The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 335: Black Lives Matter is Yoga with Danielle Tridenti   Description: Black Lives Matter (BLM) was formed ten years ago, and while many people jumped on the bandwagon and pledged their support for the cause a few years ago in light of the murder of George Floyd, it seems like BLM is getting “less popular”. It is important to continue this conversation about BLM and explore how it relates to yoga. Danielle Tridenti shares their experience in showing up as an ally for the cause.   Danielle is a facilitator of yoga, an embodiment coach, and an equity + inclusion group facilitator/consultant, who believes that cellular and personal change informs and affects institutional, collective, and cultural change. They have over 5000 hours of training in yoga, somatics, trauma informed care, anti-racism, equity + inclusion, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching and group facilitation, and 10 years as a mental health clinician and social worker. Currently, Danielle offers individual and group experiences, education/training, coaching, and consulting centered around embodying equity, LGTBQIA2S+ affirmation and inclusion, and solidarity with a trauma informed, intersectional, anti-racist, anti-patriarchal, and anti-oppression framework to individuals and organizations.   Recently, a student in Danielle’s class asked Danielle to remove their BLM shirt. Danielle shares more about how they handled that situation with the student and the studio they were teaching at, as well as their thoughts on why yoga is political. Danielle also explains why BLM and showing up as an ally is part of yoga. And discusses privilege, creating “safe spaces” in yoga, and how ahimsa (non-violence) ties into all of this.   Key Takeaways: [2:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Danielle Tridenti. [8:12] What does Danielle do and who do they do it for? [11:17] Recently, a yoga student attending Danielle's class asked them to remove their Black Lives Matter t-shirt. Danielle recounts the experience. [16:21] How did Danielle follow up after the incident? What kind of reaction did the studio she was teaching at have after this incident? [19:57] Why is Black Lives Matter yoga? [26:47] What is Danielle's reaction to people who complain about how these discussions always feel "in your face" or that we are still having these conversations. [34:34] Shannon pops in with a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree [37:01] What are some of the actions that people can take to support Black Lives Matter and create a world that is equal and just? [43:01] What are some other resources yoga teachers can use to get educated and learn more about this topic? [48:39] Learn more from Danielle by connecting with them on Instagram. [49:28] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways from this conversation with Danielle.   Links: Danielle Tridenti Dr. Bettina Love Michelle Cassandra Johnson Resmaa Menakem Susana Barkataki Are We Free Yet? by Tina Strawn  Lara Rod Owens Octavia Raheem Tristan Katz Jacoby Ballard Related Podcast Episodes: 203: Do Politics Belong in Yoga? with Chara Caruthers & Maria Kirsten 199: Creating Inclusive Yoga Spaces Erin Ajayi 189: Your Movement Science is Racist with Jesal Parikh  BONUS: Anti-Racism & Yoga with Michelle Johnson 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman 266: Social Location, Power & Privilege with Raudhah Rahman 231: Conscious Marketing with Tristan Katz 230: Anti-Oppression Yoga with Pooja Virani 246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard 276: Caring for Yoga's South Asian Roots with Susanna Barkataki 334: Many Shades of Brown in Yoga with Anjali Rao Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "It's not my [Black Lives Matter] shirt that was making her uncomfortable, right? It was her beliefs that were causing this discomfort."   "The bigger issue is exercising your white supremacy and your racism."   "I believe that in teaching, I can leverage my privilege and practice co-conspiratorship and take a stand and take risks for folks who are historically erased and marginalized and oppressed and invisible and killed."   "Picking what you want and leaving what you don't - that's very privileged too."   "The bottom line is, if any of us are harmed, we're all harmed. We're all impacted. This is not a passive practice. It's an active practice."   "People who have marginalized identities can't just leave the oppression behind. It's just not possible."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 334: Many Shades of Brown in Yoga with Anjali Rao   Description: Conversations around race and identity in yoga, especially South Asian identities and the experience of South Asians in the West, tend to be uncomfortable. However, it is still important to give voice to the South Asian experience in yoga and to also talk about how yoga has been shaped by colonialism, capitalism and the Western interpretation of yoga as well as caste, religion, and race. Anjali Rao shares her insights about her experience of being brown in modern yoga.   Anjali is a South Asian yoga educator and practitioner who explores histories obscured by patriarchal and colonial narratives. She integrates yoga history and philosophy with storytelling, imagery, and poetry.   Anjali highlights that our identity is composed of different parts, which is why it’s important for discussions of this topic to be nuanced. She also emphasizes that South Asians are not a monolith and that our lived experience is influenced by our different identities. Anjali provides a summary of the history of yoga, and provides her perspective on how we can embody ahimsa, what social justice has to do with yoga, and much more.   Key Takeaways: [6:03] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Anjali Rao. [10:17] What is the work that Anjali does and who does she do it for? [12:41] What are yoga teachers missing in the story of how yoga got to be where it is now? [18:23] What is Anjali's response to people who try to counter bringing attention to our different identities by saying that we are all humans walking this earth and we are all yoga teachers? [20:59] What makes being a brown yoga teacher so difficult and complex right now? [25:36] Anjali shares her perspective on why it's okay to say "namaste" at the end of a yoga class. [28:02] Shannon pops in to share a short anecdote of how OfferingTree has helped her to schedule guests on the podcast. [30:09] How can yoga teachers start doing the work so that they are not simply doing certain actions as a token gesture but rather going deeper than that? [36:14] Anjali shares a brief summary of the history of yoga. [42:34] How did yoga end up in the West in the way that it is shared today? Anjali talks a little about colonialism and the other factors that led to shaping the practice of yoga in the west. [49:16] Shannon and Anjali discuss how we have lost a lot of the essence of yoga in our modern yoga studios. [52:50] What are some baby steps people can take to do this work of liberation and opposing harmful systems? [57:54] Anjali invites us to start normalizing saying we don't know something or that we made a mistake. [60:08] Learn more from Anjali via her podcast. [62:37] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.   Links: Anjali Rao The Love of Yoga Podcast with Anjali Rao Reflecting on the Trauma of Caste by Anjali Rao Caley Patrick Nadjiwon Doran - Anishinaabe Interpretive Guide Cape Croker Park website The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 184: Is Yoga Cultural Appropriation? with Shailla Vaidya The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 220: Alternatives to Namaste with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "I think the nuances of who we are are lost in the dominant narrative of yoga."   "We don't have to shout out in that sense, but we have to know who we are and come from that space of self awareness and discernment."   "We're all human beings, but we have completely lived different lived experiences."   "We are really not tapping into the potential of yoga, not only for ourselves, but for really creating a community of compassionate, courageous people who can speak against harmful oppressive systems."   "There is so much potential in yoga as a practice of liberation, not only for the self, but for the collective."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 333: Does Yoga Lineage Matter? with Kim Weeks   Description: Many of us have learned, practiced, and taught yoga for years, but we are often unaware of our yoga lineage. What exactly is yoga lineage and why does it matter? Should we be teaching yoga without understanding the history of that lineage of yoga? How can we be more mindful of this in teaching yoga and communicating it with our yoga students? Kim Weeks shares her insights.   Kim has over 20 years of teaching, training, running businesses, and consulting in the yoga and mindfulness industry. In 2019, Kim began working closely with Dr. Sat Bir S. Khalsa, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School to create The Yoga Lineage Series for Yoga Alliance. Today, she continues that work on her podcast The Weeks Well podcast, which is about the modern practice of being your best self in your mind, breath, body, and brain.   Kim shares more about her yoga journey that led her to the work she does today, why knowing the origins of our yoga lineages is so important, and how to go about learning about our yoga lineages. She also shares her insights around the fear of discussing this topic and why it’s important to keep having these conversations.   Key Takeaways: [2:41] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kim Weeks [6:06] Shannon shares a little about the yoga lineage she did her first yoga teacher training course in and some of her feelings around it. [10:30] What does Kim do and who does she do it for? [12:28] Was it scary for Kim to start her work around yoga lineages? She explains how she got started doing this work. [20:37] Kim shares another reason why she wasn't afraid to start sharing about yoga lineages. [22:41] Understanding yoga lineage is key to embracing the practice as a discipline sustainably over time. [24:03] Kim shares some of her insights about the power dynamic in yoga contributing to fear around this topic. [32:13] Shannon pops in with a shout out to Crunch's new  offering. [37:10] Why is Kim so passionate about people knowing their yoga lineage? Why does it matter if it's all yoga? [46:38] How can yoga teachers find out about their yoga lineage? [50:28] It can be uncomfortable when you start researching and discover the abuses of power that may have existed in your lineage of yoga. How can yoga teachers approach these conversations? [60:04] Learn more about the yoga lineages from the series that Kim did for Yoga Alliance (paywalled), as well as from Kim's website and podcast. [72:11] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Kim.   Links: Kim Weeks Weeks Well Podcast by Kim Weeks Healing and leading through connection, with Shannon Crow - Weeks Well Podcast Premka: White Bird in a Golden Cage: My Life with Yogi Bhajan Book by Pamela Saharah Dyson Report on Misconduct Allegations by An Olive Branch The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian Crunch Ranjani Crunch Ranjani on Instagram  Crunch Ranjani on Substack Boat the Bruce (Cruises in the Bruce Peninsula with Captain Colton) Thought as medicine in yoga, with Doug Keller - Weeks Well Podcast Yoga Posters (Created by Karoline and Frank Neville-Hamilton) Yoga Lineages on Yoga Alliance ‌Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "There's a lot of aspects of modern yoga that aren't sustainable over time because there's some super harmful things that have gotten kind of absorbed down through the patriarchy."   "[What] you might be also getting at when you ask about the fear, ...is the power dynamics and the abuses that have flowed through so many of these lineages."   "Lineage matters because it's like a map."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 332: 5 Pillars of Powerful Teaching with Sheri Fisher & Lori Holden   Description: Yoga teachers are often seeking ways to feel more comfortable, confident, and effective in their work teaching and as yoga professionals. Sheri Fisher and Lori Holden share the five pillars of powerful teaching to help us become better yoga teachers and professionals.   Sheri is an experienced yoga teacher who helps yoga teachers build confidence to bridge the gap between their Yoga Teacher Training and teaching extraordinary classes with ease and grace. Through professional coaching and group facilitation, she helps executives build their leadership bench, promote teamwork, and develop strategic plans to meet their organization’s mission. Lori has been practicing yoga since 2007 and is a connoisseur of truly inspiring yoga teachers. Lori is an adoption coach and expert in the complexities of adoption. She applies the principles of yoga in parenting her own two young adults (one with special needs), a lifelong journey that requires balance, flexibility, strength, and stability, and helps others to do the same.   Sheri and Lori share more about their new book Standing Room Only: How to be THAT Yoga Teacher, The 5 Pillars of Powerful Teaching from the Root to Rise Yoga Teaching Method. The book focuses on how to connect with your authentic inner teacher through Communication, Character, Connection, Commitment, and Consideration and Sheri and Lori share more about each of these pillars.   Two lucky podcast listeners will also get to win a copy of the book, so be sure to listen till the end to find out how to enter the draw!   Key Takeaways: [2:14] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Sheri Fisher and Lori Holden. [6:43] What is the work that Sheri does and who does she do it for? [8:08] What does Lori do and who does she do it for? [9:41] Does being a powerful teacher have to do with your personality and who you are as a person, or is it something that can be changed? What is some pushback Sheri has encountered on that? [11:01] How does Lori see these five elements apply to other aspects of life beyond yoga teaching? [14:14] The first pillar of powerful teaching is communication. How can yoga teachers improve our communication? [17:13] It is so important to have compassion for yourself when you make mistakes, because that is how we learn. [18:57] The second pillar of powerful teaching is character. How does this show up? [23:57] The third pillar of powerful teaching is connection and it is like the heart of the five pillars. Sheri explains more. [25:57] As someone who attends yoga classes, Lori shares her perspective on the importance of connection. [27:35] What are some tips Lori and Sheri have for bringing people back for the practice? [28:27] Shannon pops in to share a phone conversation she had this week. [32:27] The fourth pillar of powerful teaching is commitment. [35:57] Part of the commitment piece is also your commitment to marketing and selling your services as a yoga teacher. [41:17] The last pillar of powerful teaching is consideration. [45:59] What is some feedback Lori and Sheri have received about the book and were there any surprises for them in doing the research for it? [49:24] Get your copy of the book via the website RootToRiseYogis.com. [50:10] Enter the draw to win one of two copies of the book! [51:17] Learn more and connect with Sheri and Lori via their websites and social media pages. [52:42] Shannon shares some of her big takeaways from this conversation with Lori and Sheri.   Links: Root to Rise Yogis, Sheri Fisher and Lori Holden Root to Rise Yogis on Instagram and Facebook Standing Room Only: How to be THAT Yoga Teacher, by Sheri Fisher with Lori Holden Lori Holden Adoption: The Long View Podcast, hosted by Lori Holden  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 327: Working with Teaching Anxiety [Consultation Call] with Lindsay McMurray The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 058: Confidence and Self-Promotion with Julie Zuzak Boat the Bruce (Cruises in the Bruce Peninsula with Captain Colton) ‌Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "We all come with our own gifts and our own experiences and then ... it's up to us with how we pull all that together and express that as yoga teachers." - Sheri   "Am I showing up with my own confidence, with my own gifts, with my own awareness? That's when you become that yoga teacher. And that's what's magnetic." - Lori   "Character is the one that’s taking the class beyond just an exercise class and creating a yoga experience." - Sheri   "Our teaching becomes an expression of who we are and where we are on our yoga journey." - Sheri   "It's not sales, it's being helpful." - Sheri  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 331: Exploring Nature Through Asana with Alison Zak   Description: Spending time in nature can be a part of your yoga practice, but how can you find a deeper connection to nature through asana? Alison Zak is passionate about this topic and joins Shannon in this episode to share her perspective on how we can understand, respect, and learn from nature through our yoga practice.   Alison is an author, yoga teacher, wildlife conservationist, and (a self-described) animal. She loves to encourage her students to find connection with themselves, their fellow human and beyond-human beings, and with nature through yoga.   Alison shares how we can use our yoga practice to honor nature and connect with other beings and why it is so important to seek connection with other animals. She also shares a little more about how we can take inspiration from nature for our yoga teaching and personal practice. Alison offers some practical advice for finding your authentic teaching voice and also has a special surprise for one lucky podcast listener!   Key Takeaways: [0:00] There's a book giveaway in this episode! [0:48] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor, OfferingTree. [3:44] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Alison Zak. [6:18] What does Alison do and who does she do it for? [9:14] Why is it important to bring in the connection between yoga and nature and animals? What benefits does it offer? [13:16] Many people experience fear or cognitive dissonance when dealing with different animals. Alison shares an example. [14:49] Alison gives some examples of how she thinks about and reflects on different animals while doing her own yoga practice. [18:28] What are Alison's reflections on pigeon pose? [22:44] How does Alison find that connection to animals in her yoga? [26:45] Not everyone has the same access to nature to observe animals and wildlife. What does Alison recommend in those situations? [30:39] Shannon has some news from the team at OfferingTree. [32:11] What inspired Alison to share the book and who is it geared towards? [35:18] What are some events Alison put together to promote the book? [36:19] Some people may feel hesitant about making animal noises. Why is that, and how can we work with that? [44:00] What was the most enlightening or hardest thing for Alison about writing a book? [48:42] Alison is giving one of her books away to a podcast listener! [49:20] What is one thing Alison wishes yoga teachers knew about connecting more with nature? [50:02] Stay in touch with Alison via social media or her website. [51:11] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this conversation with Alison.   Links: ‌Alison Zak Alison Zak on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn ‌Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "How many hundreds or thousands of times have yoga practitioners and teachers practiced cobra pose? So many. But rarely ever [do they] think about the animal that it's named after."   "We can just get curious about what that animal's life is like and how they perceive the world. And then, that is the thing that helps us to just realize how connected we are to other beings."   "I hope that that connection that we feel with other animals through a yoga practice, for example, leads to treating them with more compassion in our interactions with real live animals that we share the planet with."   "Writing is a really healing process."   "I will go back to the importance of knowing that we are also animals. We're not separate from the pigeon or the cobra or the scorpion. When we connect with these other animals, we are connecting with ourselves because we're all interconnected."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow   Description: Many yoga entrepreneurs are uncomfortable with their money, but connecting with your money is one of the keys to running a successful business. In this episode, Shannon Crow talks about why connecting with your money is so important and how to do it.   Shannon shares some of the activities she does to connect with her money including Finance Fridays check-in with her income and expenses, daily money check-ins and tracking her revenue and expenses. She also has some suggestions on how you can start connecting with your money too.    If you're a yoga teacher who wants to make more income and profit, or if you're feeling like you're spending too much or not getting ahead, this episode is specifically for you.    Key Takeaways: [1:54] This episode is powered by OfferingTree. [2:23] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - connecting with your money. [4:11] Part of connecting with your money is knowing where your money is going and how it is being spent. [5:02] Shannon shares how OfferingTree allows her to keep track of her income. [6:16] Shannon shares her strategy for looking at her business finances. [7:44] Two things Shannon does on Finance Fridays are paying her bills and looking over the transactions that happened that week. [8:50] Shannon's plan going forward is to add in a daily money check-in. [10:27] Shannon also suggests starting to track your income and expenses if you don't already do that. [14:03] Start by looking at your money and finances at least once a week, if you rarely do! [14:35] Shannon invites you to consider some steps you can take to connect with your money.   Links: ‌Thread about having separate bank accounts on the Connected Yoga Teacher Group on Facebook The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow What Expenses Can I Claim as a Yoga Teacher? - The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons ‌Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "You need to know how that hard earned cash is being spent."   "Wherever you're landing today, know that we are on this journey together, tackling our money mindset as yoga teachers and entrepreneurs and taking more of a look at the numbers."   "The two main things that I do on [Finance Fridays] are paying all my bills and looking at all the transactions that happened over that week."   "Make sure you're tracking your business expenses."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow   Description: Do you have a separate bank account for your yoga business? It is such an important part of starting and growing a business that many yoga teachers overlook or do not prioritize!   In this episode, Shannon Crow shares seven reasons why you should have a separate bank account for your yoga business. She touches on taxes, being more professional in your business, and even the mindset shifts that come with having a business bank account. Shannon also has some homework for you to start getting your yoga business finances on the right track.   If you have been putting off opening a bank account for your yoga business, this episode is for you!   Key Takeaways: [1:52] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - Why you need separate bank accounts for your yoga business. [4:01] Having a separate bank account for your yoga business can make a world of difference to your business. [5:43] Having a separate bank account makes tax time so much easier. [7:26] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree. [9:28] If you have a separate bank account for your yoga business, you can build your business credit score. [9:56] The third reason to have a separate bank account is in case you plan to sell your business in the future. [11:29] Another reason to start a separate bank account is in case you get audited. [12:22] Shannon shares a clip from Hannah Smolinski (an accounting professional) about why it's so important to have a business bank account from the start. [13:40] Having a business bank account helps you shift into the mindset of being a business owner and makes it easier to see how well your business is doing. [14:58] A separate bank account makes it easier for you to track your income and expenses. [15:32] If you want to be seen as a professional and have people take your yoga business seriously, a separate bank account can help. [16:43] Shannon invites you to set up a bank account for your yoga business if you do not already have one! [17:47] Shannon has bonus homework for you - to implement Profit First in your business. [18:40] Shannon shares some insights about the topics she has been covering in the podcast this year. [21:32] What other questions do you have about being a yoga teacher or yoga business owner? Share them with Shannon! [22:40] Interested in hanging out with Shannon in real time? She shares some upcoming calls in Pelvic Health Professionals where you can do that!   Links: ‌Thread about having separate bank accounts on the Connected Yoga Teacher Group on Facebook Podcast episodes and Resources mentioned: What Expenses Can I Claim as a Yoga Teacher? - The Connected Yoga Teacher 104: Legal Answers for Your Yoga Business with Saerin Ally Cho - The Connected Yoga Teacher 254: 3 Must-Have Legal Agreements with Erika Kullberg - The Connected Yoga Teacher 154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian - The Connected Yoga Teacher 044: Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski - The Connected Yoga Teacher 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons ‌308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: “I have seen the difference in my own business and [having a separate bank account] is one of the top things I suggest to yoga teachers, especially when they're working with money mindset stuff.”   “Ask yourself, are you building your business to possibly sell it someday?”   “I really like that idea of thinking about your business as its own entity and its own organism, if you will. Because when you separate it out, you're starting to say, “OK, this is important, this is different from my personal”.

