The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 285: Mental Health Aware Yoga with Dr. Lauren Tober   Description: Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness and 1 in 3 Canadians will be affected by a mental illness during their lifetime. Globally, there is an upward trend in the number of people living with and impacted by mental health conditions. This means we may have students in our classes with mental health conditions that we don’t know about. How can we best support these students within our scope of practice? Dr. Lauren Tober shares more.   Dr Lauren Tober is a Clinical Psychologist, Yoga Teacher and certified iRest Meditation Teacher with a passion for health, healing, happiness and awakening. She is the founder of Awake Psychology, an online Australia-wide psychology practice, the Centre for Mind Body Wellness in Mullumbimby (Australia) and teaches Yoga Teachers around the world about mental health with the Mental Health Aware Yoga training. Lauren has also created several acclaimed online courses, and her work has been featured in many publications.   Lauren explains what is and isn’t in our scope of practice as yoga teachers when it comes to mental health, and how we can support people with mental health conditions without overstepping our boundaries. Lauren also offers tips on what to do when someone cries in a yoga class, how to create a safe container in a yoga class that may have students with mental health issues we don’t know about, and how we can support students outside of yoga.   Key Takeaways: [2:13] Shannon shares a book she is learning a lot from - One Native Life by Richard Wagamese. [4:44] Shannon has a few announcements to share about upcoming events and offerings. [8:16] Shannon introduces the guest for this episode - Dr. Lauren Tober. [11:36] What does Lauren do and who does she do it for? [13:23 - 13:24] Lauren reminds us that we may not know when our students are going through mental health challenges. [15:55] What lies within the scope of practice for yoga teachers when it comes to helping people with their mental health? [18:41] Lauren works with yoga teachers around mental health to give them enough information to help their students. [21:17] It is common for people to break down and cry in yoga classes. What should yoga teachers do in that moment? [26:34] What might Lauren say to someone who cried during the yoga class to check in with them at the end of the class? [27:39] What should yoga teachers do if students start to open up about their struggles or mental health challenges? [30:06] Lauren recommends having a list of professionals you can refer people to - e.g. doctors, naturopaths, psychologists. [34:13] What is something related to mental health challenges that Lauren wishes yoga teachers knew. [38:12] What are Lauren's thoughts on using touch in a yoga class? [43:49] Shannon pops in with a warning about strong language. [45:12] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor OfferingTree. [48:42] There is a common misconception among yoga teachers that if you do enough yoga, you don't need any mental health support. Lauren shares her thoughts on this. [54:01] Find out more about Lauren and her work on her website and check out her special website around yoga for mental health. [56:09] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview.   Links: Dr. Lauren Tober Mental Health Aware Yoga Mental Health & Yoga Summit  Introduction To Yoga + Mental Health Training One Native Life by Richard Wagamese Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 268: Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault with Nikki Adams Consent Tokens The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 267: Thoughts on Belly Breathing with Shannon Crow Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "We don't necessarily know someone is going through stuff, [or] going through some mental health challenges."   "You need to really get clear on what your scope of practice is and make sure you stay within that and if you feel tempted to do some counseling or offer massage or whatever it is, … go and get some training in that area so you can broaden your scope of practice and include that in your offering."   "Yoga has an amazing role to play in terms of supporting mental wellness and supporting people who are going through mental health challenges."   "Supporting somebody going through mental health challenges is creating a space where someone can come and feel safe. "   "To be present with someone else, from one human being to another human being, to be really present is such a gift."   "Having conversations about consent and touch is really powerful."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow   Description: How can we make our yoga classes more inclusive and accessible? The truth is, sometimes we can mess up and make mistakes even when we try to create safer spaces in our yoga classes. We may cause harm without realizing it - that’s why it is a huge gift when someone points out how we are causing harm.   The work of continuous learning goes beyond simply using the right pronouns and extends far beyond Pride month. These are complex and nuanced issues - we have to strive to continuously educate ourselves. In this episode, Shannon Crow shares the email from a listener that inspired this conversation as well as resources for you if you are keen to continue learning how to create safer, more accessible yoga spaces for people in the LGBTQIA+ community.   Key Takeaways: [3:24] Shannon shares a book she has been enjoying and learning from recently. [6:56] This episode was inspired by a brave email sent by a podcast listener in response to Episode 275 about being kicked out of yoga class. [9:00] Shannon shares the email from the listener. [10:44] Even when we want to create safe spaces, we may not succeed. We may also cause harm to others and it is a huge gift when they communicate that with us. [11:58] Our continuous learning journey goes beyond Pride month. [13:03] We can spread our learning and collaboration requests out to span the entire year, instead of just in Pride month. [14:12 Shannon has some resources for you if you want to create an inclusive yoga space in all months of the year, not just in June. [20:54 - 20:59] Shannon shares what OfferingTree is putting together for yoga studios. [22:43] Shannon highlights some of the podcast episodes listeners can learn from as well as trainings available. [27:50] We can all learn from each other if we're willing to share and be vulnerable about where we messed up. Links: Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga Resource Page Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 275: Kicked Out of a Yoga Class!? with Shannon Crow Pelvic Health Professionals (Code: listenersgift284) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 276: Caring for Yoga's South Asian Roots with Susanna Barkataki The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 278: Religion & Cultural Respect in Yoga with Emmy Chahal The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Resources to Guide Learning: Transgender Competency Training with Tobias Wiggins (2-hr training) Embodied Consent with Megan Peterson Trans Pregnancy with Jacoby Ballard Gender Affirming Language with Avery Kalapa Gender Affirming Surgery with Dr. Christi Butler 265: Teach LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Yoga with Gabi Parkham 231: Conscious Marketing with Tristan Katz - The Connected Yoga Teacher Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers with Tristan Katz 195: LGBTQ Awareness for Yoga Teachers with Tristan Katz 217: The Yoga of Trans* Affirmation with Avery Kalapa & Maygen Nicholson 246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard - The Connected Yoga Teacher 108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "This continuous learning journey, I really think this goes beyond Pride Month."   "Please don't be the business that sticks a pride flag on their website in june only to then take it down and forget all about the social justice issue the rest of the year."   "It is very nuanced and it's like we don't know what we don't know and in the meantime we might be causing harm."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 283: Teach Yoga Without Demos with Francesca Cervero   Description: Do you demonstrate yoga asanas when you teach? Do you wish you could do fewer demos in a class but don’t know how? How can we start doing that in our classes? Francesca Cervero explains how she teaches yoga without demos and how other yoga teachers can too.   Francesca Cervero has been teaching yoga full-time since 2005. Inspired by her foundational training at OM Yoga Center, the years she spent as a dancer, and subsequently in physical therapy, Francesca’s teaching is also influenced by her love of Buddhist teachings and a constant curiosity about anatomy and biomechanics. Francesca offers private 1:1 yoga classes, mentors yoga teachers in The Science of the Private Lesson™, hosts the podcast The Mentor Sessions: Support & Strategy for Yoga Teachers, and is the founder of the adjoining community, The Mentor Sessions Sangha.   Francesca explains the benefits of teaching without demos and how we can start to teach without doing demos in yoga classes. She shares her tips like sitting on your hands while teaching and how to cue effectively as well as how to ease the transition if you currently rely on demos to teach. Francesca also shares how she counters pushback like “people are visual learners” and what to do when accessibility is a factor and we need to share demos.   Key Takeaways: [2:13] Shannon shares a podcast she is learning from. [6:13] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Francesca Cervero. [10:05] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree. [12:48] What does Francesca do and who does she do it for? [14:18] What does Francesca do in terms of demonstrations vs no demonstrations as she is teaching. [16:43] What are some of the benefits of not doing demos? [19:58] You might feel inclined to demonstrate because you're feeling nervous. Francesca addresses this and shares some tips  that can help. [25:16] The only way to gain the skills to teach without demonstrating is to practice them. [27:29] Recording yourself teaching with just your voice can be a helpful technique to get better at teaching without demonstrating. [30:40] How does Francesca deal with that awkward moment when people in the class are waiting to see a demonstration because that's what they've become used to? [36:15] Teaching without demonstrating isn't black-and-white. The key is to focus on the student and what cues might help them. [40:14] Shannon and Francesca discuss the difference between teaching yoga and doing yoga for your own practice. [41:26] What can yoga teachers do when they're teaching online and their students want to have their video off? [49:02] Find out more about Francesca and how to work with her via her podcast, mentor sessions, and her community. [49:34] Francesca addresses two scenarios that yoga teachers may have questions about - teaching beginners without demos and teaching in situations with a language barrier or to people who are deaf and hard of hearing. [53:01] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview with Francesca.   Links: Francesca Cervero Francesca Cervero on Instagram Francesca Cervero's Podcast Stillness + Movement Virtual Yoga Studio The Mentor Sessions Sangha Aborsh Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 281: Yoga Teaching Tips with Gabrielle Harris The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 282: What's Missing? Yoga Class Notes with Kathryn Anne Flynn Rosemary Donnelly, Midlife Yoga and Wellness. Pelvic Health Professionals Yoga for Pelvic Health 6-Week Series with Shannon Crow Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "It's obviously not sustainable to need to constantly use our body to share information about movement."   "When we exclusively use our body to share information about movement, I think that it puts the emphasis or the focus on the aesthetic of the shape rather than the experience or the potential benefit, which will look radically different person to person."   "I prefer teaching with my words because I think it places the emphasis for the student more on what they're experiencing as opposed to what their body looks like."   "The only way to gain the skills to teach without demonstrating is to practice them."   "The real heart of teaching is in relationship. If you can't see them, then that's not there."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 282: What's Missing? Yoga Class Notes with Kathryn Anne Flynn   Description: Have you ever been to a yoga class and noticed that something is missing? Perhaps it was the cues given, or the postures practices, or even the sequence of the class. There are certain key elements that we need to have to make a well-rounded yoga class and we might be missing some of them! Kathryn Anne Flynn shares her expertise on this topic and how we can make our classes more accessible to all.   Kathryn Anne Flynn is a teacher and student of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and psychotherapy in Ottawa, Canada. She is known for weaving together her fields of study and practice tools to meet life with a compassionate presence. Students of many generations call her their teacher and they are drawn to her inclusivity and authenticity. Kathryn is also the host of the Intelligent Edge Yoga Podcast, author of Teach Kind, Clear Yoga, and offers online practices as well as trainings, workshops, and retreats.   Kathryn shares her insights about some of the key elements missing from yoga classes (especially with newer teachers) such as silence, little joint care, and music and playlists, and gives us tips on how we can effectively incorporate these into our yoga classes to become better teachers and create a better environment for our yoga students. This is a really motivating episode to get inspiration about how to improve on your classes and create a better environment for our yoga students.   Key Takeaways: [0:00] Shannon addresses the recent US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade. [1:45] This episode is also sponsored by the Accessible Yoga Continuing Education Program. [8:33] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kathryn Anne Flynn. [11:55] You can win one of Kathryn's books simply by leaving a comment in the show notes! [13:04] What does Kathryn do and who does she do it for? [14:37] What got Kathryn interested in her work around psychotherapy and trauma therapy, from being a yoga educator? [17:29] Kathryn is the author of Teach Kind, Clear Yoga. What was her motivation for writing the book and what feedback has she received about it? [19:31] There are often trends in things that are missing from new yoga teachers' classes. Kathryn reflects on how she made this observation. [22:14] A reminder for people going through their yoga teacher training: Teaching yoga is never going to be as hard as it is in your training. [24:01] Something that is often missing even from experienced teachers' classes is silence. [26:09] Another element often missing in yoga classes is little joint care. [28:53] There is value in simplicity and repetition. [32:33] A tip for new teachers - if you are nervous when teaching yoga, you can use music to support your teaching and create atmosphere in your classes. [33:54] Shannon pops in to share a conversation she had with Sara Villamil about OfferingTree. [36:11] Is music essential to a yoga class or can we teach without it? Shannon and Kathyrn share their perspectives. [43:07] Kathryn shares some tips around what to consider when sequencing your yoga class. [48:33] You can bring creativity into sequencing your yoga classes. [50:16] Kathryn developed her own personal style of yoga because of the communities she worked with and paying attention to their needs. [53:05] Kathryn highlights two types of postures that are often missing from yoga classes. [59:30] What are some final thoughts Kathryn has for a yoga teacher who is feeling like something is missing from their class? [60:39] Get Kathryn's book and connect with her via her website and social media. [62:24] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Kathryn. Links: Kathryn Anne Flynn Kathryn Anne Flynn on Instagram and Facebook Intelligent Edge Yoga Podcast Teach Kind, Clear Yoga by Kathryn Anne Flynn Accessible Yoga Continuing Education Program Accessible Yoga Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 281: Yoga Teaching Tips with Gabrielle Harris Diane Liska Sara Villamil Self-Awakening Yoga, by Don Stapleton Aborsh Podcast Intelligent Edge Yoga Podcast - Yoga Playlists: The Effects of Music on Practice and the Practicalities of Teaching to Music on Apple and Spotify Balance Cushion The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 268: Yoga for Surviors of Sexual Assault with Nikki Adams Pelvic Health Professionals Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Accessible Yoga Continuing Education Program. Quotes from this episode: "Teaching yoga is never going to be as hard as it is in your training."   "Reviewing your teaching can remain uncomfortable and it's worth it."   "If you design your classes in a way that folks are safe doing the practice, you can have faith in the resilience of the human body - which means you can have faith in the potency of silence and restrain yourself to offer more space because people need silence so badly if their lives are super busy and loud."   "I think it's important to be able to teach and practice both with and without [music]. It's just another tool that you need to know how and when to apply it."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 281: Yoga Teaching Tips with Gabrielle Harris   Description: Whether you’re fresh out of a yoga teacher training or have been teaching yoga for years, there is always something new to learn about becoming a better teacher. Gabrielle Harris shares actionable tips for yoga teachers that you can start implementing in your classes and using right away.   Gabrielle describes herself as a writer at heart and a yogi in mind and body. Her aim is to inspire students and teachers from all disciplines to keep falling in love with yoga each new day. Gabrielle has over 1000 hours of training in various disciplines and traditions, and through her written work and yoga classes reminds us to start living a full life through the toolbox of yoga. She is also the author of The Language of Yin and The Inspired Yoga Teacher.   Gabrielle talks about her journey in writing these two books, how to teach yoga to beginners, and why language is so important and powerful in yoga. Gabrielle also shares her thoughts on what makes a good yoga teacher and why our job is to watch, listen and observe, rather than centering ourselves in our teaching. She offers some tips on the different types of cues we might use, how to practice nonviolent communication, and encourages us to reflect on our responsibility as yoga teachers.   Key Takeaways: [0:00] Shannon addresses the recent US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade. [2:30] This episode is also sponsored by the Accessible Yoga Continuing Education Program. [5:58] Shannon shares one of the resources she has been learning from - Buffy on CBC. [9:06] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Gabrielle Harris. [12:31] What does Gabrielle do and who does she do it for? [13:11] Gabrielle shares more about the two books she has written. [14:24] What has helped Gabrielle get through the long process of writing books and teaching yoga? [15:26] Gabrielle has teaching experience outside of yoga. She explains how that has shaped how she teaches yoga. [18:07] How can yoga teachers cut out the fluff and get to the very essential parts of yoga when teaching beginners? [19:53] How does Gabrielle apply what she learned in teaching a language to a yoga teacher training? [23:15] It can be tempting to try to fill space with words, but it is important to be intentional instead. [25:14] How can we practice self-editing? [27:05] Why do we often feel the need to fill silence with words? [30:02] As yoga teachers, sharing parts of your life can be very powerful, but only under certain circumstances. It can be useful to become the listener instead. [33:22] What are some things that can help improve our teaching technique? [35:43] Timing and pace are also very important for a yoga class. [38:37] Shannon pops in with an update about OfferingTree, sponsor of the podcast. [41:30] How can yoga teachers manage the timing of their flow and sequence? [44:03] Gabrielle shares some tips around different types of cues you can give in a yoga class and examples of what that may look like. [49:44] Using questions in teaching is a great technique to center the students instead of the teacher. [52:15] How does Gabrielle handle questions from students who ask where they should be feeling a pose or how to be experiencing a movement? [56:21] Gabrielle shares some thoughts around the responsibility we have as yoga teachers. [59:58] What does Gabrielle wish she had known as a newer teacher? [61:04] Find out more about Gabrielle and her work by checking out her work and the links below. [62:46] You can win a copy of one of Gabrielle's books! [65:27] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview with Gabrielle. Links: Gabrielle Harris Gabrielle Harris on Instagram and Facebook Books by Gabrielle Harris Accessible Yoga Continuing Education Program Accessible Yoga Podcast Buffy Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 275: Kicked Out of a Yoga Class?! with Shannon Crow Lindsay Hobbs, Topaz Editing & Literary Pelvic Health Professionals Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Accessible Yoga Continuing Education Program. Quotes from this episode: "It is much more difficult to be precise and concise and essential." - Gabrielle   "If you want to know what the essence of what you're trying to teach is, you need to go back to what your intention is for that class." - Gabrielle   "There's different types of cueing and there's a place for all of them." - Gabrielle   "I want the teachers out there to assume that everything that we're saying, everything that we do in a yoga class has a propensity to change or to harm or to heal." - Gabrielle  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons   Description: As yoga business owners, we may feel conflicted around making money and getting paid for sharing yoga and helping others. However, being able to get paid for the work that you do ensures that you will be able to continue serving others with your yoga. So how do you make sure that you can pay yourself a consistent salary? Shannon Simmons shares how to organize your finances and get paid consistently as a yoga teacher.   Shannon is the founder and CEO of Fit For Profit. Her goal is to remove the stress that wellness business owners often feel around finances, by helping them implement simple systems around money management. By helping them create financial systems in their business that allow them to pay themselves a consistent salary, Shannon enables them to worry less about paying bills and focus on building a sustainable business.   In this episode, Shannon S. addresses some of the concerns yoga entrepreneurs have around making money and getting paid, and encourages us to shift our mindset and thinking about our businesses. She explains how the Profit First system helps yoga teachers make a profit in their business and build a more sustainable business that is able to deal with emergency expenses and taxes while paying yourself a consistent salary. If you are ready to start making profits in your yoga business, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: [0:00] Shannon addresses the recent US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade. [3:54] Shannon shares some of the resources she has been learning from. [6:09] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shannon Simmons. [12:12] What does Shannon S. do and who does she do it for? [13:19] What is the Profit First system of accounting? [15:15] Setting up multiple bank accounts can be a challenge! What are Shannon S's thoughts around that? [16:07] Shannon S. has a list of banks she recommends for people wanting to implement Profit First. [16:31] How does Profit First differ from the typical way of managing finances in a business? [20:04] Apart from the account for profit, what are the other accounts we should have in this system? [22:04] Paying yourself as the owner is separate from your profit! Shannon S. explains further. [24:09] How does Shannon S. respond to wellness professionals or yoga teachers who think that they shouldn't be making their business about profit? [25:48] What are some of Shannon S.'s tips to implement the Profit First system? [27:29] Shannon S. recommends raising your rates annually. [31:15] Get your bank statement and start looking at all your expenses. Which ones can you reduce? [33:09] Shannon C. and Shannon S. discuss how useful it can be to have someone on your team to have eyes on your finances. [33:59] If you only have one account for income and expenses, Shannon S. recommends making the transfers every time you get a deposit. How often should you pay yourself profits? [36:20] What happens to the other half of the profits that you don't pay to yourself? [37:29] Shannon C. pops in with tip about using OfferingTree for memberships. [40:27] Many yoga teachers and entrepreneurs don't have a separate business bank account and they aren't paying attention to their finances! Shannon S. shares some tips on that. [43:45] Don't wait till it's time to do your taxes to figure out if you made a profit or not! [44:52] What are some of the roadblocks that come up for entrepreneurs?  [47:10] Shannon S. shares some percentages that people can start off at to implement Profit First in their business. [50:42] What are some tips to get to being able to pay ourselves a salary of 50% of revenue? [53:45] Get support from Shannon S. in setting up Profit First for your business. Connect with her via her website. [58:17] What is your biggest takeaway? What action step will you be taking from this interview? Shannon C. shares how she's applying insights from this interview to her business.   Links: Shannon Simmons, Fit for Profit Profit First Friendly Banks Profit First Instant Assessment Podvoices.help The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow  How to Create a Sustainable Yoga Business Using the Profit First Method Conversation with Mike Michalowicz, Amanda McKinney's Podcast Seven Truths with Tanya Talaga Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz  Dave Ramsey’s Envelope System Explained The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 043: Minimum Viable Income with Steph Crowder Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "You are your own best employees. So you need to be paying yourself as if you were an employee." - Shannon S.   "The only way to help people is to be profitable and the only way that you can truly be profitable is if you're really helping people." - Shannon S.   "If you have any resistance to five [bank accounts], you don't have to do five. Just start with one. That's the very basic process to get started." - Shannon S.   "Most people aren't profitable before they implement Profit First. That's the dirty little secret." - Shannon S.

