Deepen Your Yoga Practice

Lauren Leduc

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. -16 ч

    Why Your Energy Changes: Understanding the Three Gunas

    Why do some days feel calm and clear while others feel anxious, restless, or completely unmotivated? According to yoga philosophy, these shifting experiences aren't random—they're expressions of the three gunas, the fundamental qualities of nature described in the ancient Samkhya tradition. In this episode, Lauren explores one of yoga's most practical philosophical frameworks and explains how the gunas can help us better understand our energy, emotions, motivation, and patterns without judgment. Rather than seeing ourselves as "lazy," "anxious," or "unproductive," the gunas invite us to view our inner experience as changing weather patterns that can be observed with awareness and responded to skillfully. You'll learn how cultivating awareness—not perfection—can transform the way you relate to yourself. What You'll Learn What the three gunas are The origins of the gunas in Samkhya philosophy The relationship between Purusha and Prakriti How sattva, rajas, and tamas influence everyday life Why none of the gunas are "good" or "bad" Practical ways to balance excess rajas and tamas Why awareness matters more than optimization How yoga helps us witness changing internal states with compassion In This Episode The history of the gunas Samkhya philosophy Purusha vs. Prakriti Sattva: clarity, harmony & wisdom Rajas: energy, ambition & restlessness Tamas: stability, recovery & inertia Burnout through the lens of yoga Nervous system regulation Self-compassion instead of self-judgment Applying the gunas in everyday life Reflection Questions Which guna feels strongest in me today? Am I experiencing clarity, restlessness, or heaviness? What does my nervous system actually need right now? Can I observe my experience without identifying with it? What small practice would move me toward greater balance? Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love to hear from you! Leave a review, share this episode with a friend, or send me a message about which yoga philosophy topics you'd like to explore next. If you're ready to dive even deeper into yoga philosophy, anatomy, meditation, and teaching, learn more about our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs at True Love Yoga. https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Listen to more episodes: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

  2. 13 июл.

    What Your Yoga Teacher Wishes You Knew

    In this very special 100th episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc reflects on the heart of yoga after years of conversations exploring philosophy, anatomy, nervous system science, meditation, ethics, spirituality, teacher training, and more. To celebrate this milestone, Lauren asked True Love Yoga teachers and 300-hour trainees one simple question: “What is something you wish your students knew?” The answers were deeply aligned and beautifully human. In this episode, Lauren explores themes of belonging, self-acceptance, autonomy, breath, nervous system awareness, compassion, and the reminder that yoga is not about becoming perfect — it’s about becoming more honest, aware, and connected while fully inside your humanity. This episode is a love letter to students, teachers, community, and the evolving practice of yoga itself. In This Episode: Why you already belong in yoga spaces The importance of autonomy and modifying practices Self-acceptance as the practice itself Learning to listen to your body Why breath matters more than you think Yoga beyond perfectionism and productivity culture Consistency over intensity Compassion, awareness, and being beautifully human Mentioned in This Episode: Ahimsa (non-harm) Aparigraha (non-grasping/non-attachment) Ujjayi breath The Eight Limbs of Yoga True Love Yoga Teacher Trainings Practice Reflection Questions: What would it feel like to believe I already belong? Where can I practice more compassion toward myself? What is my body communicating to me lately? Am I approaching yoga as performance or relationship? What happens when I allow myself to be imperfectly human? Learn more about Lauren, classes, trainings, and retreats at: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Listen to more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

  3. 6 июл.

    Breath & Internal Power: A Conversation with Dr. Auburn Ellis

    In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Auburn Ellis—an E-RYT 500, educator, and founder of Soul Yoga Fest KC—to explore the roots and power of Kemetic Yoga, breathwork, and inclusive practice. Together, they unpack how yoga evolves across a lifetime, how cultural lineage shapes practice, and how breath becomes a source of true internal power—on and off the mat. Dr. Auburn shares her journey from Chicago Public Schools teacher to yoga educator, her deep connection to Kemetic Yoga (rooted in ancient Egyptian traditions), and how her work bridges movement, history, art, and community care. This conversation is both grounding and expansive—inviting us to deepen our practice through awareness, curiosity, and connection. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: What Kemetic Yoga is and where it comes from The role of geometry, breath, and alignment in this lineage How yoga evolves through different phases of life The meaning of internal power beyond physical strength Yoga as a global, evolving tradition Creating inclusive and accessible yoga spaces How to integrate yoga into everyday life (especially busy seasons) Upcoming Workshop with Dr. Auburn Ellis Breath & Internal Power: A Kemetic Yoga Workshop July 18 | 2:00–3:30 PM True Love Yoga (In-Person + Virtual) 1.5 CE Hours (Yoga Alliance Eligible) In this 90-minute experience, you’ll explore: Kemetic yoga postures + flow Breathwork (rule of four breathing) Journaling + reflection The connection between art, science, and the body ✨ Beginner-friendly | All levels welcome Sign up: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Connect with Dr. Auburn Ellis Instagram: @dr_auburn Soul Yoga Fest KC – August 9 Teaching at True Love Yoga + YTT Continue Your Practice This episode invites you to ask: What does internal power mean in this phase of my life? How can I integrate breath into my everyday moments? Where can I expand my understanding of yoga’s roots? Listen + explore more: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

  4. 29 июн.

