Deepen Your Yoga Practice

Lauren Leduc
  • 5.0 (6)
  • FITNESS

Deepen Your Yoga Practice is a podcast dedicated to helping you explore the many layers of yoga, both on and off the mat. Hosted by Lauren Leduc, founder of True Love Yoga, each episode delves into topics like anatomy, philosophy, meditation, and the deeper spiritual aspects of yoga. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, this podcast offers insightful conversations, expert interviews, and practical guidance to help you enrich and elevate your practice. Join us as we journey together to deepen our understanding and experience of yoga.

  1. 1D AGO

    Dualism vs Non-Dualism: A Yogic Exploration

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in yoga philosophy: Does yoga teach that we are separate from the world, or that we are one with it? This conversation dives into two foundational philosophical frameworks that shape the way yoga has been understood for thousands of years: dualism and non-dualism. Lauren explores the historical roots of these ideas, how they show up in classical yogic texts, and why modern yoga often blends them together. She also discusses how these philosophies influence the way we relate to our thoughts, our identities, our relationships, and the world around us. In this episode, you’ll learn: What dualism and non-dualism actually mean The role of Samkhya philosophy in the Yoga Sutras The distinction between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (material reality) The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the teaching that Atman and Brahman are one How teachers like Swami Vivekananda shaped the way yoga philosophy was introduced to the West Why modern yoga often blends different philosophical traditions The strengths and limitations of both dualist and non-dualist approaches How these philosophies show up in meditation, relationships, activism, and asana practice Rather than asking practitioners to choose between separation and unity, this episode explores how both perspectives can serve our growth and help reduce suffering. Dualist practices can help us create space between ourselves and our thoughts, emotions, and identities. Non-dualist perspectives can cultivate compassion, connection, and a sense of shared humanity. Yoga philosophy invites us not to choose one rigid framework, but to continue asking deeper questions about the nature of reality and the self. Journaling Prompts Where do I cling most strongly to identity? Where do I need stronger boundaries? Where do I feel deeply interconnected? Which philosophy resonates more with my temperament: dualism or non-dualism? Can I hold both perspectives at once? Ultimately, yoga is not a single unified philosophy but a family of traditions responding to human suffering across time. The inquiry itself may be more important than the answer.

    15 min

  2. APR 27

    The Koshas: The Layers of the Self in Yogic Philosophy

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the koshas, the five layers or sheaths of the self in yogic philosophy. If you have ever felt physically fine but emotionally drained, mentally overwhelmed but spiritually clear, or energized but disconnected, this episode offers a framework for understanding those layered experiences. Yoga has long taught that we are not just a physical body — we are layered beings with physical, energetic, mental, emotional, intuitive, and spiritual dimensions. Lauren explores: The historical origins of the kosha model in the Taittiriya Upanishad How the koshas were originally used in Vedantic philosophy The difference between the traditional and modern interpretation of the koshas The five koshas and how they function: Annamaya Kosha — the physical body Pranamaya Kosha — the energy or breath body Manomaya Kosha — the mental and emotional body Vijnanamaya Kosha — the wisdom or intuitive body Anandamaya Kosha — the bliss body How these layers show up in modern life through work stress, social media, relationships, and everyday overwhelm Practical ways to support and care for each kosha Reflection questions to help identify which layer feels loudest, neglected, or most peaceful This episode reminds us that yoga is not just about caring for the body. It is also about learning to listen inwardly, tending to the deeper layers of the self, and remembering that we are not one-dimensional. Journaling Prompts Which kosha do I live in most often? Which kosha do I neglect? When do I feel most whole? What practices nourish my deeper layers? What does bliss actually feel like to me? Listen and explore the many layers of your being through the lens of yoga philosophy.