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 328: Self-Connection for Yoga Teachers with Tess Jewell-Larsen   Description: Stress, burnout, and overwhelm is a common occurrence among yoga teachers. It can be difficult to show up for yourself in the same way that you show up for your yoga students. Tess Jewell-Larsen shares how self-connection can be a helpful strategy to combat these feelings.   Tess Jewell-Larsen is a yoga therapist in training, a certified mindfulness coach, and an experienced yoga teacher. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and struggles that come with burnout, having personally experienced the negative effects of stress and anxiety herself. Through extensive study and personal experience, Tess has gathered a toolkit of techniques that help others dealing with stress, anxiety, and burnout.   In this episode, Tess shares her own personal journey with stress, overwhelm, and burnout and how yoga helped in her own healing. She offers tips and strategies for yoga teachers to deal with these feelings and highlights why self-connection is such an important part of the healing process. Tune in to find out more about Tess’s 10-minute method for stepping out of burnout and to find self-connection.   Key Takeaways: [1:27] This week's guest, Tess, shares what Pelvic Health Professionals is all about. [1:27] This episode is powered by OfferingTree. [4:42] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tess Jewell-Larsen. [7:36] What is the work that Tess does and who does she do it for? [9:28] What got Tess started on the journey of helping people with stress and burnout? [12:34] How did Tess recognize that she needed to do something about the stress and burnout that she was experiencing? Was there resistance she felt in dealing with it? [16:39] What are some small steps people can start taking to address their burnout? [19:02] Tess shares her 10 minute method for stepping out of burnout. [22:14] How can yoga teachers incorporate the 10 minute method into their yoga classes for their students? [24:07] What advice does Tess have for yoga teachers who are showing up for themselves very differently than they are for their yoga students? [27:59] What does Tess think about building in time off? [30:27] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [32:11] What would Tess say to the yoga teacher who feels so stressed out and overwhelmed that they can't even begin to do anything apart from scroll social media or zone out in front of the TV? [35:16] Even with daily habits that allow us to give back to ourselves, it can be a struggle sometimes. Tess and Shannon share some tips on what to do in those situations. [41:55] Connect with Tess via her websites or on social media to learn more about overcoming stress and burnout. [43:19] Tess shares more about her freebie - a mini-ebook! [44:33] Shannon shares her takeaways from this call with Tess.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 327: Working with Teaching Anxiety [Consultation Call] with Lindsay McMurray Tess Jewell Larsen Tytoni Yoga Tess Jewell Larsen on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube 10-Minute Method: Stepping Out of Burnout (Freebie) Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "It all starts with you, communicating with yourself. It all starts with your own relationship with yourself."   "It's all about creating that conversation, that loving relationship with myself, with yourself of like, ok, what do I need? How can I give that to myself?"   "It's ok to have a range of emotions. I think that it's ok to not be ok, but it's important to know that we can give back to ourselves."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 327: Working with Teaching Anxiety [Consultation Call] with Lindsay McMurray   Description: Anxiety about teaching yoga and not feeling confident about getting up in front of a class of students is normal. Lindsay McMurray was struggling with teaching anxiety and posted in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group asking for advice. This consultation call with Shannon Crow is a result of that.   Lindsay McMurray is a certified yoga teacher who is also trained in the Yoga for 12 Step Recovery program. She is currently gooing through her 300-hr YTT with plans to become a yoga therapist. Lindsay has been practicing yoga since she was 12 years old and has supported her through many personal challenges, including eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addictions.   In this consultation call, Shannon and Lindsay discuss her fear and anxiety about teaching yoga. Shannon shares from her own personal experience and offers suggestions about strategies Lindsay could try out to address those feelings. If you have ever felt nervous to teach or if you are feeling scared to put something new out into the world, this episode is for you!    Key Takeaways: [4:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode, Lindsay McMurray, who joins her for a consultation call. [9:29] Lindsay posted a question in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about getting confident in teaching yoga which prompted this call. [11:54] How have things changed for Lindsay based on the comments on her post? What has she found useful? [13:33] Shannon and Lindsay discuss her training programs and her experience in teaching during these programs. [15:48] Lindsay shares how her past experiences, anxiety, and feelings of self-worth are tied into her ability to teach yoga. [16:44] Shannon talks about the importance of how we support people with their mental health. [18:25] Has there been a moment for Lindsay in her teaching career that she felt everything was working? [20:26] Shannon invites Lindsay to reflect on what the benefits are for students walking out of her classes. [25:03] Shannon asks Lindsay if it's possible for her to teach now and together they explore the options of what that could look like. [28:01] There's nothing to be ashamed of with regards to feeling anxiety or feeling nervous to teach. [28:54] Lindsay shares some insights about her anxiety around teaching yoga. [31:19] Shannon pops in to share about an exciting free webinar by OfferingTree. [34:11] Shannon shares something that has helped her with her teaching anxiety. [34:46] Shannon shares about the anxiety she felt before starting the podcast and Lindsay talks about her fears about teaching at the treatment center. [39:07] Lindsay shares her "big why" for doing this work. [42:08] Shannon helps Lindsay put into action her plan to teach at a recovery center and reduce the amount of time she spends planning her classes. [47:56] The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group community has been an amazing resource for Lindsay. [53:07] Shannon shares some of her takeaways from this conversation with Lindsay.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow Facebook Post about Teaching Anxiety Saugeen Chief Shares Optimism About Upcoming Tourism Season At Sauble Beach OfferingTree Webinars Common Mistakes on DIY Websites (and How to Avoid Them) - OfferingTree Webinar The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow Previous Consultation Calls 002: Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic [Consultation Call] 018: Get Creative with Your Yoga Cues [Consultation Call] with Brittany Alred 029: Creating Your About Me Page with Trevor Parks [Consultation Call] 040: Grow Your Audience with a 5-Day Challenge with Patricia Fasciotti [Consultation Call] 059: Market Your Yoga Teacher Training with Ashley Hagen [Consultation Call] 072: Email & Content Strategy [Consultation Call] with Kristen Boyle 081: Set-Up to Teach Private Yoga [Consultation Call] with Stephanie Brunson 097: Focusing In On Your Niche [Consultation Call] with Susan Hopkinson 132: Marketing to Increase Private Bookings with Amanda Mays [Consultation Call] 178: Tired of Social Media? [Consultation Call] with Devon Pelto 198: Share Your Yoga Specialty with Megan Mulrine [Consultation Call] Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "The more I do it, the more comfortable I get." - Lindsay   "It sounds like you're putting a ton of pressure on yourself to deliver this perfect class." - Shannon   "You don't realize how much we don't tune into these sensations in our bodies in the way that we feel physically and yoga provides that." - Lindsay   "There's nothing to be ashamed of with regards to feeling that anxiety or feeling nervous to teach." - Shannon   "My best yoga class experiences are when I don't even notice the teacher, like I forget the teachers there." - Lindsay   "I think the power is going to be in sharing your story, in saying, here's how yoga helped me." - Shannon   "Keep doing just one tiny thing when things feel scary or things feel overwhelming." - Shannon   "It's a huge myth that you have to reinvent the wheel every time you teach a yoga class." - Shannon

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow   Description: If you are a new (or not-so-new) yoga teacher who is feeling nervous or anxious about teaching yoga to a class full of students, you are not alone! This is a feeling many yoga teachers face and is one of the biggest challenges you have to overcome to teach yoga.   In this episode, Shannon Crow reflects on her experience with fear and self-doubt as a new yoga teacher and the steps she took to overcome her anxiety and build up her confidence around teaching yoga. She shares her list of 15 things that have helped her through moments of self-doubt.   Tune in to learn more about how you too can start teaching yoga confidently.   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - teaching yoga with confidence. [4:54] Shannon shares her own experience with fear and self doubt on her journey as a yoga teacher. [8:39] Shannon shares a lesser-known feature of OfferingTree. [12:02] Do not feel like you need another yoga teacher training before you can start teaching. [13:09] Your own experience with yoga is a tremendous source of information and ideas! [15:24] Teach more. You build confidence by doing. Shannon shares some tips to make this process easier. [0:00] undefined [17:31] Remind yourself of why you are teaching yoga. [19:08] Be on time and be prepared. [20:56] Consider how you use demos in your class. [22:19] Start your students from a place where you can find a moment to breathe and center yourself. [23:18] Do not be afraid of repeating a class over and over again! [24:44] Making mistakes is a part of the process. Learn to embrace them. [25:29] Be okay with silence and don't be a cookie-cutter teacher! [26:40] Remember that your students want to be there with you. [27:01] Ask for and be open to receiving feedback. [29:47] See the value in the questions your students are asking - don't make yourself feel like a failure because of it. [32:04] If this episode was helpful, be sure to leave a review!   Links: Facebook Post about Teaching Anxiety The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 214: Yoga Class Bloopers with Shannon and Sinead OfferingTree User Group on Facebook The Curious Case of the Overqualified and Under-Confident Yoga Teacher, by Barrie Riseman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 283: Teach Yoga with Demos with Francesca Cervero Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Start teaching right now and learn as you go."   "It's by being a student that we deepen our teaching. A student of our craft, of course, but perhaps more importantly, a student of ourselves." - Shannon quoting Barrie Riseman   "Please do not feel like you have to plan an entire new class each time you teach."   "We all make mistakes as humans and then they can learn from us and see how we deal with that."   "You can really show up with confidence when it's you."   "Share the yoga that you feel connected to."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 325: Stress of Teaching Yoga with Sarah Garden   Description: There is a common misconception among non-yoga teachers that teaching yoga is stress-free. However, this is not true! Teaching yoga and running a yoga business can be extremely challenging and stressful and we need to be able to deal with it. Sarah Garden shares her experience from years working in the yoga industry.   Sarah Garden is the Director of Bodhi Tree Yoga Therapy and the full time Pain Educator and Yoga Therapist at The Chronic Pain Clinic in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Sarah has been actively working in the field of yoga therapy for over 20 years and taught classes across North America and on Yoga International.   In this conversation, Sarah highlights the difference between practicing yoga and teaching yoga, and why teaching is so much more stressful than most people imagine it. She shares some of the symptoms you may notice if you are deregulated and her tips on how to incorporate your personal practice back into your life as a yoga teacher. Tune in to learn how you can do your own check in and manage the stress of teaching yoga.   Key Takeaways: [1:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sarah Garden. [4:35] What does Sarah do? [6:17] Sarah shares a little about her experience as possibly the first yoga therapist in Saskatchewan. [8:48] Being a yoga teacher and running a yoga studio is tough. What keeps Sarah going? [14:20] There's an assumption that teaching yoga will be just as relaxing and calming as practicing it, but that's not the case. Why is teaching yoga so different from practicing yoga? [19:32] We need yoga in order to keep teaching yoga but it can be hard to fit in your own personal practice around your teaching schedule. [20:44] Shannon pops in with a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [23:15] What is Sarah's advice to yoga teachers who have fallen away from their own practice and think they can't fit it in on top of all the other demands of being a yoga teacher? [25:14] What are some symptoms of a deregulated nervous system? [30:43] It may not be easy to tell when you are regulated or deregulated. Sarah shares some advice on how to discover that self-awareness. [37:05] Sarah shares a quick check in that you can do to assess how regulated you are. [42:45] People have the idea that a yoga practice has to be something big, but that's not necessarily true. [44:38] Learn more and connect with Sarah via email and social media. [45:55] Shannon shares her takeaways from this interview with Sarah.   Links: Sarah Garden, Bodhi Tree Yoga Email Sarah Garden - [email protected] Sarah Garden on Instagram and Facebook The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "It's not just like the work that I do going in to teach the class, but it's all this preparation."   "The way the yoga industry runs is it's hard to make a living as a yoga teacher. You have to teach a lot."   "Full-time teaching isn't often financially sustainable, nor is it energetically sustainable. And so, what do we do to do that? I think we have to fall back on our own practice."   "Checking in with body tension patterns is a really nice way to notice if you're feeling deregulated, [and] checking in with your emotional regulations."   "Relaxation or finding greater ease in your body isn't a process of addition, it's always a process of subtraction. We're doing work that we don't need to be doing."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 324: Niches & Yoga Business Chat with Sunita Patil & Shannon Crow   Description: It can feel challenging to find your place as a yoga teacher in the yoga industry. That’s where finding your niche can be helpful in standing out and serving your dream students. In this episode, Shannon Crow and Sunita Patil discuss niching down in your yoga business. This episode was recorded for the Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita Podcast.   Sunita has over 30 years of experience in the personal practice of yoga. Over the past 20 years, she has taught thousands of students in Australia, USA, and India. Sunita has studied Yoga and Meditation, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the Vedas and Upanishads with teachers from around the world. Today, she offers mentoring sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops to bring the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda into day-to-day life.   