A Curious Yogi with Bobbi Paidel

Bobbi Paidel

What does it mean to walk the path of yoga? Join me weekly for joyful conversations with wise teachers, sincere yogis and other spiritual seekers. We inquire into our deepest questions and learn how to apply the ancient wisdom into our own daily practice…and life. Learn more at www.bobbipaidel.com/a-curious-yogi-podcast IG: @bobbipaidel Support the show on Patreon

  1. Aug 27

    Sadhana, Meditation and the Effortless Self | Satsang with Ritambhara

    “Practice is knowing moment to moment that your only purpose is to be at peace.”  In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow seeker, Ritambhara (Reta), to explore the heart of meditation and what it truly means to live from the unchanging truth of who we are. Reta has been on this path of sadhana and self-inquiry for 50 years, and she shares her lived experience and knowledge as our conversation moves from personal stories of friendship to deep yogic wisdom.  We chat about why the external search for freedom so often leaves us feeling unfulfilled, and how sadhana returns us to clarity.  If you’ve been mechanically going through your practice or wondering how to drop the struggle and anchor into real inner peace, this episode is a loving reminder that the freedom you're looking for is already right here. In this episode, we unpack:The Restless Search: Why travelling the world or achieving worldly success still leaves an inner longing, and how that restlessness leads us back to our true home.The Power of the Witness (Sakshi): Learning to shift identity away from the noisy, changing mind and rest in the silent Knower.Sadhana as a Way of Life: How practice isn't just something we do on a cushion or mat, but a continuous "dip" into purity that transforms how we navigate daily life.The Gift of Satsang & Good Company: Why gathering with other earnest seekers acts as a living field of support for your spiritual practice.Effortless Being: How to stop forcing spiritual experiences and start recognizing the peace that is naturally present when we surrender. Connect & Practice With MeIf this conversation inspired your path, I’d love to welcome you into my yog sadhana community: Join the Online Practice or Community memberships: Practice weekly or monthly starting at just $8/month!Upcoming Yog Sadhana Retreats:4 Days in Norway (This September!)  Immerse in nature and traditional practice.Sri Lanka Retreat (Next February)  Only 5 rooms left for our beachside retreat! In oneness,  Bobbi  Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast! Join a Curious Yogi Community Membership 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in India, Scandinavia or Sri Lanka Learn more  HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

    Sadhana, Meditation and the Effortless Self | Satsang with Ritambhara
  2. Aug 19

    Orienting to True North: The Yogic Pursuit | Robbie Chesick

    “There's a sweetness in Advaita non-dual teachings, right? There is this emphasis on the truth of freedom and...eternal, the eternal ever-present You. I mean, how sweet is that?” - Robbie Chesick  Today I share a candid and reflective conversation with Robbie Chesick. Robbie is a lifelong meditator, by nature tropic to tuning into the hum of pure existence at the base of her sense of self. She is also a (recently retired) trauma therapist, a mom, a lazy poet, and a curious wanderer. We discuss meditation, nonduality, feminism, and how spiritual practice meets ordinary life. How can inquiry cut through the conditioning, politics, and ego? It's a delightful and light hearted conversation about the real "stuff" we deal with as humans just navigating our way. Robbie gives great insight into the approach and pursuit of the yogi from her 35 years of sadhana. Key topics:  Satsang and the essential shared space of spiritual inquiry.Early questions about identity, the self, and what lies beyond surface reality.Robbie shares her formative journey in her early twenties, including travel through India, illness, danger, and the eventual decision to come to her brother and meet Swamiji.How spiritual realization can coexist with family life, work, parenting, and a public-facing life in the world.Inquiry should be applied everywhere, not only in meditation, and that the mind’s habit of either-or thinking can obscure more nuanced, intelligent action.The pressure to conform to tribal thinking, especially in wellness and yoga circles, and how fear of rejection can shape beliefs and behaviour.The forest wanderer phase of life reframed. Robbie distinguishes pure existence from personal identity, emphasizing that the goal is not to become anything other than what you are. I absolutely loved this conversation with Robbie, a wise friend and courageous yogi. She gives me inspiration to keep steadfast on this path as I meet and greet the many phases of life. I know she will give you something to consider as well in this thoughtful satsang space.  In oneness,  Bobbi  Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast! Join a Curious Yogi Community Membership for monthly live satsang or Yog Sadhana Practice Membership for All Access to my live classes 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in India, Scandinavia or Sri Lanka Get on the waitlist HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

