Off The Mat

Christie Knight Yoga

I’m Christie, and this is Off the Mat - a podcast about the deeper, often unseen layers of Yoga. Every week I sit down with people working within this world to talk about Yoga not just as movement, but as a way of living. Because the physical shapes are just one part of the practice, Yoga is also a path to emotional clarity, inner connection, and purpose. Let’s explore how this ancient practise can support modern life, and help us navigate both the daily stresses and the bigger questions - off the mat.

  1. 5 ngày trước

    S2 E5 | Burnout, Self-Acceptance, Yoga Philosophy & Letting Go of Perfectionism | Off The Mat with Sophie Rumble

    Why are we always trying to become a "better" version of ourselves? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Rumble - yoga teacher, writer, and psychotherapist-in-training - to explore how yoga can help us let go of constant self-improvement and reconnect with who we already are. Filmed on the beautiful island of Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, this conversation begins with a grounding meditation before diving into burnout, nervous system regulation, yoga philosophy, and self-acceptance. Sophie shares how years of striving eventually led to burnout and chronic back pain, and how her yoga practice evolved from chasing advanced postures to embracing pranayama, presence, and surrender. We also explore avidya (seeing clearly), contentment, psychotherapy, resilience, and the pressure to constantly optimise ourselves in modern life. Whether you're navigating burnout, curious about yoga philosophy, or looking for practical tools to regulate your nervous system, this episode offers thoughtful insights into finding peace beyond achievement. 🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why self-acceptance is more powerful than self-optimisationHow burnout can manifest physically and emotionallySophie's journey from corporate sustainability into psychotherapyThe relationship between yoga and psychotherapyUnderstanding "avidya" and seeing ourselves more clearlyLetting go of perfectionism and attachment to achievementPractical pranayama techniques for nervous system regulation You'll also hear simple breathing practices and reflections that can help you move through stress with greater awareness and compassion. 🧘 About Sophie Sophie Rumble is a yoga teacher, writer, and psychotherapist-in-training passionate about helping people cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves. Through yoga, philosophy, and psychology, her work explores themes of burnout, self-worth, nervous system regulation, and living with greater authenticity. She shares thoughtful writing through her Substack Whole with Sophie, where she explores the intersection of yoga, wellbeing, and modern life. Yoga isn't about becoming someone new - it's about remembering who you already are. 🌱 Yoga Off the Mat In this episode we explore how yoga can: Support recovery from burnoutRegulate the nervous system through breathworkHelp release perfectionism and strivingCultivate self-acceptance and contentmentBuild resilience for everyday life 📚 Resources Mentioned People & Authors Cat MeffanStephen CopeMichael Stone 🌍 Connect with Sophie Instagram: @wholewithsophieSubstack: wholewithsophie.substack.com ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:45 Meet Sophie! 02:08 Guest lead Meditation 07:48 Drink Ritual 08:37 Nothing to Fix Mindset 13:40 Sophie’s Story 15:26 Burnout and Physical Pain 18:26 Yoga Meets Psychotherapy 25:11 Why Do a 200 Hour TT 29:07 Avidya (Seeing Clearly) 34:29 Chasing Peak Poses 35:27 Lessons From Handstands 38:05 Injury and Letting Go 40:27 Contentment Over Striving 43:28 Pranayama 45:54 Nervous System Explained 49:09 Busy Culture 53:18 Final Flow 57:39 Closing ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in burnout recovery, yoga philosophy, nervous system regulation, pranayama, mindfulness, and personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom for slowing down, letting go of perfectionism, and finding peace beyond the mat. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #YogaPhilosophy #Pranayama #NervousSystem #Mindfulness #SelfAcceptance #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellbeing #OffTheMatPodcast

  2. 8 thg 9

    S2 E4 | Yoga Philosophy, Purpose, Storytelling & Living Yoga | Off The Mat Christian Coelho