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow    Description: Bowel health and function is an essential part of our lives, yet something we don’t discuss often. We all (hopefully) have bowel movements regularly and if we are not, it can impact our pelvic organs, pelvic floor and overall health. Yet, conversations about pooping are not normalized and we avoid talking about this topic! Why?   In this episode, Shannon Crow, host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast and founder of Pelvic Health Professionals explores the topic of bowel health. She explains how yoga and bowel health are connected and some of the common things that can go wrong with our bowel health and function. Shannon also shares snippets of a live call from the Pelvic Health Professionals membership with Michelle Lyons, a physiotherapist, yoga, pilates and mindfulness teacher, and nutrition and health coach specializing in pelvic health with a whole-person approach.   This episode is a must-listen for everyone - because bowel health and function affects us all!   Key Takeaways: [4:38] Shannon's getting personal on this episode to talk about a topic not many people are comfortable with - poop! [5:52] How are yoga and bowel health connected? Shannon shares a clip from an interview with Michelle Lyons who spoke about bowel health in Pelvic Health Professionals. [11:01] Shannon invites you to bring your awareness to your bowel health in your next yoga session. She walks us through a couple of yoga poses to help with that. [13:32] The kind of toilet you use may impact your bowel health. Shannon shares some tips on how to bring ease to pooping. [15:13] Shannon pops in with a conversation with a fellow connected yoga teacher about OfferingTree. [17:56] The breath can have a huge impact on bowel health! [19:00] Hormonal changes can impact bowel health and bowel function as well. [22:59] Yoga helps with stress management and brings people into a state of rest and digest. This can impact bowel health positively. [23:54] Michelle covered a lot of different aspects of bowel health and function inside Pelvic Health Professionals! [26:34] Shannon highlights some of the upcoming topics for calls in Pelvic Health Professionals. [28:52] We need to normalize talking about bowel health!   Links: Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon Code: listenersgift279) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 276: Caring for Yoga’s South Asian Roots with Susanna Barkataki The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 278: Religion & Cultural Respect in Yoga with Emmy Chahal Sara Villamil Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "One of the ways that yoga can really help is by bringing attention to the breath. And we know that breathing is absolutely essential for good pelvic floor muscle function." - Michelle   "Yoga and breathing and mindfulness and gentle movement in general, all of these have the ability to tone the vagus nerve." - Michelle   "Good bowel health is really when you don't have to think about it." - Michelle   "Generally bowel dysfunction, we can break down into three categories: either you can't keep stuff in, you can't get stuff out, or it hurts." - Michelle

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 278: Religion & Cultural Respect in Yoga with Emmy Chahal   Description: How are yoga and religion connected? Why do some people, depending on their religion, feel like yoga is evil? What does spiritual bypassing look like and why is it harmful? These are the challenging questions Emmy Chahal tackles in this episode.   Emmy Chahal is a trauma informed yoga teacher, bodyworker/energy healer and workshop facilitator based on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Territory (in the place now known as Vancouver). Emmy works at the crossroads of business, social justice, and spirituality. Emmy has experience of more than 19 years of steady yoga and meditation practice, and over 10 years of teaching. She integrates her educational background in Cultural Studies, and Gender and Women’s Studies to offer tailored workshops for workplaces around wellness topics, cultural education for yoga teachers and practitioners on topics like cultural awareness, ancestral healing, and uncolonizing yoga, as well as intuitive healing sessions. Emmy also offers mentorship for yoga teachers and semi-private or family yoga classes.    There’s no denying that yoga and religion intersect at some points - yet they are different. Emmy explains how colonization shaped our understanding of religion, the impact of that, and why it is important to learn about other faiths and belief systems to avoid causing harm and violence. Emmy also shares more about how yoga can strengthen your faith practice, and how to be respectful of other cultures we partake in while also learning about and connecting to our own culture. This is a rich discussion answering a question many yoga teachers and practitioners have no doubt encountered - is yoga religion?   Key Takeaways: [3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Emmy Chahal. [8:20] What does Emmy do and who does she do it for? [11:16] How do yoga and religion intersect and how are they different and similar? [15:05] Shannon and Emmy discuss how people in North America may not have had the experience of interfaith exploration or learning about other faiths different from their own. [18:03] Emmy shares her thoughts on the idea that yoga is not religion and addresses the idea that people have that yoga is against their religion. [22:46] How are things like colonization and residential schools tied to yoga and religion? [28:10] Shannon reflects on her ancestors' history. [29:08] Understanding your ancestry and history can help you avoid something Emmy calls "hungry ghost syndrome". [34:27] Learning about whose land you are on and the history of that land can be a healing practice. [35:18] Emmy shares her experience of a Kundalini awakening. [38:08] Shannon shares a short conversation she had with Sara Villamil about OfferingTree. [40:31] What are Emmy's thoughts on Christian yoga? [44:45] Yoga is a great system to have difficult conversations through. [46:14] There is a lot of ignorance about the history of yoga and lack of cultural awareness among yoga teachers, particularly white yoga teachers in the west. [48:23] What actions can yoga teachers take to make a difference in how yoga is treated? [54:07] Do not turn to South Asian yoga teachers and expect them to tell you what to do. [54:52] Research your ancestors and learn about your own spiritual, embodiment, and earth-based practices. [55:26] Is yoga religion? [60:14] Emmy has found that yoga can help people in their faith practice. [63:18] Find out more about Emmy's work and learn more from her via her website. [66:08] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode with Emmy.   Links: Emmy Chahal Emmy Chahal on Instagram Cultural Respect & Religion in Yoga (Live Video with Emmy Chahal) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 276: Caring for Yoga’s South Asian Roots with Susanna Barkataki The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal Pulxaneeks, Indigenous Relations Consultation Sara Villamil Yoga is Dead Podcast Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer Pelvic Health Professionals Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Yoga became a way of connecting to a collective consciousness, but also connecting to our own personal spirituality."   "[Yoga] is a mind body spirit practice and that it can help you in your faith practice."   "Yoga is about union. It's about finding that connection between your mind, body and heart and really connecting to yourself."   "There are really interesting links between yoga and Christianity that if we dig deeper, we could see some deep connections about the mystical quality."   "There has been a denial of the roots of yoga and this is something so common in the yoga industry. ... Something is lost here because we're not recognizing, we're not acknowledging where the practice comes from."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal   Description: What are land acknowledgements? Who needs to do them, and why? How is it relevant to yoga, and how does this fit into the larger context of deepening our connection to the lands we occupy? Jessica Barudin and Emmy Chahal answer these questions and more in this episode.   Jessica Barudin (she/her) is Kwakwaka'wakw, a member of the 'Namgis First Nation living in Alert Bay, BC. She is a proud mother, Sundancer, yoga student, and trauma-informed yoga teacher. Jessica is the co-founder of Cedar and Gold, and collaborates with Nations and organizations across Turtle Island. Additionally, she is completing her doctoral studies focusing on developing a culturally-rooted, trauma-informed yoga for First Nations women and two-spirit folks. Jessica's classes weave in Indigenous embodied practices and teachings as well as honors Yoga's roots through sound, mudra, and a variety of forms made accessible for all bodies.   Emmy Chahal is a trauma informed yoga teacher, bodyworker/energy healer and workshop facilitator based on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Territory (in the place now known as Vancouver). Emmy works at the crossroads of business, social justice, and spirituality. Emmy has experience of more than 19 years of steady yoga and meditation practice, and over 10 years of teaching. She integrates her educational background in Cultural Studies, and Gender and Women’s Studies to offer tailored workshops for workplaces around wellness topics, cultural education for yoga teachers and practitioners on topics like cultural awareness, ancestral healing, and uncolonizing yoga, as well as intuitive healing sessions. Emmy also offers mentorship for yoga teachers and semi-private or family yoga classes.    Land acknowledgment is just a tiny but important step within a much larger journey. Emmy and Jessica share why emotions like pain, guilt, fear, and anger are high for everyone with this topic and how we can deal with them. They also explain why deepening our connections to the land we inhabit is important and how we can learn about and honor different traditions, including yoga and indigenous healing traditions.   Key Takeaways: [3:14] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Jessica Barudin and Emmy Chahal [11:26] What do Jessica and Emmy do? [15:07] Shannon shares why she was nervous about approaching the topic of land acknowledgements. [17:12] Why is it important to share land acknowledgements and who needs to be doing it? [23:23] Many people may start to feel defensive when talking about land acknowledgements. Why is that, and what can we do instead? [29:20] Jessica highlights the importance of continuing these conversations even as we may feel hesitant or uncomfortable about them, and how we can move forward from there. [32:54] How can we strengthen this practice of giving land acknowledgements beyond just paying lip service? Where can we start with this, especially if it may feel uncomfortable? [37:38] Shannon shares a clip of a short conversation she had with a yoga teacher about OfferingTree. [43:13] Jessica shares some insights about her particular geographical location and the history and connection she has to the land. [50:38] There may be no easy way to wrap up land acknowledgement and lineage acknowledgment into one or two sentences that encompass the entire history. [54:36] One key thing Emmy would like to see is people of European descent remembering their ancestors and going back to their earth-based embodiment and spiritual practices. [56:44] How has yoga helped indigenous communities? There is a lot of cross cultural learning, rather than blending or merging traditions and systems. [65:02] Jessica and Emmy share more about how you can work with and learn from them. [70:46] Shannon shares her reflections and takeaways from this discussion with Jessica and Emmy.   Links: Jessica Barudin Jessica Barudin on Instagram Emmy Chahal Emmy Chahal on Instagram Robin DiAngelo and Resmaa Menakem: In Conversation, On Being with Krista Tippett Sara Villamil Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer Pelvic Health Professionals Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Land Acknowledgments - I feel like it's the tip of the iceberg. It's one tiny tiny gesture that is an invitation for people to really look at their complacency, complicity in colonialism." - Emmy   "Emotions are always part of this conversation and I think it's really important to be gentle with yourself and forgiving and to sit with the complexity and the pain and the guilt and all of that." - Emmy   "When we acknowledge the land, is it just a token gesture or is it something that we're deepening our relationships with where we are and what time in history." - Jessica   “It has to be heartfelt and it has to be honest and it has to point towards deeper action." - Emmy   "When people tell me they're nervous or they're scared or hesitant to say the wrong thing, I always take that as a good sign. That means that you care, and have the courage to make mistakes and try and try again. I think that's really important." - Emmy

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 276: Caring for Yoga's South Asian Roots with Susanna Barkataki   Description: A topic the yoga community has been quite hesitant to approach is that of caring for yoga’s south Asian roots and re-centering South Asian yoga teachers and practitioners. In this episode, Susanna Barkataki shares her insights on why this is important and how to do it well.   Susanna Barkataki is an Indian yoga practitioner in the Shankaracharya tradition. Her work is dedicated to supporting practitioners to lead with equity, diversity and yogic values while growing thriving practices and businesses with confidence. As the founder of Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute, Susanna runs Yoga Teacher Training programs and offers other trainings and courses designed to create a fully inclusive and diverse yoga community. Susanna is also the author of Embrace Yoga’s Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice, and a renowned speaker and trainer on topics like diversity, accessibility, inclusivity, and equity (DAIE).   Susanna shares more about yoga’s roots and how it has changed and evolved over time, the two criteria for cultural appropriation, and the current practice of yoga in white communities around the world. She explains why it is important to re-center South Asian yoga teachers (and teachings), and guides us to finding our own answers about whether white yoga teachers should be teaching yoga and how to do so in a way that uplifts the yoga community.   Key Takeaways: [2:21] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Susanna Barkataki. [6:16] Susanna shares a little about her background and how she came to do the work that she does. [9:37] Shannon and Susanna discuss what her parents went through as a mixed race couple in the 70s and how those experiences shaped Susanna. [14:27] What does Susanna have to say to yoga teachers who are just starting to learn about cultural appropriation? [19:01] Susanna outlines the two criteria for cultural appropriation to be present. [23:00] Susanna explains a little about using the term South Asian yoga teachers or practitioners to refer to the people from the lands where yoga originated. [27:54] Why is it important to center South Asian yoga teachers if yoga doesn't belong to anyone and has moved around and spread to different parts of the world? [34:22] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree. [36:21] Susanna shares a story from Indian mythology about why only understanding or focusing on one part of yoga is insufficient. [39:47] Shannon speaks to the fear that white yoga teachers may have around re-centering South Asian yoga teachers. What actually happens when we re-center South Asian yoga teachers? Why and how should we do that? [50:09] What are the benefits of collaborating with others and lifting others up, even if they do similar work to you? [53:43] Shannon and Susanna discuss how being in a position of privilege is not actually beneficial to the people at the top of the hierarchy either. [58:09] Should white yoga teachers even be teaching yoga? [62:31] Susanna shares her final thoughts around caring for yoga's roots. [65:08] Find out more about Susanna and her work via her website and on Instagram. [67:06] Shannon reflects on her conversation with Susanna and shares her key takeaways. Links: Susanna Barkataki Ignite Yoga & Wellness Institute Embrace Yoga’s Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice, by Susanna Barkataki Embrace Yoga's Roots Workbook Susanna Barkataki on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast BONUS: Anti-Racism & Yoga with Michelle Johnson Carly Baumann, Radical Rest Yoga Pelvic Health Professionals Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Post by OfferingTree   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "There's so much to this practice and being a humble student is a great place to start, even if you're already a teacher."   "There is a diversity in this tradition [yoga] and an openness and kind of an agreement to disagree civilly and to have a different perspective from one another but to be on this path together."   "Should you be profiting from this practice that comes from a people who have been held down oppressed, marginalized and not centered?"   "When we look at power and balance, we can utilize our power when and where we have it to continue to empower ourselves, but also to lift up others."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 275: Kicked Out of a Yoga Class!? with Shannon Crow   Description: Have you ever been kicked out of a yoga class, or made to feel unwelcome, excluded, or shamed? It may feel shocking to hear if you have never had this experience, but sadly this is something many people in The Connected Yoga Teacher community have experienced.   In this episode, Shannon shares comments from members of The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook community describing their experiences when they were kicked out of a yoga class, or felt uncomfortable, ashamed, and rejected from the class, both because of yoga teachers and other students.    This episode invites us to consider how we are showing up in our yoga classes and in the world with empathy, compassion, and understanding – and encourages us to think about how we can disrupt harm when we encounter it to create safer and more welcoming yoga spaces for everyone.   Key Takeaways: [2:55] Shannon explains the topic for this episode - how we don't want our yoga classes to go and how we don't want yoga students to feel. [4:25] Shannon shares the inspiration for this episode - the experience of Shannon's friends who were kicked out of a yoga class based on their gender. [7:50] One of the things that people shared was not being allowed to leave or drink water or modify something in a yoga class. [14:05] Shannon shares an audio message from Aarti about not feeling welcome or feeling excluded from yoga. [19:19] Shannon invites us to think about Aarti's experience and to reflect on our own actions in yoga spaces.  [20:42] Shannon shares experiences from yoga teachers who have been turned away from yoga or discouraged from practicing it because of their size or age. [22:35] Shannon shares a comment from community members who felt unwelcome for needing visual cues or modifications in a yoga class. [25:23] Shannon shares an article Sinead wrote for OfferingTree. [28:02] A community member shares two stories of not feeling welcome in a yoga class. [33:17] Shannon reads a comment from a community member about their experience with non-attachment. [35:35] Clique behaviors is another common theme that has made people feel unwelcome at yoga classes or studios. [38:16] Trigger Warning: The next section of this podcast deals with sensitive topics like intimate partner violence and sexual assault. [38:45] We may also make people feel unwelcome based on things we cannot see or know about them or their experiences. Shannon shares a comment and an audio clip from a community member talking about survivors of intimate partner violence. [44:39] Shannon shares a comment and a clip from a male community member who felt unwelcome in his class of all women. [50:10] We have no idea what people are dealing with as they walk into a yoga class with us, which is why it is important to have empathy, understanding, and compassion for others. [50:42] Shannon shares a few more comments from people who have felt excluded in yoga classes. [56:21] Shannon invites us to call out harmful practices we may encounter and reflect on our own practices as well.   Links: Original Facebook Thread The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 265: Teach LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Yoga with Gabi Parkham The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 181: Grow an Online Yoga Business with Nikki Naab-Levy Rebecca C Jennifer Downing: Instagram and Website Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga Resources This Woman Shared Her Awful Experience Getting Body Shamed And Judged At A Yoga Studio And Thousands Of People Are Sharing Similar Experiences, Buzzfeed Article Yves Cedano: Website and Instagram Tiffany on Instagram 6 Easy-to-Implement Tips for Fantastic Client Retention, By Sinead O’Connor for OfferingTree Cindy Beers Yoga for Mental Health Program, Omega Institute  Eleonora Cordovani Nikki Desalvo, Survivor-Led Movement The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 268: Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault with Nikki Adams Michael Symon Elaine: Facebook and Website Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "How often do people not feel safe or included in a yoga class due to gender?” - Shannon   "Why are we not allowing students or yoga teachers, yoga practitioners to modify?" - Shannon   "Why do we feel the need to control other bodies instead of letting them choose what they want to be doing, and not only choose what they want to be doing, choosing what they need to be doing?" - Shannon   "When we just pull out a tiny piece [of a culture] and place it on merchandise for sale or change the meaning, that's cultural appropriation. That's harmful." - Aarti   "We can learn from this, we can definitely take a look at how we are showing up to teach yoga to share yoga and look with a bit of self compassion and reflection as well." - Shannon   "We have no idea what people are dealing with as they walk into a yoga class with us." - Shannon