    Why Does Yoga Work? A Big Picture Exploration

    Why does yoga work? Not in the sense of magical claims or wellness hype—but genuinely, why do so many people feel better when they practice consistently? In this episode, Lauren explores the deeper mechanisms behind yoga’s transformative power through the lenses of nervous system regulation, breath, embodiment, ritual, movement variability, interoception, community, and spirituality. This conversation bridges modern physiology with ancient yogic wisdom and asks a larger question: What is it about yoga that continues to resonate so deeply across thousands of years and countless evolving forms? Lauren reflects on how yoga transformed her own life—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually—and unpacks why the practice continues to help so many people reconnect with themselves. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Yoga and nervous system regulation Breath as a bridge between body and mind Interoception and self-awareness Movement variability and embodiment Ritual, repetition, and meaning Community and co-regulation Spirituality, awe, and transcendence Why yoga is more than flexibility The modern relevance of yoga practice Why yoga creates lasting transformation for so many people Key Themes Nervous system regulation Breathwork and pranayama Embodiment and mindfulness Ritual and sacred practice Yoga philosophy and modern science Community healing Spiritual connection and awe Movement and emotional resilience ‍♀️ Mentioned in This Episode Lauren discusses: Yoga as a tool for regulation rather than perfection Interoception and emotional resilience The importance of ritual and predictability Co-regulation in yoga communities Why yoga is not “magic,” but still deeply powerful How awe and spirituality shape human experience Reflection Questions How does yoga work for you personally? What shifts when you slow down enough to listen inwardly? What parts of yoga help you feel most connected? Where in your life do you most need regulation, ritual, or community right now? Continue Your Practice Explore more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice: Deepen Your Yoga Practice Podcast Learn more about classes, workshops, retreats, and trainings at: True Love Yoga

  5. 22 июн.

    What Makes a Yoga Class Feel Transformational?

    What makes a yoga class truly transformational? Why do some classes stay with us for years—even when we can’t remember the exact sequence? In this episode, Lauren explores the deeper elements that create meaningful, lasting experiences in yoga spaces. Beyond advanced postures or perfectly designed sequences, transformational classes are often built through nervous system safety, authentic teacher presence, intentional pacing, ritual, music, philosophy, and community. Lauren unpacks the psychology and energetics behind impactful classes and reflects on how yoga teachers can create spaces where students feel safe enough to soften, connect, and grow. This episode is especially valuable for yoga teachers, yoga teacher trainees, and anyone curious about why yoga can feel profoundly healing and connective. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Why transformation is not the same as intensity Nervous system safety in yoga classes Co-regulation and teacher presence Predictability, pacing, and sequencing Music, silence, and emotional resonance Ritual and repetition in yoga practice The role of philosophy and storytelling Community and collective experience Why authenticity matters more than perfection The mysterious “something” that makes certain classes unforgettable Key Themes Trauma-aware teaching Nervous system regulation Sequencing as storytelling Emotional resonance in movement Ritual and rhythm Authenticity over performance Yoga philosophy in modern teaching Building inclusive yoga spaces ‍♀️ Mentioned in This Episode Lauren discusses: The importance of nervous system regulation for teachers Why options and modifications create safety Her set-sequence class Abhyasa and practicing without music The difference between performance and presence in teaching How yoga teachers can create transformational spaces without trying to “perform” transformation ✨ Interested in Teaching Yoga? If this conversation resonates, True Love Yoga offers: 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training For aspiring teachers and dedicated students wanting to deepen their understanding of yoga, sequencing, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology. 300-Hour Advanced Teacher Training For certified yoga teachers ready to refine their voice, deepen their knowledge, and create more impactful and transformational class experiences. Learn more: True Love Yoga Teacher Training Continue Your Practice Reflection questions from this episode: What yoga classes have stayed with you and why? When do you feel safest and most authentic in practice? How do rhythm, ritual, and community shape your experience? What does transformation actually feel like in your body? Listen to more episodes: Deepen Your Yoga Practice Podcast

  6. 15 июн.