    What happens when yoga becomes more than a physical practice? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Christian Coelho - senior yoga teacher, educator, and co-founder of High Yoga School - to explore how yoga can become a guide for living with greater purpose, presence, and authenticity. Christian shares his journey from growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to becoming an internationally respected yoga teacher. After moving to the UK, he founded the Yoga Society at the University of Winchester before deepening his studies in India and later completing a Master's degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS, University of London. Today, he co-leads High Yoga School, delivering yoga teacher trainings and retreats around the world. In this conversation, we explore how Christian's practice has evolved from something physical into a philosophy that shapes the way he lives. Christian also shares how his Brazilian upbringing influenced his worldview, alongside practical tools that anyone can apply to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves - both on and off the mat. 🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode How Christian first discovered yoga and why he stayed with the practiceHow yoga evolves from movement into a way of lifeUsing yoga philosophy to shape your values and purposePractical tools for cultivating mindfulness and self-awarenessThe art of myth and storytelling and how it relates to his practiceWhy yoga continues loooong after you step off the mat 🧘 About Christian Christian Coelho is a senior yoga teacher, educator, and co-founder of High Yoga School, an internationally recognised yoga teacher training school. He has taught yoga, meditation, philosophy, and breathwork for over a decade through retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings across the world. He blends traditional yogic wisdom with modern life, to helpsstudents understand yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lifelong practice of awareness, compassion, and intentional living. 🌱 Yoga Off the Mat We explore how the practice can help you: Build greater self-awarenessClarify your values and purposeStrengthen your relationshipsSupport mindful decision-makingHelp you live with greater authenticity 🌍 Connect with Christian www.christiancoelhoyoga.comIG: @_christiancoelho / @highyogaschool ⏱️ Timestamps 00:51 Intro: Meet Christian 01:38 Guest Lead Meditation 04:54 The Benefits of Teaching Meditation 05:46 Christian’s Origins 08:08 Early Years of Practice 09:50 Drink Ritual 10:40 Yoga Beyond Physical 13:05 The Ultimate Goal of Yoga 16:03 Savasana Magic Explained 18:27 Sanskrit Ideas of Interconnectio 21:38 Yoga Off the Mat 24:34 Christian’s Personal Practice 24:54 Prayer + Mantra 26:51 How To Set Intention 29:15 Discipline + Community 32:48 Brazilian Joy + Resilience 34:38 Myth + Storytelling 38:47 Building HYS with Mona 43:38 Final Flow 45:21 Closing ✨ Final Thoughts Yoga doesn't end when class finishes. The real practice begins in how we think, relate, choose, and show up every single day. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations to come! #YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Meditation #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #YogaTeacher #SelfAwareness #IntentionalLiving #WellnessPodcast #OffTheMatPodcast 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 Podcasts Green DreamersThe Emerald — with Joshua Schrei Books After the Ecstasy, the Laundry — Jack KornfieldA book by Donna Farhi (unspecified title)The Truth of Yoga — Daniel Simpson People/Teachers mentioned Martin Shaw (mythologist/storyteller)Anna Forest (yoga teacher)Daniel Simpson (historian, author)Nick Mulvey - musician Christian is loving Places to find Christian/High Yoga School High Yoga School — InstagramLove Supreme Projects (London studio)Home — both Notting Hill & Primrose Hill locationsThe Ark (community center in Islington, London) — base for High Yoga School trainings

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    S2 E3 | Meditation, Sound Healing & Living Yoga with Shardae Veniece | Off The Mat Podcast