    Orienting to True North: The Yogic Pursuit | Robbie Chesick
  3. Aug 7

    Hidden Mythology Behind Yoga Poses Most Teachers Never Learn | Crystal Rainbow Borrelli

    “Knowledge is really important. Knowledge brings forth this awakening as well.”  What does it actually mean to bring the roots of yoga to your practice? To bring inspiration? To bring prayer? Mantra? Pranayama? Knowledge?  In this episode of a Curious Yogi, I sit down with Crystal Rainbow Borrelli - author, oracle deck creator, and third-generation yogi. We dive into how to honor the ancient wisdom, respect tradition and understanding tools like sacred mantras can completely reshape your time both on the mat and in your life.  Key TakeawaysYoga is a way of relating to lifeMantra becomes more meaningful when it’s mythology and history is understoodOwn your voice! Essential for yoga teachersYoga's Spiritual Heart: Insights on practicing in yogas heartland of India.The mythical story behind the warrior posesStudying the roots of yoga, with respect for tradition, helps preserve it’s depthTo experience the world as a yogi is to hold both the human and the spacious Yoga supports nervous-system regulation by creating a pause before reactionYoga Teacher Trainings in the west, things to consider and how to choose the right trainings Raised off-grid on a remote island on the West Coast, Crystal Rainbow Borrelli is a yogi, international retreat leader, and teacher trainer for 200-hour and 300-hour programs worldwide. She is the author of Within the Divine Realm, a guide to the mythical stories and sacred mantras of yoga's gods and goddesses, and creator of the Sacred Realms Oracle Deck. Crystal's Online Classes, Book & Oracle Deck: crystalrainbowborrelli.comConnect with Crystal: @crystalrainbowyoga I loved this conversation! Crystal is such a power house and she truly shares from her heart. This conversation is sure to give you inspiration for how to practice your postures, sing your mantras and approach your yoga practice.  In oneness,  Bobbi  Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast! Join a Curious Yogi Community Membership for monthly live satsang or Yog Sadhana Practice Membership for All Access to my live classes 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in India, Scandinavia or Sri Lanka Get on the waitlist HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

    Hidden Mythology Behind Yoga Poses Most Teachers Never Learn | Crystal Rainbow Borrelli
  4. Jul 18

    Why I'm Walking Away From Yoga Studios & Toward Yogasana Sadhana | a Curious Yogi

    Are you treating your yoga practice as a checklist item, or as a splendid return to your essence? In this episode, I’m talking to you straight about what it means to bridge the gap between modern postural yoga and the ancient spiritual depths. Hello, yogasana sadhana. We dive into the reality of spiritual burnout, escaping the rigid "box" of mainstream studio culture, and how to treat your physical practice as a doorway to the divine rather than the final destination. Here’s what I share:The Seed vs. The Branch: Recognizing that while modern postural yoga is a beautiful physical doorway, it is just a single branch of a deeply rooted, magical treeOvercoming Burnout: My journey of "hitting the wall" while teaching within profit-driven spaces, and how returning to sadhana saved my mental health and my yogaFinding the Middle Ground: Exploring vivek (discernment) and vairagya (dispassion) to find the non-judgmental middle path in a highly commercialized yoga worldAncient Wisdom for Modern Seekers: Words from Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita to anchor ourselves in THE STATE of YogaDitching the Spiritual High Horse: Maturing into spiritual study means expanding our compassion, not looking down on those who are on the mat just for mobilityLinks Mentioned:The Curious Yogi Online Practice Community: Join My Momence Community Here (Migrating soon from Patreon—download the Momence app to track your practice, book 90-minute classes, and join our monthly Satsangs!)Listen to Stewart’s Latest Episode (There’s two!): On What Yoga is NOT Listen to Nikki’s Episode from Season 1: On Finding The Middle Yoga is not a mechanical checklist; it is an act of remembering the light, clarity, and love that is already sitting quietly with you. How do you maintain and relate to your sadhana? I’d love to hear how you are riding these waves. In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast on Momence and join monthly satsangs  💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like India Get on the waitlist HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