    Yoga Myth Busting: Inversions, Immunity, Sweat, and More

    In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores some of the most common physiological claims made in yoga spaces and asks: Are they actually true? From detox claims to inversions, immunity, lymphatic flow, and the pineal gland, this episode takes a thoughtful, evidence-based look at what yoga does and does not do for the body. Inspired by The Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle and Matthew H*y, Lauren unpacks several common yoga myths with curiosity, nuance, and respect for both yogic tradition and modern science. In this episode, she explores: Whether inversions really send more blood to the brain If inversions or shoulder stand stimulate the pineal gland or thyroid Whether Kapalabhati or breath of fire detoxifies the body If sweating in hot yoga removes toxins Whether yoga improves lymphatic drainage If yoga “boosts” the immune system Why truthfulness and precision matter when we teach and practice yoga Lauren also emphasizes that dispelling these myths does not make yoga less powerful. Instead, it helps us practice and teach with more honesty, precision, and trustworthiness. Yoga still offers profound benefits — including nervous system regulation, improved circulation, greater awareness, and support for overall wellbeing — but we do not need to exaggerate those benefits in order to appreciate them. Mentioned in this episode: The Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle and Matthew H*y Key takeaway: Understanding the body more clearly does not take away the magic of yoga. It makes the practice more intelligent, skillful, and grounded in truth. trueloveyogakc.com

  7. 8 июн.

    A Creative Practice: Kayla Hower on Yoga, Growth, and Trying Something New

    Shownotes In this episode, Lauren sits down with True Love Yoga Teacher Training graduate Kayla Hower to explore her journey into yoga, her experience in teacher training, and her upcoming workshop centered around creativity and self-connection. Kayla shares how yoga evolved from an occasional workout into a grounding, life-supporting practice—especially through motherhood and her work in community-based social services. Together, Lauren and Kayla discuss imposter syndrome, personal growth, and how yoga becomes something we live, not just something we do. They also dive into Kayla’s upcoming workshop, A Creative Practice, which blends gentle yoga, meditation, and accessible creative expression through neurographic drawing. This episode is an invitation to: Try something new Let go of perfection Reconnect with creativity and play ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: How yoga becomes a lifelong support system Navigating imposter syndrome in teacher training The shift from “doing yoga” to living yoga Yoga as a tool for presence in helping professions Creativity as play, self-care, and nervous system support Why trying something new deepens your practice Upcoming Workshop with Kayla A Creative Practice June 20 | 12:00–1:30 PM True Love Yoga A cozy, accessible workshop blending: Grounding Hatha + Yin yoga Meditation for creativity and self-connection Neurographic drawing (no experience needed) Use code WORKSHOP for $5 off (members) Learn more + sign up: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Connect with Kayla Follow Kayla on Instagram: instagram.com/mindbodycreative.kayla Continue Your Practice If you’re feeling inspired by Kayla’s journey, this is exactly the kind of growth and exploration we cultivate inside our Yoga Teacher Trainings at True Love Yoga. Learn more: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training/ Listen to more episodes: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

  8. 1 июн.

    Why I Keep Going Back to Greece (And What It’s Taught Me About Yoga)

    What does it mean to return—not just to a place, but to yourself? In this episode, Lauren explores the practice of returning through the lens of yoga, ritual, and retreat. She shares her personal journey of leading retreats on the Greek island of Amorgos and why she continues to go back—not for novelty, but for depth, connection, and remembrance. This conversation weaves together: The yogic concept of abhyasa (steady practice) The nervous system benefits of familiar, intentional spaces The difference between vacations and retreats And how returning can become a powerful spiritual practice Lauren also shares details about her upcoming 2027 retreat and extends an invitation for listeners to experience this practice of returning for themselves. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Why returning is a core yogic practice How familiar spaces deepen nervous system safety Retreat vs. vacation: awareness vs. consumption The sensory and spiritual experience of Amorgos, Greece Community as a catalyst for transformation Listening to the “pull” (and working with resistance) How retreat experiences ripple into everyday life Retreat Invitation: Amorgos, Greece Amorgos Aegialis Hotel & Spa July 31 – August 7, 2027 Join Lauren for a 7-night retreat experience designed to help you reconnect, reset, and return to what matters. What’s included: Daily yoga + meditation Incredible meals (including a daily brunch buffet ✨) Spa access + complimentary massage Time to explore, rest, and connect Transfers from the port ✨ Early Bird: $400 off for a limited time Details + registration https://www.laurenleduc.com/retreat-2 Continue Your Practice If this episode resonates, consider: What are you being called to return to? Where does your nervous system soften? What feels like home in your practice? Listen to more episodes: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

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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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