    19 min

  3. APR 20

    The Third Eye Chakra: Intuition, Insight, and Clear Seeing

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc continues her chakra series with the third eye chakra, also known as Ajna — the chakra of intuition, insight, discernment, and perception. Located between the eyebrows, the third eye is often associated with inner wisdom and clear seeing. But in this episode, Lauren approaches it not as mystical abstraction, but as a grounded and practical center of awareness — a bridge between logic and intuition, intellect and inner knowing. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the third eye chakra is and where it is located The meaning of Ajna in Sanskrit The symbolism of the third eye, including the two-petaled lotus Historical and philosophical roots of this chakra in tantric and Hatha yoga traditions How Ajna relates to viveka (discernment), svadhyaya (self-study), dhyana (meditation), and jnana (wisdom) Modern interpretations of the third eye through the lens of awareness, emotional intelligence, and perspective Signs of a balanced, overactive, or underactive third eye chakra Yoga, breathwork, meditation, and lifestyle practices to support clarity and intuition The difference between intuition and impulsivity Why the third eye is less about mystical powers and more about seeing clearly and living wisely Lauren also shares practical reflection questions and a short closing contemplation to help you connect with your own inner wisdom. This episode is part of a larger chakra series, and Lauren recommends going back to the intro chakra episode and the lower chakra episodes for deeper context if you’d like.

    15 min

  4. APR 13

    Shoulders 101: Mobility, Stability, and Sustainable Yoga

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc breaks down the shoulder in a way that is practical, accessible, and grounded in sustainable movement. This is Shoulders 101 — an anatomy-forward conversation about mobility, stability, pain patterns, and how to care for your shoulders in yoga and daily life. Lauren explains that the shoulder is not just one joint, but a complex system of joints, bones, muscles, fascia, and ligaments that work together to create both range of motion and support. She explores how yoga places many different demands on the shoulders through poses like Downward Dog, Plank, Chaturanga, arm balances, binds, and backbends — and how better understanding this area can help create longevity and ease in practice. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the shoulder is a complex, not a single joint The 4 key joints of the shoulder system The role of the scapula, humerus, clavicle, rib cage, and thoracic spine How the rotator cuff, serratus anterior, traps, rhomboids, pecs, lats, and deltoids affect movement Common pain patterns and restrictions in yoga Why the shoulder wants mobility, but demands stability How to approach Downward Dog, Plank, Chaturanga, overhead shapes, and binds more skillfully Why shoulder health is about capacity, coordination, and awareness, not perfect alignment Mobility Drills Mentioned in the Episode Foam rolling the upper back / thoracic spine Dynamic Thread the Needle Open Book twists Doorframe pec stretch Downward Dog at the wall / melting the chest with the breath Overhead lat stretch with side bend Child’s Pose with hands walked to each side Cross-body posterior shoulder stretch Strength / Stability Drills Mentioned in the Episode Scapular push-ups Wall slides Banded external rotation Side-lying external rotation Y raises / banded Ys Incline tricep push-ups / Chaturanga prep at the wall or on a bench Mini Self-Assessments Mentioned Arms overhead test Wall slide test Plank tolerance test Choose one mobility drill and one strength drill to practice 3 times a week for a month and notice how it changes your Downward Dog, Plank, and daily posture. If you enjoyed this episode and want more anatomy deep dives, let Lauren know at lauren@trueloveyogakc.com

    29 min

  5. APR 6

    Practicing Without Pedestals: Rethinking Spiritual Authority

    In this tender and nuanced episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the structure of spiritual leadership — and what happens when charismatic teachers fall from grace. Every few years (or lately, every few days), a spiritual teacher, wellness figure, or thought leader becomes entangled in allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, or ethical breach. When their work has meant something to us, that moment can feel disorienting. This episode is not about amplifying headlines. It’s about examining something deeper and more enduring: Where did the guru–student model originate? How did ancient lineage-based mentorship evolve into modern celebrity spirituality? Why does spiritual authority feel regulating to our nervous systems? What is projection, and how does it distort teacher–student dynamics? What are common red flags in hierarchical spiritual communities? How can non-dual language be weaponized to bypass accountability? What does healthy spiritual leadership actually look like? How do we practice devotion without dependence? Lauren explores the psychology of projection, the risks of pedestal dynamics, and how both teachers and students can become distorted within unchecked hierarchy. She offers six ways to practice yoga without slipping into unhealthy guru culture: Keep your agency Diversify your teachers Trust your nervous system Value community over charisma Separate teachings from personality Maintain critical thinking Yoga has always been about liberation. Mature spiritual practice does not require blind faith — it requires discernment, humility, and the willingness to stay human.