  5. Jul 7

    Meditation Reveals the Inner-Ever-Present Friend | Satsang with Chaytan Aatma

    “So you’re an explorer of life, what a great exploration. What a great journey to embark on, to examine now. Now what? Now, what will life bring to me today?” Discover the timeless wisdom of meditation and self-inquiry through the teachings and personal journey of Chaytan Atma – who hasn’t missed a day of meditation in 50 years! This conversation delves into the nature of the unchanging self, the practice of non-doership, and the pursuit of balance amidst life's fluctuations. In this episode: The significance of curiosity (Jigyasu) and lifelong seeking in spiritual practiceThe transformative power of daily meditation for over 50 yearsUnderstanding the space of pure consciousness and awareness in meditationThe concept of Yog Chit Vritti Nirodha and its true meaningThe relationship between self-realization and ongoing practiceHow to live in the world from the space of stillness and balanceThe difference between understanding and direct experience of the SelfPractical insights on maintaining non-doership in action-filled lifeThe role of balance and evenness (Yog) in navigating life's ups and downsThe importance of continued curiosity and watching in spiritual growth I loved this deep dialogue with a wise, delightful and generous master! A totally open space for questions and discussions about the direct experience and the importance of continual practice and curiosity in realizing the Self. I promise this will serve as inspiration to explore your own inner space with patience and surrender. In oneness,  Bobbi  Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs  💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like India, Sri Lanka & Norway  Get on the waitlist HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

    Meditation Reveals the Inner-Ever-Present Friend | Satsang with Chaytan Aatma
  6. Jun 16

    Unlock Your Highest, Healthiest Self with Plant-Based Ayurveda | Dimple Jangda

    "Our souls have neither a birth nor death. Our soul's journey is infinite. But the human experience that we're having in this moment is limited." Today, we dive deep into the intersection of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern health science with famed celebrity Ayurvedic nutritionist and gut health coach, Dimple Jangda. In this episode, you will gain actionable, practical knowledge on how lifestyle, diet, and uncovering the root source of healing are directly connected to our spiritual search for happiness and wholeness. We explore both the practical and spiritual sides of how to best care for ourselves to prepare for spiritual transformation, as well as day-to-day health. What We Discuss:Ayurveda as a foundation for spiritual lifeThe Ayurvedic circadian rhythm, daily routines & surrendering to natureUnderstanding Plant-Based Diets & the impact on long-term health.Navigating Women’s hormonal healthThe Power of Self-Healing & tapping into ancient wisdom from within.Actions You Can Start Today:Follow the Ayurvedic energy clock for your daily routines.Nature on your Plate: Adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet.Center Yourself: Incorporate daily meditation and gratitude practices.Make Conscious Choices: Learn how to choose ethically sourced ghee and best plant-based dairy alternatives.Support Your Gut: Practice daily detox and digestion routines.Connect with Dimple:Website: Prana By DimpleIG: @dimplejangdaofficial @pranabydimple @gutstorywithdimpleYoutube: @GutstorywithDimpleJangda As a long-time vegan, I took so much inspiration from the myriad of reasons why a seeker is better off choosing a plant-based lifestyle, and I learned about so many health benefits I wasn’t even aware of. I promise this episode will give you plenty of food for thought on your own health and spiritual journey. In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭 Support the Podcast: Head over to our Patreon Page to support the show and join our monthly satsangs. 💭 Leave a Review: If you liked this episode, please leave a review! It really, really helps the show reach more people. 💭 Share Your Takeaway: Tag me and share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel. 💭 Join Me on Retreat: Yog Sadhana in Scandinavia, India, Sri Lanka. Learn more HERE. 💭 Let’s Connect: If you’d like to chat about the show, inquire about being a guest, or practice together, let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

    Unlock Your Highest, Healthiest Self with Plant-Based Ayurveda | Dimple Jangda
  7. Jun 5