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 274: Self-Care for Caregivers with Jo Bregnard   Description: One of the things every yoga entrepreneur needs is self-care. As yoga teachers, we are caregivers in some form. To care for others, we need to care for ourselves first. If you are thinking you don’t have time for self-care, or don’t like bubble baths or spas, this interview with Jo Bregnard will shed new light on the idea of self-care.   Jo Bregnard offers self-care for caregivers through online movement and mindfulness classes, retreats in Vermont, and free selfcare resources. Jo became a yoga teacher in 2014, after a personal journey with caring for others, and then needing to be cared for. Through her experiences, Jo found ways to incorporate bite-sized self-care practices into her life from the different modalities she has studied over the years. Today, she helps other caregivers cultivate their own self-care practice and sustain themselves in the work they do.   In this episode, Jo shares her personal story of caregiving and receiving care, the difference between a sprint versus long-term care, and how yoga teachers are caregivers too. Jo explains what self-care can look like for different people and how to find time for self-care in our busy schedules and hectic lives. Jo also offers suggestions on how to take a retreat for self-care when you can't travel and more.   Whether you’re in a caregiving role or not, this episode is a perfect reminder for us about the importance of self-care and how we can carve time out for it.   Key Takeaways: [2:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jo Bregnard. [6:18] What does Jo do and who does she do it for? [7:07] What is Jo's response to people who say they don't have time for self-care? [8:06] What led Jo to start doing the work that she does? [14:13] Jo addresses the shame or guilt that people may feel at not being able to do a dedicated hour of yoga practice instead of a quick breathing technique. [16:17] Why is it so important for us to refill our tanks through self-care? [18:41] If you are wanting to build a self-care practice but are struggling, Jo has some tips for you. [23:01] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree. [25:00] It can be easy and tempting to jump right into doing things when you first wake up in the morning, but it is immensely beneficial to take a few minutes for yourself first. [26:58] What are some things that Jo recommends for yoga teachers who are in the midst of a sprint to work in some self-care? [28:38] When we're talking about self-care to other people and doing it for ourselves, how can we ensure it is accessible? [33:29] Jo offers a five-day mini self-care retreat. She shares how it works. [35:43] Jo shares some final thoughts for caregivers. [37:32] Shannon invites you to share a short self-care practice.   Links: Jo Bregnard 5-Day Self-care Mini Retreat Jo Bregnard's Studio Jo Bregnard on Facebook and Instagram Writing A Blog Post? Use These 6 Strategies to Captivate & Attract Clients! by Crunch Ranjani for OfferingTree Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "At some point, you have to start refilling your own well in order to have enough to share with everybody else."   "What can I do and build [self-care] right into my day?"   "Your body knows how to take care of itself."   "The thing that I learned from the people that I work with is hey, we still need connection."   "You have permission for those quiet moments and to slow down. you have permission to take care of yourself too."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman   Description: What is the ultimate goal with your yoga practice? How does yoga tie in with social justice and activism? How is yoga a revolution? Jivana Heyman is back on the podcast to answer these questions and to share more about his new book, Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion.   Jivana Heyman, is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings. Through his work with Accessible Yoga, Jivana offers conferences, community forums, a podcast, and a popular ambassador program. He is also the co-founder of the Accessible Yoga Training School, and the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body.   In this episode, Jivana explains his perspective on how yoga relates to social justice, and how our personal practice of yoga helps us show up and serve. Jivana and Shannon also discuss the power dynamic in teacher-student relationships, why we struggle with failure and how we can normalize it, what to do when the world feels overwhelming, and more.   Tune in to also find out how to win one of two copies of Jivana’s book as well!   Key Takeaways: [4:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman [8:35] What was it like for Jivana to write his second book? [10:51] What does yoga have to do with social justice and activism? [14:29] Shannon and Jivana invite you to consider what is the goal of your own practice. [17:19] What are Jivana's thoughts on how some people view speaking out as unbecoming or not aligned with being a yoga teacher or the teachings of yoga? [22:05] A live listener, Jessica, shares that for them, the ultimate goal of yoga is connection. [24:06] Another listener shares about how yoga has helped them with patience and building community. [27:07] Shannon and Jivana discuss a personal experience he shared in the book about how he dealt with his yoga teacher being accused of abuse. [33:45] Shannon pops in with a message about a new update from OfferingTree. [35:51] Jivana explains what he means by 'my liberation is tied to yours'. [42:04] If we're all connected, we need to work on our connections to people we disagree with as well. [47:51] Jivana talks about failure as a practice, and the impact of our internal self-talk on ourselves. [51:40] Shannon shares some comments from listeners. [54:09] Going back to the theme of failure, Jivana reflects on how we should approach failure. [55:58] What is the rainbow mind? [59:11] How does building your personal practice tie in with being able to deal with the world when it feels overwhelming? [63:29] How can you support someone in your life right now? [66:37] Jivana's new book is available for purchase and Shannon is also giving away two copies to listeners!   Links: Jivana Heyman Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage and Compassion by Jivana Heyman Accessible Yoga Association Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body By Jivana Heyman Yoga Revolution Podcast The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Devi Post-Lineage Yoga, by  Theodora Wildcroft Live with Jivana (full interview) - Yoga Revolution with Jivana Heyman Live with Wolf Terry - Ahimsa in Action with Wolf Terry Theo Wildcroft - Yoga with Theo Wildcroft Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: “I’ve always always really found those connections between yoga and social justice and I wanted to share them.” - Jivana   “To me, social justice is wanting justice for others, actually just having compassion for others and caring about other people other than myself. To me that's directly aligned with the yoga teachings.” - Jivana   “What do you think the ultimate goal for you is with your own practice?” - Shannon Crow   "We are all intimately connected, and that's the point of yoga actually is to find those connections." - Jivana  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 272: Mental Health for Entrepreneurs with Shulamit Ber Levtov   Description: Building a yoga business and being an entrepreneur in general can be stressful and it can take a toll on our mental health. Despite the benefits of being able to set our own schedules and having more flexibility, many entrepreneurs deal with feelings of anxiety and isolation - things not often talked about. Shulamit Ber Levtov (she/her) is an expert in this area and shares more about mental health for entrepreneurs in this podcast.   Shulamit is the Entrepreneur’s Therapist and co-founder of the Business Therapy Centre. She helps women-identified entrepreneurs uplift their mindset and pilot their emotions so they can overcome the anxiety and isolation of running a business, using both coaching and therapeutic tools. With over 27 years experience as an entrepreneur and more than 20 years of professional experience supporting women's mental health and personal growth, Shulamit is an expert at helping entrepreneurs with this. As a licensed trauma therapist, retired Yoga teacher, trauma survivor and award-winning entrepreneur, Shulamit brings a unique perspective and approach to supporting women in business.   In this interview, Shulamit talks about the importance of truth-telling around stress, trauma and mental health. She also shares why we are stronger with support, where to find that support, and how yoga and meditation can amplify (but not replace) therapy. Shulamit also explains why some advice we may commonly hear (like "relax" or "take a breath") may not be helpful for some, especially trauma survivors, and why having structures can be helpful for our nervous system instead.   This is a great episode for any entrepreneur and for humans dealing with the stresses of navigating life in general.   Key Takeaways: [2:49] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shulamit Ber Levtov. [7:06] What does Shulamit do and who does she do it for? [7:53] Anxiety and isolation are common feelings entrepreneurs may have to deal with. Shulamit explains why talking about these experiences truthfully is helpful. [11:33] How much should we normalize sharing about mental health and sharing the personal aspects of ourselves? [16:01] Shulamit explains more about the nuances about sharing about the process and transition vs the details of an incident or difficult moment. [16:57] It can feel really tough to ask for or seek out professional help like therapy. Remember - we are stronger with support! [22:11] There is a myth that if you're doing yoga properly, you won't need therapy. What are Shulamit's thoughts on that? [23:56] What other things does Shulamit wish that entrepreneurs and yoga teachers knew about caring for their mental health when they're struggling? [29:47] Shannon pops in to share a bit of news about a new OfferingTree update. [32:44] What is Shulamit's recommendation when we are dealing with moments of anxiety? [38:49] Shulamit highlights the fact that taking a deep breath may actually cause more anxiety in trauma survivors. [43:00] Structure helps the nervous system. It helps us trust and when we can trust, then we can relax.  [43:16] Shulamit reminds us that being an entrepreneur is hard and there's nothing wrong with you if you feel isolated and anxious. [44:24] Find out more about Shulamit and her work via her website and Instagram. [46:16] Shannon reflects on her conversation with Shulamit. [48:40] Shannon gives an update on Yoga Teacher Conf that she attended recently.   Links: Therapy for Women Entrepreneurs with Shulamit Ber Levtov Shulamit Ber Levtov on Instagram Shulamit Ber Levtov on Facebook Shulamit Ber Levtov on LinkedIn Shulamit Ber Levtov on YouTube Even the Best Meditators Have Old Wounds to Heal Meditation/Psychology - Jack Kornfield Online Entrepreneur Support Group for Women 6 factors of mental health vulnerability for women entrepreneurs - Staying Sane Series - Discover Support for Staying Sane as a Entrepreneur 2020 Mom, a national maternal mental health non-profit organization Yoga Teacher Conf OfferingTree New Feature (More Control Over Refunds) Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "I think truth telling is really important, especially around mental health because of the stigma that's associated."   "We are stronger with support."   "It's also important to bring in discernment around what kind of support and where do I ask."   "The antidote to isolation is to find a wide variety of different kinds of support and to use your discernment around what support is best for when."   "Structure helps the nervous system. It helps us trust and when we can trust, then we can relax."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 271: Yoga and Bone Health with Barb Elias   Description: About 10 million people above the age of 50 in the US have osteoporosis, and 43 million have low bone mass, putting them at risk for osteoporosis. What exactly is osteoporosis and how can we improve our bone health with yoga? Barb Elias (she/her) is an expert in Bone Health and Yoga, and she has some answers.   As someone who was diagnosed with low bone density herself, Barb has had to navigate her condition with her healthcare team and has learned much from the experience. Today, she teaches yoga to students with concerns about low bone density and pelvic health. In her classes, she weaves in all of the information she is learning to create a really unique yoga practice.    In this interview, Barb shares more about low bone density, osteopenia and osteoarthritis, who it can affect, and what she discovered in her own research. She explains some of the strength practices she has found to be effective for her and talks about the importance of rest in bone health. Find out how we can teach yoga in a way that is safe for these students and in a way that doesn’t promote fear around movement, but instead offers ways to strengthen.   Key Takeaways: [3:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Barb Elias. [6:42] How did Barb get into studying bone health and yoga? [8:51] What did it feel like for Barb when she was diagnosed with low bone density? [11:48] What did Barb discover in her research about movement, bone density, and how yoga could support her in this. [17:17] What are some of the contributing factors for Barb's condition with low bone density? [19:57] What are some strength practices that Barb has found to be effective that do not involve going to the gym? [26:22] Shannon pops in with a quick message about creating a membership and how OfferingTree can support you in that. [29:23] Why is rest important to bone health? [33:33] What kind of progress did Barb see in the work she was doing personally to improve bone health? [36:52] Barb shares some surprising statistics about common bone health diagnoses and how that has changed how she leads her classes. [43:53] What are some changes Barb makes when doing a forward fold? [47:12] What is Barb's advice to people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and think they shouldn't move out of fear of causing a microfracture? [49:54] Find out more about Barb's work and connect with her via her website and check out some of the resources she mentioned .   Links: Barb Elias Margaret Martin, Physiotherapist in Ottawa Ontario Canada The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 212: Menopause Myths and Facts with Shirley Weir Osteoporosis Canada Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "The way our bodies process and use calcium relates to the energy cycle, to our breath. Every single time we take a breath, we use calcium. Calcium is part of the whole breathing complex."   "Parties that have strong muscles have strong bones because muscles or what reminds the bones to build and grow and remodel."   "The stronger I get in my body, The stronger I feel emotionally."   "Coming into menopause because of the changes in our hormones, for women especially, the degree of loss can really ramp up, up to 8% of our bones a year."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 270: Hypermobility & Yoga with Libby Hinsley   Description: The yoga we see in magazines and online often depict a contortionist style of yoga and it can give people the idea that only flexible people can or should do yoga. But what comes first – are more flexible people drawn to yoga or does yoga make us more flexible? Where does hypermobility come into all of this? Libby Hinsley answers these questions and more.   Libby Hinsley (she/her) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Yoga Therapist. She has extensive experience with yoga and physical therapy and in her clinical practice, she specializes in treating hypermobility disorgers and yoga-related injuries. Libby also teaches about anatomy in her membership program, Anatomy Bites. Recently diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Libby has a new book coming out on the topic called Yoga for Bendy People.   In this interview, Libby explains more about hypermobility and how it can affect people with this condition. She also shares why people with hypermobility often have tight muscles, how they can benefit from yoga, and some steps they might take to recognize if they have this condition and get it diagnosed. Libby gives yoga teachers some tips on being mindful of their verbal cues and some other things to be aware of with regard to hypermobility in a yoga class.   Key Takeaways: [4:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Libby Hinsley. [6:40] What does Libby do and who does she do it for? [8:19] What is hypermobility? [10:02] Libby was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She explains what it is and how it differs from Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder. [12:08] What are Libby's thoughts on the idea that bendy people should do yoga? [13:54] Flexibility and hypermobility are two different terms that are often used interchangeably. [15:31] Why do people with hypermobility often have tight muscles? [19:40] Shannon and Libby discuss the common message people with hypermobility get around needing to strengthen their muscles. [21:18] What should people who might be hypermobile do? Libby describes some of the common symptoms people might face with hypermobility. [25:24] The prevalence of hypermobility may be around 20% of the population and this number may be overrepresented in yoga. [29:16] Shannon shares some feedback from a yoga teacher who is using OfferingTree for her website. [32:01] Libby shares some of the main aspects of her book on what yoga teachers should be aware of in working with hypermobile people. [38:44] How does Libby approach her clients dealing with hypermobility to convince them to change the way they practice? [41:10] What are some things Libby has learned in the process of writing the book that she wishes more people knew? [47:45] Shannon reflects on what could be happening in yoga classes with very bendy people. [49:33] Libby's book also helps people reflect on what our verbal cues are encouraging or emphasizing. [50:37] Find out more about Libby, her work, and order her book via her website. [52:05] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Libby.   Links: Libby Hinsley Libby Hinsley on Instagram Anatomy Bites The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 266: Social Location, Power & Privilege with Raudhah Rahman Sat Dharam Kaur Carly's Website on OfferingTree - Radical Rest Yoga  Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "What we consider it means to be good at yoga is very much tied to an aesthetic that glorifies hypermobility and it's a problem."   "Everything about yoga so commonly pushes people to go as far as they can in a posture as if that's the goal and that is not going to be helpful for a hyper mobile person."   “Let's make the practice about the practitioner. Instead of trying to push this practitioner into this certain type of practice, let's just build a practice that is actually for this person, that's about this person and that really supports that person."   "Momentum is easy. That's not a problem. It's the control that's hard."   "I remind people your yoga practice is actually for you and that usually really kind of wakes people up a bit like, oh, you mean this isn't a performance for someone else."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 269: Yoga Philosophy & Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan   Description: As yoga teachers, we learn a little bit about yoga philosophy in our YTTs, but yoga philosophy is much more than just the 8 limbs, or the brief summary we may have come across in our studies. Dr. Shyam Ranganathan (he/him) is an expert in yoga philosophy and in this episode, he shares more about this topic, as well as how colonialism has influenced what we understand as yoga philosophy.   Dr. Shyam Ranganathan is the founder of Yoga Philosophy, and a field-changing researcher on the study and translation of philosophy, especially South Asian philosophy and Yoga. He holds an MA in South Asian Studies, and an MA and PhD in philosophy, and is a member of the Department of Philosophy, and York Center for Asian Research, York University, Toronto. Shyam is a translator of the Yoga Sūtra, and founded his organization, Yoga Philosophy, to provide support for those interested in answering the question - What makes something yoga?   Shyam explains how learning about philosophy helps us to get along and why not all opinions are equally good or right. He also shares more about how Europeans misunderstood things when they studied the communities they colonized and how that showed up in the yoga sutras and how they are translated. This continues to influence how yoga is taught and practiced in the world, today, especially in the West. He also gives us insight about the yamas and social justice, choices and responsibility, ahimsa, dharma, self-governing and Ishvara Pranidhana. This is a really rich conversation that all of us can learn from.   Key Takeaways: [3:48] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shyam Ranganathan. [6:45] Shyam shares his pronouns and explains how to pronounce his name. [7:36] What does Shyam do and who does he do it for? [8:46] What got Shyam interested in the work of studying philosophy? [10:48] Shyam was born in Toronto, yet felt that he didn't fit in. He talks a bit about that experience. [13:00] Shyam believes that philosophy enabled him to get along with people without having to agree with them. [15:06] There are several polarizing issues in the world right now. Shyam highlights the fact that just because we are okay with disagreement doesn't mean there are no right answers. [16:07] Where did Shyam's journey with yoga philosophy start? [22:14] Shyam clarifies the role and impact of colonization in the interpretation of yoga sutras. [31:49] Shyam shares an example of the two different ways of relating to what you contemplate. [37:00] Shannon and Shyam discuss the linguistic model of thought and how that has influenced different situations and scenarios in history and in the present day. [40:26] Why is it not yoga when we go in and try to make other people conform to our systems? [44:08] How does the idea of choice and responsibility connect to the eight limbs? [49:18] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree. [51:04] One of the three kriyas is ishvara pranidhana. Shyam unpacks what this really refers to. [56:10] What are the other two kriyas? [58:43] How is yoga connected to social justice? What do the niyamas have to do with social justice? [64:48Shyam explains that fear is trauma and it's the result of a bad decision based on people's experiences. [67:41] Where do the eight limbs of yoga fit in? [72:21] What does Shyam mean when he talks about sovereignty? [76:51] Find out more about Shyam and his work around yoga philosophy on his website. [77:29] What is something in terms of yoga and philosophy that really has Shyam's interest right now? [80:00] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Shyam. What were yours?   