Shannon and Sunita discuss why finding a niche is important for yoga teachers, their own individual journeys discovering their niches, and how you can figure out your own niche. Shannon also highlights some of the myths around niching down and shares some tips for overwhelmed yoga teachers.   Key Takeaways: [1:27] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sunita Patel. This episode was recorded for Sunita's podcast, Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita. [3:14] Sunita opens the podcast and Shannon introduces herself. [4:47] Many yoga teachers struggle to find their footing in the yoga industry. Shannon shares her journey of how she discovered what worked for her and her suggestions that can help yoga teachers. [9:29] How can yoga teachers find their niche? [12:57] Sunita shares her struggles with finding her niche. [16:42] Shannon highlights that there's a little bit of a myth about finding your niche. It's not just that you figure out your niche and that's it. There's more to it! [18:26] Finding your niche can be a lot about experimentation and taking stock of what's working and what isn't. [22:13] Sunita shares her perspective on why she hosts her podcast. [25:11] Shannon explains how she got interested in the topic of pelvic health and explains a little about the pelvic floor. [29:53] Sunita and Shannon discuss how there is a lot of taboo and shame associated with talking about the pelvic floor and how yoga can help. [33:14] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor OfferingTree. [35:02] How did the Connected Yoga Teacher come about and how has it evolved? [39:21] Starting a yoga business can be a lot with many moving parts and things to consider. What are some of Shannon's tips for yoga teachers who may be feeling overwhelmed? [43:56] Everything changes really fast, especially with marketing. [46:29] Shannon shares her contact details and how to join the Facebook group. [49:24] Shannon shares some final closing thoughts and information.   Links: Sunita Patil Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita Podcast Sunita Patil on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 084: Yoga for Scoliosis with Christine Jaureguiberry Reflect & Plan Framework - The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 250: Reflect & Plan [Part 1] with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher Hypopressive Technique - The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn Mula Bandha - The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko  Teaching Online Resources  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 139: Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan KayTarzan Kay Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "What helps me … is focusing on: How can I help people? How can I share and how can I just invite people if it feels like a good fit?" - Shannon   "Niche work is not easy." - Shannon   "There's a myth that entrepreneurs and yoga teachers just like get to a point where they have it all figured out." - Shannon  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil    Description: Yoga philosophy is an important part of yoga. Yet, interpreting and applying those principles to our modern lives can be difficult. So how can we find support for our yoga practice in the sutras and yoga philosophy? Sunita Patil has some insights.   Sunita has over 30 years of experience in the personal practice of yoga. Over the past 20 years, she has taught thousands of students in Australia, USA, and India. Sunita has studied Yoga and Meditation, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the Vedas and Upanishads with teachers from around the world. Today, she offers mentoring sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops to bring the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda into day-to-day life.   Sunita explains about how we can make yoga, yoga philosophy, and the teachings from the sutras simple and adaptable to our daily life, and what the true essence of yoga philosophy is.  Shannon and Sunita also discuss self-care for yoga teachers, how to maintain peace and calm in our hectic lives, and so much more.   Key Takeaways: [2:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sunita Patel. [5:02] What does Sunita do and who does she do it for? [7:36] How can yoga philosophy support yoga teachers? [16:14] What are Sunita's thoughts on the different translations or interpretations of yoga philosophy out there? [20:10] Sunita talks a little bit about the first principle of yoga. [24:58] What are some of Sunita's takeaways from the character of Arjuna in the Gita? [26:37] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [28:26] What are some of Sunita's ideas of how to incorporate yoga into our daily lives? [34:39] What are some things that Sunita does to bring calm and ease to her life? [43:12] Sunita shares some inspiration from yoga philosophy for yoga teachers who might be feeling that life is a lot right now. [53:01] Get in touch with Sunita via her website and social media. [54:19] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this conversation with Sunita.   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Sunita Patil Sunita Patil on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 142: Living the Sutras with Kelly DiNardo The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "With the yoga philosophy, it's basically coming back to stillness."   "My always intention is how can I make it simple to adapt to my life, this modern life?"   "This is the beauty of yoga like you can adapt it according to your need."   "As we grow in the practice, we will change the practice."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 322: The Creative Cycle with Wenlin Tan   Description: Feeling stuck, procrastinating, and facing a day when you don’t want to do the work that is ahead of you as an entrepreneur are all normal parts of life and business. How can we understand these phases and move with them? Wenlin Tan shares insights about the creative cycle and how we can work with it instead of against it.   Wenlin Tan is a Qigong and Yoga Teacher Trainer, women’s health & well-being specialist, growth consultant and curious human. She specializes in supporting female yoga teachers, healers and changemakers to optimize their well-being and impact in the world by aligning with the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eastern Philosophy, Qigong, yoga and psychology.   In this episode, Wenlin explains the creative cycle and how it ties into the common challenges many entrepreneurs face such as resistance and procrastination. She shares some tools that we can use to overcome these challenges and reminds us that our ideas are not ours and we are merely vessels bringing them to the world. This is a deeply insightful conversation that can bring perspective to how we show up in our work in the world.   Key Takeaways: [2:43] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Wenlin Tan. [5:30] What does Wenlin do and who does she do it for? [6:18] Wenlin explains a little about what the creativity cycle is. [9:10] What are some common challenges that understanding the creative cycle can help with? [12:51] We can often get stuck in trying to focus on planting new seeds (ideas) rather than doing the work of moving one seed (idea) through an entire cycle. How do we know what are "good seeds" to focus on? [16:29] The seeds do not belong to us - we are merely vessels for them. It's important not to take our "failures" personally. [17:42] The creative cycle can be related to the menstrual cycle, and it applies even for people who don't menstruate. [27:53] Shannon pops in with a word of thanks to sponsor OfferingTree. [29:36] What are the elements associated with the creative cycle? [36:35] What is the biggest struggle Wenlin sees among yoga teachers and other creatives? [41:00] What are some tools that Wenlin finds useful when you are experiencing resistance? [44:02] Wenlin shares some of the ways she finds the balance between tasks she is excited about and tasks she does not enjoy. [46:47] Learn more about Wenlin and her work via her website and social media. [49:50] Wenlin has a message for listeners. [54:39] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this conversation. [57:54] Hang out with Shannon in real time at the Balance Flow Yoga series with Shelly Prosko Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Wenlin Tan Wenlin Tan on Facebook and Instagram What is the Creative Cycle? By Wenlin Tan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "The idea that things are linear is actually not true. The idea of growth and businesses, how we expand is actually cyclical."   "Before even thinking about what seed to get attached to or what seed is a really good seed is to remember that none of the seeds really belong to us."   "We can practice this cycle, but we cannot force creativity."   "Growth is not linear. Work is not linear. Life is not linear. And more importantly, your path, your cycle, your strengths, your challenges will be different from someone else's."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman   Description: Why is pelvic health important and how can we make it more accessible in our yoga classes? In this episode, which first aired on the Accessible Yoga Podcast hosted by Jivana Heyman, Shannon Crow appears as the special guest to talk about pelvic health and making it accessible.   Jivana Heyman is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization devoted to making yoga teachings more accessible. He is also the author of Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion and Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body.   Jivana and Shannon kick off this episode by discussing their shared love for supporting and connecting yoga teachers to each other and to information and their messy process of learning. Shannon then shares more about why she started Pelvic Health Professionals, the role of gendered language in discussing pelvic health, and how it plays a part in yoga. They also discuss trauma, fear–based language vs clear contraindications, what it really means to engage the pelvic floor, the core, and the difference between weak and relaxed pelvic floor. Tune in to learn more about how to share about this important topic with your students in a way that is accessible to all!   Key Takeaways: [1:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. This podcast episode was originally recorded for the Accessible Yoga podcast. [4:18] Jivana introduces Shannon and she tells listeners a little more about herself. [8:26] Being open to new information and learning is so important, and it can be a messy process. [10:36] Shannon invites experts in pelvic health to share information with other professionals. Is she intimidated by the expertise others bring to the table in her membership community? [13:09] Pelvic health is often seen as a gendered topic that applies more to cis-gender women or people who are giving birth. [14:49] How does Shannon help the people she works with connect with their pelvic floor without gendered language? [16:37] Jivana voices his frustration that there are a lot of gender assumptions in yoga spaces as well. [20:14] If you are keen to learn more about gendered language, Shannon has a coupon code for you. [21:08] What could it look like if yoga teachers started exploring how to remove gendered language from their classes? [23:20] Jivana and Shannon discuss how anatomical terms should be used in trauma-informed teaching. [26:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [28:10] What are some specific things yoga teachers could be saying to help yoga students understand more about pelvic health within the context of a yoga class? [31:27] Jivana highlights contraindications in yoga and the pushback against that in the yoga community. Shannon offers some tips on how to avoid fear-based language. [38:36] Shannon shares how she provides yoga cues without using fear-based language.  [41:41] It's common for yoga teachers to cue engagement of the pelvic floor or core. Shannon explains why this may not be a useful cue and how to cue this engagement instead. [47:05] What is the connection between the breath and the pelvic floor? [51:30] Being aware and staying within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher is very important. [53:38] Shannon shares some final thoughts around being subtle in your practice and questioning everything we come across. [60:00] Have more questions about pelvic health? Send Shannon an email or a voice note, or join Pelvic Health Professionals to learn from experts! Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Jivana Heyman Accessible Yoga Accessible Yoga Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Self-Reflect and Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow and Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 267: Thoughts on Belly Breathing with Shannon Crow Accessible Yoga Community on Facebook Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Every single human is walking around with a pelvis, with a pelvic floor." - Shannon   "I think it's really important that we start to talk about pelvic health and take out the gendered language." - Shannon   "We all need to be more conscious with our words, especially if you're in the position of teacher or any kind of authority." - Jivana   "We forget sometimes that if you're calling yourself a teacher, then your job is to educate." - Jivana  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow   Description: Once you are signed up for a yoga teacher training (YTT) program, what should you pack to bring with you? This is a common question among yoga teachers. Shannon Crow did a survey in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group to find out what people recommend!   Tune in to this episode to find out what are some must-haves, some nice-to-haves and to get Shannon’s full list of what she packs for a YTT! This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are wondering what you need to bring for your next YTT.   Key Takeaways: [2:00] Shannon Crow introduces the topic for this episode - what to take with you to a yoga teacher training. [4:25] First few items on Shannon's list are a yoga mat and props. [5:19] Some yoga teachers bring a yoga mat cleaner but Shannon advises against it. She explains why. [7:10] Shawls, scarves, and layers of clothing are all useful items to add to your packing list for a YTT. [8:37] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [11:22] Shannon always packs writing instruments to attend a yoga teacher training. [13:10] Shannon shares some other personal items you may want to include in your packing list like deodorant, snacks, water bottles, and tissues. [15:52] Cell phones can be a useful tool to capture parts of your learning experience at the YTT, and a large tote bag to hold all your belongings is handy too! [17:11] Don't forget to bring an open mind and your critical thinking skills! [18:20] You might want to bring along a towel and your yoga business cards as well! [19:46] What are some of your essentials to bring to a yoga teacher training? Share them in the comments! What to Bring to a YTT: Yoga Mat Blocks Yoga Belt Blanket Bolster Eye Pillow Meditation Cushion Yoga Mat Cleaner (without essential oils if possible) Shawl or Scarf Layers of (or extra) Clothing Notebook, Journal and/or Clipboard Coloured Pencils, Markers, Pens or Crayons Deodorant Snacks, Food & Drinks Water Bottle Kleenex Phone & Charger Large Tote Bag An Open Mind AND Critical Thinking Skills Hand Towel and/or Mat Towel Business Cards   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Yoga Teacher Training Question Facebook Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Article - Doodling: Listening with a Pencil The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “Don't forget to bring an open mind.”   “Be ok with questioning and asking for information that supports something that is said in class.” 