    What if yoga wasn't just about movement? What if the deepest practice happened through meditation, breath, sound, and presence? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Shardaé Veniece - yoga teacher, meditation guide, and sound practitioner - to explore the many layers of yoga beyond the physical practice. Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia, our conversation begins with a beautiful grounding meditation before diving into meditation, mudras, pranayama, Kundalini, sound healing, and embodied yoga philosophy. Shardaé shares how she initially resisted yoga through Ashtanga before discovering a more intuitive and expansive practice. She explains how breathwork, mudras, intentional movement, and mindful transitions have shaped both her personal practice and the way she teaches today. We also explore the profound effects of sound healing, discussing gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, and crystal alchemy bowls, alongside Shardaé's powerful experiences with Kundalini kriyas and spiritual awakening. Throughout the conversation, we return to one central idea: yoga isn't something that ends when you leave your mat—it's a practice of bringing awareness, compassion, and presence into everyday life. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your understanding beyond asana, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical inspiration. 🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why meditation isn't about having an empty mindHow yoga extends far beyond physical posturesWhat mudras are and how they influence energy and awarenessShardaé's experience with Kundalini Yoga and kriyasThe benefits of sound healing and vibrational practicesHow mindful transitions become part of the practiceBringing yoga into relationships and everyday lifeWhy presence is the true heart of yoga 🧘 About Shardaé Veniece Shardaé is a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and sound practitioner whose work blends vinyasa, yin yoga, pranayama, meditation, mudras, and sound healing. Her intuitive teaching style encourages students to explore yoga as a holistic practice that supports presence, curiosity, and self-awareness. 🌱 Yoga Off The Mat In this episode we explore how yoga can: Deepen mindfulness and presenceSupport emotional wellbeing through breath and meditationCultivate compassion and self-awarenessIntroduce sound as a powerful healing practiceHelp you embody yoga in everyday life 🌍 Connect with Shardaé Instagram: @shardaevenieceWebsite: https://www.shardaeveniece.com/ ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 00:47 Meet Shardaé Veniece 01:43 Guest Lead Meditation 08:04 Meditation and Sound 11:39 Shardae's Story 16:22 Beyond Physical Yoga 18:36 Evolving Personal Practice 22:02 Mudras Explained 28:55 Teaching Style and Embodiment 32:12 Mindful Transitions 33:48 Kundalini Story 38:27 Letting Go 40:36 Sound Practice 42:42 First Sound Bath 48:26 Crystal Bowls 52:18 Yoga as Tapestry 54:28 Goal of Yoga Is Presence 58:12 Where to Find Shardae 59:51 Final Flow 01:01:58 Closing If you're interested in meditation, sound healing, Kundalini Yoga, breathwork, yoga philosophy, mindfulness, and personal growth, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for taking your practice beyond the mat. ✨ Final Thoughts 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #Meditation #SoundHealing #KundaliniYoga #YogaPhilosophy #Mindfulness #Breathwork #PersonalGrowth #YogaBeyondTheMat #OffTheMatPodcast

  4. 25 thg 8

    S2 E2 | Dharma, Yoga Philosophy, Purpose & Living with Intention | Off The Mat with Mona Godfrey

    What is your dharma, and how can yoga help you discover it? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Mona Godfrey, senior yoga teacher and co-founder of High Yoga School, to explore the deeper meaning of yoga, purpose, and living with intention. Filmed on the beautiful island of Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with High Yoga School, this conversation explores how yoga evolves throughout our lives and how its philosophy can guide us through change, challenge, and transformation. Mona has an incredible ability to make complex yogic philosophy feel practical and accessible. Together, we discuss dharma (life purpose), ahimsa (non-violence), Yoga Nidra, self-discovery, courage, and how yoga can help us cultivate love, peace, and fulfilment both on and off the mat.Whether you're a yoga teacher, practitioner, or simply curious about mindfulness and personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into living yoga every day. 🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode - What yoga truly means beyond the physical practice - How yoga evolves through different seasons of life - Understanding dharma and finding your purpose - Ahimsa (non-violence) and compassionate living - Why the deepest yoga practice is an "inside job"- Yoga, activism, and living with integrity - How Yoga Nidra supports rest and self-awareness - Books and resources to deepen your yoga philosophy practice 🧘 About Mona Mona Godfrey is a senior yoga teacher and co-founder of High Yoga School, leading internationally recognised yoga teacher trainings rooted in traditional philosophy and modern practice. Her teaching encourages students to explore yoga as a lifelong path of self-inquiry, compassion, and meaningful living. 🌱 Yoga Off the Mat Yoga is much more than movement. In this episode we explore how yoga can: - Help you discover your purpose (dharma) - Build resilience through life's changing seasons - Cultivate compassion through ahimsa - Encourage mindful, skillful action - Create greater peace, fulfilment, and self-awareness 📚 Resources Mentioned - *Bringing Yoga to Life* – Donna Farhi - *The Great Work of Your Life* – Stephen Cope - *Yoga as Pilgrimage* – Ranju Roy 🌍 Connect with Mona Godfrey Instagram: @moncits / @highyogaschool Website: https://www.monalisagodfrey.com/ ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro: Meet Mona Godfrey 01:09 Guest Guided Meditation 07:08 Welcome to Gili Meno 08:03 Mona’s First Gili Season 10 Years Ago! 11:57 A Decade Later Full Circle 15:28 How Yoga Evolves Over Time 20:57 The Ultimate Goal of Yoga 24:22 The Advanced Practice Is An Inside Job 27:51 Ahimsa / Nonviolence Explained 29:23 Yoga Beyond The Sutras 30:29 Bravery As Yoga Practice 31:45 Dharma And Skillful Action 32:41 Finding Purpose Through Practice 35:04 Yoga Meets Activism 38:32 Ahimsa And Responsibility 39:09 Showing Up On Hard Days 41:24 Yoga Nidra 43:14 Honouring Life Seasons 44:12 Resources To Go Deeper 46:35 Final Flow 49:48 Closing ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in yoga philosophy, dharma, Yoga Nidra, mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom for living with greater purpose, compassion, and presence. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Dharma #YogaNidra #Mindfulness #YogaTeacher #Meditation #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #OffTheMatPodcast