    16 min

  6. MAR 30

    Training Awareness: Interoception, Proprioception & Yoga

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores two often-overlooked senses that transform yoga from movement into embodiment: interoception and proprioception. Interoception is your ability to sense what’s happening inside your body — breath, heartbeat, hunger, emotional sensations, effort versus strain. Proprioception is your ability to sense where your body is in space — balance, alignment, movement, orientation. Lauren breaks down: The neuroscience of interoception (insula, emotional awareness, nervous system regulation) How proprioceptors in muscles, fascia, and joints act as your body’s internal GPS Why trauma, stress, and digital overload can disrupt these senses How yoga retrains embodied awareness Why these skills matter for safety, longevity, emotional regulation, and aging well Practical ways to build interoception and proprioception on and off the mat Teaching tips for cueing sensation over shape This episode invites you to pause and ask two simple but profound questions: How do I feel? Where am I? Because yoga is not just about movement. It’s about awareness.

    14 min

  7. MAR 23

    The Kleshas: Yoga’s Map of Human Suffering

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the five kleshas — the root causes of suffering described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Book II, Sutras 3–9). These ancient psychological insights, compiled around 400 CE and influenced by Samkhya philosophy, offer a powerful framework for understanding why we repeat patterns, cling to identities, avoid discomfort, and fear change. Lauren unpacks: What the kleshas are historically and where they appear in the sutras The five kleshas: Avidya (misperception), Asmita (ego-identification), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion), and Abhinivesha (fear/clinging to life) How they show up in modern life — social media, productivity culture, politics, parenting, wellness culture, and relationships Why the kleshas are not sins, but universal human tendencies How meditation, self-study (svadhyaya), non-attachment (vairagya), and conscious pause help loosen their grip This episode is not about self-judgment. It’s about compassionate awareness. The kleshas are proof you are human — not failing at yoga. Freedom, Lauren reminds us, is not removing suffering from the world. It’s loosening the grip suffering has on your perception.

    16 min

  8. MAR 16

    The Throat Chakra: Speaking with Clarity and Integrity

    n this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the throat chakra (Vishuddha) — the energetic center of expression, authenticity, and refinement. Rather than approaching the throat chakra as a mystical abstraction, Lauren presents it as a deeply practical bridge between the heart and the mind — where inner truth becomes outer speech. You’ll learn: The traditional symbolism of Vishuddha (ether element, blue color, seed mantra HAM) How the throat chakra relates to the nervous system and vagus nerve Signs of underactive and overactive expression The connection between posture, neck tension, breath, and voice tone The role of mantra, chanting, humming, and sound in regulation Satya (truthfulness) and Right Speech in yogic philosophy On- and off-the-mat practices to cultivate aligned communication Shadow work prompts for authentic self-expression How throat chakra work supports leadership and legacy This episode is an invitation to refine how you speak — not to speak louder, but to speak clearly, kindly, and in alignment with your values.

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Deepen Your Yoga Practice is a podcast dedicated to helping you explore the many layers of yoga, both on and off the mat. Hosted by Lauren Leduc, founder of True Love Yoga, each episode delves into topics like anatomy, philosophy, meditation, and the deeper spiritual aspects of yoga. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, this podcast offers insightful conversations, expert interviews, and practical guidance to help you enrich and elevate your practice. Join us as we journey together to deepen our understanding and experience of yoga.

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