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow   Description: It is a common trend among yoga teachers to take one yoga teacher training (YTT) program after another. But is it really necessary and when should you consider taking another YTT? Shannon Crow explores some of the main reasons yoga teachers sign up for YTTs.   There are several reasons why yoga teachers take YTTs. Continuing education is important, but for many yoga teachers, it is often a case of wanting to get more students, make more income, be offered more teaching opportunities, and deepen their expertise in a speciality. Shannon dives into why a YTT may not be the right course of action in some cases, and when it does add value. She also touches on the pyramid scheme of YTTs and some things to watch out for before signing up.   This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are considering signing up for another YTT - give this a listen and ask yourself if you really need another yoga training or if there’s something else that would help you achieve the results you are looking for instead.   Key Takeaways: [2:25] It's common for yoga teachers to take many yoga trainings, but this may not be necessary! [4:44] Do you really need another yoga teacher training right now? Shannon shares a question she asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group. [6:15] Shannon explores the first reason people have for signing up for another YTT - to get more students in their classes or increase their income - and what you could do instead. [8:22] Another reason yoga teachers cite for taking another YTT is they want to be recognized as more of an expert or they want more teaching opportunities. [10:00] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [12:36] Yoga teachers often take a YTT to upgrade their skills or education to teach specific styles of yoga or a specific population. [13:27] There are also yoga teachers who sign up for YTTs for the community it offers. [13:51] What if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course? [14:52] Shannon addresses something she has observed in the yoga industry - pressuring yoga teachers to "invest" in continuing education, mentorship, or coaching. [17:26] You can wait to make a profit in your yoga business first before signing up for the next course or training.   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow Yoga Teacher Training Question Facebook Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 187: How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training with Cecily Milne The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons Email Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Are your students who are signing up going to know that you took this other teacher training?"   "You could take all the training in the world. But if you're not telling people about that niche, that is not going to move the needle for you in terms of being recognized as an expert or getting more teaching opportunities."   "What would it feel like if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow   Description: Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but with a multitude of yoga teacher training (YTT) programs available, it is important to pick the right one. Shannon Crow shares some of the questions she asks before signing up for a YTT.   Shannon has had the experience of going from one YTT to the next and this is something that you may experience if you are a newer yoga teacher. While it is important to build the necessary skills to teach, we need to also be aware of where we are investing our time, energy, and money.   Shannon recommends asking questions about the YTT before signing up. Some things to consider include the accessibility and inclusion of the program, the yoga school’s stance on cultural appropriation, and their values. She also invites you to ask questions about the lead trainers’ experience, their position on medicine and science, religion and spirituality and anything else that may be important for you. The important thing is to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but there are some hard truths we should be aware of before signing up for the next yoga teacher training. [2:31] Shannon shares her personal experience with yoga teacher trainings and continuing education. [7:14] Shannon shares some questions she would ask if she were signing up for a yoga teacher training today. [10:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [12:30] Shannon talks about how she ended up in a yoga teacher training where the lead teacher talked about aliens instead of yoga sutras! [13:33] Some other questions Shannon would ask include their yoga philosophy for the trainings and scope of practice. [14:28] Shannon highlights some other questions you might be interested in asking a yoga school or yoga teacher training program before you sign up. [16:29] It can also be helpful to ask to speak with past graduates and lead trainers of a yoga teacher training to see if it is a good fit for you. [19:21] It's important to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.   Questions to Ask Before Any Yoga Teacher Training Do you teach how to make yoga accessible? What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation? Do you have a diverse group of teachers? How are you paying your teachers and assistants? What do you do to protect students from abuse of power? Can I look over your ethics, values, and philosophy statements? What are your thoughts on social justice? Do you and your teachers share their pronouns? Is your business model built on training more and more yoga teachers? What is your diversity, equity and inclusion policy? Does your yoga school encourage referrals to medical professionals or do you think science isn’t real? Are you going to talk about your belief in aliens instead of the yoga sutras during lecture? What yoga texts do you refer to for yoga philosophy? May I see the bibliography section of your manual? What do you teach about scope of practice? How do you ensure that all trainers and teachers are not talking about food and nutrition? What is your policy on scholarships, payment plans and refunds? What are your thoughts on religion and spirituality with regards to yoga? What is the schedule like in this YTT? Will I be reaching the point of exhaustion? Do you believe in “breaking people down” emotionally or physically in a YTT? Has your yoga lineage had any reported (or unreported) abuse? Do you have training with regards to trauma and is this incorporated into your YTT? How can I talk with past graduates and lead trainers of your YTT? How many YTTs have you led and how long have you been teaching yoga? What does your YTT offer with regards to business education? Where can I view the syllabus for the training? How many contact hours are in the training? How much practice teach time is in the training?   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Looking back now, I feel like it was part of a weird culty pyramid scheme."   "If I was going to sign up for a yoga teacher training today, I would be asking a lot of questions."   "Make sure you're in a training where you can ask questions and question what is being taught in that moment."   "Make sure really that the yoga teacher training that you choose is in alignment with your values."   "Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you sign up and you invest your time and your money. And also don't be afraid to speak up while you're there."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 317: Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko   Description: As we age, our balance reaction changes, our strength decreases, and our general mobility is reduced. This can put us at greater risk of falls. Movement is a great tool to help prevent falls, improve balance, and also reduce the risk of injuries. In this episode, Shelly Prosko shares more about her new offer - Balance Flow Yoga - designed to address these common concerns.   Why is balance so important for yoga teachers, yoga students, and people who are interested in pelvic health? Shelly explains how she came to offer Balance Flow Yoga and why it is such a relevant topic for everyone. This offer is created in such a way that yoga teachers would be able to experience it and then go on to share it in their community - why was this such an essential part of how this program is structured and what’s covered in the program? Shelly answers these questions and more.   Tune in to learn more about Balance Flow Yoga and how you can join the upcoming training sessions with Shelly Prosko!   Key Takeaways: [1:13] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [2:29] Shannon welcomes returning guest Shelly Prosko to the podcast. [2:29] What is the work that Shelly does? [4:26] How did the idea for Balance Flow Yoga come about? [7:36] How has Shelly been sharing Balance Flow Yoga out in her community? [9:16] Why did Shelly think that it was important for yoga teachers to be able to share this in their community? [16:39] Shannon pops in with a quick message about OfferingTree. [18:15] Shelly talks about some of the things they cover in terms of the balance aspect in her course. [19:13] Balance Flow Yoga also has a connection to the pelvic floor. [22:14] Shannon shares the details of the upcoming Balance Flow Yoga course. [23:01] Who should attend and what should you bring when you sign up? [25:11] Get the early bird pricing if you sign up by the end of March! [25:56] Sign up for Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko on the Pelvic Health Professionals website. Links: Shelly Prosko Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “"We have evidence that shows movement is really good to help prevent falls, to help improve our balance and also reduce the risk of injuries."   "It's wonderful to be able to translate the research... and then to actually offer that in the community for everybody."   "Our world just kind of gets smaller and smaller and we do less and less because we're afraid to fall. And then that causes it, it perpetuates the cycle."   "We can look at different meditative practices and different breathing practices that can not only help us with our movement but also with the emotions of confidence and self compassion."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow   Description: Do you plan out your vacation days, holidays, and CEO days? Do you schedule them into your calendar to ensure you have no-work days to look forward to? If you don’t already do this, this episode is for you!   It can feel uncomfortable to take time off work, or even impossible but we need to find a balance. Shannon shares how she has managed to take time off for holidays and vacations even as a single mother of three young children and encourages you to reflect on the time you would like to take off in your yoga business. She also talks about the importance of taking CEO days in your business to plan and move forward. Listen in for tips on how to plan for vacations and holidays in your business, especially if you feel like you don't have time to take time off from work!   Key Takeaways: [1:25] Shannon continues the theme of the last few podcast episodes in talking about taking breaks, time off, and vacations. [4:01] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [6:56] To help plan out her vacations and time off from work, Shannon recommends looking at a big annual calendar to see the year at a glance. [8:29] Ask yourself: How many days off a year do you want to take for a vacation, staycation, or just to not work? [10:25] Shannon invites you to reflect on a number for the amount of time you would like to take off working and to notice what comes up for you. [11:53] You can plan for time off and give yourself the flexibility to change things if needed. [12:54] Add your vacation time to your calendar. Then mark off the holidays that you want to take off work too. Include state and country holidays, but also think about if there are special days (birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations) you want to be off work too! [13:33] Shannon uses OfferingTree to help her to plan her vacations, holidays, and time off. [15:00] CEO days are planning times for you to look at data from your business and your goals and make big plans. [18:27] Shannon shares some other resources that may be helpful to you as you plan out your vacations, time off, and CEO planning days. [19:56] Hang out with Shannon in real-time!   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow Steph Crowder (Year on the Wall) Google Calendar People in These Countries Get The Most Paid Vacation Days | World Economic Forum The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 166: When & How to Hire a VA (virtual assistant) with Sandra Booker The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "How many days off a year do you want to take for vacation or a staycation?"   "The important thing is that you are adding some vacation time to your calendar."   "CEO planning time is where you get to look at the data from your business and your big goals and dreams and ideas and you get to plan big."   "I want to see you really sustain yourself and be in this and enjoying your life outside of work."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow   Description: Apart from taking breaks in your work day, it is also important to take time off from work. Whether that’s vacations, time away from teaching yoga, or time off for personal development or your mental health and wellbeing, this is a critical element of not getting burnt out. Shannon Crow shares insights from our very own Connected Yoga Teachers.    Shannon reads comments from different yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about how and when they take time off. Everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not for others. Tune in to hear how different yoga business owners are working time off into their schedule and use this episode as an inspiration for you to take more time off work too!   Key Takeaways: [1:02] This week's episode will focus on taking time off, especially when you're feeling overworked and stretched to your limit. [1:48] Have you heard about the 4-day work week? Shannon shares some findings from the largest trial of the 4-day work week. [3:25] Shannon plans her time off and then fits her work time in. [5:33] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [7:07] Shannon recently asked yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about their thoughts on taking time off. [8:35] Shannon reads a reply from Erin Olsson. [10:59] Shannon shares some comments from Jennifer Parker about how taking time off has evolved for her, and Rebecca Sebastian's comment about how Jennifer inspired her. [14:42] Shannon reads a comment from Nathan Shiva retiring early to follow his passion - yoga. [15:51] Before reading a few more shares from yoga teachers, Shannon answers a question she often gets about how to create an online studio membership. OfferingTree is a great option to check out! [17:07] Charisma Whitefeather commented on the post that she takes about 50 days off a year! [17:42] If you feel like it's impossible for you to take that many days off, Shannon invites you to explore how you can start taking action to make that a reality. [18:58] Some yoga teachers shared their less-than-ideal situation with taking time off. [21:59] Another yoga teacher, Sarah Garden, commented that most yoga teachers who live off their yoga income alone work too much. [24:10] Shannon reads another comment shared by Barbara Germershausen. [26:24] Everyone has a unique situation - not everyone's 24 hours looks the same. [28:11] Shannon gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming episodes and some exciting real-time events! Links: How a 4-Day Workweek Could Boost Your Mental Health - Healthline Working a four-day week boosts employee wellbeing while preserving productivity, major six-month trial finds - Science Daily The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow Post about taking time off in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group Erin Olsson, Elements Yoga Jennifer Parker Rebecca Sebastian Nathan Shiva Kundalini Yoga with Charisma Whitefeather  Kat Heagberg Rebar Sarah Garden Barbara Germershausen Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “Time off has a really positive impact for employees for sure, but also for companies.”   "What I actually do is plan my time off and then fit my work time in."   "Let's start small and slow if that feels like a good fit for you."    "What would be the baby step to make [your dream time off] possible?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow   Description: Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult to do. It can be easy to dive into your work and forget about taking time off until you hit burnout or start to resent your schedule and even the work you do! Planning your breaks into your schedule can be helpful.   Shannon Crow shares a series of journaling prompts that you can use to reflect on what your ideal week would look like, as well as to include breaks into your work schedule. Using these journal prompts, take some time to write your responses and see what comes up for you. Then, start getting creative on how you can implement this into your life.   This episode is perfect for anyone who is serious about taking breaks from work and is keen to take action to create their ideal schedule!   Key Takeaways: [0:56] Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult! [2:32] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTreel and Pelvic Health Professionals. [3:56] Sometimes, we are in a season where we don't get time off. [6:25] This podcast is an actionable podcast, so go get your paper and pen or somewhere to write! [8:33] Shannon has some journaling prompts for you if you are serious about taking time off. [15:59] Take your time with these questions and make your responses as detailed as possible. [16:26] How can you set up reminders for yourself about the important things as you set up your work schedule? [16:56] Shannon shares a tip that has worked very well for her to manage her schedule. [18:17] Join the conversation about taking time off in the Connected Yoga Teachers Facebook group and share your ideal week with Shannon! [19:05] If you want to connect with Shannon in real time, there are some fun ways to do that!   Journal Prompts On an ideal work day, I feel… I can easily get my meaningful work done between the hours of _____ to _____. An ideal start to my day feels… Before I start work for the day, I want to… The next one is my lunch break is _____ hours. Between work, I take _____ minute breaks where I… At the end of my workday, I feel… To close my workday, I do these three things. Before I move into "after work" time, I… In my average work week, I have _____ days off. Is there anything else that you want to feel or outline to have your ideal work week?   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “It can be so easy to focus on the work and forget about time off until you hit burnout."   "We want to build a schedule that is not only sustainable but is also your dream schedule because that's why you became an entrepreneur."   "Notice with compassion what feelings start to come up as you outline your work hours."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 313: 6 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow   Description: Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! Thank you, dear listener, for your continued support of the podcast through the years. Shannon reflects on her journey in the past six years of podcasting and shares her gratitude for the team, sponsors, and people around her who have helped keep the podcast going.   Keeping a podcast going for six years is no small feat. Shannon also shares some of the tools she uses to keep organized and how she has managed to never run out of content ideas! Tune in to hear some of Shannon’s lessons learned from podcasting.   Key Takeaways: [0:57] Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! [2:18] Shannon thanks you, the listener, for your continued support of the podcast. [3:55] Shannon gives a shout out to the team that helps create the podcast each and every week. [7:02] Special thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [8:37] How does it feel to be podcasting for six years? [9:31] Shannon has a spreadsheet where she keeps track of every single podcast episode. It shows every single topic that was covered and the guests who have come on the podcast. Shannon reflects on this. [11:08] One thing that keeps Shannon going on the tough days is thinking about how she helps yoga teachers. She keeps the podcast organized with Trello. [13:05] For Shannon, a huge part of being able to come up with content for the podcast has been focusing on her niche. [14:58] How can you apply to be a guest on the podcast? [16:47] Shannon has a quick message for you about OfferingTree. [19:03] Shannon is grateful to be in a place where it feels like the work she does is the right fit. [20:24] Shannon shares her gratitude for other people who have helped her keep the  podcast going by supporting her. [22:28] Shannon has learned some big lessons from her podcasting journey. [23:32] Shannon summarizes her six-year podcasting journey.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Trello Apply to be a podcast guest Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "If you are looking at a big project, don't look at all the what ifs and where that might lead. Don't let that hold you back or scare you."   "Podcasting is not about having all the answers, it is about listening."   " I am incredibly grateful and a lot of that gratitude is to you because you are here listening and supporting the podcast and you're the reason for the podcast."   "If you have an idea, what is one small baby step that you could do towards that idea today?”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall   Description: We must not be afraid to speak up when we see harm taking place in the yoga world - that is part of yoga. Recently, there was recent news that Bikram Choudhury was scheduled to teach in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. If you are unaware of this, there are some resources you can use to learn more about why this is problematic and why it is upsetting many people in the yoga world.   In this episode, Shannon Crow is joined by Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss this recent event. They share what actions they and others in the yoga community took to put pressure on the organizers and hotel to stop the event from happening and what additional actions we can take to bring Bikram to justice.   Bikram will no longer present at the event as he was originally scheduled to but there is still more to be done to hold him accountable for his actions and the abuse he inflicted on women in his yoga classes and trainings. Tune in to find out more about what you can do and how we can collectively disrupt the sexual assault and harm that occurs in yoga spaces.   