  5. 18 thg 8

    S2 E1 | Yoga, Gut Health & Yoga Philosophy | Off The Mat with Kaitlin Colucci

    How are yoga and gut health connected? In this first episode of Season 2, I sit down with Kaitlin Colucci (aka The Mission Dietician), gut health dietitian and yoga teacher, to explore the powerful relationship between the nervous system, digestion, and mindful living. Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with High Yoga School, this conversation explores how burnout, stress, and chronic digestive issues led Kaitlin to combine evidence-based nutrition with yoga, meditation, and breathwork to support lasting healing. Together we discuss the gut-brain connection, the vagus nerve, yoga philosophy, the five koshas, and how yoga can help us navigate change, heartbreak, and personal transformation. Kaitlin also shares insights into her gut health yoga retreats, spirituality through cacao ceremonies, and practical ways to support both physical and emotional wellbeing. 🧘 In this episode, we discuss: - How burnout led her to combine dietetics with yoga and meditation - How burnout led her to combine dietetics with yoga and meditation - The science behind the gut-brain connection - How stress affects digestion and gut health - The role of the vagus nerve in nervous system regulation - How yoga supports digestive health through movement and relaxation - Understanding the five koshas and subtle body philosophy - Navigating change, heartbreak, and personal growth through yoga - Gut health yoga retreats You'll also discover how yoga can help regulate the nervous system, improve body awareness, and support long-term wellbeing both physically and emotionally. 🧘 About Kaitlin Kaitlin Colucci is a gut health dietitian and yoga teacher who specialises in helping people improve digestive health by combining evidence-based nutrition with yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nervous system regulation. Drawing on her background in NHS gastroenterology and private practice, she supports clients in addressing the root causes of digestive symptoms while creating a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. 🌱 Yoga & Gut Health The connection between the gut and the nervous system is stronger than many people realise. In this episode we explore how yoga can: - Support healthy digestion and gut function - Reduce stress and nervous system dysregulation - Improve the gut-brain connection - Encourage mindful eating and body awareness - Build resilience through breathwork and meditation 📚 Resources Mentioned *The Yamas and Niyamas* by Deborah Adele 🌍 Connect with Kaitlin Instagram: @themissiondietician Website: themissiondietician.com ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome Back! 01:22 Meet Kaitlin Colucci 01:32 Guest Lead Meditation 07:15 What Yoga Means? 09:25 Drink + Snack Ritual 10:01 Gut Health Career Path 11:39 Stress / Burnout Realisation 14:42 Yoga for Gut Health 19:12 The Gut Brain Connection 23:53 The Koshas and The Subtle Body 31:24 Life Changes and Breakup 32:59 Choosing To Let Go 34:39 Yoga For Inner Listening 34:56 Living Yoga Off The Mat 37:27 Clearing The Path 38:24 Gut Health Yoga Retreats with Kaitlin 40:43 Connection to Your Food 49:21 Setting Intentions in a Yoga Class 52:16 Final Flow 54:25 Goodbye ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in gut health, yoga, meditation, yoga philosophy, nervous system regulation, and holistic wellbeing, this conversation is full of practical insights and inspiring perspectives.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations about yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #GutHealth #GutBrainConnection #YogaTeacher #Meditation #YogaPhilosophy #Mindfulness #Breathwork #VagusNerve #DigestiveHealth #HolisticHealth #WellnessPodcast #YogaRetreat #NervousSystem #SelfGrowth #OffTheMatPodcast