    Waking up! Include All Of Life In Your Spiritual Path | Dana Flynn

    “The dance will bring you to the surrender. It might not always be surrendered, but with more acceptance and more surrender, definitely more peace.” Such a joy to share this conversation with Dana Flynn, a teacher’s teacher with more than 3 decades of practice and just total delight. Dana generously shares her raw energy, her lived experience and journey of waking up. This conversation delves into her personal path from a spirited party girl to a dedicated yogi, touching on themes of surrender, the power of inner exploration, and how yoga is a living, breathing experience both on and off the mat. We discuss SO much! Surrender, sobriety, making the teachings alive through the subtle practice, including everything in our sadhana and how life (or God) brings us what we need for this visit earth side. I’m so honored to share this intimate conversation, it is so inspiring. In this episode:The Evolution: Dana shares her path from owning a bar and being a party girl to discovering the deeper purpose of yoga.Surrender & Discipline: The significance of meeting her teacher in India and her spiritual growth.Beyond Asanas: How physical practices like asanas and pranayama open doors to subtle and spiritual experiences.The Polarities: Exploring the outer forms of the yoga journey versus the inner essence.Awakening: The importance of relationships and ongoing curiosity.Navigating Loss: Meeting life's challenges, grief, and loss through yoga and presence. And acceptance!The Mystery: The dance of longings, fleeting moments of clarity, and embracing existence. Connect with Dana here:Dana Flynn's SubstackLight on Lotus Yoga (LA studio)IG @danatrixieflynn This episode reminds us that yoga is a continuous dance of surrender, longing, discovery, transformation. An inner journey that unfolds in every moment. Dana invites joy and courage into our world. I sincerely hope this is the first of more conversations with Dana, wow! Thank you for being here and please leave a review and let us know what inspired you! In oneness,  Bobbi  Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs  💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like Norway, India & Sri Lanka Get on the waitlist HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨

    Waking up! Include All Of Life In Your Spiritual Path | Dana Flynn
  8. May 22

    Sadhana Is Life! | Satsang with Ravi

    “Sadhana is my life, basically. Whether it's studying or not studying or meditating or not meditating, but the intent is to maintain a sense of that Highest Awareness at all times.” Discover the profound journey and wisdom of friend and life-time meditator Ravi. Ravi is a 70 year old yogi who has dedicated 50 years to living and embodying the Highest Awareness under the guidance (and Grace) of his teacher, his guide, his ideal, his guru, Swami Shyam.  In this episode, Ravi shares timeless insights on meditation, the nature of the Knower, and how sadhana transforms everyday life. In this path of self-realization and living that highest awareness, it’s conversations like these that keep me going.  .Here’s some key takeaways: Ravi’s early spiritual questioning, venturing to northern India in the 70’s to meet his Guru Swami Shyam The importance of sadhana as a life-long, all-encompassing practice (50 years in!)A deeper understanding of the Highest Awareness and the role of meditationPractical insights on attending to the space between thoughts and the power of the Knower in meditationHow to navigate doubts, ego, and illusion on the spiritual pathThe legacy of Swamiji and the simplicity of true liberationAdvice to younger seekers and the importance of trust and dedication Visit Swami Shyams Library of english books and scriptures HERE I really loved this satsang discussion, it gave me so much inspiration! It’s such a trip to hear stories of Western seekers making the trek to India in the 70’s. I feel in my soul I’m from that era. But these conversations strike me as important for us to adapt our sadhana and the timeless Knowledge for today’s world and keep our attention, always, on the highest.  Remember, the journey is lifelong and continuous. Every moment offers an opportunity to recognize the Knower within.  And, in Ravi’s words “The rest as they say is history—a far more enlightening one than I ever studied at University—the history of the Eternal Reality, Me!” In oneness,  Bobbi  Thanks for listening!  💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs  💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.  💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel   💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like India, Sri Lanka & Scandinavia Get on the waitlist HERE 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨

    Sadhana Is Life! | Satsang with Ravi

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

What does it mean to walk the path of yoga? Join me weekly for joyful conversations with wise teachers, sincere yogis and other spiritual seekers. We inquire into our deepest questions and learn how to apply the ancient wisdom into our own daily practice…and life. Learn more at www.bobbipaidel.com/a-curious-yogi-podcast IG: @bobbipaidel Support the show on Patreon

You Might Also Like