Links: Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, Yoga Philosophy Dr. Shyam Ranganathan on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 266: Social Location, Power & Privilege with Raudhah Rahman Teaching Yoga in Schools: Examining the Issues Raised by the Alabama Bill Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "What I loved about philosophy immediately was that it was a way to get along with people without having to agree."   "Just because we're okay with disagreement doesn't mean that there are no right answers. Disagreement doesn't mean that everybody's opinion is equally good."   "The actual practice of yoga is something more basic and the eight limbs are there to help you practice. "   "After that colonial moment, people have to identify with imposed religious identities in order to find a place in a colonized world and that's where we are today."   "Whereas the external world (nature) can be explained in terms of causality, persons have to understand themselves in terms of choice and responsibility."   "When you meet up with people who advocate violence, you have to appreciate that that's a result of trauma."   "There's no yoga practice that isn't informed by trauma."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 268: Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault with Nikki Adams   Description: Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence and may be upsetting for some listeners.   Sexual abuse is a huge crisis around the world, directly impacting a significant portion of the global population, and more broadly speaking, affecting everyone. Nikki Adams is on the podcast to share with us more about this topic and how yoga, particularly trauma informed yoga, can be an option and entry point for healing for survivors.   Nikki is a trauma-informed yoga teacher, and owner of Beauty for Ashes Wellness Cultivation. She helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse empower themselves to trust love and heal their bodies. Through wellness and yoga, Nikki creates an inspirational, safe space for survivors to naturally breakthrough the stigma of childhood sexual abuse. She draws on her own personal experiences and the healing techniques that have helped her in her healing journey to help others.   Nikki shares how yoga helped her as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and explains why all yoga teachers (and humans) need to be trauma-informed. She also offers advice on what poses help and what ones may be triggering, how to hold space with compassion for everyone, why giving choices and the language we use is so important, and how we can re-assessing our yoga spaces from a trauma-informed lens.   If you have ever taught a yoga class for humans, this episode is for you, because we have all experienced some form of trauma in our lives.   Key Takeaways: [4:31] Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence and may be upsetting for some listeners. [5:04] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Nikki Adams. [7:30] Shannon gives thanks to OfferingTree for sponsoring the podcast and shares about a new article they posted! [11:24] What does Nikki do and who does she do it for? [11:44] How did Nikki realize that yoga fits really well in helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse? [14:20] Nikki firmly believes that every yoga teacher should be trauma informed.  What is the importance of that? [16:00] How can yoga teachers respond if a student tells them that they are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse? What should they know in that moment? [18:28] How does yoga help survivors of sexual abuse or trauma? [20:35] What has Nikki learned through her work with survivors and using yoga as a way to heal? [22:21] How did Nikki decide that she wanted to focus on serving survivors? [25:50] How can survivors start to find healing through yoga? [28:34] What does Nikki wish all yoga teachers understood? [30:56] How can we hold space for the people coming into our yoga classes? [32:07] How does Nikki work with groups of survivors and what does that look like? [36:58] Find out more about Nikki and her work on Instagram and via her website. [38:32] Shannon reflects on her conversation with Nikki.   Links: Nikki Adams Nikki Adams on Instagram Cultivate your ashes into Beauty 6 Week Yoga Program Shop Nikki’s Merchandise The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 266: Social Location, Power & Privilege with Raudhah Rahman Bored of the Same Old Yoga Studio Model? Consider these alternatives by OfferingTree The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 163: Collective Yoga Studio Model with Jenifer Parker The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 256: Switching to a Rental Studio Model with Tammy Fulton theconnectedyogateacher.com/213 Zabie Yamasaki Yoga Teacher Conf Yoga Teacher Conf Live Stream (Code: SHANNONCROW) Scattered to Clarity Workshop Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Being able to not have to speak about what happened to me and being able to process through my body - It was very important, a very important part of my healing journey and I wanted to share that with other survivors."   "Healing and starting the healing journey through yoga is possible."   "Start with yourselves. We've all been through something and maybe starting to use more gentle cues and think about how you want to be treated… Show yourself grace, show yourself compassion so that it can come out into your class."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 267: Thoughts on Belly Breathing with Shannon Crow   Description: As human beings, we are always learning new information. Sometimes, this new information conflicts with our current beliefs or knowledge, so we need to be willing to dig in and explore this - and if we are wrong, to admit it and change our beliefs. This happened to Shannon Crow (she/her) with belly breathing.   You may have learned about the benefits of belly breathing in yoga class or yoga teacher training or even taught it to your students. However, it may not be the best practice for everyone. In this episode, Shannon reflects on how she came to change her views on belly breathing and how she now teaches breath to her students instead. She shares her own experiences as a yoga teacher and a yoga practitioner from what she has learned and then unlearned. If you have ever taught breathing in a yoga class, this episode is for you.    Key Takeaways: [3:14] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode and why she was inspired to share about it. [4:58] Shannon shares a little about an upcoming online workshop she is hosting with OfferingTree. [6:39] Shannon learned about belly breathing in yoga classes and in yoga teacher training. Eventually, she realized that what she knew or believed about belly breathing may not be correct. [8:54] The more research Shannon did into belly breathing, the worse she felt for teaching it the way she was. She reflects on how she felt at that time. [10:04] What happens when we take a breath? Where does the breath begin? [13:24] What do we really mean when we say belly breathing? [15:38] Some things associated with belly breathing can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor, and this may not be desirable for some people. [20:46] We are always going to be learning new information, and as yoga teachers, we need to explore how we can move with grace to explain to our students why we have shifted certain things we teach. [23:28] What are your thoughts on belly breathing? Share them with Shannon!   Chart that shows what happens when we breathe:     Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow New Thoughts on Belly Breathing, by Shannon Crow (Article) OfferingTree Webinar: Clarify Your Offering with Shannon Crow What’s Up ‘Down There’? by Shannon Crow for Health Journal Trista Zinn The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 069: Yoga with Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Dr. Sarah Duvall Yoga Teacher Conf Yoga Teacher Conf Live Stream (Code: SHANNONCROW) Scattered to Clarity Workshop Native Land Digital Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "The more research I did into this, the worst I felt for teaching the way I was teaching belly breathing."   "Something that we all need to embrace as yoga teachers is that we are responsible for how we're guiding our students."   "As long as I continue to listen and learn and grow as a human, I'm on the right track."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 266: Social Location, Power & Privilege with Raudhah Rahman   Description: What is social location and what does it have to do with teaching yoga? Many of us don’t often think about our identities, how they intersect, and how they afford us privilege and shape our life experiences. In this episode, we learn more from Raudhah Rahman (she/her) about social location and how it is relevant to yoga teachers.   Raudhah Rahman describes herself as connecting people with their voices whether that's through web design, teacher training or a yoga class. As a yoga teacher, Raudhah practices disruption as a way of creating conditionas of wellness for all of us. She is a self-taught website designer whose business, Wellness + Websites, was born after she lost her job as a yoga studio assistant because of the pandemic. Her main focus is providing websites & branding services to folks who want to embrace all of their identities and share their value driven work with others.   Raudhah explains what social location is, and where we use this as yoga teachers. She also shares more about the importance of recognizing and questioning our privilege and the responsibility we have when we hold privilege. From a yoga philosophy lens, Raudhah sheds light on how the 8 limbs of yoga intersect with social location, how we can deal with mistakes when we make them, and continue to learn and grow.   Key Takeaways: [3:46] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Raudhah Rahman. [7:21] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree and to one of the podcast listeners. [11:19] What does Raudhah do and who does she do it for? She shares her social location and how that led to the work that she does. [16:27] What is social location? [18:24] How does social location come into the yoga world and how can yoga teachers use it? [24:26] What are Raudhah's thoughts on the pushback people sometimes have on discussing privilege or specific identities? [30:59] What are some different identities we can think about when considering our social location? [34:59] Citizenship is another element of the social location wheel that can play into a person's experience of the world. [37:50] Shannon and Raudhah explore this idea of fighting for privilege vs. fighting for freedom. [40:56] How can yoga teachers share these ideas or start to look at incorporating this into their messaging? It's not as simple as tacking on something to your website. [46:16] Some of this work can feel shocking as we learn about things we didn't know but it is important to do. What are some tips that can help make this practice easier? [54:34] What's the difference between being called in and someone just lashing out? How can we handle both? [59:41] What are some other things that Raudhah wishes people knew about social location? [63:00] Shannon chats with Raudhah about how she can ask podcast guests to introduce themselves with their social location. [65:46] Shannon reflects on her takeaways from this conversation with Raudhah.   Links: Raudhah Rahman What is social location? and why is it important when it comes to “identity” in brand identity. Yoga Coalition for Equality Charlotte OfferingTree Office Hours with Alex and Shannon Michelle Johnson, Skill in Action The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 231: Conscious Marketing with Tristan Katz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 217: The Yoga of Trans* Affirmation with Avery Kalapa & Maygen Nicholson Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga Resource Page - Podcasts & Articles Tristan Katz Yoga Teacher Conf Yoga Teacher Conf Live Stream (Code: SHANNONCROW) Scattered to Clarity Workshop Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Social location is a practice used to reflect on the groups you belong to because of your place of position and history and society." - Raudhah, quoting Michelle Johnson   [21:38] "If I don't begin to question that privilege that I have, because I've internalized it as normal, I may not realize the harm that I'm doing by normalizing certain actions I've taken or normalizing the actions that institutions have taken that marginalize those further away from power."   [23:45 - 23:53] "I think personal power really comes from disrupting the identities we've internalized."   [26:40 - 26:44] "Are we fighting for privilege? Or are we fighting for freedom?" - Raudhah quoting Alok   [49:49 - 50:00] "The way to practice is to start. And when you start, give yourself grace and start small."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 265: Teach LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Yoga with Gabi Parkham    Description: We all want our yoga classes to be welcoming places for everybody, but sometimes, we unintentionally make some people feel excluded or unwelcome. One of those groups of people is the LGBTQIA+ community. Gabi Parkham shares how we can teach LGBTQIA+ inclusive yoga and create safer yoga spaces.   Gabi was born in Brighton (UK) and started practicing yoga during early childhood. She is passionate about finding equity and justice through yoga, consent in all aspects, and sharing yoga free from assumptions. Alongside teaching yoga, Gabi is an LGBTQIA+ equity educator and consultant helping yoga teachers and studios to make their classes more welcoming for the LGBTQIA+ community. Gabi runs regular online workshops about LGBTQIA+ "inclusion" and a 6 month online course for LGBTQIA+ yoga teachers to come together in community, learn from one another, and support each other. Gabi also co-founded Laviot, a social and supportive community LGBT+ Jewish non-binary people and women.   In this interview, Gabi explains what LGBTQIA+ means, the importance of sharing pronouns, and why creating spaces for this community is important. Gabi shares more about why it’s so important to get educated, then teach like there is a trans or non-binary person in your class all the time, and how to include that in marketing your classes. This is all part of a lifelong learning journey, and the work is always ongoing. Learn more about how to start creating safer, braver, and more inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ folks in your yoga class in this episode.   Key Takeaways: [3:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Gabi Parkham. [7:28] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree. [12:43] Gabi introduces herself and gives her social location. [15:22] What does Gabi do and who does she do it for? [19:16] Why is it important for yoga teachers to have LGBTQIA+ awareness? [23:30] How does Gabi handle conversations about setting limits on offerings dedicated to LGBTQIA+ people? [25:02] What does LGBTQIA+ stand for? [27:07] Gabi isn't too keen on this wording. She explains why. [28:29] How can we center the voices and experiences of people who have historically been marginalized? [30:35] Shannon and Gabi explore what the world could be like if cisgender and/or heterosexual people took the time to explore their own gender and sexual identity and expression. [33:40] What are Gabi's thoughts on pronouns? [38:23] How can yoga teachers make it evident that they've been doing the work to learn about creating safer spaces for people in the LGBTQIA+ community? [43:18] Gabi shares some examples of language that we can use and some steps we can take to make spaces more welcoming. [49:15] Gabi and Shannon discuss a little about the use of masculine and feminine in the yoga setting, and why it's so important to be clear about what we mean with certain words we use. [54:21] Gabi shares some final thoughts around creating braver and safer yoga spaces. [57:01] Where can yoga teachers learn more from Gabi or other resources? [60:44] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview. Links: Gabi Parkham Gabi Parkham on Instagram Welcoming LGBT+ People in General & Pregnancy Yoga The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 217: The Yoga of Trans* Affirmation with Avery Kalapa & Maygen Nicholson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 231: Conscious Marketing with Tristan Katz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 195: LGBTQ Awareness for Yoga Teachers with Tristan Katz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga Resource Page - Podcasts & Articles OfferingTree Office Hours with Alex and Shannon The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 232: Five Steps to Effective Content The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye Trans Yoga Project Amber Karnes Yoga Teacher Conf Yoga Teacher Conf Live Stream (Code: SHANNONCROW) Scattered to Clarity Workshop Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Who else to learn from: Tristan Katz, Tristan Katz Creative Avery Kalapa, Yoga With Avery Maygen Nicholson  Pooja Virani Anjali Rao, Yoganjali, San Francisco Yoga Teacher Alle K, Trans Yoga Teacher   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "We want our classes to be welcoming and inclusive and as safe as possible."   "What I really would rather do is shift the focus and center the marginalized voices center the people who have been historically marginalized and minority sized"   "Learning about other people's experiences is a great place to start."   "Start teaching your class as if there is always a queer person, a trans person, a non-binary person in the room"   "Again, it's not easy, it's really hard to change this language and it takes practice and time and you will mess up and that's okay."   "Just because that's their intention doesn't mean that people inherently feel safe coming in."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 264: Solve the Problem for Your Students with Danait Berhe   Description: As a yoga teacher, do you think of yourself as a problem solver? In fact, our yoga offerings are solving a problem for our students, and we need to talk about what problem we’re solving to attract our dream students! In this episode with Danait Berhe, learn more about why it’s important to talk about the problems you solve, and how it ties in with your messaging.   Danait is the founder and messaging strategist of The Asmara Agency. With her award-winning full-service agency, Danait helps mission-driven companies craft compelling business, brand, and messaging strategies. She brings a unique perspective to her clients, integrating her background in analytical research, marketing, and branding to help her clients soar their profit and their impact. The Asmara Agency is also committed to making sure that more women, especially Black women, enter the world of entrepreneurship and not only survive, but build brands they can leverage as an asset in order to build + create generational wealth.   Yoga teachers are often hesitant to talk about problems in their messaging, but Danait explains how you can do so with empathy instead of agitation, and without having to resort to sleazy sales tactics. She shares how we can think about our yoga offerings as solving problems for people, the importance of finding a niche and getting specific about who you help and how, and more.   If you’ve been struggling with getting clarity on your message, this interview with Danait is a must-listen!   Key Takeaways: [2:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Danait Berhe [8:27] Shannon and Danait share a little about the sponsor, OfferingTree, and how they got connected because of it! [10:04] What does Danait do and who does she do it for? [11:20] What do people most often struggle with when they try to create their website or share their message in some way? [14:39] A lot of yoga teachers don't want to focus on the problem. How does Danait address that? [21:31] Shannon shares an exciting message from OfferingTree. [23:06] How can yoga teachers talk about the problem they solve in an authentic way, without seeming to be poking the problem more? [28:36] What can yoga teachers do if they are struggling with their message? Danait has three questions to ask yourself to get clear on your message. [35:47] You have to keep sharing over and over again, not just once and be done with it. [39:54 - 39:54] Asking questions and getting to know your audience is a great way to get content ideas, but also to find people. [40:58] The length of time it takes for someone to decide to buy something from you depends on the price of the offer. [41:30] A quick message from Allison from the Yoga Teacher Conf. [43:29] Timing is everything when it comes to promoting and selling an offer. [46:45] What are some things that might make the process easier for yoga teachers who are putting together their website? [53:29] It's important to get extremely specific with what you do and who you help, and why. [56:40] What is your approach to yoga? Talking about your process helps to build trust. [59:35] Danait helps a live listener get clear on her message. [63:33] Find out more about Danait's work on Instagram or check out her website. [65:48] Messaging is something that is always evolving and changing. That's normal.   Links: Danait Berhe, The Asmara Agency Danait Berhe on Instagram Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: "Pricing can be solved by determining what is the problem we're solving and then how, how big of a problem is it for someone to pay and what are they willing to pay for that."   "What things do they need to know for them to be able to see that I am at the solution to that problem?"   "I believe that there is an empathetic approach to being able to solve problems without necessarily poking at the problem."   "We just want to call attention to the problem and then paint the picture of what's possible for them."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 263: Optimizing Your YouTube Videos with Victoria Levitan   Description: Are you using YouTube as a way to get people to sign up for your offerings? YouTube is a powerful search engine, and with the right strategy, you could be growing your audience, getting new students, and really leveraging this platform to increase your visibility. Youtube and Video Coach Victoria Levitan tells us all about how to set up and optimize YouTube videos for your yoga business.   