Key Takeaways: [0:00] Shannon reads a note to the survivors. [3:39] This podcast interview was recorded live with Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss the recent news of Bikram Choudhury teaching in Vancouver, BC, Canada. [5:14] Shannon shares some resources where you can read more about the current situation. [7:10] Shannon gives thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [8:43] There has been a recent wave of effort to keep Bikram out of Canada, and it has worked but there are many more questions arising from this situation. [13:36] Colin Hall, Rebecca Sebastian, and Shannon Crow introduce themselves. [16:09] Rebecca and Colin share some resources where you can get the backstory of what happened with Bikram. [18:59] Colin started investigating who was behind bringing Bikram to Canada. [22:27] Rebecca shares some of her tips on how to make movement happen, especially when dealing with non-profits. [24:31] Shannon shares that there are survivors of abuse from Bikram who are being threatened by organizers of this event. [27:11] Is this water under the bridge? Is this something that happened and we should all move on? Colin explains why not. [29:20] Josh Cooper joins the call to share his experience in speaking directly with the GM of the hotel where the event was set to take place. [32:04] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [33:11 - 33:12] Rebecca has some action steps that you can take if you are in the US. [35:10] Colin explains some of the actions that he and other Canadian yoga teachers took to stop Bikram from teaching yoga in Canada and what actions you can take now. [39:45] How can we decrease sexual assault and harm caused by the power imbalance in yoga? [43:19] Shannon and Rebecca share their thoughts on why people might still be signing up for Bikram's trainings and what we can do about it. [49:18] Not everyone, even in the yoga world, is aware of Bikram and what he did. [52:05] How do we separate the yoga that we do from the people and the harm they caused? [57:42] When people get together and organize, you can get results. [60:16] Rebecca shares some resources for people who have experienced sexual assault. [61:03] Shannon shares some takeaways and upcoming events you can join.   Links: Hotline for Women Against Violence Against Women in Canada - (877) 392 7583  National Sexual Assault Hotline (USA) - 800 656 4673 Rainn.org Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram Colin Hall on Instagram Josh Cooper on Instagram Online Protestors Express Outrage in Response to Bikram Choudhury’s Scheduled Classes in Canada, Article by Sarah Herrington and Renee Marie Schettler for Yoga Journal Controversial Bikram yoga founder's planned Vancouver workshops raising flags, Article by Sarah Grochowski for Vancouver Sun  Organizers say controversial Bikram Yoga event will be "rescheduled", Article by Megan Devlin for Daily Hive Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani Podcast Episode: ‎Bikram Yoga and the Abuse of Power w/ Mandeep Kaur Sandhu  Hell-Bent: Obsession, Pain, and the Search for Something Like Transcendence in Competitive Yoga  Benjamin Lorr Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, Netflix Documentary LA County Courthouse Department of Justice Reports Change.org petition Vancouver Board of Tourism Vancouver CBC OfferingTree User Group on Facebook Canada Yoga Sports Federation Alison Henry of Bikram Yoga Gardom Lake Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "How do we stop the abuse of power that is so prevalent in the yoga world?" - Shannon   "The truth is that we will get more impact by following the money." - Rebecca   "So many people are coming into our practices with that vulnerability piece." - Rebecca   "When people get together and organize, you get results." - Colin Hall  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow   Description: Your personal yoga practice doesn’t have to be long and complicated. It can be short and simple. You can start with a small seed and grow your personal practice from there. The important part is taking the time daily to do something that feels helpful and nurturing to you.   In this episode, Shannon Crow invites you to take a few minutes to do this short personal practice with her. If you have been wanting to start a short personal yoga routine but feel overwhelmed or like you don’t have time, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: [2:19] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - planting the first seeds of a personal practice. [5:56] Shannon thanks the sponsors of the podcast, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [9:03] Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you? [10:22] Shannon invites you to find a comfortable spot to start your personal practice right now. [11:24] Check in with yourself to see what you need in this moment. [12:05] Shannon shares the poem The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson. [14:11] Shannon reads an email she received from the author of the poem, Pat Brisson. [15:50] This is an example of a very short personal practice. [16:45] Shannon has some resources that might be helpful as you explore building your own personal practice. [17:44] Do you have a short personal practice? Share it with Shannon!   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 002: Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic [Consultation Call] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 030: Rituals to Start and End Your Day with Puja Madan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 164: Deepen Your Yoga Practice with Barrie Risman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 200: Practice, Parenting & Perfectionism with Judith Hanson Lasater & Lizzie Lasater  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 274: Self-Care for Caregivers with Jo Bregnard -  Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you?"   "Check in and see: What do I need in this moment?"   “Sometimes we're starting with something that's way too complicated when we're trying to add in a personal practice. So I hope this illustrates how short it can be, how simple it can be.”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow   Description: Many yoga teachers started teaching yoga because they experienced the benefits of it for themselves and wanted to share it with others. However, once they start teaching and dive into running a yoga business, it can feel challenging to maintain a consistent personal yoga practice.   In this episode, Shannon Crow explores the reasons yoga teachers often give for not creating a self-care practice that feels nurturing to them, and what the benefits are of cultivating that personal practice. She shares her tips and strategies that have helped her form habits around her personal yoga routine and explains why falling away from our practice is normal - and how to get back to it. If you have been wanting to start a yoga routine for yourself, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: [1:41] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - how to create and maintain a personal yoga practice. [3:17] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:40] What is holding you back from creating a self-care practice that is nurturing for you? [6:22] You are not alone if you have fallen away from your personal yoga practice. [9:15] Why is having a personal practice so important? [10:34] Shannon invites you to consider the intention of your personal practice as well as what your dream personal practice looks like. [12:03] If creating a personal practice feels impossible to you right now, Shannon encourages you to dig into why that is. [12:33] You don't need to choose movement as a part of your personal practice if it doesn't feel good to you. [14:28] You can try out your chosen practice for a set amount of time to see how it feels to you. [16:29] Shannon pops in to share how she is personally using OfferingTree to book podcast guests. [18:18] Why is creating a routine around our personal practice so important? [20:01] Shannon shares some tips and strategies to make it easier to start and maintain a habit. [23:34] How can we get back to our personal practice when life throws us off track? [27:06] How do you build a personal practice and stick to it? What are your tips and ideas? Share them! [27:56] Shannon shares ways that you can connect with her in real time.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 253: Reflect and Plan [Part 4] with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 053: Yoga Mentors and Lineage with Chase Bossart Email Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "What is holding you back from creating a self care practice that is nurturing for you?"   "Your personal practice is an amazing source of fuel for your life and business. It's like a promise that you make to yourself."   "Don't wait for the someday of it. Build your ideal personal practice and you'll slowly see that your ideal schedule will also build out of that."   "Similarity and routine really brings us comfort as humans and it really helps us to build it into being a habit."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow   Description: Just like in nature, we go through different seasons in our business and in life. Each season is characterized by different rhythms and needs, and no one season lasts forever. How can we embrace these changing seasons and get the most out of each season instead of fighting it?   In this episode, Shannon Crow shares more about the four different seasons you may encounter in your business. She explains what you may be feeling in winter, spring, summer, and fall/autumn, as well as how you can adapt your business activities to match the seasons. Shannon also reminds us that your season in business may be impacted by things outside your control and that other people may be in different seasons from you. Tune in to find out how to work with the seasons and find balance in your business.   Key Takeaways: [2:18] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - the four seasons of business. [2:29] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [5:34] What season of life or business are you in now? This may not align with the seasons of nature or the seasons of the people around you, and may be impacted by things outside your control. [8:09] As there are four seasons in nature, there are also four seasons in business. [8:23] Shannon outlines some of the things that you might experience in a winter season of your business. [11:54] Avoid looking at other people who may be in a different season in their business and comparing yourself to them. [13:42] What can a spring season bring for your business? [16:28] Shannon shares how she is using OfferingTree in her business. [18:13] Summer is the season of growth and thriving in your business. [22:22] Fall is the season of harvest. It is also a time to clean up and get ready for the next growing season. [24:41] Fall is also a great time to save up. [26:01] What have you noticed about the seasons of business or life that you're experiencing or have experienced? [27:35] Connect with Shannon in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 065: Create Your Ideal Yoga Schedule with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Seasons always change and there's a way to embrace it and get the most out of it instead of fighting against it."   "Winter is an amazing time to evaluate what's working, to check in on what's draining you, and let go of what is no longer a good fit."   "[Spring] is all about possibility and potential new growth."   "Fall is also a great time to save up."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow   Description: As yoga teachers, we all know that we cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot give to others or connect with others, nor do our most creative and meaningful work when we're feeling exhausted, drained, and depleted. That’s why it’s important to take time to rest and refuel when things feel tough and overwhelming.   In this episode, Shannon Crow shares some of her strategies for finding time to rest and recharge every day and why rest is so important for us. However, rest isn’t just about sleeping and there are different kinds of rest we need. Shannon invites you to consider: What would it look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?   Key Takeaways: [1:16] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - taking time to rest and refuel. [1:41] Shannon shares an update from sponsor, OfferingTree. [4:32] What can you do in this moment that would bring you ease and comfort as you listen? [5:52] Check in with yourself to see what emotions are here for you at this moment. [7:13] Shannon shares why noticing your emotions is a key part of resting and refueling. [9:47] Shannon shares a little about her own journey in finding time to rest and refuel. [15:23] Yoga teachers and entrepreneurs often ask Shannon how she's gotten to a place where she's been podcasting for almost 6 years and working for herself for 18 years. [15:23] We can often have our inner critic kick in. It is important to notice when this happens. [16:30] When she's going through a tough time, Shannon asks herself two questions. 1) How am I feeling?, 2) What baby steps can I take to bring more ease and comfort in this tough moment? [18:56] We can find ways to fit rest and restoration into our daily lives. [21:29] What would that look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority? [24:00] Shannon shares what's upcoming on the podcast.   Links: Tess Jewell-Larson, Tytoni Yoga The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow The real reason why we are tired and what to do about it | Saundra Dalton-Smith | TEDxAtlanta Quote by Brandon Kyle Goodman, Author of You Gotta be You, posted by Michael James Schneider (@blksmth) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 300: Celebrating 300 Episodes! with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “What could you do in this moment that would bring you ease and comfort?”   “Acknowledge those feelings, it's okay to not be okay.” - Tess Jewell-Larson   “We can't just depend on sleep to restore us.”   “What would that look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 307: Taking Diet-Culture Out of Ayurveda with Diane Finlayson    Description: One of the harmful messages that we get in the broader health and wellness industry and in the yoga world is arounddiet culture. How does it show up in Ayurveda as well, and what can we do about it? Diane Finlayson shares her insights.   Diane Finlayson has been educating yoga teachers, therapists, ayurvedic and meditation facilitators for the past 20 years. Diane recently retired from her service at MUIH (Maryland University of Integrative Health) as the Department Chair for Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda. Prior to that, Diane had 3 yoga studios and ran YTT 200/300 Ayurveda trainings as well as meditation facilitator trainings for 15 years. Diane also serves the recovery community in her private practice.   Diane explains what Ayurveda is and how colonization has affected Ayurveda. She highlights the differences in practice between North America and India, and the scope of practice of different practitioners in the industry and what to be aware of before working with someone in Ayurveda. Diane also shares more about the ways in which diet culture can show up, what she does when she sees it online, and how people interested in adopting Ayurvedic practices can learn and integrate them in their lives more safely.   Key Takeaways: [3:14] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Diane Finlayson. [7:29] What does Diane do and who does she do it for? [8:06] How does Diane feel about all the changes in her life at this time, especially around retirement? [9:29] What is Ayurveda? Diane shares a little about the history of Ayurveda and the impact colonization had on it. [14:28] Diane explains how Ayurveda is shared and consumed in North America. [16:05] The scope of practice in Ayurveda around talking to people about food is really blurred. Diane explains how you can be aware of what you're getting into and how to check the credentials of a practitioner. [19:41] Diane highlights some of the different levels of practitioners you might encounter and what they might offer. [22:23] What is orthorexia? [27:08] What are some things Diane wishes yoga teachers knew about orthorexia? [30:06] Shannon pops in to share some news about OfferingTree. [33:19] What are Diane's thoughts about how we talk about the food that we're putting into our own bodies? [37:55] What was it like for Diane deciding which of her teacher's recommendations to follow? [41:01] Whether you're teaching yoga or sharing Ayurveda, how can you encourage agency with our students? [44:58] Shannon reflects that in a lot of our relationships as yoga teachers or Ayurveda practitioners, the other person may be looking for you to tell them what to do. [45:43] Rather than approaching with an attitude of understanding and certainty, try keeping curiosity at the forefront. [47:01] Where does Diane recommend going to learn more about Ayurveda? [49:46] What is something that has really impacted Diane or the people she works with? [53:14] Connect with Diane on social media to continue this conversation. [53:55] What does Diane do when she sees harmful comments or perspectives shared online? [56:31] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode. [58:50] Please leave the podcast a review on iTunes! [60:03] Hang out with Shannon in real-time online in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership.   Links: Diane Finlayson on LinkedIn The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292 with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 303: Ayurveda for Better Digestion with Mona Warner The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America The Love of Yoga Podcast with Anjali Rao  The Love of Yoga Podcast with Anjali Rao Episode 01. The Trauma of Caste with Thenmozhi Soundararajan The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning, by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham The Ayurvedic Institute Himalayan Institute Arsha Vidya Gurukulam College of Ayurveda in California California College of Ayurveda Dr. Sunil Joshi David Frawley The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group OfferingTree on Instagram OfferingTree on Facebook   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Diet culture has already put so many rules and weirdness in place on individuals that [orthorexia] is just one more flavor of eating disorder that can take hold."   "When a person can be curious and mindful about their lived experience, they can, in my opinion, better care for themselves because they have a deeper connection to self."   "It's about understanding how this digestive system we have operates and being able to support it in doing its job."   "I think people create a lot of more suffering for themselves than they need."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 306: Is There More Room for Online Yoga? with Sadie Nardini   Description: If you have ever had the thought that “everyone is teaching yoga online, why should I add to the mix?” or felt like “someone else has already done what I want to do, why should I even bother”, you are not alone. Sadie Nardini answers the question that many yoga teachers are asking these days - is there more room for online yoga?   Sadie Nardini is the founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga®, an anatomy-enhanced yoga style, and The Yoga Shred®, a joint-safer HIIT + Yoga fitness style, designed to help people get stronger more safely, without wasting time or energy. She is a top online yoga and fitness course creator with a thriving online subscription studio: The Fit & Fierce Club. She translates her years of technical knowledge into success tools that are easy to understand and implement. Sadie is also the lead singer of the rock band Sadie & The Tribe.   As someone who was teaching yoga online long before the pandemic started, Sadie has a lot of experience in the online space. She shares her opinions about whether there is really room in the yoga world for more online yoga especially now that a lot of yoga teachers and studios have moved online because of the pandemic. Spoiler alert - there’s PLENTY of room for everyone. Sadie also explains why it’s so important to show up as yourself, regardless of how you look or how young or flexible you are (or aren’t) and how this can make your marketing online unique. She shares tips on how to tap into your creativity, how to stay consistent in your marketing, and more!   Key Takeaways: [0:51] Shannon invites listeners to thank OfferingTree for sponsoring this podcast for a full year by creating a post on social media. [3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sadie Nardini. [8:46] Who is Sadie and what does she do? [12:00] Sadie shares how she discovered her own style and uniqueness as a yoga teacher. [14:46] As a surprise for Rebecca Sebastian (Ep. 304), Shannon invited her to join this call with Sadie. [19:10] What would Sadie say to a yoga teacher who believes that there is no room for them to teach yoga online, especially since the pandemic? [20:35] How can yoga teachers market themselves online without having to leverage their sad stories or trauma? [25:28] How does Sadie plan her marketing so that she is consistently offering people value in some way? [28:51] Sadie recently made a shift in the audience she was connecting with. What was that experience like? [34:10] Shannon highlights the fact that people do want to learn from teachers who are older or have experienced pain or mobility issues because they bring that experience to their classes. [36:40] There is a shift happening in the yoga industry as the first real generation of women yoga teachers are aging - how do they navigate continuing their careers? [40:54] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree and how it has helped her run her business more efficiently. [42:40] How can yoga teachers recognize their gifts and know that they have something unique and important to share online? [45:39] Sadie shares some insights about how to practice yoga so that it doesn't have a negative impact on our bodies in the future. [50:16] What tips does Sadie have for a yoga teacher who is just starting out and doesn't have the same level of support? [55:42] What strategies does Sadie use to open the lines of communication with her audience online? [58:28] What are some things that Sadie does to foster her creativity? [62:35] You need to sit with yourself to get the inspiration and creativity from within. [65:50] What are your biggest takeaways from this conversation with Sadie?   Links: Sadie Nardini Sadie Nardini on Instagram The Fit & Fierce Club The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still Here? with Rebecca Sebastian Hey Marvelous Hannah Uiri Canva The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group OfferingTree on Instagram OfferingTree on Facebook   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "It was me realizing I wasn't being true to myself and just deciding to do something I wasn't seeing out there and I think that's where my success came from."   "Everyone has something unique to offer."   "If you don't go [online] you have a 100% chance of failure. And if you do go on there, the percentage is way less."   "It's deeply scary to change anything. Even if you know it might be for the best."   "If you're not in the business of serving other people and helping them, then go get a job that pays you better."   "Generating content from your passionate inner core is really important because it's just shinier energetically."   "When we get together, we rise together."