Inner Paths

Kristina Mah, PhD
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Dr. Kristina Mah, former karate world champion and martial artist, creative artist, transdisciplinary researcher, and writer, is joined by Dr. Evgenii Timofeev, spiritual practitioner, teacher of internal arts, and interdisciplinary movement artist, and special guests— leading experts— to explore the interdisciplinary paths of self-cultivation from Eastern wisdom to modern understanding. Conversations on developing a practice, resilience, self-leadership, and self-exploration through change and challenges. Drawing from Eastern philosophy, martial arts, movement, psychology, and lived experience, we help you discover practical wisdom for your own journey.

Episodes

  1. No Shortcuts: Why Traditional Martial Arts Training Takes Time and How it Forms Character

    3D AGO

    No Shortcuts: Why Traditional Martial Arts Training Takes Time and How it Forms Character

    Traditional martial arts training takes time—and that’s the point. In a culture obsessed with speed, efficiency, and shortcuts, traditional practice asks something different: patience, repetition, and the willingness to stay with discomfort. In this episode of Inner Paths, we reflect on what long-term martial arts training teaches the body beyond technique—attention, resilience, humility, and embodied understanding. We talk about boredom, repetition, and the importance of staying with the times when seemingly, “nothing is happening”, as this is often where insight begins. This conversation is for practitioners, teachers, beginners to martial arts practice and anyone drawn to discipline-based paths of growth who feel uneasy with modern quick-fix self-improvement culture. #MartialArts #TraditionalTraining #Embodiment #Discipline #InnerPaths #traditionalmartialarts #embodiment # bodyawareness #disciplineandpractice #martialartsphilosophy

    1h 7m
  2. Writing a Human Algorithm: Buddhist Perspectives on Wisdom in the Age of AI

    05/18/2025

    Writing a Human Algorithm: Buddhist Perspectives on Wisdom in the Age of AI

    In this conversation, I am joined by Charok Sherpa Rinpoche (Charok Lama). We explore our shifting relationship with artificial intelligence and its implications for human wisdom. The dialogue begins with Rinpoche's observation that while AI possesses vast knowledge, it cannot truly apply wisdom. Referencing Miyazaki's concern that "we are nearing the end of times" where "humans are losing faith in ourselves," we question whether our AI dependence represents evolution or regression. I reflect on how AI can produce varied outputs that might support practice, yet express doubt about trusting AI to interpret thoughts and feelings authentically. Rinpoche challenges whether AI can truly understand human trauma or refine its understanding to the level needed for genuine healing. We debate AI's potential to speed up insight cultivation while questioning if our technological "solutions" for saving time actually leave us busier than ever. This dialogue challenges listeners to consider deeper questions: Are we advancing in ways that truly matter? How can we relate to technology in ways that support rather than hinder our liberation? And ultimately, how do we find contentment in an age of endless digital distraction? Listen for a down-to-earth discussion on finding balance between technological advancement and preserving our essential humanity. Charok Rinpoche will be leading a retreat at the 2025 Lawudo Trek, October 6-21. Read more about the trek and register at: http://www.lawudo-trek.org Inner Paths thanks Vajrayana Institute for the use of their student lounge to record this podcast. For meditation, teachings and workshops visit: https://vajrayana.com.au/ #Buddhism #Wisdom #DigitalMindfulness #SpiritualPractice #ConsciousTech #HumanConnection #TechBalance #MindfulLiving #AIEthics #BuddhistPerspective #TechnologyAndWisdom #DigitalDetox #MeaningfulTechnology #MindfulTech #SpiritualGrowth #ConsciousLiving #TechAndHumanity #WisdomTeachings #ModernBuddhism #MindfulTechnology

    58 min
  3. Love as Practice: Towards Transforming Attachment into Spiritual Cultivation

