Finding Harmony Podcast Harmony Slater

In this episode of the Finding Harmony podcast, Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with Ganesh Balachandran, an electrical engineer turned enlightened sage. Ganesh shares his profound journey from engineering to deeply exploring ancient spiritual texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. After a hip injury led him to meditation, Ganesh rediscovered his cultural roots and began integrating these spiritual teachings into his daily life. This episode is rich with philosophical insights and practical wisdom, making it a treasure trove for anyone interested in the deeper aspects of yoga and Vedanta.
Key Topics Discussed:
Ganesh's transition from engineering to spiritual exploration
The intersection of Advaita Vedanta and yoga philosophy
The significance of Ishvara in Yoga Sutras and Sankhya philosophy
Karma and its impact on life circumstances
The concept of subtle body (Sukshma Shariram) and its relation to karma
Understanding Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha
The importance of lineage (Parampara) in Indian philosophy
Special Announcement: Join Harmony Slater for her Spiritual Wellness Workshop on Sunday, June 16th. This free online workshop supports Yoga Gives Back, an organization empowering women and children in India through education and microloans. Donations go directly to the charity. Find more details and sign up via the link in the show notes.
 
Connect with Ganesh Balachandran: Ganesh offers weekly Bhagavad Gita sessions where he shares traditional teachings interwoven with engaging stories from the Mahabharata. Find more information about Ganesh and join these sessions through his website: https://www.yogasukshma.com/
Work with Harmony
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Take a Yoga Give Back Workshop with Harmony
Study with Harmony in Munich
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
Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser

In this enlightening episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony and Russell sit down with Brandy Searcy, a research scientist turned Ayurvedic skincare entrepreneur. Brandy shares her journey from working in pharmaceutical formulation to creating her own organic skincare line, Rain Organica. The conversation delves into her personal struggles with Hashimoto's, chronic UTIs, and acne, and how she found solace in Ayurveda.
Disclaimer: The content discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
 
Links Mentioned:
Rain Organica
Rain Organica on Instagram
Rain Organica on Facebook
The 5th Chakra Thyroid Healing Coaching Support Program: https://brandysearcy.com/thyroid-symptoms-and-the-fifth-chakra?am_id=findingharmony
The UTI Freedom Formula:  https://brandysearcy.com/step-1---uti-ff?am_id=harmony5677
Brandy's website: https://brandysearcy.com/home_?am_id=harmony9003
Work with Harmony
Explore Harmony Slater's upcoming retreat in Turkey 
Study Yoga with Harmony in Germany
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

In the second part of our conversation with Tom Norrington Davies, we delve deeper into the intersection of gourmet cooking and Ashtanga Yoga. Hosted by Harmony Slater and Russell Case, this episode explores Tom’s unique journey from a renowned chef to a dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher. Discover how Tom’s culinary expertise and yoga practice influence each other, and gain insights into maintaining balance in both culinary arts and yoga.
Key Topics Covered:
The impact of seasonal cooking on well-being
Understanding ultra-processed foods and their alternatives
The philosophy of Tristana in Ashtanga Yoga
Challenges and benefits of combining culinary work with yoga practice
The evolution of the restaurant industry post-pandemic
Personal growth through yoga and mindfulness
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 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