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 305: Kicked Out of Yoga [Part 2] with Chioma Njoku   Description: Learning and unlearning is part of our journey as yoga teachers and as humans. In Episode 275, Shannon shared stories from people who had been kicked out of yoga class or made to feel unwelcome in yoga spaces. Chioma Njoku, podcast listener, shared a response to this episode, featured here.   Chioma is the owner and Chief Mindful Operator at the Mindful Bookkeeper. She is also the host of the Cheers to Your Prosperity podcast. Using the lessons she has learned from her own financial struggles, her professional experience as an accountant for over 18 years, and Financial Coach, Chioma helps entrepreneurs and small business owners keep more of their hard-earned money in the bank without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable.   In her response, Chioma reflects on how she may have contributed to making her yoga classes feel unwelcoming to some people because of what and how she was taught. She also shares a personal experience where she was kicked out of a yoga class. It is brave and vulnerable and we can all learn a lot from this to do better as yoga teachers and make the yoga world a more welcoming space for everyone.   Key Takeaways: [3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chioma Njoku. [6:50] Chioma shares a response to the podcast episode about being kicked out of a yoga class. [11:52] Shannon pops to share a resource that has helped her book her podcast interviews. [13:54] Chioma shares the incident that got her kicked out of a yoga studio. [18:06] Shannon invites you to share your thoughts about this topic or anything else in the yoga world. [20:37] Shannon shares some ways you can connect with her and continue learning forward. Links: Chioma Njoku, The Mindful Bookkeeper Chioma Njoku on Instagram Cheers to Your Prosperity Podcast with Chioma Njoku The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still Here? with Rebecca Sebastian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 275: Kicked Out of a Yoga Class?! with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow M.B.Om Podcast Pelvic Health Resources Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "I understand that everything I just said in terms of what I was taught is foolish because your practice is your practice."   "Not many people are willing to speak to some of the unfortunate things of the industry, but in understanding some of the shadows of any industry, specifically this industry that's overall intended to be good, it helps those of us who do teach yoga."   "Sometimes we do have to take the negative feedback, the neutral feedback along with the positive feedback to really make this a much better situation."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian   Description: Have you ever felt like you wanted to quit the yoga industry? You are not alone. Shannon Crow, host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast, and Rebecca Sebastian, host of the Working in Yoga Podcast, chat about what it’s like to feel like quitting - and why they have stayed on and continued their work in this space.   Rebecca Sebastian has been teaching yoga for 20 years and working as a yoga therapist for a decade. She is also a yoga studio owner, yoga non-profit founder, and the host of the Working In Yoga podcast. She isn’t afraid to stand up for human rights and yoga – and she also isn’t afraid to discuss tough topics in the yoga industry.   Shannon and Rebecca discuss some of the big topics that have come up in the yoga industry in 2022. They talk about how yoga teachers are feeling isolated, competition in the industry, some toxic practices that have taken hold, and what we can do about it. They also explore what teaching yoga may look like in 2023, marketing for yoga teachers, how to build a better yoga industry going forward, and much more.   Key Takeaways: [2:37] This episode was originally recorded for Rebecca Sebastian's podcast, Working in Yoga. Shannon and Rebecca discuss how they have continued in the work they do despite wanting to quit. [5:29] With everything that has happened in the yoga industry in 2022, why are Rebecca and Shannon still here? [9:05] Many yoga teachers feel isolated in this profession. [11:47] Everyone in the yoga industry is trying to navigate building their business as best as they can but some things can create a toxic environment. How do Shannon and Rebecca deal with negative elements like diet culture in the industry. [17:26] Rebecca encourages us to talk more about the benefits of yoga, like nervous system regulation. [21:27] What is the yoga industry going to look like in 2023 in terms of virtual and in-person classes? [29:26] Sadie Mardini responds to Rebecca's question about how yoga teachers and studios who had been online before the pandemic were impacted by everyone else moving online. [31:15] Shannon pops in with a reminder to put yourself out there and to create your website if you don't have one! [35:11] What does the competitiveness of the industry look like in 2022? [37:54] Rebecca invites listeners to create a meet up to meet people in your local community. [42:54] You can also find great communities of yoga teachers online to connect with. [45:52] Shannon shares a tip for anyone running a Facebook group to moderate posts. [48:39] Rebecca encourages us not to limit ourselves. The yoga's enough all on its own. [49:26] Shannon and Rebecca discuss marketing in yoga. [52:38] Rebecca and Shannon reflect on the things that made them think about quitting the yoga industry in 2022. [58:42] There are some parallels between yoga and entrepreneurship. [62:45] Does Rebecca think about building her business just to sell it? Shannon and Rebecca discuss what that could mean and how it might work. [70:40] What is your retirement plan as a yoga teacher? [71:46] Rebecca calls out how unsustainable the career path is in the yoga industry and shares some thoughts about how things can be done differently. [76:52] The power dynamic in the yoga industry needs to be reexamined. [81:12] What are Rebecca and Shannon hopeful and excited about for 2023? [89:50] Shannon shares some final thoughts.   Links: Rebecca Sebastian Rebecca Sebastian Yoga Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram Working in Yoga Podcast with Rebecca Sebastian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian - Kristine Weber, Subtle Yoga Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 175: Coping During a Crisis with Diane Liska Michelle Lyons  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow Sadie Nardini Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 094: Instagram Content Strategy and Stories with Tyler McCall The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 301: Trauma and Business Ownership with Nicole Lewis Keeber Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "We need to acknowledge this has been another hard year for us for our industry. Like, you're not alone." - Rebecca   "I think that makes our industry more powerful and more impactful overall when we're able to share stories with each other." - Rebecca   "The yoga's enough all on its own." - Rebecca   "How we sell what we're selling matters." - Rebecca   "Yoga in itself is a spiritual discipline that asks you to reevaluate and rethink literally every fiber of your being. Guess what entrepreneurship is?" - Rebecca

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 303: Ayurveda for Better Digestion with Mona Warner   Description: Ayurveda is considered yoga’s sister science but it is still not widely understood in the yoga community. Why is there such a strong focus on digestion in Ayurveda and how does it tie in with yoga? Mona Warner shares her expertise on Ayurveda and digestion.   Mona is a warm and joyful educator who leads by example. Her depth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to the practices of Āyurveda and Yoga are evident in her classes. Mona offers deliberate and mindful practices, details on why certain things are done in certain ways, and a grounded sense of humor. She shares approaches to well-being for anyone who needs to learn. Mona has also authored several books, including her latest, Ayurveda's Three Pillars of Health.   Mona breaks down what Ayurveda is and how it intersects with yoga in a holistic sense. She explains why there is such a strong focus on digestion and Agni in Ayurveda and why routines and schedules are so important to digestion, and more. Mona also shares tips around improving digestion, about prana, and finding balance in our lives,    This is a rich conversation for anyone who’s keen to learn more about Ayurveda.   Key Takeaways: [3:01] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mona Warner. [6:21] How did Mona get into working with Ayurveda? [9:56] What is Ayurveda? [12:40] Mona explains some things we need to understand about digestion and elimination from the perspective of Ayurveda. [19:16] How does the body's Agni (and Ayurveda, from a broader perspective) tie in with yoga? [26:42] Mona explains more about how Ayurveda and yoga both encourage people to move towards a balanced mind - and how this can help achieve health. [30:16] Shannon shares an experience she recently had attending an online workshop. [34:04] What are some routines and practices that can help improve digestion? [36:50] Should everyone have the same routines or does it differ for each person? [38:55] What are some things we need to be mindful of in terms of how we are pooping and what our bowel movements look like? [42:36] What is something about digestion that Mona wishes everyone knew? [44:08] What else are we digesting apart from food? [51:08] How does Mona work with people now through the pandemic and how are they doing? [54:27] Connect with Mona and learn more from her via her book and website. [56:58] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this conversation with Mona.   Links: Mona Warner Ayurveda's Three Pillars of Health, by Mona Warner The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 293: Eating Disorder Recovery & Yoga with Vivian Selles The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar From Pain To Possibility with Susi Hately Episode #85: Brain, Belly and Bowels with Mona Warner Bristol Stool Chart Meet The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode:   "Ayurveda is this system that has created a whole bunch of different maps that lets us navigate the terrain of life."   "Ayurveda has the maps, the tools, and the ability to help us live a fruitful and a health-filled life."   "Our Agni, our digestive fire, is the sun of our individual solar system or incarnation."   "For yoga, the traditional goal is enlightenment. For Ayurveda, the traditional goal is health."   "Ayurveda uses this idea of working with the mind through yoga techniques of mantra, meditation, etc. all the time because so many causative factors of disease actually start in the mind."   "Whether you like schedules or not, your biology does and your Agni does."   "It's important to recognize there's a difference between what you like and what is health-promoting and good for you."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 302: Yoga for Grief & Loss with Susan Andersen   Description: Most people have personal experiences with loss in its many forms - loss of a loved one or pet, loss of a home or job or business, and even during COVID, the loss of normalcy. Grief is a normal part of loss but how can yoga support us in these times? Susan “Sue” Andersen shares her insights.   Sue works with people who have experienced loss and are grieving through yoga and movement. Meditation, mindfulness and breath work are key elements that Sue incorporates into her teaching to connect the physical to the spiritual practice. Her goal is to help students find their own practice and to enjoy all the benefits yoga brings.    Sue shares how she got into yoga and grief work after her son died, why yoga is a beneficial tool in navigating grief and loss, and how we can support our yoga students when they come to us with their grief. She also explains the role yoga can play in moving through self-blame and criticism, releasing emotions like anger, shame, and guilt, and why grief looks different for everyone.    This episode is a must-listen for every yoga teacher as we support people who will inevitably encounter loss and grief in their lives.   Key Takeaways: [3:07] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Susan Andersen. [6:43] What does Sue do and who does she do it for? [7:14] How did Su get into doing this work? [9:50] What is grief? [14:42] Why is yoga effective for grief? [17:21] What can yoga teachers do when a student expresses their loss and grief to them? [19:50] What are some things that wouldn't be helpful when a student is dealing with grief? [22:45] Shannon pops in to share some feedback from Carly, a yoga teacher who is using OfferingTree for her website. [25:07] What are some of the differences between a regular yoga class and a specialty yoga class for grief? [33:39] Does Sue talk about grief in her sessions? Is it helpful? [36:35] What has Sue learned from her personal experience of grief that she wishes she had known at the beginning? [39:20] What would Sue say to yoga teachers who are personally dealing with grief? [41:16] Connect with Sue and learn more from her via her website and on YouTube. [42:17] Sue gives a shout out to Paul Denniston of Grief Yoga. [43:12] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.   Links: Sue Andersen Classes & Workshops by Sue Andersen Sue Andersen on YouTube Carly Baumann, radicalrestyoga.com Paul Denniston, Grief Yoga All There Is with Anderson Cooper Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode:   "When we experience loss, we grieve."   "All the things that we talk about in these programs can help for any type of grief because it's releasing the emotion from the body."   "You can't fix something ... you want to just let that person know that you're there."   "In general, I don't think any of us rest enough. In particular, if you're holding a lot of grief or stress, you're probably resting even less."    "It is really important to let all of these emotions out and not hold anything in."   "Everybody's grief is different. Their timeline is different."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 301: Trauma and Business Ownership with Nicole Lewis-Keeber   Description: Everyone goes through events and/or experiences that cause trauma, and they can have an impact on how we show up in and run our businesses. Yet, this isn’t something people often talk about. Nicole Lewis-Keeber shares their insights about navigating business ownership and trauma.   Nicole Lewis-Keeber is a business therapist and mindset coach for small business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work and a rich experience of working as a therapist. Nicole is also certified in Brené Brown’s The Daring Way™ and Dare To Lead™ methodologies and provides trainings and mentoring for those who want to become daring leaders. They have combined their experience as a therapist and training as a coach to offer therapeutic and business solutions.   Nicole explains how trauma ties into creating and running our own business, including what kind of trauma "counts", why starting a business involves diving into our "stuff", and why our “big why” is likely connected to childhood trauma. They also share more about the importance of therapy as an entrepreneur, dealing with burnout, and why we need to separate ourselves from our businesses. If you are keen to learn more about how to create a business you love, this is a must-listen.   Key Takeaways: [3:35] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Nicole Lewis-Keeber. [5:38] What does Nicole do and who do they do it for? [6:47] Does everyone have childhood trauma? [8:39] What does trauma have to do with business? [10:04] How do we figure out the traumatic events in our childhoods that inform our deeper 'why', and what is the value of figuring that out? [12:35] What are some examples of how our deeper 'why' tied to trauma can show up as entrepreneurs in the health and wellness space? [15:33] How else can this show up in our businesses? [20:02] Nicole shares some ways that we can start to help ourselves if we recognize that there were some traumatic events in our childhoods that may be playing out in our businesses. [23:53] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree. [25:45] Shannon and Nicole discuss procrastination and how that ties in with everything else. [28:05] What other things can we do in coming to terms with how our trauma influences our business? [30:37] For yoga teachers, it can be more difficult to separate themselves from their business of teaching yoga because of how intertwined their lives can be to yoga. What are Nicole's thoughts on that? [32:29] Nicole shares their thoughts on the discomfort that yoga teachers may have around bringing business into their work with yoga. [35:46] Nicole shares how you can work with her if you are keen on getting more of their expert insight into how your traumas may be informing your business. [37:35] What is something Nicole wishes entrepreneurs knew or understood as they're facing the daily challenges of running a business? [39:18] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Nicole and encourages you to choose one thing that really resonated for you and implement that.   Links: Nicole Lewis-Keeber The Three Whys How to Love Your Business  Do No Harm Program The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 299: Yoga for Menopause with Niamh Daly 5 Surprising Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Procrastinate! by Nicole Lewis-Keeber on Medium Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "I've not met anyone yet who hasn't had some kind of traumatic event in childhood that changed things for them."   "All the systems around us also can be very traumatic."   "A lot of the business schools and a lot of coaches would like you to believe that all you need is a sales plan, a marketing plan, business plan, but I totally believe that you need an emotional sustainability plan for your business."   "We start to modify ourselves and how we operate to try and feel safe because of those experiences and that changes how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible for us over time and how we value ourselves."   "Big T Trauma explodes, little T trauma erodes, but they are both strong enough to move a mountain."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 300: Celebrating 300 Episodes! with Shannon Crow   Description: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast celebrates 300 episodes! In this milestone episode, host Shannon Crow talks about some of the things that have helped her stay consistent with putting out the podcast and answers some questions from listeners!   We are so grateful for your support through these 300 episodes and look forward to bringing you more episodes that will help you stay connected to the information and inspiration that will support you as you build your yoga business!   Key Takeaways: [2:25] Shannon celebrates 300 episodes of the podcast! [4:15] Aruna sent in the first question. What was the first thing Shannon outsourced to help her stay consistent and get to 300 episodes and what would she never let go of? [11:30] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree and shares a conversation she had with a fellow yoga teacher, Sarah Villamil, about her experience with OfferingTree. [14:45] Renee has another question for Shannon. What were the top three things that Shannon has learned from all her guests? [25:54] What are the top three things you have learned from this podcast? [30:59] Thank you dear listener for all your support through these 300 episodes!   Links: Apply to be a guest on the podcast Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 039: Advice for New Yoga Teachers The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 296: Can Science & Spirituality Co-Exist? with Stevie Inghram Leave us a review -- ‎The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast on Apple Podcasts Aruna Kathy Humphrys Renee Clair The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 299: Yoga for Menopause with Niamh Daly   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Two things have helped me get to this point of 300 episodes. That is feeling the fear and doing it anyway. And also letting my message be louder than my doubts and my fears."   "If there is something that you're doing over and over again and you're not getting a lot of joy out of it and it's an automated task, that is something to look at to pass on to someone else."   "Communicate and listen to understand, not to be understood."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 299: Yoga for Menopause with Niamh Daly   Description: About half the world’s population experiences menopause at some point in their lives, yet it is still not very well understood and people at this stage of their life may not get the support they need. Niamh Daly fills in some of the gaps we may have in our understanding and knowledge of menopause.   Niamh teaches and supports women in navigating life changes, especially menopause, whether medically, surgically, prematurely or naturally induced, through adapted yoga and nutrition. She trains yoga teachers worldwide to understand menopause and the stages immediately preceding, and after, and how much support they can give through additions to, and enhancements of the canon of yoga.    As yoga teachers who are working with people who are in this peri, menopausal, menopause, postmenopausal phase, we need to understand how we can better support them. Niamh explains the fluctuating nature of peri-menopause, how nutrition and exercise requirements may change for people at this stage, and why yoga is beneficial for them. She also questions why prenatal yoga and pregnancy is covered in many YTTs but not any of the menopausal stages, despite that being something more relevant and applicable to many people.    Key Takeaways: [3:29] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Niamh Daly. [7:53] What does Niamh do and who does she do it for? [10:52] How do we know when we or our students are in the perimenopause stage? Niamh explains that there is actually a stage before perimenopause that isn't often talked about. [16:50] People in the late reproductive stage can have symptoms that mimic perimenopause or even conditions related to thyroid function. How can people get a definitive answer about what is really causing the changes in their body? [19:58] Shannon pops in with a snippet of a conversation she had with Ashley Hagen about OfferingTree. [23:51] How does yoga help with perimenopause? [30:29] Shannon and Niamh discuss the research supporting the idea that yoga is beneficial for menopause. [32:17] There is a huge lack of education around this topic despite the fact that half the population goes through menopause and a large number of yoga teachers are also in this demographic. [33:38] Where can yoga teachers learn more about yoga for menopause and how to better serve this segment of the population? [38:03] Niamh shares a bit more about health at every size and how that impacts perimenopause. [43:02] Language is also a big part of the education that Niamh offers. [44:36] Reach out to Niamh to connect and learn more. [45:52] Continue the conversation! Shannon shares some of her key takeaways - what are yours?   