    05/15/2025

    Love as Practice: Towards Transforming Attachment into Spiritual Cultivation

    In this illuminating episode, we explore the delicate boundary between love and attachment, revealing how relationships can become powerful catalysts for spiritual growth. We examine the "island and wave" metaphor of attachment styles and draw from both Buddhist concepts of Metta and Lacanian psychoanalysis to understand how our perceptions of others are coloured by our own attachments. Rather than two people relating, we discover it's actually two different "skewed perceptions" in dialogue. For those navigating spiritual development while fully engaged in society, this conversation offers practical insights on transforming everyday connections into opportunities for cultivating compassion, patience, and joy. Discover how intimate relationships uniquely reflect your true self-nature, creating a mirror that, when properly understood, can lead to profound personal transformation and unconditional well-wishing. #LoveasPractice #SpiritualCultivation #AttachmentTheory #MindfulRelationships #BuddhistWisdom #LacanianPsychology #ConsciousConnections #LovingKindness #Metta #RelationshipMirrors #SpiritualGrowth #IntimacyWisdom #PerceptionAndReality #TransformationalRelating #MindfulLiving #SpiritualPath #CompassionateLiving #SelfDiscovery #InterpersonalGrowth #ConsciousAwareness

    1 hr
  4. Energy in Stillness: How Deep Rest Cultivates Inner Power

    05/08/2025

    Energy in Stillness: How Deep Rest Cultivates Inner Power

    In this episode, Kristina and Evgenii explore the profound energetics of rest through the lens of qigong practice and its implications in spiritual development. Evgenii reveals how genuine energy cultivation doesn't rely on visualisation but on tangible physiological processes, sharing insights into the authentic qigong method for developing the Dantien—an approach using gravity, specific body alignment, and hand positions as magnetic fields to shape energy. Unlike many meditation practices, this method teaches the body and mind a natural state of true rest, creating a feedback loop that allows the Qi to drop from normal centers of activation and signals the mind to enter deeper states of rest. As the conversation unfolds, Evgenii explains how this approach helps us avoid the "joyride of mental proliferation" that keeps us trapped in fight-or-flight states, offering instead a path to anchor the mind in the body. Kristina reflects on the importance of self-compassion and radical acceptance in clearing inner blockages, while both hosts discuss the paradoxical truth that those who master deep rest become fountains of energy for the world—demonstrating that true rest isn't passive but cultivates profound inner power that connects us to our most elevated selves. #DeepRest #Qigong #EnergyMedicine #DantienCultivation #MindBodyHealing #SpiritualPractice #InnerPower #SomaticAwareness #RestForAwakening #SelfCompassion #RadicalAcceptance #EnergeticCultivation #MindfulRest #QiCultivation #BodyWisdom #MeditationPractice #EmbodiedSpirit #EnergyWork #ConsciousnessExpansion #energetics #martialarts #selfcultivation #cultivation

    1h 7m
  5. The Lost Art of Rest: From Proving to Being

    02/11/2025

    The Lost Art of Rest: From Proving to Being

    In this episode, Kristina and Evgenii explore the profound nature of rest and its essential role in spiritual practice. From understanding the historical impact of artificial light on our sleep patterns to examining how societal productivity demands colonise our downtime, they unpack why true rest has become increasingly elusive in modern life. Through personal narratives, including Kristina's journey in competitive karate, they reveal how external validation and the compulsion to prove ourselves can trap us in cycles of perpetual activity. The conversation delves into Buddhist concepts like Mara to illuminate how deceptive mental patterns keep us from finding genuine repose, while exploring the subtle ways both overvaluation and undervaluation of self prevent us from accessing authentic rest. Learn how fear underlies our resistance to rest and discover practical approaches to developing true agency in our relationship with relaxation. The discussion culminates in a powerful understanding of rest as complete cessation - a state of full absorption in embodied presence. This episode is one of two on rest and it's vital role in cultivation. Stay tuned for next week's episode where we will take a deeper dive into the energetics of rest. Key insights include: - The framework of rest as spiritual practice and why it matters - How the colonisation of rest impacts our wellbeing - Understanding and working with the "voice of the Other" - The role of fear in inhibiting authentic rest - Practical approaches to cultivating agency around rest - Rest as complete absorption in embodied presence We referred to this article in our podcast by Evgenii: "Energetics of Rest": https://www.jagariya.com/energetics-of-rest #rest #mindfulness #spiritualpractice #wellbeing #embodiment #meditation #consciousness #mentalhealth #selfawareness #spirituality #buddhism #personaldevelopment #presence #awareness #innerpeace #mindfulrest #restorativepractices #spiritualjourney #embodiedawareness #mindfulmovement #spiritualwisdom #authenticrest

