Nosen Retreat Center in Norway, a sanctuary Alex founded to offer hope and healing to those in need.
The Mindfulness of Boxing: Explore the unexpected parallels between the focus and presence required in boxing and the transformative power of yoga practice.
The Bhagavad Gita as a Guiding Force: Alex shares how the wisdom of this ancient text has shaped his life's work
Guest Bio:  Alexander Medin has been teaching yoga for 28 years. He was certified by the legendary Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2002, an honor achieved by only 33 individuals. He holds an MA in Sanskrit and Indian Religions (SOAS 2004) and has had the privilege of traveling the world teaching yoga. He is the founder of Puro Yoga, the Back in the Ring Foundation, and Nøsen Yoga and Mountain Hotel.
 
Call to Action:Visit Nosen Retreat Center: Learn more about Alex's work and the transformative programs offered at Nosen. https://www.nosenyoga.no
Join Harmony's Norway Retreat: Experience the power of yoga and nature firsthand. Sign up for Harmony's upcoming retreat at Nosen Retreat Center.
Discover the “Gangster Yoga” and  "Back in the Ring" Projects: Learn more about how you can support these missions: https://www.nosenyoga.no/en/community-projects
 
Did you like this episode with Alex?
You can hear more of his story in episode 68!
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify
 
** If you or someone you love needs support with addiction. Find helpful suggestions here: https://drugabuse.com/addiction/hotlines/ **
 
SPECIAL APRIL CHALLENGE!!!! WIn a 1:1 session with Harmony!
How to Enter
Show us where you like to listen to the Finding Harmony Podcast:  Snap a selfie wherever you are listening to this episode and show us what Finding Harmony means to you!
Share on Instagram: Upload this photo or video to your Instagram feed.
Tag and Hashtag:
Tag @harmonyslaterofficial and @findingharmonypodcast in the post.
Include the hashtag #FindingHarmonyFav in your caption.

Work with Harmony:
Links and Resources:
https://harmonyslater.com/ancient-breathing-2-0
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon 
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
 

With Sumanth Gopinath
 
Embark on a musical voyage that transcends borders and eras with our esteemed guest Sumanth Gopinath, professor of music and grassroots folk musician. Celebrate Russell's birthday and delve into a heartfelt discussion that weaves together the threads of Indian and North American folk music traditions. Through Sumanth's personal narrative, we explore how the echoes of our upbringing resonate in the music we love, and how shared experiences and diverse backgrounds create a rich tapestry of cultural identity.
 
Peel back the layers of music theory's evolution with us, as we engage with the compelling transformation from academic pursuits to the frontlines of labor union activism. Sumanth's anecdotes reveal the intimate connections between the professionalization of music theory, the political economy that shapes the discipline, and the influence of collective action in shaping both academia and society. Together, we shine a spotlight on the need for music education to embrace a broader spectrum of cultural narratives, enriching our understanding of music's role in our lives.
 
Join us for a profound conversation that tackles the delicate balance between cultural appreciation and appropriation. We navigate the complex terrain of global influences on personal expression, examining how our intentions, critiques, and relationships inform the way we engage with the world's diverse musical heritage. In an increasingly interconnected community, we emphasize the importance of approaching cultural exchanges with mindfulness and respect, ensuring that our artistic expressions contribute to a more understanding and harmonious world.
 
About Sumanth:
Sumanth Gopinath is Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Minnesota TwinCities. He has written or co-edited books on the ringtone industry (TheRingtoneDialectic:Economy and Cultural Form, 2013), mobile music studies (The Oxford Handbook of Mobile Music Studies, 2014), and the music of Steve Reich (Rethinking Reich, 2019). He is the leader of the independent Americana band The Gated Community.
 
Songs from this episode:
 
DivorceDress https://www.tiktok.com/music/Divorce-Dress-6887761471078434818?lang=it
To the Sea Once More https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=naRvG4scQyw
The Life from My Eyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX-vKf8Bywk
Christmas Special https://thegatedcommunity.bandcamp.com/album/wont-you-believe-me-2
 
Work with Harmony:
Links and Resources:
https://harmonyslater.com/ancient-breathing-2-0
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Norway
Explore Harmony Slater’s upcoming retreat in Lisbon 
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
⁠Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