  6. 28 thg 4

    Off The Mat with Alice Trow: Balancing Yoga, Pregnancy, Career and Self-Love

    🎙️ Episode Description Join me for this weeks episode of 'Off the Mat' as I chat to Alice Trow, a yoga teacher and recent first-time mother. We’ll talk about Alice's transition from an acting career to yoga, the impacts of yoga on her mental health through these transitional periods, and fascinatingly dive into the evolution of her practice through pregnancy and motherhood. We delve into the deeper aspects of the practice, beyond the physical asanas, and share personal stories on how yoga can help you foster a better relationship with oneself. If you’re interested in holistic well-being, motherhood, and personal growth, then this is one you don’t wanna miss! 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 🧘 Studios & Classes Yoga Home (Stoke Newington) - where Alice teaches Friday mornings at 9:45 AMTrip Space (Hackney) - where Alice teaches Monday evenings at 6:45 PM👇 Connect with Alice @alicetrowyogaYouTube: [Alice Trow Yoga](http://www.youtube.com/@AliceTrowYoga](http://www.youtube.com/@AliceTrowYoga)) (many practice videos)www.alicetrowyoga.com⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Guest Introduction: Alice Trow 01:34 Guided Meditation 05:59 Snack + Drink Ritual 07:07 Alice's Journey into Yoga 19:56 Yoga During Pregnancy 23:00 Struggles with Maintaining a Yoga Practice 23:58 Balancing Yoga and Motherhood 24:59 Teaching Yoga and Personal Growth 27:27 Emotional Regulation and Parenting 30:05 The Deeper Layers of Yoga 36:44 Contentment and Self-Acceptance 39:00 Yoga Classes and Retreats 40:06 Final Flow 41:16 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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    Off The Mat with Miriam Brightbart: What is the Practice of Yoga Really About?

    🎙️ Episode Description In this episode of Off the Mat, we delve into the depth and transformative power of yoga with special guest Miriam Brightbart. Miriam shares her journey from a reluctant teenage practitioner to a dedicated yoga teacher and sound facilitator. We spoke about the various ways yoga can begin to influence daily life, to spill off the mat into glimmering moments of self-awareness, as well as opening little doors to better understand your self. Miriam also shared how practices like shaking and dancing have become an important way for her to learn to release stored stress and emotions. I’m always fascinated by the myriad of ways people connect to their minds and bodies, and Miriam’s open sharing was truly filling to listen to. I loved her ideas on integrating ancient yoga philosophies into our fast-paced, modern world… honestly Miriam is so wise and I hope you enjoy listening to this chat as much as I enjoyed having it! 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 📖 Books "Awake in the World" by Michael Stone"Yoga for a World Out of Balance" by Michael Stone - teachings on ethics and social action"When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chödrön - Tibetan Buddhist wisdom"Start Where You Are" by Pema Chödrön - fostering inner compassion"The Body Keeps the Score" - Bessel Van Der Kolk✨ Other Resources Tara Brach - accessible ****meditations and podcastOru Space - where miriam is head of wellnessOru El Saltador - new Spain retreat location Miriam is working on👇 Connect with Miriam @miriamsophieyoga ⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Meet Miriam Brightbart 01:18 Guided Meditation Session 03:59 Snack + Drink Ritual 05:24 Miriam's Journey into Yoga 08:32 The Depth of Yoga Practice 12:31 The Path to Becoming a Yoga Teacher 20:57 Yoga's Impact on Mental Health 23:53 The Importance of Emotional Space 24:55 Healing Through Yoga 27:20 Yoga as a Life Practice 28:58 Awareness and Empathy 34:28 Balancing Ancient Wisdom with Modern Life 36:54 Inspiration and Personal Practice 39:31 Movement and Somatics 47:00 Final Flow

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I’m Christie, and this is Off the Mat - a podcast about the deeper, often unseen layers of Yoga. Every week I sit down with people working within this world to talk about Yoga not just as movement, but as a way of living. Because the physical shapes are just one part of the practice, Yoga is also a path to emotional clarity, inner connection, and purpose. Let’s explore how this ancient practise can support modern life, and help us navigate both the daily stresses and the bigger questions - off the mat.