Links: Niamh Daly Niamh Daly on Instagram Certificate in Teaching Yoga for the Stages of Menopause - Yinstinct Yoga Greystones Wicklow. Teacher training with Niamh Daly The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 212: Menopause Myths and Facts with Shirley Weir The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 056: Yoga and Menopause with Leslie Kazadi The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 271: Yoga and Bone Health with Barb Elias The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 258: What Does Science Say About Yoga? with Mary Flaherty Dr Annice Mukherjee Gil Hedley Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "There has been research in yoga for serotonin, yoga for oxytocin, yoga for bones, yoga for heart health, yoga for brain health, yoga for sleep, all of which coming together, create a very convincing pool of evidence to support the use of yoga to help women through menopause."   "Women spend more time in the perimenopausal transition and post menopausal then they do pregnant and yet there are no first line yoga teacher trainings that really even mention menopause in the training."   "I'm really in the business of trying to help women befriend their changes and their body through menopause and beyond and before menopause."   "We need to learn to embrace the changes because otherwise, we're fighting ourselves till the day we die."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 298: Photo Shoot Stories (Listener Emails) with Shannon Crow   Description: When Shannon sent out an email about Episode 294 with Gabriela Fearn about how to plan a yoga photo shoot, she received a lot of emails from listeners! It is such a highlight to get emails from listeners sharing their experiences. Shannon reads some of the stories Connected Yoga Teachers have shared with her about their experiences doing photoshoots for their businesses.   Have a listen if you are feeling alone and isolated as a yoga entrepreneur and connect with the wonderful community of Connected Yoga Teachers in the Facebook group as well.   Key Takeaways: [3:54] Shannon invites you to share your questions, thoughts, and comments about the podcast. There are a few ways you can do this! [5:37] Shannon received a lot of emails from listeners about episode 294 - How to Plan a Yoga Photo Shoot with Gabriela Fearn. [5:37] Shannon shares some tips to get better engagement from her community in emails. [8:24] Shannon shares Beth's email reply about photoshoots. [10:40] Jenay writes about her experience with photoshoots. [12:04] Shannon pops in with a bit of news and a shout out of thanks to OfferingTree. [14:32] Reneé Clair, who was a guest on the podcast in episode 167, wrote in about her photoshoot experience not doing yoga poses. [16:03] Another listener, Helen, did a photoshoot in a park with a photographer who offered a unique arrangement. [18:01] The last email is from Gail. Shannon and Gail have both used the same photographer and had similar experiences. [21:14] Hang out with Shannon on a live call in Pelvic Health Professionals!   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 294: How to Plan a Yoga Photo Shoot with Gabriela Fearn ActiveCampaign Beth Tascione, thisisyourbliss.com Jenay, Lake Tahoe Yoga Reneé Clair, The Productive WellnessPreneur The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 167: How to Make a Recruiting Plan with Reneé Clair Helen, Camomile Lawn Gail Grossman Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “I let go of fancy or challenging poses and played.  She was able to capture these sweet, inward-focused moments of me practicing.” - Email from Beth   “It's not the poses that were important but, rather, the energy depicted.” - Email from Jenay   “I felt more confident though when not striking a "pose" - yoga pose that is!” - Email from Renee   “I think you need someone to have a sense of who you are to bring out the best.” - Email from Gail   “The photographer talked about how a fancy camera was not needed. That anyone could do this work – with an iPhone and some imagination on how to capture the shots.” - Shannon

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian   Description: As yoga teachers, we can feel like making money and running a yoga business is out of alignment with yoga and the philosophy of yoga. This can cause us to struggle with marketing and charging for our services. Why does this happen and how can we overcome it? Rebecca Sebastian shares her insights.   Rebecca Sebastian has been teaching yoga for 20 years and working as a yoga therapist for a decade. She is also a yoga studio owner, yoga non-profit Founder, and the host of the Working In Yoga podcast. She isn’t afraid to stand up for human rights and yoga - and she also isn’t afraid to talk about making money as a yoga teacher.   In this conversation, Rebecca shares her thoughts on why yoga teachers are struggling to make money and be okay with making money, and why we all need to double our prices (today). She explains why making our offerings more accessible doesn’t necessarily mean lowering the price and how we can help increase access to yoga while still making a sustainable living. Rebecca gives tips on what to do when you don’t feel comfortable “selling” yoga and explains how yoga philosophy fits in with running a yoga business.   If you are struggling to make money as a yoga teacher and feeling like marketing and business isn’t in alignment with yoga, this episode is a great pep talk.   Key Takeaways: [0:38] sponsors - OT, PHP [2:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rebecca Sebastian [7:41] What does Rebecca do and who does she do it for? [8:30] Why do yoga teachers struggle to make money and feel comfortable making money? [11:25] Other than doubling our prices, how can we as yoga teachers reconcile how we view yoga philosophy and making a sustainable living with yoga? [16:33] Rebecca speaks about why many people have relationships with money that are rooted in shame and guilt. [18:31] We put a lot of judgements on wealth, but that doesn't necessarily have to be the way - we are positioned to radically redistribute wealth. [21:38] Rebecca reflects on how some of the conversations we may be having around cultural appropriation and whitewashing in the yoga world may not be shifting the needle but merely adding shame to the conversation. We need to have these conversations and find ways to make a sustainable living in alignment with the teachings of yoga. [23:02] How does Rebecca help yoga teachers with pricing? [26:59] Shannon pops in with a shout out of thanks to the team at Offering Tree. [29:15] Shannon and Rebecca discuss some other ways to determine pricing for yoga offerings. [31:34] Rebecca invites us to unpack any of our thoughts that are laced with shame and guilt around money. [32:45] What advice does Rebecca have for yoga teachers who are feeling resistant to marketing and the business side of teaching yoga? [35:25] What are some resources that Rebecca recommends for unpacking money stuff? [37:30] How can we tackle that competitive mindset that may come up? [40:37] What does Rebecca wish yoga teachers knew about how yoga philosophy goes well with business? [44:21] What final thoughts does Rebecca have for yoga teachers as they start to get comfortable with unpacking money stuff and increasing their rates? [48:49] Connect with Rebecca and learn more from her on social media or via email. [50:02] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this conversation with Rebecca.   Links: Rebecca Sebastian Rebecca Sebastian Yoga Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram Email Rebecca Sebastian Rebecca Sebastian Yoga on Medium Podcast: Working In Yoga Quad Cities Yoga Foundation High End Hippie (Discount Code: Connected15) beYogi Webinar Series: Uncover Your Confidence As A New Entrepreneur by Amanda McKinney [The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 143: Should I Start a Non-Profit? with Jessica Kinsey Mindset by Carol Dweck The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 288: Shavasana (śavāsana) with Indu Arora Ladies Get Paid, by Claire Wasserman We Should All Be Millionaires, by Rachel Rodgers The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "We've taken it to the point where it's not okay to want a sustainable living and that's just silliness... It's okay to make money as a yoga professional."   "The truth of the matter is that if you want to be of service, you have to make enough money to not be the person who needs help."   "If good humans have conscious moral effort to make money and do good with it, we can change how this works."   "Yoga is this amazing tradition, the spiritual discipline - stop selling it. Sell something else and charge a premium price for it."   "I want you to find your humans and I want you to charge them enough money for you to make a living."   "I believe that you can make money and create impact and do good things. It's not an either/or, it can be a both/and."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 296: Can Science & Spirituality Co-Exist? with Stevie Inghram   Description: There has always been some friction between science and spirituality. Some people may even think they are polar opposites that cannot co-exist. Stevie Inghram shares some of their insights about the integration of science and spirituality and their intersection with modern medicine & holistic health/medicine.   Stevie Inghram is a Queer & Trans Feminine Yoga Therapist who holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy and has been teaching yoga for over a decade. As a Yoga Therapist, Stevie’s primary work is focused on healing the trauma that is so pervasive in the queer and transgender communities. Stevie also hosts a podcast called Queer Story Time via Instagram that is focused on sharing stories from the gender and sexually expansive (GSE) communities and advocates for expanding GSE competencies in healthcare training programs. Stevie teaches GSE competencies at several Yoga Therapy Training programs and is writing on the topic for Yoga Therapy Today  while also being  a passionate advocate for science & evidence-informed practice in the holistic medicine world. They are a strong believer that a middle ground can truly be found, one that simultaneously respects the scientific method and cares for the whole-person. Stevie shares more about their background and how they came to be passionate about both science and spirituality. He explains how science and spirituality are both human endeavors of discovery, and why people think we have to choose between them. Stevie also shares their thoughts on spiritual bypassing in yoga, what feels toxic in yoga spaces, and how we can nurture our spirituality while also promoting science. If you have been wondering how you can practice and communicate your yoga while still leaning towards science and combating misinformation.   Key Takeaways: [2:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Stevie Inghram. [5:35] What does Stevie do and who do they do it for? [7:13] Stevie is studying to be a naturopathic doctor. They share a little more about it. [9:05] When did Stevie's yoga journey begin? [11:26] What are Stevie's thoughts on the idea that you can either follow science or spirituality but not both? [16:10] It's possible that we will never have the science to explain some of what happens in yoga. How does Stevie balance that in their own teaching, practice, and life? [20:48] Shannon started leaning heavily into science since the pandemic because she was trying to shift the pendulum in the yoga world. Did Stevie have a similar experience? [25:04] Spiritual bypassing is something Shannon has noticed in the yoga world. What does it look like and what are some examples of it? [31:48] Shannon pops in to give a shout out of thanks to sponsor, Offering Tree. [33:37] How can we nurture the spirituality side of things even as we hold on to science? [42:09] It can get very tiring to constantly talk about science, and that's when we can ask ourselves "is this causing me suffering?" [44:47] What is Stevie's advice for someone who encounters misinformation or anti-science sentiment being spread in a yoga context? [54:58] Learn more from Stevie and find out more about their work on Instagram and Tiktok.   Links: Stevie Inghram Stevie Inghram on Instagram @FutureNMDyogi  Stevie Inghram on TikTok Stevie Inghram on Instagram @queertransthriving The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "So much in this world is divisive and divided and I don't think that it is beneficial to any of us as yogis to be continuing to propagate this idea that science and spirituality are separate. They're really not.”    “Science and spirituality are both human endeavors of discovery."   "The thing that science and spirituality share in common is um they're both Systems of Discovery."   “The reality is spirituality creates meaning and value and connection in people's lives. And the truth of the matter is we don't need science to explain that to us."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh   Description: How can yoga teachers make money? Particularly if they don’t have an online presence, is it possible to build a profitable and sustainable yoga business? Betty Welsh has done just that and is on the podcast to share her journey.   Betty Welsh is a certified yoga teacher and Thai Massage practitioner. She and her husband Barrie live on the water in a small community outside of Owen Sound. This is where Betty connected with Shannon who was teaching yoga classes at that time. Betty is artistic, full of stories and passionate about sharing yoga with her local community. It is evident how much care Betty gives to her friends, family, and yoga students.   Betty shares more about how she finds students in her local community without having a website, Facebook page, email list, or any other online presence or marketing strategy. She explains how she gets new students to come to her classes and why getting students to register has been a powerful tool for that consistency. It is inspirational to listen to Betty’s journey of growing her offerings and expanding her classes to build a sustainable yoga business that provides a consistent income - and you are sure to take away some ideas you can use in your yoga business too.   Key Takeaways: [3:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Betty Welsh. [7:30] Betty doesn't have an online presence yet runs a successful yoga business. She shares a little about her journey. [9:12] What made Betty want to move to her home studio? [10:23] Betty finds new students in her community through in-person techniques. [11:45] Betty has a paint and wallpaper business that she's been running for over 37 years. How did she build that business? [12:26] How did Betty's regular students find out about her? [13:39] Betty teaches 7-9 classes each week and makes a steady income doing that. [15:54] Shannon shares an update about Betty's businesses since this episode was recorded. [17:20] How does teaching in the church (where Betty could have more students) compare to teaching out of her home studio? [18:23] What is Betty's advice to yoga teachers who don't want to have an online presence for their yoga business? [20:37] Betty sends text messages to people who may be interested in her upcoming classes! [21:59] What does Betty recommend for yoga teachers who may be a little shy about talking to people in person about yoga? [23:14] Betty tries to make her offering special in a way. [24:44] How does Betty run the financial parts of her business? [26:21] Shannon shares some words from a Connected Yoga Teacher who uses OfferingTree. [30:22] Where did Betty's entrepreneurial spirit come from? [31:07] What are some things that could help newer yoga teachers in terms of running a yoga business? [34:27] Betty shares a story about her mother when she was young. [36:22] What was Betty's first yoga class like? [37:16] How does Betty prepare her class plans? [41:05] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Betty.   Links: Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group about OfferingTree vs Momence Kerri Zelman Kelly Lynn Dregely Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Just [in] conversations I have with people, it comes up that I'm a yoga teacher. And so it's just being known."   "It's just not being afraid to talk about what you do."   "If they show a little bit of interest, sometimes they need a little bit of a reminder that we had a conversation and I'm not afraid to do that."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 294: How to Plan a Yoga Photo Shoot with Gabriela Fearn   Description: We all know the power of good images for websites and social media, but many yoga teachers don't know where to start when it comes to taking photos for their yoga business. How can you capture who you are as a yoga teacher? What kind of photos connect you with your ideal yoga students? What should you wear? Where is the best place for a photo shoot? Gabriela (aka. Gabby) Fearn has some recommendations.   Gabby Fearn is a portrait photographer, doula and yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience who is based in Sydney, Australia. Through the years Gabby has photographed many yoga studios and teachers and she ensures a stress-free experience by guiding her clients through the process every step of the way while capturing authentic and sincere photos.   Gabby explains the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor photo shoots, why having a plan is helpful and how to plan for a photo shoot, considerations around props, music, hair and makeup and more. Gabby also shares why using just stock photos isn’t a great idea and why you shouldn’t wait till you “look better” or can “do better yoga” to take some professional photos. This is a practical episode where you will walk away with a list of takeaways to help you book, plan and carry out a yoga photo shoot that makes marketing easier.   Key Takeaways: [3:29] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Gabriela (Gabby) Fearn. [5:53] What does Gabby do and who does she do it for? [7:18] Gabby is half-Colombian, half-Canadian who lives in Australia. She shares a little about how the weather impacts her work as a photographer. [9:25] How do you choose a location for a photo shoot? Gabby highlights some of the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor shoots. [13:33] What should yoga teachers wear in their photo shoot? [16:04] Gabby shares some suggestions about outfits for yoga teachers in a photo shoot. [18:02] Planning the photo shoot in advance is key to getting the most out of it. Gabby shares some essential questions to guide your planning. [19:06] Shannon pops in to share about OfferingTree which allows yoga teachers to easily set up a website. [21:03] Gabby highlights some of the types of photographs you might need as a yoga teacher. [23:15] Gabby recommends using Pinterest to refine your vision but avoid trying to copy these pictures because you are likely to be disappointed. [25:03] What are some things that can help ease the awkwardness of having your photos taken? [27:39] What are some things yoga teachers should bring along to a photo shoot? [30:14] What does Gabby recommend for hair and makeup for a photo shoot? [34:26] Gabby shares some tips about the photos you might choose for different parts of your website. [36:27] Shannon and Gabby discuss the role of stock photos in marketing for yoga teachers. [38:17] What are some other things yoga teachers should keep in mind as they plan their yoga photo shoot? [40:30] It's really important for your photos to reflect the kind of yoga you offer and what your students are looking for. [41:53] Find out more about Gabby's work on her website and connect with her on Instagram. [46:03] Gabby's final tip is to take a bath at the end of a photo shoot! [46:30] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Gabby. Links: Gabriela Fearn Gabriela Fearn on Instagram  “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Planning your session is key to getting the most out of it and making the most of your time."   "It's really important to think about your personal style and what you wear when you practice."   "Do I need a list of poses to bring with me to our session? I would say yes, it does really help."   "I want you to embrace who you are and we'll end up with beautiful photos of you no matter what."   "You want your photos to reflect you."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 293: Eating Disorder Recovery & Yoga with Vivian Selles   Description: Eating disorders are a serious condition that can even be life threatening or fatal in some cases yet we may not always recognize that someone is experiencing an eating disorder. Globally, 9% of the world population are affected by eating disorders and this number is increasing each year. How can yoga teachers support people with eating disorders? Vivian Selles has some insights.   Vivian is an experienced registered yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (ERYT-200/YACEP). She teaches full-time in eating disorder recovery centers in Charlotte, NC, and uses her practice and teachings to cultivate positive change in the yoga community. As a yoga teacher, her intention is to create and hold safer, accessible spaces for people to connect to the practice and show up as they are. Vivian has also co-founded a local yoga coalition for equality.    Vivian explains why yoga teachers should avoid talking about how much or what to eat, and how this can feed into harmful diet culture. Vivian also shares many useful and practical tips around the language we use in our yoga classes, including how to avoid cues that may demonize certain body parts, excluding competitive and comparison language, as well as how we can make our language and cues more invitational and open-ended for students. Vivian highlights our scope of practice as yoga teachers in supporting people in eating disorder recovery and how having a referral team can help too.   Key Takeaways: [4:38]  Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Vivian Selles. [8:10] What does Vivian do and who does she do it for? [10:39] What is diet culture? [11:16] Dominant culture equates thinness with being healthy. How does this show up in yoga classes? [13:20] Shannon and Vivian discuss cues and language that we use in yoga spaces that could demonize certain body parts. [15:12] What does Vivian wish all yoga teachers knew going into a yoga class? [17:46] Vivian highlights some specific language she avoids and some of her preferred cueing options. [21:52] A lot of this starts with us doing our own internal work. [31:04] Messages you might get in the yoga world around what you should eat, how you should move, what you should look like, etc do not align with yoga philosophy. [34:19] Shannon pops in with a question from a member of the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about OfferingTree. [37:24] How does Vivian focus on yoga philosophy when teaching yoga? [44:07] If you are interested in learning more, Vivian has some resources to recommend. [48:52] Who are some other people who can offer support and are crucial for people in recovery? [53:09] Our students can also become our teachers. [58:11] Learn more about Vivian and connect with her via her website and social media. [59:58] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this conversation with Vivian. Links: Vivian Selles Vivian Selles on Instagram  Vivian Selles on Twitter “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 292: Diet Culture and Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar Health at Every Size, by Linda Bacon Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach, by by Evelyn Tribole M.S. R.D. and Elyse Resch M.S. R.D. F.A.D.A. Rolf Gates, 8 Limb Path of Yoga Self Care Matters: A Revolutionary’s Approach, by Anana Johari Harris Parris Body Mindful Yoga by Jennifer Kreatsoulas  Yoga and Eating Disorders, by Carolyn Costin Jennifer Kreatsoulas The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Yoga for Eating Disorders Community on Facebook Yoga for Eating Disorders  Montgomery County PA Yoga Therapy Getting Started as A New Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow - OfferingTree Webinar Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Diet culture is a system of beliefs that upholds a paradigm that equates thinness with being healthy and more morally virtuous."   "Considering your own internal experience is a starting point in terms of how we can be empathetic towards others."   "I exclude a lot of language that encourages perfection or encourages competition."   "How are my internal belief systems upholding diet culture?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 292: Diet Culture and Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey   Description: Diet culture is becoming more and more pervasive in the yoga world. It can show up in hidden and deliberate ways, and it is causing harm to our yoga students and it can be dangerous. Elyssa Toomey and Jessica Grosman are experts at the intersection of yoga, food, diet, and nutrition and have insights to share on the topic.   Elyssa Toomey is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Supervisor (CEDS-S), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). She is an experienced anti-diet, Health at Every Size informed, weight-inclusive eating disorder dietitian who is passionate about helping people develop a peaceful relationship with food and their body. Elyssa specializes in helping clients heal from chronic dieting, disordered eating and eating disorders through 1:1 consultations and ongoing group and individual clinical supervision and case consultation.   Jessica Grosman is an Anti-Diet Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Weight-Inclusive Health Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. Her mission is to help people get comfortable and connected with their own body through food and yoga. Jessica believes that all people have the right to health, regardless of size or medical condition. As both a Registered Dietitian and a Yoga Teacher, Jessica is qualified to address and educate on the topic of diet culture in yoga.   Elyssa and Jessica share their take on how yoga teachers may be contributing to diet/wellness culture in yoga spaces, how we can identify harmful behaviors, and what we can do about it. They also give tips on how to create safer spaces for all bodies and to use yoga as a way to foster connection between body, mind, and breath. Elyssa and Jessica offer guidance on the role of yoga teachers in disrupting diet culture and when it is appropriate for us to refer our students for professional help.   Key Takeaways: [2:09] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey. [6:27] What do Jessica and Elyssa do and who do they do it for? [8:57] Where does diet culture show up in the yoga world and yoga spaces? [12:35] Jessica shares some examples of how yoga teachers may be perpetuating diet culture. [16:10] Jessica and Elyssa encourage us to question what we mean when we say "health" or "healthy". [18:53] How can yoga teachers who are not trained to speak about food, diet, or nutrition handle questions from students that buy into diet culture? [21:09] Jessica highlights the fact that anybody and everybody can practice yoga and yoga goes beyond asana. [22:05] Elyssa and Jessica are putting together a workshop about yoga and diet culture - Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga. [25:21] We are all bombarded with diet culture messages from a very young age, so it can be difficult for us to break away from these thoughts. [27:53] What can we do when we see or encounter harmful messages in yoga spaces or online? [31:14] Social media can be dangerous in terms of the negative influence it can have but it is also possible to uplift and highlight the work of people doing beneficial things, [33:27] Jessica and Elyssa share their thoughts around how we can create safer spaces for all students. [36:44] We also need to pay attention to the language that we use when cueing poses or variations and modifications. [38:34] Shannon pops in to share a quick teaching tip. [41:54] What should yoga teachers do if they have students who may need to seek professional help? [48:17] Jessica and Elyssa leave us with some final thoughts around diet culture in yoga. [51:21] Find out more about Jessica and Elyssa on their websites or connect with them on social media. [53:53] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Jessica and Elyssa.   Links: Jessica Grosman Jessica Grosman on Instagram  Elyssa Toomey on Instagram “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 275: Kicked Out of a Yoga Class!? with Shannon Crow Getting Started as A New Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow - OfferingTree Webinar Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Diet culture is a piece of this overall wellness culture... It is so pervasive, it's in everything that we do." - Elyssa   "As teachers, there is this level of respect that our students have for us or they're looking to us for direction, not only the physical direction of where to place your feet on the mat, but also sort of that bigger life direction." - Elyssa   "The scope of practice for a yoga teacher does not include anything related to food, diet or nutrition." - Jessica   "Our bodies are to be lived in and not looked at." - Elyssa   "Our worth as individuals has nothing to do with our weight and has nothing to do with our size." - Elyssa   "Anybody can have an opinion about any subject but opinions are not facts and opinions are not knowledge." - Jessica  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 291: Better Balance with Susi Hately   Description: Keeping their balance is something we may have noticed that older adults may find challenging, or something that we may ourselves have felt we need to improve as we age. How can yoga help with this? Susi Hately shares insights from her experience working with people on their balance.   Susi Hately is the founder of Functional Synergy and she helps people reveal and heal their human potential regardless of their age or condition. She also helps yoga teachers, yoga therapists and health care providers hone their talent and become excellent practitioners. Susi also teaches people, often over 50, 60 and 70 years of age, how to get out of pain and handle other symptoms that accompany aging. Susi combines her formal training in Kinesiology and deep knowledge of yoga to foster the magic of recovery and healing so that they can live well, with strength and ease, and better balance.   Susi shares how she was inspired to get into this line of work by her father who improved his balance and mobility through yoga. She outlines the key elements that contribute to balance and highlights the importance of asking students why they want to improve their balance. Susi also talks about joint mobility, rest, breath and breathing all impact balance, and tips to help our students (and ourselves!) maintain and improve balance as we get older.   Key Takeaways: [2:27] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Susi Hately. [5:06] What is the work that Susi does and who does she do it for? [6:46] What got Susi interested in talking about balance? [8:38] How did Susi's father get interested in yoga at the age of 79? [9:30] What about yoga helps people improve their balance? [11:13] What are the first steps Susi takes when someone specifically wants to improve their balance? [12:50] How does Susi cater to people who may be fearful about their balance? [14:34] What are some things Susi loves to share with students who want to work on their balance? [16:33] What are some cues yoga teachers could be more mindful around when it comes to breathing? [18:38] What does rest have to do with balance? [20:57] What are Susi's thoughts on guiding people to the practice of yoga when they need to down regulate their nervous system? [23:12] What kind of homework does Susi give her students to improve their balance? [26:22] What are some movements related to balance that we take for granted that we can practice in a yoga class? [30:13] Closing the eyes can be an important part of training people in their balance. How does Susi address students who may feel embarrassed or afraid of fumbling or falling over with their eyes closed? [33:22] Shannon pops in with a quick message about the sponsor, OfferingTree. [36:01 - 36:01] Susi highlights the fact that our bodies can change at any age and people can regain some of the mobility and ability that they may have lost. [39:30] Why do people believe that they are destined to lose their mobility and ability to perform certain actions? [44:00] Susi leaves us with some final things to remember as we work with students or work on our own balance. [44:39] Find out more about Susi and her work at her website and check out her YouTube channel too. [45:25] Shannon shares her key takeaway from this conversation with Susi. [50:00] Shannon shares some upcoming offerings.   Links: Susi Hately Susi Hately on YouTube The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 288: Shavasana (śavāsana) with Indu Arora Caroline do-in-yoga.de Getting Started as A New Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow - OfferingTree Webinar “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "The key components are what's going on in your inner ear, your stimulus system, what's going on visually as well as what's going on developmentally, like your motor control patterns and how your body moves."   "Rest and breathing are important to balance."   "The key is how can we help a system down regulate and have a system become too that restful state.... If we can settle and connect and be at ease, we'll find that the balance is a lot better."   "When you have the correct stimulus, all sorts of things can shift."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 290: Best Microphones for Online Yoga with Ashley Hagen   Description: Many yoga teachers are teaching online these days and one thing is extremely important for online classes - sound quality. Having a good quality microphone can really help, but with so many options available, which do you choose without breaking your budget? Ashley Hagen has some advice for you in this episode.   Ashley Hagen is a yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer, yoga studio owner, and business coach. She gets excited about all the things that support an online teacher or studio -- systems, software, and the technology needed to make it all run smoothly. Since moving into the online space, Ashley has become an expert in building an online yoga business - including what mics to use to teach online, on Zoom, and out in big outdoor spaces.   Ashley gives her recommendations on best mics for yoga teachers teaching online, suggestions to improve your sound quality as you are leading classes, and how to navigate some of the complex technology related to getting set up for Zoom and online classes. Ashley also shares how OfferingTree has been a useful resource for her and why she recommends it to yoga teachers, as well as how you can build confidence to teach online.   Key Takeaways: [2:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Ashley Hagen. [6:11] What is the work that Ashley does and who does she do it for? [7:14] Did Ashley's business take off with the pandemic? [8:32] What microphone does Ashley recommend for yoga teachers who want to teach online? [11:50] Ashley has done a video comparing a whole bunch of different microphones that yoga teachers use. She shares a little about that. [14:29] Shannon had a problem with adjusting the volume on her Rode microphone so she reached out to Ashley. Ashley explains how she set up her Rode mic to work. [18:46] How can you play music on Zoom and still use a wireless mic? [20:49] Ashley shares some tips on what to wear while teaching online so that your clothes don't interfere with the mic, and how to wear your mic. [23:33] What are some mishaps Ashley has had while teaching online that she has learned from? [26:10] If you're having problems with your mic, you might want to check the cables first!   [28:16] Ashley has some tips if you are teaching yoga outdoors. [29:22] How does Ashley handle recording and editing her videos? [32:00] Ashley has a quick tip about the kind of content you could be sharing on YouTube. [32:46] Ashley shares her experience with using OfferingTree for her business. [36:18] Would Ashley recommend OfferingTree for yoga teachers who are just getting started? [40:04] What are Ashley's thoughts on yoga teachers not getting their offerings out first. [41:56] Ashley shares some advice for yoga teachers who are feeling uncertain about whether they can teach online yoga. [43:30] Learn more from Ashley through her website and connect with her on social media! [44:14] Ashley outlines the information you can find in her PDF guide! [45:09] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Ashley. [46:12] Shannon did a little mic test to show the difference in sound for her between the Blue Yeti mic, her Airpods, and the Rode Wireless Go. [49:39] Shannon highlights some of her key takeaways from this chat with Ashley. Links: Ashley Hagen Ashley Hagen on YouTube Microphone for Online Yoga Teaching [Playlist] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 059: Market Your Yoga Teacher Training with Ashley Hagen [Consultation Call] Free Training Build A Yoga Business From Home In 2022 The Ultimate Guide to Online Yoga Teaching by Ashley Hagen Rode Wireless Go Airpods Blue Yeti The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 239: Connecting in Divisive Times with Sinéad O’Connor Getting Started as A New Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow - OfferingTree Webinar “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa 3.5 hour training yoga for pelvic health training Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode:   "If that's the case for you where you ever feel like your mics are going bad, first check the cables."   "[One tip is] it's using a microphone for outdoor yoga to amplify your voice with a speaker."   "I wouldn't call myself an audio expert or a technology expert, but I'm a step or two ahead of people because I test things out. So I'm able to answer some questions."   "Yoga studios don't get students before they open their storefront. They open a studio first and then they get the students. It's kind of the same thing. You've got to open your virtual studio before you get people in the doors."   "Yoga studios don't get students before they open their storefront. They open a studio first and then they get the students. You've got to open your virtual studio before you get people in the doors."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 289: Limb Difference and Yoga with Melissa D'Errico   Description: Many more people live with limb differences than we might realize. However, we are not taught as yoga teachers how to serve people with limb differences when they come into our classes or create more welcoming and comfortable spaces for them. Melissa D’Errico has some advice and insights to share.   Melissa D’Errico has had a lifelong love of movement. She started dance classes at a young age, and eventually found her way to yoga, earning multiple certifications in yoga in different modalities such as pre-natal yoga, yin yoga, yoga dance, and other forms of yoga. Melissa also offers healing energy work through Reiki. She currently teaches at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, the Meditate School of Mindfulness and at Beyond Transformation and supports the Lucky Fin Project, nonprofit organization working to raise awareness and celebrate children and individuals born with symbrachydactyly or other limb differences (upper, lower, congenital, and amputee).   Melissa shares her story of being born with a limb difference and how that never stopped her from doing anything she felt called to. Melissa also shared some valuable insights around the language that we use around people with limb differences as well as what we as yoga teachers need to know when someone with a limb difference attends our classes.   This is a great opportunity to learn more about people with limb differences and how we can better serve them in our classes.    Key Takeaways: [2:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Melissa D'Errico. [5:15] What has Melissa's yoga journey been like? What is the work she currently does? [7:17] Shannon and Melissa discuss her experience with yoga dance. [9:26] Melissa lives in a body with a limb difference. She shares more about her experience. [14:59] What should yoga teachers do when someone with a limb difference comes into their class? [19:11] Melissa shares some insight about dealing with "uncomfortable moments" in a yoga class. [20:34] What are some things around language and cues that Melissa would like yoga teachers to know and use? [22:29] Shannon highlights some re-education she experienced at the Accessible Yoga Conference. [25:18] Shannon shares a little about the sponsor, OfferingTree. [27:43] What does Melissa say to people who have a limb difference that they were not born with and are feeling like it's a disability for them? [30:54] What made Melissa stop calling her limb difference a birth defect? [34:14] What are some things from yoga and yoga philosophy that Melissa has learned and applies to her life? [35:16] Learn more about Melissa or join an online class with her! [38:11] How does Melissa make her busy schedule work? [40:25] Melissa shares some final thoughts about teaching students with a limb difference. [41:06] Being a "helicopter yoga teacher" isn't helpful. Melissa explains more. [42:24] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode. [49:52] Shannon highlights some of her upcoming events and trainings. Links: Melissa D’Errico Melissa D’Errico on Instagram (Personal), Instagram (Professional), Facebook Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach Meditate: School of Mindfulness Beyond Transformation Marsha Danzig Lucky Fin Project About Megha | Let Your Yoga Dance 7 Reasons to Stop Calling Disabled People Inspirational, by Erin Tatum for Everyday Feminism The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Elliot Kesse, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson - The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 116: Pain Language with Shelly Prosko (Part 1) 3 hr Training The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 270: Hypermobility & Yoga with Libby Hinsley Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals Accessible Yoga Training Online, September 12th-28th Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "I teach yoga with a limb difference."   "You probably feel more uncomfortable than the person with a limb difference."   "We already know everything we need to know, we just need to remember."   "You got this... just lead with your heart, teach with your heart, the true yoga is in your heart and it'll all work out."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 288: Shavasana (śavāsana) with Indu Arora   Description: Shavasana (śavāsana) is the final resting pose of almost every yoga practice but how much do we really know about and understand it? We may think of it as being a pose of resting or relaxation to cool off after a vigorous asana practice but it is much more than that. Indu Arora shares more.   Indu Arora considers herself a lifelong student and has spent the last 2 decades of her life studying, thinking and sharing Yoga and Ayurveda. She is a renowned author of SOMA - 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care, Yoga - Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision, and Mudra: The Sacred Secret. She is a firm believer that “yoga is not to be learnt and done but explored and realized” and embodies this in her own life and practice. Indu travels extensively within the United States, Canada, Europe and India to teach and speak on Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Ayurveda and Mudras and her unique gift is in making Yoga and Ayurveda a practice which is equally useful for beginners as well as for seasoned seekers.    In this interview, we learn the correct Sanskrit pronunciation of Shavasana (and other asana!) and explore why the Sanskrit pronunciation is so important. Indu shares insights on what we are missing about Shavasana and the true purpose of this pose - as a preparation for death. Indu also answers some common questions we often encounter about Shavasana, such as how long it should be, and if it is okay to fall asleep during Shavasana. Indu offers some deep reflective questions for us to contemplate around why we practice yoga and how we can find, share, and face the truth through yoga. This is a great episode to listen to before your next yoga practice or before you do shavasana.   Key Takeaways: [3:48] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Indu Arora. [8:06] What does Indu do and who does she do it for? [9:24] Indu believes that “Yoga is not to be learnt and done but explored and realized.” What does this mean? [13:07] When did Indu's journey with yoga start? [17:58] What is the Sanskrit pronunciation of Shavasana? Indu explains why pronunciation matters.  [24:32] If you are interested in learning more about asana names and meanings, check out Indu's book, Yoga - Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision. [25:38] What does Shavasana mean and what are we missing about it? [31:36] Shannon pops in with a message about the sponsor, OfferingTree. [35:33] People have some resistance in thinking about death and dying. How can we approach teaching about Shavasana and deal with that resistance? [40:20] What elements could yoga teachers incorporate to build more of a practice like this? [42:34] Indu invites us to consider why we are practicing yoga each time we do it, and to ask ourselves if we are becoming robotic in our approach. [45:17] How long does Shavasana need to be? Does it always need to be at the end? [53:13] Learn more from Indu and connect with her via her website, and social media. [55:09] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Indu.   Links: Indu Arora Indu Arora on Instagram Morning and Evening Routines for Everyday Health and Well-Being Yoga - Ancient Heritage Tomorrow's Vision, by Indu Arora Mudra: The Sacred Secret, by Indu Arora SOMA - 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care, by Indu Arora S​havasana, Article by Indu Arora Upcoming Trainings and Events by Indu Arora Rest Unlocked: Yoga Practices for Better Sleep - Training at Kripalu Loom Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals Accessible Yoga Training Online, September 12th-28th Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Yoga is not to be done, it is to be explored and realized. It is a state of being, it is a state of mind, it is a state of emotions, it is a state of breath, all of this."   "What is the purpose of yoga and why are you sharing and why are you studying about it? And why are you thinking about it? Do not lose that focus."   "It is a rehearsal for death."   "Shavasana is the practice of Pratyahara, it's a conscious letting go."   "Yoga is not a feel-good practice, it is a face-the-truth practice."