Victoria has over 4 years of video marketing experience, and currently teaches small business owners how to create videos, use Youtube to grow their business, and what to say on camera so that it converts their viewers. She aspires to help people film videos that cultivate human connection and stand out with ease.   Victoria explains why yoga teachers should be on YouTube, and how to get started -  beginning with how to set up your own channel on YouTube! She also shares tips on setting up lighting, what to include in the video description, and how to get people to go from watching your video to signing up for your offering. Victoria has some advice on including a call to action in your videos, and promoting the video after you’ve created it!    If you are new to YouTube and have been wondering how it could fit into your marketing strategy, or are looking to jump back into creating optimized videos on YouTube, this episode is made for you!   Key Takeaways: [3:53] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Victoria Levitan. [8:38] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree. [9:49] What does Victoria do and who does she do it for? [10:32] What would Victoria say to someone just starting out with YouTube? [12:12] Why is YouTube  a powerful tool for yoga teachers to try to get students? [14:47] How can yoga teachers start their YouTube channel? Victoria walks us through the steps. [16:59] What are some lighting options for yoga teachers when natural lighting is not an option? [19:34] What is Victoria's recommendation for the video description on YouTube? What is most important there? [21:33] What are Victoria's tips for having good audio? [21:55] What does Victoria think that yoga teachers could be doing to really get people to watch their Youtube video and then sign up for a paid offering? [24:09] How often should you be talking about your paid offerings on YouTube? [24:50] What are some calls to action that Victoria finds to be effective in building a business? [26:04] What other things convert people from watching a free YouTube video to signing up for something? [27:41] When recording a video, is it better to record on Zoom and upload it to YouTube or record directly in YouTube? [28:37] Setting up a YouTube channel and figuring out the tech of recording, editing, and uploading videos can be really overwhelming. What are some of Victoria's tips for people who are just starting out? [30:45] What is Victoria's preferred editor for editing videos? [31:51] Victoria shares more tips on getting people to move from watching the video to signing up for something. [33:20] How can yoga teachers figure out what keywords to use in their YouTube videos? [33:57] How important is it to put a legal disclaimer in a YouTube video, especially when leading movement and breath? [35:16] How often does Victoria end up copying part of her video description for each video? [36:11] What should yoga teachers know about artwork for YouTube? [37:48] How can yoga teachers check to see what's working with their videos on YouTube? [39:19] How important is it to regularly put out content on YouTube? [40:11] Shannon and Victoria discuss batch filming and scheduling as an option to get consistent with creating content for YouTube. [41:26] How long should YouTube videos be? [42:53] Shannon shares about the upcoming Yoga Teacher Conf. There's also going to be a virtual option! [44:24] What are Victoria's suggestions for music that can be used in YouTube videos? [45:27] How can yoga teachers create a paywall on YouTube so only certain students can see our videos? [47:51] How can yoga teachers get more views on YouTube videos? [51:45] How should yoga teachers think about their YouTube strategy? [55:17] How can you get your YouTube channel monetized? [57:21] Victoria shares some final tips for people feeling like putting out videos regularly is a challenge. [59:14] How do YouTube ads work? [60:43] Find out more about Victoria and her work at her website. [61:37] Shannon reflects on how The Connected Yoga Teacher Channel has grown in the last few years.   Links: Victoria Levitan  Victoria Levitan on YouTube YouTube Channel Audit YouTube Jumpstart Guide Optimizing Your YouTube Videos (Live Video) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episodes about Video 179: Get Confident with Video with Alicia Berruti 088: Creating Professional Yoga Videos with Kira Sloane 086: Live Video for Yoga Teachers with Ian Gray 205: Tech Guide for Online Yoga with Dominique Gauthier 181: Grow an Online Yoga Business with Nikki Naab-Levy Hardware for Teaching Yoga Online Written by Crunch Ranjani [19:05] Link - Shannon's lights [30:45] Link - iMovie DaVinci Resolve The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episodes about Legal Issues 254: 3 Must-Have Legal Agreements with Erika Kullberg 104: Legal Answers for Your Yoga Business with Saerin Ally Cho Canva Yoga Teacher Conf Virtual Epidemic Sound TubeBuddy Yoga for Pelvic Health Course Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group OfferingTree Feature - Client and Contact Notes   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: "From a more strategic level, YouTube ultimately is a search engine...uploading to YouTube is going to help grow your search engine optimization. "   "You want to start with a call to action at the beginning section of your video."   "You should promote your videos more than once because it goes back to that repetition. People need to hear it or see it a couple of times before they realize, oh, I should probably check this out."   "I think people really enjoy and resonate sometimes with the less polished versions of videos."   "You have to look at Youtube and video in a way that will work for your business."   "We've got to fully optimize what you already have created and give your audience the time to take action on it."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 262: Run a Successful Yoga Membership with Allie Van Fossen   Description: How can yoga teachers successfully leverage the membership model in their business? In this episode, Shannon chats with Allie Van Fossen about how she built and grew her membership to 1000 members, and what it really takes to manage a membership fo that size.   Allie leads the Body Mind Soul Studio, an online yoga studio that helps people leverage a holistic yoga practice to create transformation in their lives, both on & off the mat. Her mission is to empower yoga students with on-the-mat tools so they can confidently lead an off-the-mat wholesome, fulfilling life. At Body Mind Soul Studio, Allisson offers quarterly courses, weekly live events, and a variety of yoga classes and teachings, all via a yoga membership program.   Allie shares the nitty-gritty details about what it really means to run a yoga membership. She candidly shares about the challenges in her latest launch and how she dealt with them, as well as her strategy to retain members. Allie explains how she uses YouTube as her main marketing platform, and gives us some great tips on what elements to include in our membership program, and how to decide what to charge.   If you've been thinking about starting a membership or if you have a membership and are thinking about how to improve it, this interview with Allie Van Fossen is going to help you along this journey.   Key Takeaways: [3:17] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Allie Van Fossen. [6:20] Did you know that OfferingTree makes it really easy to set up membership sites? Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor OfferingTree. [9:11] What does Allie do and who does she do it for? [10:20] Allie has a large following on YouTube, as well as a large membership. What was the process like building these platforms? [14:15] Allie shares some of the things she loves about YouTube. [17:08] For many yoga teachers, YouTube may feel like more of a challenge than Instagram. For Allie, it's the opposite. [18:51] What is Allie's membership like? [21:34] What do Allie's members have access to within the membership? [25:35] For many yoga teachers teaching online right now, sign ups are lower than they have been for the past couple of years. [27:07] The Yoga Teacher Conf is coming up soon, 22-24 April in Denver, Colorado. Shannon shares some details about the event. [29:07] Allie recently had a launch that didn't go as planned. What happened and what was that like? [33:48] What were some of the reasons why Allie's most recent launch saw only 50% of the usual rates? [35:32] From a different perspective, people are also in an in-between zone and may not be emotionally in the right place. [38:46] The third thing that contributed to Allie's disappointing launch was a collection of smaller factors. [41:02] Allie's next launch is coming up in spring, and she's prepared for it. [44:27] What does Allie's team do to help retention in the membership? [51:39] Allie shares some of her tips for starting a membership. [54:00] What is Allie's advice for people who are new to the idea of having a membership? [59:34] Find out more about Allie and the work she does by visiting her website. [62:41] Shannon shares her key takeaway from this interview with Allie.   Links: Allie Van Fossen Allie Van Fossen on YouTube The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 150: Start a Membership Site with Amanda McKinney Hosting a Yoga Membership Site (Article Written by Crunch Ranjani) Creating a Yoga Membership - Q&A with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode BONUS: Yoga Teacher Conf April 2022 with Allison Rissel Glo Yoga International Membership Academy with Callie and Mike Stu McLaren Tribe The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 218: Body Positive Yoga with Gillian McCollum Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group OfferingTree Feature - Client and Contact Notes Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: “YouTube is the primary traffic source that feeds our other revenue streams and I love it."   "It's been a massive learning lesson and ... being an entrepreneur, just putting yourself out there, letting yourself be seen and heard and be so visible, really requires you to go through your own metamorphosis."   "I started the membership really out of that desire to go deeper with my community."   "You can spend a lot of money getting people in the door, but then if they all leave just as quickly, you've got this really broken, leaky system."   "People say they want one thing, but they actually need something else."   "I'm finally embracing that entrepreneurship is experimentation and it can be joyous and fun, even when you've got tens of thousands of dollars invested."   "Go inward, connect with what has worked for you and been most moving for your own yoga journey as a student and let that be your springboard for creativity."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 261: How to Grow Your Network with Allison Rissel    Description: You might have heard the saying ‘your network is your net worth’, and there’s no denying that building your network is important as a yoga business owner - both to get new students, and to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation. But it can feel like a challenge to grow your network, if you’re in a new community, or in the virtual space, or even just because you’re introverted. Allison Rissel has just the tips on how you can grow your network in this episode.   Allison is the founder of the Yoga Teacher Conf, the ONLY conference just for yoga teachers. The Yoga Teacher Conf helps elevate, educate and inspire yoga teachers around the globe through affordable continuing education, community support and connection. Allison is passionate about helping yoga teachers become professional and powerful leaders, and you can really see this in all the work that she does to help bring yoga teachers together, as well as her work as an event planner for yoga teachers.   Whether you’ve recently moved and are wondering how to get a job teaching yoga in a new town, or perhaps you want to meet other yoga teachers or studio owners and grow your online network - Allison shares so many great tips and tricks in this interview. She also talks about how to manage the discomfort that can arise from being in a new social setting, and how to build meaningful connections online. Tune in to find out more!   Key Takeaways: [4:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Allison Rissel. [10:08] What does Allison do and who does she do it for? [11:22] What was Allison's first reaction when Shannon said she wanted to interview her about networking? [13:07] What is Allison's advice for people who may be feeling like connecting with others is not that easy? [16:50] For many people, even those who love connecting with others, being in a new social setting can feel uncomfortable. How does Allison deal with that discomfort? [21:28] Allison shares a little about the Yoga Teacher Conf, happening April 22 to 24 in Denver, CO. [24:28] How can getting caught up in the details of going to the event impact us at an event? [26:28] What are some of the measures in place at the Yoga Teacher Conf to ensure the safety of event attendees? [30:25] How can yoga teachers build their networks at events like these? [32:47] Shannon is doing a whole-day workshop with Amanda McKinney at the Yoga Teacher Conf. [34:25] What are Allison's tips for yoga teachers who are looking for ways to network online? [38:55] Shannon shares how she has connected with people on social media just by asking a simple question. [40:46] Shannon and Allison discuss some options for finding your biz bestie. [42:57] Allison shares some of her tips for yoga teachers who are in a new town and are looking to connect with people in their own community. [46:25] Shannon and Allison chat about what their experience at the Yoga Teacher Conf is going to be like. [47:48] Shannon is curious about how introverts feel at networking events and how they deal with it. [49:50] Allison shares some details about the pricing and rates to attend Yoga Teacher Conf. [51:08] Shannon reflects on her takeaways from this conversation with Allison. Links: Allison Rissel The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 260: I Feel so Alone as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 177: How to Connect (aka Network) with Natalie Eckdahl Register for Scattered to Clarity Workshop Clifton Strengthsfinder The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 244: Create & Share Audio Recordings with Claire Villarreal The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 227: Is Pain During Yoga Okay? with Neil Pearson  Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group OfferingTree Feature - Client and Contact Notes Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: "Over the last year, what I've learned is actually [my network] is so intrinsic to everything I do."   "The best way to break the ice is to give a compliment."   "Often we think of networking as promoting ourselves and that's not what it is at all. Networking is about building a relationship, it's about listening to the other person, learning about them, and then telling them briefly maybe about yourself and finding ways that you can work together."   "Most people want to just genuinely connect with someone."   "I think we've all realized that we actually need to build online networks."   "Often I think of social media as talking at people but we can actually still really listen on social media."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 260: I Feel so Alone as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow   Description: As a yoga teacher, do you feel alone or isolated? If you do, remember that you are not alone in this experience – and that there are ways to counter this loneliness and isolation. In this episode, Shannon Crow (she/her) shares more about her own experience feeling alone as a yoga teacher, as well as how she managed to overcome these feelings.   Shannon Crow is the Founder of Pelvic Health Professionals, as well as the host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast and community, which is celebrating its fifth year of podcasting this episode. Shannon became a yoga teacher in 2006, and she shared what it was like for her as a new yoga teacher losing that sense of community she had experienced during her Yoga Teacher Training. Shannon shares some of the common reasons why yoga teachers may feel isolated in their career, as well as helpful tips to deal with these causes of isolation. As someone who has built and nurtured a supportive community of over 11,000 yoga teachers, Shannon also shares her tips on how to find or create such a community for yourself.   This episode is perfect for anyone who has struggled with feeling alone as a yoga teacher, and will surely help you find and build a supportive community for yourself.   Key Takeaways: [2:51] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is celebrating 5 years of podcasting with this episode! [4:48] Being a yoga teacher can feel very isolating, and it's normal to feel alone! [8:36] Shannon reflects on her experience when she became a yoga teacher in 2006. [11:23] Shannon gives a shout out to Offering Tree, sponsor of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast. [13:35] Why does it feel so isolating to be a yoga teacher? [15:51] The key to dealing with "competition" from other yoga teachers is to find your niche and specialize to serve a select group of people. [16:36] Another reason why yoga teachers can feel isolated is imposter syndrome. [18:59] Being a yoga teacher can be isolating because it is mostly solitary work, especially since the pandemic began. That's why finding or creating a community is so important. [23:53] Having a supportive community around you can also help promote each other in the work you do and lift each other up. [28:16] How can we form connections with others and grow our network? [31:41] What happens when yoga teachers don't have a supportive community around them? [33:09] Where can we find these communities? [35:44] Shannon shares some of her tips for creating a community and strengthening a community you are a part of. [41:49] What are your thoughts around building community?   Links: Specializing & Niching Down Resources The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 250: Reflect & Plan [Part 1] with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 177: How to Connect (aka Network) with Natalie Eckdahl Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga Resources OfferingTree User Group on Facebook Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: "The next time that you go to sign up for a yoga teacher training, [ask yourself]: Are you doing it because you need the knowledge and the skills and the information or are you doing it because you want to be back in with community?"   "All of us at some point experienced imposter syndrome, even if it's just for a short moment when we go to put a workshop or a course together and we think, ‘oh my gosh, who am I to teach this?’."   Alone a youth runs fast, with an elder slow, but together they go far. - Luo Proverb   "Don't reinvent the wheel. Look at other communities for inspiration."   "What's the big ‘why’ for your group that makes it unique?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast BONUS: Yoga Teacher Conf April 2022 with Allison Rissel   Description: The Yoga Teacher Conf is happening 22nd April to 24th April, 2022, in Denver, Colorado! It's an in-person conference with over 40 different classes over the three days. There are also pre-conference workshops and other activities lined up to help elevate, educate and inspire yoga teachers from all around the country.    In this bonus episode, Shannon chats with Allison Rissel, organizer of the Yoga Teacher Conf to get more details about the event. Allison shares more about the activity line up, rates, and what's included in the ticket price, as well as the different themes planned for the conference. There will also be pre-conference workshops for people who are traveling in early, or who want to learn more about a particular topic, including a workshop Shannon is hosting with Amanda McKinney - Scattered to Clarity Workshop: Setting Your Business Goals for 2022. Early bird registration ends on March 4th, so get your tickets soon to enjoy the early bird rates!   See you at Yoga Teacher Conf!   Links: Yoga Teacher Conf  Momence App Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 259: Yoga in Schools with Crunch Ranjani Description: Should yoga be taught in schools? Recently an Alabama law banned yoga in schools and, inspired by a discussion in our Facebook group, our team member and resident writer Crunch Ranjani (she/her) wrote a fantastic article exploring all the elements of this debate. In this episode, she talks all about her process in creating the article, her research and her personal experience as a South Asian born to a Hindu family. Crunch  is a content creator for purpose-driven health and wellness professionals. She believes that we need more diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities - so she loves working with business owners who do too. She helps them create valuable content that makes a positive impact in the world so that they have more time and energy to create change in their communities.  Crunch helps us to understand all the elements of the conversation around yoga and religion, including whether Sanskrit is a religious language, the connection between Hinduism and yoga, and why dividing out parts of yoga to make them more palatable to a white audience is harmful.  This is an open and honest conversation about cultural appropriation, the importance of having these discussions as yoga teachers and of understanding how our actions can be harmful to the tradition of yoga, and to the South Asian yoga teachers and students in our communities.  If you have wanted to learn more about cultural appropriation in yoga, or if you are new to this conversation and want to understand more, this is a great episode to understand the nuances of this important topic.   Key Takeaways: [4:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Crunch Ranjani. [8:37] What is the work that Crunch does, and who does she do it for? [10:04] What did it feel like to write an article on yoga in schools?  [11:39] Is the ban on yoga in Alabama schools still in place, and why is it there?  [12:55] What highlights about yoga in religion came up during Crunch’s research? [13:34] Crunch explains some of the links between Hinduism and yoga. [15:45] When this thread was posted in our Facebook group, there was a lot of discussion around why Yoga might be connected to Hinduism, and understanding more about how cultural appropriation has worked. Crunch talks more about that.  [18:32] Shannon pops in with some ways that our sponsor OfferingTree can help support your yoga business, especially with time zones and Zoom links.  [20:28] One of the things that was put forward in the Alabama bill was to allow yoga in schools but to ban using Sanskrit. How did Crunch feel about that?  [21:01] Crunch shares which other languages are connected to religions and why it feels like a double standard.   [22:12] Is there a separation between church and state in all US states or just Alabama?  [25:41] Why is it that yoga is not allowed? Is it based in fear and if so, why? [28:10] If we allow some parts of yoga to be taught, could that be seen as progress? [32:55] Crunch explains why separating out parts of the practice of yoga is harmful.  [34:57] Why could the practice of gifting statues of Hindu or Deities as part of our yoga practice also be harmful?  [36:08] Crunch shares a great analogy on how we can and do change behavior when someone feels harmed or hurt by our actions.  [37:24] Shannon pops in with a quick message from Allison of the Yoga Teacher Conf to hear more about the social justice sessions that are taking place at the Conf.  [39:13] How does Crunch feel about the article now it is out in the world and what would she like readers to take from it? [40:02] Please leave comments below the article, beneath this podcast episode or in the Facebook group to share your takeaways on this topic.  [40:48] To find out more about Crunch’s work, or to hire her, you can find her through her website, or message or follow Crunch on Instagram.   “It seemed to be that a lot of people were conflating yoga with religion because it has historically Hindu roots.” Crunch Ranjani    “The whole idea that Alabama is legislating certain aspects of what parts of yoga are ok in schools, and what parts are not, is what is really problematic about this whole bill.” Crunch Ranjani    “To me, it seems really strange that you can say that a language is religious or not religious, because to me language is a way to communicate with people, it is not necessarily religious in and of itself.”  Crunch Ranjani    “This is not progress, it is a form of cultural appropriation.” Crunch Ranjani    “If you are not sharing yoga in all of it’s forms, why are you even calling it yoga?”  Crunch Ranjani    “Who does this law benefit, and who does it harm?” Crunch Ranjani    “Should we not consider this pain and this harm over the benefits that white people will get from practicing a simplified version of yoga?” Crunch Ranjani    “Maybe it is worth questioning personally, for anyone that feels that fear -  what exactly are you afraid of?” Crunch Ranjani  Links: Article - Teaching Yoga in Schools View Crunch’s Other Articles  Pelvic Health Professionals Crunch Ranjani Episode 184: Is Yoga Cultural Appropriation with Dr Shailla Vaidya The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group  Yoga is Dead Podcast Find Crunch on Instagram Yoga Teacher Conf  Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 258: What Does Science Say About Yoga?   Description: We all know about the benefits of yoga, but maybe we’ve wondered about the science behind it all. In this episode, Dr. Mary Flaherty shares the knowledge she has gained from reading thousands of research papers about the effectiveness of yoga, answering the question – Does yoga work?   Mary is a psychologist, researcher, academic and yoga teacher, and the author of Does Yoga Work: Answers from Science. Mary has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, and practicing for many more. With almost 40 years of academic and research experience working in universities in Australia, Japan, U.K., Ireland, and Singapore, Mary’s parallel interests in yoga and science come together in this book which answers some of our most common questions in an easy-to-understand way.   Mary shares some of the salient pieces of information that have come up in her research, including what science has to say about inversions during menstruation, yoga and fertility, the measurable impact of yoga on individuals, societies, and communities, and more. Mary also elaborates on the importance of having a healthy skepticism, and bringing an open and critical mind to any research or information shared about yoga.   This is a great interview for anyone who has ever wondered whether yoga has been backed up by scientific studies!   Key Takeaways: [4:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mary Flaherty. [5:41] Shannon is giving away three copies of Mary's book, Does Yoga Work? [8:01] What is the work that Mary does and who does she do it for? [10:10] What was Mary's inspiration for writing the book Does Yoga Work? [11:39] What is the overall answer to the question "does yoga work?". [16:52] Mary talks about her experience sifting through thousands of research papers and also reading through meta studies. [18:13] Defining yoga is difficult, but the research seems to point to the fact that yoga that integrates different elements (like pranayama and meditation) is consistently superior to yoga that focuses solely on asana. [20:38] Shannon pops in with a quick message from Allison of the Yoga Teacher Conf about staying up to date with professional development for yoga teachers. [22:20] How can we develop a healthy skepticism? [23:34] Mary highlights two interesting pieces of information she came across in her research relating to inversions during menstruation and yoga's impact on fertility. [26:59] It's important to learn from different sources, and keep an open mind. [29:35] There are some aspects of yoga that science isn't able to measure yet, such as the subtle body, spiritual experiences, and self fulfillment. [34:37] Shannon gives a shout out to Offering Tree's amazing customer support team! [36:15] Mary wrote her book to be really accessible and digestible for the average person. [40:16] Mary shares more about her experience writing the book. [46:23] Get Mary's book and find out more about her work via her website. [51:43] Leave a comment on the show notes page to stand a chance to win a copy of Mary's book! [53:26] If you would like to learn more from Mary, join the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site!   Links: Mary Flaherty Does Yoga Work? by Mary Flaherty ¿Funciona el Yoga? Respuestas de la ciencia, by Mary Flaherty (Spanish) OfferingTree User Group on Facebook Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: "The way that the research was presented, it wasn't just tests on psychological measures ...subjective measures, but also physiological measures like at the molecular level, at a cellular level, we could see changes in hormones, all towards the positive."   "Scientific research shows that yoga is not just good for us as individuals, but at a broader level for society."   "The thing that I found running through a lot of studies was that the sense of community that yoga created was wonderful."   “In terms of effectiveness from the scientific research, when pranayama and meditation are integrated with the asana practice, the effect was much much more superior. "   "We should question the science. We should question everything. Science is just one way to know the truth."   "Knowing about the science behind yoga gives us more confidence when we talk to students."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 257: Meet OfferingTree with Alex & Eddie   Description: OfferingTree is a company that is dedicated to helping yoga teachers build their yoga business and supporting them as they grow and serve more people. An all-in-one platform which provides a website, scheduling, payment processing, email marketing, online video / course hosting, memberships/packages and more, OfferingTree also shares monthly educational webinars, a weekly blog with extensive tips and resources, and other training opportunities. In this episode, Shannon chats with Eddie Arpin and Alex Haley, two of the co-founders of OfferingTree.   Eddie is the CEO of OfferingTree and works on a little bit of every part of the business. His background is in engineering, and has a passion for staying physically and mindfully fit. Alex is one of the co-founders of OfferingTree, and also teaches meditation retreats at meditation centers throughout the United States. His background is in law, business, and the wellness industry. Alex knows first-hand the complexity and struggles of professionals within the health and wellness industry, particularly around the overwhelm of managing a business while being present for his clients.    Eddie and Alex share more about how OfferingTree was born out of discussions about the challenges health and wellness professionals face in running their business. They also talk about some of OfferingTree’s guiding principles, why collaborating and communicating with their users is so important, and how OfferingTree is set to grow in the future. Tune in to find out more about this amazing company and how they’re supporting yoga teachers in their businesses online.   Key Takeaways: [5:50] Shannon shares a little about OfferingTree, the sponsor of this episode, and introduces her guests, Eddie Arpin and Alex Haley. [9:16] How did Alex and Eddie come together to start OfferingTree? [11:00] OfferingTree was born from a problem Alex was having at a yoga studio he worked at. [12:26] What else were Eddie and Alex juggling in terms of OfferingTree? [15:05] Alex and Eddie are trying to grow the OfferingTree community. How are they going about that? [17:32] Part of how the OfferingTree community has grown is through partnerships. [20:04] What were some situations when the obstacles in their way seemed too much? [24:54] Alex shares more about the vision he had for OfferingTree before it was created. [27:38] How has Eddie's initial vision for OfferingTree changed with the reality of what has been happening? [29:54] If you are thinking about signing up for OfferingTree, Shannon has a discount code for you! [31:40] OfferingTree also provides its audience with educational content. Alex explains why they decided to include this. [34:43] What are some of the features that are in the works for OfferingTree? [37:25] Listeners - Leave a comment about what features you'd like to see from OfferingTree, or reach out to the OfferingTree team directly! [38:35] Alex and Eddie reflect on their experience working with so many yoga teachers and share something that has surprised them. [42:59] Allison from the Yoga Teacher Conf has a message to share with you. [44:19] Eddie shares a bit about how the OfferingTree team is growing. [48:04] Shannon shares some closing thoughts.   Links: OfferingTree OfferingTree on Facebook OfferingTree User Group on Facebook Email OfferingTree  Native Land Digital Pelvic Health Professionals Yoga Teacher Conf 2022 Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.   Quotes from this episode: "We thought we could make their lives a lot easier and kind of decrease the burnout with OfferingTree, so that was sort of the main focus for the software." - Eddie   "We are perfectly imperfect. We are always a work in progress and I really like to remind myself that the origin story for OfferingTree is so connected to how we operate." - Alex   "We understand that so much of practice, life, and work is relational." - Alex "Creating that sense of community has helped us tremendously and it's something that was maybe a little bit surprising, but we're reflecting back on it, [and] we're just really grateful for it." - Eddie   "How do we look at ourselves and how do we value our efforts and energy and our time?" - Alex   "It's the founding team right there at [email protected]." - Alex

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 256: Switching to a Rental Studio Model with Tammy Fulton   Description: Your yoga business can change over time, but making shifts in business can be scary and challenging - and also rewarding. In this episode, Tammy Fulton shares more about her experience making two big shifts in her yoga studio business, and how that has impacted her, her business, teachers at her studio, and their students.   Tammy has been doing yoga since 1997, and is currently the owner of Yoga Sublime Studio and the Sublime School of Yoga. Her studio is housed in a building over 100 years old that she and her husband purchased 6 years ago. Tammy is a E-RYT 200 registered yoga teacher and Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) with Yoga Alliance. She currently teaches Meditation, Gentle Flow, Restorative, Hatha & Yin Yoga with a focus on yoga and meditation for stress reduction & healthy aging, as well as co-leads a RYT 200 Teacher Training at her studio.   Tammy made the decision to shift to a rental model for her yoga studio at the start of the pandemic. She reflects on why she had to make the shift in her business and her process of sharing this change with teachers and clients at the studio. Tammy also transitioned from class passes to registered sessions. These two changes have made a huge difference for Tammy in her life and business, and she shares how the changes have positively impacted teachers and students at the studio as well.   Key Takeaways: [6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tammy Fulton [9:15] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree. [10:58] Tammy reflects on her conversation with Shannon in March 2020. [12:40] Tammy shares a bit about her journey to starting a yoga studio and her studio model at that time. [15:20] What made Tammy decide to switch to a rental model for her studio? [16:48] How did Tammy approach the conversation with her yoga teachers around the change? [19:14] How does Tammy feel about how the switch has played out for her yoga business? [20:19] Tammy also transitioned to a registered series format for her classes and this has produced many benefits for her, her teachers, and the students. [21:29] What is the system Tammy currently has in place for her rental model? [23:10] How has this shift impacted Tammy's income, now that she doesn't have to market for other teachers at her studio? [25:32] What are some things Tammy learned along the way in making the switch to the rental model? [27:16] Now that Tammy is running a rental model for the studio, how are things for her in terms of workload? [29:25] What is a baby step Tammy recommends for yoga teachers looking to create more balance in their life? [32:26] Did Tammy face any pushback from students at the studio when she implemented the changes? [34:13] What does Tammy have in mind for her future as a yoga teacher? [35:22] Find out more about Tammy and the classes she has to offer by visiting her website. [35:43] Shannon shares her takeaways from this interview with Tammy. [38:10] Shannon is offering a new group program. Get the details in the link below. Links: Yoga Sublime Studio, Tammy Fulton Group Coaching Program Native Land Digital Discussion about Group Coaching in the Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Yoga Teacher Conf 2022 Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, Offering Tree.   Quotes from this episode:   "I almost had to grieve this decision myself first before I could go to my teachers." - Tammy   "We feel that our students are more committed, that they're getting more out of [the classes] because they are committing." - Tammy   "I know that any income I make isn't subsidizing anything else." - Tammy   "Switching to that rental model made all the difference. Everyone was then generating more income with less headaches." - Shannon   “That's the kind of student I want. Somebody who values what I do and is prepared to pay." - Tammy

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 255: Creating a Niche Online Course with Laura Fowler Massie   Description: A lot of yoga teachers experience doubt and hesitancy around picking a niche, but it can work wonders for your yoga business. In this episode, Laura Fowler Massie shares how she created a niche online course and successfully marketed it during the pandemic.    Laura has been a yoga practitioner for over thirty years, the owner of Yoga Chelsea, and creator of Calm Kids Yoga. She became a yoga teacher in 2008 and took specialty training so she could offer Slow Mindful Yoga, Yoga for Pelvic Health, Yoga Nidra, and Children's Yoga. ​Laura is also an Early Childhood Educator with a BA in Psychology and a Masters degree in Education. Just before the pandemic, Laura created and launched a specialized in-person course designed specifically for Early Childhood Educators, but she had to shift gears when the lockdowns began.   Laura explains how she dealt with having to shift her offering from in-person to online because of the pandemic. Despite the change, her course has been very successful and allowed her business to grow. Laura shares how she reached her target audience to market her niche offering, and how she leveraged a free Facebook group to grow her audience. She also talk about what helped her on the tougher days, why showing up consistently is important, as well as a lot of the fears and objections people have around niching down.   This is a great episode for anyone who has been hesitating about picking a niche.   Key Takeaways: [3:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Laura Fowler Massie. [6:24] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [10:14] What does Laura do and who does she do it for? [10:58] How did Laura decide to combine yoga and early childhood education? [14:09] How did Laura market her offering and who did she market in order to get such a great turnout? [16:29] How did Laura deal with the fear that most people have around niching down, that they will have fewer people to market to? [19:30] Laura shares some of her marketing strategies to really promote her niche offering. [22:28] Marketing can be tough, and some channels can be successful while others fail. What are some things that helped Laura on those tougher days? [23:47] Laura has stayed consistent in putting out free content to her Facebook group as a way to market her offering and grow her audience. [25:06] Laura shares more about the business coaches she has worked with and learned from. [27:35] Does Laura also share her Facebook Live videos to YouTube? [30:27] When does Laura's next training start? She shares a little more about how her course is structured. [34:54] How did Laura come up with the wording and messaging that allowed her to connect with early childhood educators? [37:46] Connect with Laura via her website and her Facebook group. Links: Laura Fowler Massie, Yoga Chelsea  Laura Fowler Massie, Calm Kids Yoga  Calm Kids Yoga for Early Childhood Educators Facebook Group Learn to Teach Yoga to Young Children Course (10% Discount Code: CYT10) Children’s Yoga Teacher Mini-Training: Calm Down Strategies for Reducing Anxiety (10% Discount Code: CYT10) Learn to Teach Simple Meditations to Young Children Course (10% Discount Code: CYT10) Niching Down Resources Emily Sussell -  Make a Profit Teaching Private Yoga Amanda McKinney - Discount codes for Amanda’s offerings Live interview with Victoria Levitan (YouTube) StreamYard Pelvic Health Professionals The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn Yoga Teacher Conf 2022 Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, Offering Tree.   Quotes from this episode:   “I always had it in my mind that I was going to turn this into an online offering because it would just make it so much more available for people."   “I use my professional expertise to really market myself as a subject matter expert."   "Start before you're ready. Done is better than perfect. And everything is figureoutable".   "I feel like also word of mouth, even in the internet world during a pandemic, it still is wonderful advertising."   "You have to speak in the language of your target audience."    "I feel like I was being sincere and honest by really responding to what the people were saying they needed from me and they were interested in learning about."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 254: 3 Must-Have Legal Agreements with Erika Kullberg   Description: Wondering if you need to have a Privacy Policy or Terms & Conditions page on your website? Perhaps you’re interested in preventing people from stealing content you created online, such as a course, curriculum, or PDF. In this episode, Erika Kullberg answers all of these questions and more   Erika Kullberg is the founder of Plug and Law, a company that provides online businesses and entrepreneurs affordable legal services, and an award-winning attorney who has been featured in publications like CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider and the Washington Post. She has years of experience in corporate law and represented Fortune 500 companies prior to founding Plug & Law. Today, she shares useful tips, tricks, and hacks online to help people make more money and save more money, and has over 6 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.   Erika explains what are the three must-have legal agreements for any business owner - Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and a Disclaimer, and why they’re so important. She also shares how yoga teachers can protect their intellectual property through Trademarks, Copyrights & Patents, as well as some things to take note of when signing contracts, such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.   Erika shares all this legal information in a way that’s easy to understand and apply, so this is the perfect episode for anyone who has been wondering about the legal aspects of running a yoga business.   Key Takeaways: [5:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Erika Kullberg. [7:38] Shannon highlights some that Offering Tree specifically offers yoga teachers. offeringtree.com/shannon [9:53] What does Erika do and who does she do it for? [11:20] Erika and her husband recently decided to become digital nomads! [12:38] What is the terms and conditions document, and what is a privacy policy? Why do yoga teachers need them? [18:16] What are some common mistakes or things that online businesses overlook? [19:56] Erika offers templates that yoga teachers can use on their websites. She shares more about how these templates work. [21:08] Are Erika's templates ready for yoga teachers to use or do they need to be checked by a lawyer? [22:13] What are Erika's thoughts on using clearer language in these legal documents, rather than legal language? [23:20] How often should you update these three documents on your website? [24:35] Erika recommends keeping a log of your terms and conditions, privacy policy and disclaimer to keep track of the changes you have made. [25:13] When does a yoga teacher need to set up an LLC? What is an LLC and how does it protect yoga business owners? [28:17] What are some considerations to keep in mind around non-compete and non-solicitation clauses in contracts? [31:08] As a yoga teacher at a studio, you are a contract worker. Keep this in mind when signing any contract with non-compete clauses! [32:36] Shannon shares her personal experience with non-solicitation clauses in contracts. [33:37] How can yoga teachers protect themselves when it comes to people stealing their ideas from online courses or PDFs? Erika shares more about copyrights, patents, and trademarks as ways to protect intellectual property. [37:32] How can yoga teachers prove when they created something? [38:28] When is it helpful to have a trademark? How can yoga teachers go about getting something trademarked? [40:32] What's the difference between registering a business with a certain name and registering a trademark? [41:41] Erika has some final thoughts around legal considerations for online businesses. [43:16] Erika shares some of her services that yoga teachers may be interested in. [44:23] Learn more about Erika and her work via her website, and check out her YouTube channel for personal finance tips! [45:52] Is it necessary for every yoga business to include a disclaimer? [47:12] Shannon shares her takeaways from this interview. [49:07] Shannon gives a shout out to a listener who left a review.   