    42 min
  6. Qi: Uncovering, Cultivating, and Harmonising with Life’s Energy

    02/02/2025

    Qi: Uncovering, Cultivating, and Harmonising with Life’s Energy

    In this episode, Dr Kristina and Dr Evgenii explore the essence of Qi—not as something we acquire, but as something we uncover and harmonise with. Evgenii lays the foundation by introducing Wuji as the root of authentic Qigong practice, explaining how yin and yang arise from stillness. We discuss the stages of cultivation—finding, building, consolidating, and mobilising Qi. We revisit the emphasis on cultivating external practice to open the body before engaging in energetic arts. Delving beyond common misconceptions, we discover how Qi isn't simply absorbed from our environment, but rather cultivated through dedicated practice and harmonious alignment. The conversation takes us through the fascinating progression from Wuji (the foundation of stillness) to the advanced practices of inner alchemy, with Kristina sharing her personal insights on the distinctions between traditional meditation and Qi cultivation. Evgenii shares insights into the Dantien, its presence in early childhood, and the process of returning to a state of simplicity and contentment. The conversation deepens as we touch on inner alchemy, the importance of opening energetic channels, and the pressurisation of Qi to facilitate flow. We also examine how Qi serves as the missing piece in many contemplative traditions and how Qigong offers a path toward ease, self-sufficiency, and deep inner joy. Join us as we unravel the layers of Qi and its transformative power in daily life. #QiGong #InnerAlchemy #Wuji #YinYang #QiCultivation #EnergeticArts #Dantien #Embodiment #Meditation #SelfMastery #Stillness #FlowState #MartialArtsWisdom #HolisticHealing #MindBodyConnection #ConsciousLiving #AncientWisdom #SelfSufficiency #DeepInnerJoy #PersonalTransformation

    52 min
  7. The Warrior's Path: Where Discipline Meets Divinity

    01/26/2025

    The Warrior's Path: Where Discipline Meets Divinity

    In this episode, Kristina and Evgenii unravel what it truly means to be a martial artist beyond the stereotypes and assumptions. From managing inner rage to accessing divine states through practice, they explore how martial arts training develops unshakeable composure, panoramic awareness, and the capacity to touch something greater than ourselves. Learn how simple acts like folding uniforms and standing in stillness become gateways to profound transformation, and discover why competition serves as a laboratory for bringing training principles to life. Our conversation reveals martial arts as a powerful vehicle for spiritual cultivation, where physical discipline opens doorways to expanded consciousness and the mysterious force of Qi energy becomes tangible reality. Key insights include: - How martial arts training develops emotional stability and inner strength - The relationship between physical discipline and spiritual cultivation - Why mindful attention to detail shapes character and consciousness - Practical approaches to working with Qi energy in training #martialarts #spirituality #warriorspath #qienergy #spiritualwarrior #mindfulness #innerwisdom #martialwisdom #combatsports #meditation #personaldevelopment #warrior #discipline #selfmastery #enlightenment #consciousness #martialtradition #embodiedpractice #innerpower #mindfulmovement #spiritualpractice #dojo #martialdiscipline

    49 min
  8. Roads of Power and Building Internal Gateways: Where Energy Flows, Power Goes

    01/12/2025

    Roads of Power and Building Internal Gateways: Where Energy Flows, Power Goes

    In this illuminating conversation, Kristina and Evgenii explore a key concept of internal martial arts, where masters discovered that true power flows not from muscular force but through subtle internal pathways. They unpack the ancient practice of "sinew changing"—a systematic approach to transformation that refines the body and mind on ever-more subtle levels from skin to marrow—and reveal why standing still might be more powerful than movement. Learn why traditional practitioners spent hours in standing postures to build their "roads of power" and discover how releasing tension, rather than building it, could be the key to deeper development. Our discussion challenges common assumptions about training, exploring how these physical practices naturally lead to mental clarity and emotional balance. Key insights include: - How physical tension patterns connect to mental habits - Why thoughts and imagination are considered "external" in spiritual practice - The role of energy (Qi) as a bridge between internal and external experience - Practical approaches to releasing both physical and mental "gripping" This episode is essential listening for martial artists, meditators, and anyone interested in understanding how ancient wisdom about internal cultivation could transform their approach to practice and daily life. #InternalArts #MartialWisdom #RoadsOfPower #QiCultivation #EnergyTraining #MindBodyPractice #StandingMeditation #PowerOfRelease #MartialsArts #InnerDevelopment #SinewChanging #TaoistPractice #MartialCultivation #InnerPower #EmbodiedPractice #ChineseMartialArts #GongFu #MindBodySpirit #InternalForce #TraditionalTraining

    1h 4m
  9. The Surrender Paradox: Flow, Trance, and Moving Beyond Mind

    01/05/2025

    The Surrender Paradox: Flow, Trance, and Moving Beyond Mind

    When do breakthroughs happen in movement? Often when we stop trying to force them. Kristina and Evgenii dive into the paradox of flow: how letting go of conscious planning often leads to more masterful navigation of complex situations. They unpack some deeper dimensions of flow through the lens of Parkour and karate. Starting with Parkour's origins as "l'art du déplacement", they explore how this practice of transforming urban obstacles into opportunities mirrors the broader alchemy of flow states in movement. The conversation weaves through personal stories of competitions, training, and breakthroughs, illuminating how practitioners learn to step back from analytical thinking and trust in bodily intelligence. Through vivid examples from both parkour karate and trance, they demonstrate how this surrender of the conscious, thikning, analytical mind allows practitioners to respond to challenges, obstacles or seemingly fixed patterns with grace and precision or an unbinding that gives way to allowing the body and mind to become aware of "something else", another way of being within ourselves that we may not have been acquainted with before. Discover the surprising connections between urban movement arts, martial disciplines, and traditional trance practices. This episode offers rich insights about what happens when we learn to get out of our own way. Topics include: - The origins of parkour as l'art du déplacement - Triggering flow states through movement - The relationship between flow, trance, and consciousness - Using practice to unravel fixed patterns - The role of intention versus control - Practical insights for accessing deeper states of awareness #FlowState #Parkour #MartialArts #MovementCulture #TrancePractice #MovementAlchemy #ConsciousMovement #UrbanMovement #EmbodiedLearning #BodyIntelligence #MovementCulture #ParkourLife #MovementAlchemy #Karate #MovementCulture #FlowArts #MovementMedicine #MindBodySpirit #MovementPractice #ConsciousMovement #TraceursLife #KarateLife #FlowStateTraining #MovementIntelligence #TrainingFlow

    1h 3m
  10. Meaningful Integration: How to Connect Fields Without Compromising Depth

    12/29/2024

    Meaningful Integration: How to Connect Fields Without Compromising Depth

    Evgenii and Kristina share their ongoing exploration of interdisciplinary practice. In this conversation, they discuss their early steps, challenges, and the continuing process of weaving connections between fields while maintaining depth and care in their work. They explore: Personal experiences and learning moments Ways to stay grounded in each discipline Finding balance between breadth and depth Building mindful connections across fields For anyone who wants insight from honest reflections and practical considerations on the nonlinear progression of developing an interdisciplinary approach to their practice. #interdisciplinary #expertise #learning #methodology #research #innovation #martialarts #motivation #selfimprovement #selfcultivation #spiritualjourney #leadership #selfleadership #jagariya #podcast

    55 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Dr. Kristina Mah, former karate world champion and martial artist, creative artist, transdisciplinary researcher, and writer, is joined by Dr. Evgenii Timofeev, spiritual practitioner, teacher of internal arts, and interdisciplinary movement artist, and special guests— leading experts— to explore the interdisciplinary paths of self-cultivation from Eastern wisdom to modern understanding. Conversations on developing a practice, resilience, self-leadership, and self-exploration through change and challenges. Drawing from Eastern philosophy, martial arts, movement, psychology, and lived experience, we help you discover practical wisdom for your own journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristina Mah, PhD
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Copyright
    © Inner Paths
  • Show Website
    Inner Paths