Links: Erika Kullberg, Plug and Law Erika Kullberg on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 044: Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 104: Legal Answers for Your Yoga Business with Saerin Ally Cho The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 105: Insurance for Yoga Teachers with Beth McVeigh What Expenses Can I Claim As A Yoga Teacher? Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsor, Offering Tree.   Quotes from this episode:   "The privacy policy is not only essential for your website, but it's also required by law."   "These terms and conditions are going to lay out all of these rules for your website so that there's no ambiguity."   "A disclaimer basically states what you are and are not responsible for."   "[Legal agreements are] to take care of our yoga students as well as ourselves." - Shannon   "Make sure when you are signing an agreement, you understand every single word because these are legally binding."   "Also remember that everything is negotiable. If you're not happy with the terms that they want you to sign, push back on them."   "Prior to signing, that's when you're in the greatest position of power to speak up."   "If it is something that's very important to your brand, it's best to register your trademark earlier rather than later."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 253: Reflect & Plan [Part 4] with Shannon Crow   Description: At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflection and planning. In this episode, Shannon shares her process of goal setting. She explains the SMART goals framework she uses, and why she only chooses 1-3 goals to focus on for a 90-day stretch. Shannon also reveals her tips and tricks to help her stay motivated in accomplishing her goals, and how she actually reaches her goals. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.   Key Takeaways: [4:53] Shannon recaps the first three parts of the reflect and plan framework she has been sharing. [6:00] Don't be afraid to take this framework and adapt it to what fits you! [8:28] Choose 1-3 goals to focus on for the next 90 days. [10:44] Shannon uses the SMART goals framework to set her goals. She explains what this means. [15:08] Define if your goals are habit goals or achievement goals, and which area of importance it fits into. Also outline the benefits of this goal, and the small steps you will take to complete the goal. [18:50] The magic step to reaching your goals is to get it on your calendar! [22:31] Something that helps Shannon in reaching goals is trying not to break a streak, and having accountability.   Links: PDF The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 250: Reflect & Plan with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 252: Reflect & Plan [Part 3] with Shannon Crow Year on the Wall Calendar by Steph Crowder The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 183: How to Plan a productive week with Shawn Radcliffe The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 122: Productivity for Yoga Teachers with Amber De La Garza 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, Pelvic Health Professionals and Offering Tree.   Quotes from this episode: "Make this fit your life and your beliefs and whatever suits you."   "A habit goal is something that you do daily or on a regular basis, whereas an achievement goal is something that you finish."   "The magic step is getting it on your calendar."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 252: Reflect & Plan [Part 3] with Shannon Crow   Description: At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflection and planning. In this episode, Shannon encourages you to think about what you would like to be doing with your time, as a way to direct your energy and focus. She also shares her five-year framework that acts as a guiding compass for her life. By focusing on the four areas of importance - health and wellness, relationships and community purpose, work, and finances - Shannon finds that she has more direction. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.   Key Takeaways: [3:25] What do you want to spend your time doing this year? [5:35] Shannon reviews Part 1 and 2 of her framework for reflecting and planning. [7:25] Shannon sends gratitude to Schedulicity. [9:34] Shannon shares her journal prompt for this episode. She encourages you to think about what you would rather be doing instead with your time. What are the things that excite you and you want to dedicate your time and energy to? [14:14] Shannon has been using this framework for years, and is shocked by how things have turned out! [15:14] Shannon sets the scenario for this activity. How will your life be in 5 years from now in these four areas of importance: health and wellness, relationships and community purpose, work, and finances? [17:00] Shannon shares some examples from her four areas of importance. [20:28] Part 4 of this series will be all about setting goals. [21:23] Shannon ends off with a few reminders.   Links: PDF The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 250: Reflect & Plan with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman Will It Fly?, by Pat Flynn 20+ Phrases to Close Your Yoga Classes The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 220: Alternatives to Namaste with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity (Coupon:cyt2months), and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "What do you want to spend your time doing this year?"   "Time is our most precious resource."   “Don't forget to aim high. Dream big. Be as specific as you can.”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman   Description: At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflecting on how her year has been. In this episode, she shares more about reflecting on what didn’t work and letting that go. In her practice, Shannon has tried to include elements of non-attachment and letting go, and turned to Jivana Heyman with her questions about incorporating yoga philosophy and Sanskrit into her framework.   Shannon and Jivana discuss different elements of non-attachment mentioned in yoga texts, and how we can respectfully incorporate these teachings into our lives and daily practice. Shannon also offers a guided reflection practice with some questions to contemplate and journal on things we need to let go and release. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.   Key Takeaways: [4:36] This episode is part two in a series about reflecting and planning in your yoga business. [6:21] Part one of this exercise was looking at what went well and finding moments of contentment. Part two focuses on what didn't work and letting that go. [9:49] Shannon shares what she has learned from reading yoga texts about non-attachment and letting go. [11:25] Sponsor Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week. [12:13] Shannon learned about Vairāgya from Jivana Heyman. She also wanted to make sure she wasn't appropriating yoga in trying to include these elements in her reflection and planning. [14:52] An important part of reflecting is to think about what we are distracted by and that's pulling us off course. [16:58] Shannon is doing a giveaway of one of Jivana's books! [17:31] Vairāgya is really about looking at what we want to reach for or make space for. Shannon has a small exercise to illustrate this principle. [19:08] Shannon encourages you to make a list of things you would like to clear out and let go of or release and create space. [22:40] Shannon talks about the continuation of learning that we are all doing. [24:32] This framework can act as your map and your compass all wrapped into one. [28:01] If we climb every single mountain alone, we would never get anywhere. [28:10] Shannon shares some journal prompts to guide your reflection. [30:30] Shannon introduces Jivana and shares more about why she reached out to him for this conversation. [32:58] How can we respectfully integrate yoga into what we are doing? [36:45] Jivana shares some of his thoughts on non-attachment. [37:52] Shannon reflects on how the idea that yoga is the opposite of capitalism has played out in her own journaling and reflection this year. [39:02] Non-attachment is about analyzing our desires. [43:36] Non-attachment doesn't mean having non-attachment to the things going on in the world because it's too painful. Jivana explains more about this. [46:08] Shannon and Jivana discuss her conundrum around integrating yoga and Sanskrit into her reflection framework. [54:07] Shannon has three gifts for listeners!   Links: PDF Jivana Heyman Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage and Compassion, by Jivana Heyman Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body, By Jivana Heyman A Queer Dharma, by Jacoby Ballard The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 209: Online Yoga Teacher Training with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman Shyam Ranganathan Yoga Sutras Swami Dayananda Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity (Coupon:cyt2months), and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "What would you like to let go of next year or next month or next quarter? What is no longer serving you?" - Shannon   "We are not looking at how to escape every moment of discomfort or bad emotion."  - Shannon   "This whole framework, what we're doing, is like your map and your compass all wrapped into one." - Shannon   "This whole framework, what we're doing is like your map and your compass all wrapped into one." - Shannon   "How can we apply monastic ancient teachings to our lives now? How do we do that in a respectful way?" - Jivana Heyman   "In the West, we tend to identify with the mind so much that we don't even know what it means to identify with spirit." - Jivana Heyman  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 250: Reflect & Plan with Shannon Crow   Description: At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflecting on how her year has been. In this episode, she shares how she cultivated this practice and how she has incorporated elements of yoga and yoga philosophy into this practice. She speaks about the element of santosha, contentment, that she has brought into her reflection practice this year. In this guided reflection practice, Shannon invites us to contemplate some questions to assess our year in terms of contentment. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.   Key Takeaways: [4:22] Shannon shares a little bit of background on her process in putting together this episode. [5:35] This is a great series to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business. [6:34] Shannon likes to do her reflections with pen and paper. She has recorded a special guided practice to help you with your reflection to focus on moments of contentment. [9:09] Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week. [10:07] What can you do to bring yourself to the present moment? As we reflect on the past year to find the moments of contentment, remember to let go of certain outcomes. [12:42] Notice anything around you that offers you comfort, and take a moment to appreciate yourself for taking this time as a gift to yourself and everyone around you. [13:52] Shannon shares some guiding questions to direct your reflection on contentment. [15:29] Shannon shares something she learned from doing this practice this year. [17:14] How did this reflection go for you? How are you feeling after creating this list? [17:52] Be sure to get the accompanying PDF for this episode. [18:43] Shannon shares a review from a member of Pelvic Health Professionals.   Links: PDF Steph Crowder Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "What would bring me into this present moment right now?"   "Let yourself color outside the lines today and to do something differently."   "When did you find inner peace this year? When did you give something your best? When did you lose track of time? When did you let go of the outcome? When did you feel compassion? When did you look at something and feel satisfaction? When did you feel successful? When did you embrace who you are? When did you honor your limits?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 249: Yoga for Older Grownups with Maria Kirsten   Description: Have you considered teaching older grownups as your niche in yoga? Many yoga teachers have not, and may feel some fear or apprehension when it comes to teaching people in older bodies. In this episode, Maria Kirsten sheds some light on what teaching yoga to older grownups can be like.   Maria Kirsten was a yoga therapist working mainly with pain and mental health, and offered yoga classes to grownups and older grownups in her community. She also taught teacher trainings about how to support older grownups and regarding general mental health. For Maria, the focus was always on intelligent movement that reconnects people to the joy of being alive in their bodies, and helping people connect with the intuitive wisdom of the body, and nurturing their innate capacity to heal through simple, joyful movement.   Maria shares openly about what inspired her to start teaching yoga for older grownups and how her classes are structured. Maria addresses the fear and caution that some yoga teachers may feel when it comes to teaching older bodies, and gives advice on things to avoid in a yoga class with older people. She explains the mental health benefit yoga can have, and also talks about some of the words that can be triggering for older grown ups.   This interview was so valuable in understanding what teaching yoga to older grownups can be like and how to approach teaching this group of people.   Note: This interview was conducted in January 2021, and Maria passed away back April 2021. The information she shared was invaluable, and we are glad to be able to share this interview with you now.   Key Takeaways: [5:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Maria Kirsten. [10:24] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review. [15:33] How did Maria come up with the name Yoga for Grown Ups? [17:21] What is the age range for grownups vs. older grownups? [18:55] What does Maria usually teach in classes for older grownups? [20:10] Shannon and Maria discuss some of the fears and lack of confidence older people have, particularly around falling. [22:40] Maria shares a little more about some of the education she does for her students about what's happening in their bodies and their movements. [25:55] How does Maria use chairs in her yoga classes? [27:50] Sit to stand and stand to sit is an important movement, and not all of us do it correctly! [29:59] Shannon shares more about the S breath and claw fingers to engage the pelvic floor. [31:01] What are some things that Maria does not do with older grown ups? [34:19] The thing is not to be scared of older people. [36:09] What are some things Maria has learned about teaching yoga for older grown ups? [38:15] What are some conditions that yoga teachers working with bodies with more experience on Earth should be aware of? [42:01] Yoga for older grownups also has mental health benefits. [43:01] Maria explains a bit about her experience with cancer. [44:00] Do Maria's older grownups do online yoga? [45:58] What are the restrictions on yoga classes in Australia? [48:06] Maria also has a Yoga for Older Grownups training online. [51:01] Shannon reflects on a mistake she made with naming a class for older people. [53:07] Certain words can be triggering for older people and we need to be mindful of that. [54:22] Shannon and Maria discuss the idea that mental health is a spectrum, and something that needs to be cultivated and built. [58:13] When it comes to mental health and aging, we need to consider what a sustainable practice is. [59:51] Learn more about Maria's work by visiting her website. [61:26] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Maria. Links: Maria Kristen, Yoga for Grownups Maria's Courses Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimerer The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 203: Do Politics Belong in Yoga? with Chara Caruthers & Maria Kirsten The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 173: Social Justice, Politics & Yoga with Chara Caruthers & Maria Kirsten Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard Stephanie Maxwell, thepregnantpelvis.net Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, by Atul Gawande Theo Wildcroft Yoga for Pelvic Health Training Dynamic Aging: Simple Exercises for Whole Body Mobility, by Katy Bowman, Joan Virginia Allen, Shelah M. Wilgus, et al. The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 070: Yoga for Seniors? with Shannon Crow Yoga Classes for Seniors Is Age Nothing but a Number? The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow Mindfulness Daily with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach on Sounds True Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "The biggest risk for falling is fear of falling."   "The thing is not to be scared of older people. If you give them the education and tell them what you're doing and why then they can make educated choices about what options they'll take or when they'll rest and then they feel really empowered."   "Don't underestimate what people are getting [out of your yoga class]."   "Only you know when enough is enough or too much is too much."   "Mental health is a spectrum and the thing that people don't understand, I think, about mental health, is that they don't just get it for free. People are really shocked when mental health isn't fantastic all the time."   "As teachers were trying to empower people in the class, but we're also trying to empower them to do home practice because as soon as they practice on their own at home, everything changes."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers   Description: As yoga teachers, we can forget that we need to take care of ourselves too. Burnout and exhaustion are common occurrences among yoga teachers, especially now, which is why self-care is so important. Chara Caruthers is on the podcast to talk about how ayurveda and self-care are intertwined for yoga teachers.   Chara Caruthers is a registered yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist who has been practicing yoga since 1993. She is a wellness coach, registered ayurvedic practitioner with AAPNA and professional member of National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). As the founder of Bliss Body & Soul, Chara offers ayurveda courses, workshops, and an ayurvedic living community. Chara also hosts the Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast, where she shares more about how to live, age, parent, and just be more vibrantly engaged in the process of “growing up” in a way that feels balanced, authentic, graceful and juicy.   What is the role of ayurveda in self-care? Chara explains that we are each a unique individual, and accordingly our self-care needs differ according to who we are, how we are, and the environments we are in. She shares tips for tuning in to our inner selves, why self-care is essential especially when we’re busy, and so much more.    If you’ve wanted to know more about how to integrate Ayurveda into your own practice, or are needing to integrate self-care into your life, this is a great episode for you.   Key Takeaways: [2:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chara Caruthers. [8:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review! [12:04] What is the work that Chara does and who does she do it for? [13:14] How does ayurveda connect to self-care? [14:44] How does self-care change depending on your doshas and the seasons? [18:28] Where can we start to find information about ourselves and how we are? [22:16] What are some ayurveda self-care tips for yoga teachers on days that are overwhelming? [26:04] What does Chara's personal practice look like, and what are the expectations she has for herself? [30:39] What are Chara's thoughts for a yoga teacher who thinks they don't have time or are too busy for self-care? [35:19] As yoga teachers, we model the way for others, including with our own self-care. [40:10] Shannon and Chara discuss why it is so important for people to have their own regular practice before training to become yoga teachers. [46:54] Many of us are wanting to go out and do something about everything we're seeing in the world, but we can't do that unless we take care of ourselves first. [51:48] Things that require mental energy and mental work can also be tiring. As yoga teachers who are trying to hold space for everyone who comes to you, it is all the more important to practice self-care for yourself. [54:33] What are some things that have helped Chara in her self-care journey? [57:29] Chara shares more about how she works with yoga teachers in the ayurveda space. [63:17] Find out more about Chara and her work on her website and her podcast. [64:18] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview, and invites you to share your self-care tips and tricks.   Links: Chara Caruthers Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 203: Do Politics Belong in Yoga? with Chara Caruthers & Maria Kirsten The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 173: Social Justice, Politics & Yoga with Chara Caruthers and Maria Kirsten Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "Ayurveda is really about living longer. It's a system of health and wellness that focuses on longevity and so when you think about it in that sense, you realize ayurveda is all about self-care."   "What your body wants us to understand is that the way that we actually care for ourselves is by understanding who we are and how we operate."   "What's going on out in the world is also going on inside of us."   "Ayurveda wants us to know who we are and to know how we are so that we can make smarter choices for the things that we engage with, whether that be food or people or environments or yoga."   "We have this responsibility first and foremost to make really smart choices for ourselves. And that it starts with tuning into where we are and how we are."   "If we're not going to take care of ourselves, our bodies, our minds, who will?"   "Rest is going to look different for everybody, and so I think we have that responsibility to tune in to what rest actually feels like, what it actually is for each of us."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow   Description: We all make mistakes. We all get things wrong, and say or do the wrong things at times. It is a part of being a yoga teacher, parent, coworker, friend, colleague, family member, partner, and every other role that we play. Being wrong is a part of learning and growing. In this episode, Shannon shares more from her experience about when she was wrong about some things and how she learned from these mistakes.   Staying stuck in previous knowledge and not learning from our mistakes doesn’t help anybody. Shannon draws on her own experiences as a yoga teacher, a teacher trainer, and as a podcaster to share some mistakes she has made and how she learned from them. She also shares how we can respond to the harm and hurt we may have caused, and how to receive feedback from others about our mistakes.   Being wrong is normal. What we need to do is learn and grow from our mistakes. This episode is a great reminder to all of us to normalize being wrong and about how we can do better.   Key Takeaways: [3:43] Being wrong is a part of being a yoga teacher. [7:47] We need to normalize being wrong. [9:49] What would you do when you are in a position of having caused harm? [10:48] Shannon shares an example of a mistake that happened recently within the Pelvic Health Professionals community. [13:52] Shannon shares a personal example of how if we stay stuck in previous knowledge and stop learning, we will not be serving our students. [16:23] Would you like to hear a podcast on what Shannon has learned about breath through the years? [16:52] Shannon shares another example of when she learned to do better because she didn't have the information before. [19:54] Shannon recalls how she started learning more to do better. [22:04] We need to get comfortable with making mistakes and being wrong, but also with having more questions than answers. [25:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity. [27:01] Getting feedback is part of learning from our mistakes. [32:25] Receiving feedback can be really uncomfortable, and this is normal. [33:04] When someone comes forward to share the hurt or harm you have caused with your words or actions, how can you respond? Shannon shares an example from her experience and reflects on her process of learning from feedback. [41:13] We are all wrong sometimes, whether as yoga teachers, parents, coworkers, friends, colleagues, family members, partners, and all the different roles we play. [42:58] How can we turn to the teachings of yoga in moments when we receive feedback and feel upset or defensive? Links: Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimerer History.com History of Handwashing The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga Resources Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group about Pelvic Health Information Shannon Crow on Instagram Jacoby Ballard A Queer Dharma: by Jacoby Ballard A Queer Dharma, by Jacoby Ballard - North Atlantic Books (Use code 'connected' for 30% discount and free shipping) Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "We can't know everything about gardening or teaching yoga and really the best way to learn is to jump in and do the thing and learn as we go."   "Telling others that you don't know the answer to something or admitting that you were wrong is not a weakness. It is not showing that you don't know things. It takes a lot of strength and courage."   "If we stay stuck in previous knowledge, if we stop learning, we will not be serving our students."   "The thing that I hope we get really comfortable with as yoga teachers is not only making mistakes and being wrong, but also ending up with way more questions than answers. "  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard   Description: Anger is a very human emotion that almost all of us experience, but society often encourages us to suppress it. Yet, dismissing, denying, or suppressing anger can cause it to spill out in the wrong way and unintentionally harm others. In this episode, Jacoby Ballard shares more about how anger, forgiveness, and self-care tie in together.   Jacoby Ballard is a social justice educator and yoga teacher with 20 year of experience. Since 2006, Jacoby has taught Queer and Trans Yoga, a space for queer folks to unfurl and cultivate resilience, and in 2008, they co-founded Third Root Community Health Center in Brooklyn to work at the nexus of healing and social justice. They lead workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, teach at conferences, and run a mentorship program specifically for yoga teachers, in addition to consulting in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space. Jacoby is also the author of a new book, A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation, released in 2021.   When we feel anger, we may think it is out of line with being ‘yogic’. Jacoby addresses this perception and explains how we can begin to understand and process the anger that we may feel. They share tips for calming the nervous system, strategies to integrate what’s going on in the world into your own practice, and how our daily practice can help up show up in the work that we do. Jacoby also shares more about their new book and what they have learned from the experience of writing it.    This is a remarkable episode that will speak to anyone who is feeling tired, worn down, angry, struggling to forgive or to be forgiven, or feeling ready to take on new challenges and wanting to gather their energy.   Key Takeaways: [3:40] Shannon does a little check in with you. [6:42] Check out Jacoby's book and join the book launch party! [9:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity. [11:09] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jacoby Ballard. [13:31] What does Jacoby do and who do they do it for? [15:34] We may experience anger when looking at the injustices in the world, but this can feel like it's not in line with yoga. What are Jacoby's thoughts on that? [18:15] What are some healthy ways to discharge anger and calm the nervous system? [20:54] Society often encourages us to suppress anger and big emotions. How can we encourage healthy expression of this? [23:43] What are some things we can do when we feel like we can't receive someone's message because of their anger? [25:52] How does Jacoby integrate what's happening in the world into their own practice? [28:50] Jacoby talks about how their daily practice and routines really enables them to show up in the work they do. [31:07] What does Jacoby's self practice look like? [34:54] Jacoby reads an excerpt from their book. [37:12] Jacoby shares their experience of writing the book. [39:27] What are some other examples of anger coming up that we should care about? [39:27] What are some issues that Jacoby cares deeply about in the yoga world? [40:31] Jacoby and Shannon discuss the question of 200hr yoga teacher trainings. [42:42] As humans, we are going to feel harm and we are going to harm others. [45:43] Jacoby shares their experience of teaching about compassion in a prison. [50:59] Jacoby leaves us with a concluding message for yoga teachers. Links: Jacoby Ballard A Queer Dharma: by Jacoby Ballard A Queer Dharma, by Jacoby Ballard - North Atlantic Books (Use code 'connected' for 30% discount and free shipping) Resonance Membership Program with Jacoby Ballard Birthing Papa: A Yogi’s Path to Parenthood Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers Kelly McGonigal Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).   Quotes from this episode: "Anger is a very human emotion and if we dismiss it, or deny it, or oppress it then it's going to come out in all the wrong places and probably all over those that we care about most in our lives."   "If we don't look at the anger first, then we can't get to the heartbreak, the fear, or the exhaustion. And if we can't get there, then we can't heal, we can't get to the other side."   "Having the daily practices allows me to be grounded in myself, remember my commitment, remember my purpose, and then turn back towards whatever is calling my attention on a given day."   "I must create boundaries that protect me from internalizing harm while practicing compassion that allows me to remain sensitive to suffering around the world."   "Anger tells us, pay attention! Anger gives us the energy to do something, for something precious is being killed, injured, threatened, tarnished, taken, abused, polluted, appropriated or harmed."   "Working with feedback, inviting feedback and working with it really conscientiously is so important in so many yoga dharma spaces."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 245: Share Your Yoga on Insight Timer with Liza Colpa   Description: For many yoga teachers now, building your unique yoga business includes figuring out how to teach yoga online. While Zoom classes and audio recordings are options, you can also consider Insight Timer as another avenue to grow your yoga business. Liza Colpa is on the podcast to share more about her experience with Insight Timer, as well as some useful information to help you get started.   Liza came to yoga as a teenager, and after ten years of practice, went on to become a yoga teacher. Today, Liza teaches yoga and meditation, and recently set up her independent and online business. She focuses on creating meditation and yoga video content for people who believe in the power of yoga and meditation as tools to improve their lives. She currently offers meditations and 1:1 coaching through Insight Timer, as well as uses Insight Timer for live classes, and online courses.   Being on Insight Timer has allowed Liza to have a well-paying career as a yoga teacher. She shares how she got started on the platform, and her tips to continue growing her audience. Liza gives her recommendations on equipment and software you can use to get started, how to get paid, and how Insight Timer can complement your yoga business. If you are looking for a new platform to grow your yoga business and become a successful, well-paid yoga teacher, this episode on Insight Timer is for you.   Key Takeaways: [4:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Liza Colpa. [7:31] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review! [11:27] What is the work that Liza does and who does she do it for? [12:36] What prompted Liza to move onto Insight Timer? [14:17] Some yoga teachers have tried applying to be on Insight Timer but they haven't received any response. What are Liza's thoughts on this? [16:42] What equipment does Liza recommend to get started on Insight Timer? [18:02] What editing software does Liza suggest? [19:19] Does Liza only share pre-recorded videos or does she also do live classes? [20:50] How does scheduling work on Insight Timer? [21:54] Shannon and Liza discuss how payments and getting paid works on Insight Timer. [24:56] What are the rules around promoting your own offerings on Insight Timer? [26:34] What kind of tech support or training is available for yoga teachers looking to get started? [27:54] What is something Liza wishes she had known when she started using Insight Timer? [30:26] Liza shares more about doing courses on Insight Timer. [31:54] What are some of Liza's offerings available on Insight Timer? [35:47] How did Liza cultivate an audience on Insight Timer? [38:08] Find out more about Liza and her work on Insight Timer, and check out her website too. [39:50] Are you on Insight Timer? Share with us so we can connect with you!   Links: Liza Colpa Liza Colpa on Insight Timer Manifesting a Happier & Healthier Life with Liza Colpa (10 day Course) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 244: Create & Share Audio Recordings with Claire Villarreal Teaching Yoga Online Resources GarageBand for Mac iMovie Logic Teaching Yoga Online: Audio, Video and Lighting Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "I truly believe that we've entered into a stage of quality content being really desired by these platforms."   "As a content creator and yoga teacher and meditation teacher you are learning, sometimes as you go."   "The tools are there. It's just a matter of being like, how do I get bold and confident and just say out loud, I'm a yoga teacher, this is my career, this is my business and every single donation that you give me, goes straight to me and thank you for supporting me and helping me support you and being a patron of my craft."   "That's the hardest part for a content creator is just to simply do it just to record just to hit post."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 244: Create & Share Audio Recordings with Claire Villarreal   Description: The pandemic has forced most yoga teachers to teach yoga online, but a less common alternative (or addition!) to videos is audio recordings. A lot of yoga teachers think doing audio recordings is difficult, but this isn’t the case. Claire Villarreal has a wealth of experience in creating audio recordings, and she shares all her expertise on this episode.   Claire works to adapt traditional Buddhist teachings for the demands of modern life, particularly focusing on guided meditations. She began meditating daily in 1997 in the Theravada and Vajrayāna traditions, and she has traveled to study and meditate in traditional settings around the world. She is the former Programs Director for Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism and former board member for Compassionate Houston. Currently, Claire contributes to a GenX dharma teachers community, and she is funded by the Hemera Foundation to write and podcast about what Tibetan teachings on reincarnation can teach us about living well.   Claire explains how you can record good quality audio using only your phone and a set of earbuds, as well as the software you can use to transcribe a meditation, how to edit and store your audio, what format to save it in and more technical details. This episode is for you if you want to create audio recordings for your students to take home or as a freebie to build your email list - it is a quick and easy starting place to explore if audio recordings are the right fit for your yoga business.   Key Takeaways: [4:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Claire Villarreal. [7:14] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity. [11:55] What does Claire do and who does she do it for? [13:01] A lot of people think that creating audio recordings is too difficult, but it's not! [14:01] What is the quickest way to get started doing audio recording with our phones? [15:01] Audio recordings can also be helpful in situations where visuals aren't the best way to convey the message. [15:42] How should the microphone be set up for the best audio quality? [17:36] What is the best way to edit audio to make it sound good? [20:31] Shannon pops in with an update on the episode on closed captions for Zoom with Landon Stacy and to talk about the transcription tool she uses. [24:07] What does Claire recommend doing with the transcript of your audio recording? [26:03] Claire recommends recording a live session or training you are doing and using the transcript of that as a starting point for a script you can read. [26:56] Claire shares some tips around where to record. [28:40] Claire talks about her process of recording and what she does after she has recorded her audio. [30:54] Tip: If possible, record in a wav format rather than mp3 format. [33:27] Claire makes a note about recording directly to your computer vs. to your phone and transferring to the computer. [35:57] Audacity is a good option for audio editing software that you can use to clean up the audio recording. [37:17] Claire describes the three main functions she performs using her audio editing software. [39:04] Shannon shares some of her tips from her experience of recording podcasts. [40:23] How can we achieve a meditation quality in our audio recordings? [42:38] Claire shares a little about teaching on Insight Timer. [48:04] Check out the next episode for more information about using Insight Timer in your yoga business. [48:43] Insight Timer presents a huge opportunity for yoga teachers. [49:28] How can we stop our audio recordings from turning off automatically? [52:52] Claire shares some final thoughts about creating and sharing audio recordings. [54:14] Connect with Claire via her website and check out her podcast! [55:05] Are you going to start using audio recordings in your yoga business? Let us know in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group!   Links: Claire Villarreal Dharmapreneurs - Mini Course Letting Grow Podcast Teaching Yoga Online Resources The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 205: Tech Guide for Online Yoga with Dominique Gauthier Otter.ai The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 229: Closed Captioning for Zoom Yoga with Landen Stacy Podse.io RecForge Pro Zoom H4N Pro Recorder Hardware for Teaching Yoga Online - Audio, Video & Lighting Audacity GarageBand for Mac Insight Timer Anchor Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “[Creating audio recordings] is way more accessible than people think."   "It'll probably take recording some test recordings a few times to get your setup right. But once you have your setup the way you want it, it's pretty easy to just go back in and record another episode."   "You have to figure out the right relationship between the microphone and your mouth."   "If possible, it's great to record in a wav format instead of MP3."   "Experimentation is the heart of finding your audio sound."   "How you're feeling comes across so clearly in your voice."   "I think it is better to put stuff out there and get feedback and grow than to hold back because you think you're not good enough."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast  243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart   Description: Many yoga teachers are eager learners and always seeking to expand their knowledge about yoga. However the multitude of texts (and their various translations) available can feel overwhelming and daunting to approach. In this episode, Chase Bossart shares his recommendations and expertise around some of the must-read yoga texts.   Chase Bossart is the Director of the Yoga Well Institute, an organization dedicated to yoga, meditation, and holistic health in the tradition of Viniyoga. Chase studied under the tutelage of TKV Desikachar, son of Krishnamacharya who is often described as the father of modern yoga.   Chase shares his insights on how to take the yoga sutras into challenging times, the three fundamental texts he suggests yoga teachers read, and why these are so important for yoga teachers as a foundation in their practice and their teaching. Chase also explains why having a teacher to guide you in your study of the texts can be helpful, and whether yoga teachers need to know Sanskrit and all of the texts to practice or teach yoga. Shannon and Chase also discuss cultural appropriation, how and why yoga has changed so much in its practice in the East vs. West, and much more.   If you have ever wondered what texts you should read to deepen your knowledge of yoga and yoga philosophy, or how the teachings of yoga apply to our daily lives, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: [4:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chase Bossart. [6:37] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity. [7:47] Shannon reads a review from a listener. [11:25] This interview was recorded on the 20th of January, Inauguration Day in the US. Shannon and Chase discuss the state of things in the US at the moment. [13:03] How have the yoga sutras held Chase through the challenges we have faced recently? [19:20] What are the main texts that Chase recommends that yoga teachers read? [22:14] Chase explains a little more about the Yogasūtra, and Haṭhayoga Pradīpika. [25:26] These texts are not easy to read or understand. Chase talks about the traditional way that people would go about learning these texts. [28:40] Not everyone can live with and learn these texts under the tutelage of a teacher. What can they do instead? [34:12] Chase shares his recommendations on how yoga teachers can approach these texts. [37:37] Does studying with one teacher mean that we are automatically limiting ourselves to just one person's ideas? [39:08] Chase shares more about the three texts he recommends for yoga teachers. [46:09] Context is not well understood in yoga. [47:33] What is Chase's reaction to someone who just wants to practice yoga and believes that yoga's teachings will come through to them in their practice, without reading the texts? [53:53] What are Chase's thoughts on bringing yoga from the East to the West? Shannon and Chase discuss the topic of cultural appropriation in yoga. [60:27] Where should yoga teachers who want to study yoga texts start?   Links: Chase Bossart, Yoga Well Institute The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 053: Yoga Mentors and Lineage with Chase Bossart The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 242: Mantra & Chanting with Melissa Shah The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 232: Five Steps to Effective Content with Shannon Crow [Part 1] Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds by Chase Bossart The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice, by T. K. V. Desikachar Religiousness in Yoga: Lectures on Theory and Practice, by T. K. V. Desikachar, John Ross Carter, and Mary Louise Skelton What are We Seeking?, by Martyn Neal and T. K. V. Desikachar In Search of Mind, by T. K. V. Desikachar The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "The yoga sutras are very clear that you don't have a lot of influence over what happens."   “Do what you need to do to maintain your equanimity because that is the determining factor in how you respond, and how you respond is going to determine what happens to you next.”   "I think it's so important that people take time to become familiar with yoga as a path, yoga as a way of interacting with the world."   "Yoga, like cooking, is experiential knowledge. Like music or dance. It's not just something that you know, it's something you do."   "It's important to build a foundation before we add lots of stories."   "Another part of difficulty in yoga is that context is not well understood."   "We should be, at least, having a fundamental idea of what is yoga as a practice and as a life philosophy, rather than just what is yoga as an exercise class or some huff and puff."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 242: Mantra & Chanting with Melissa Shah   Description: As a white yoga practitioner who may have trouble with Sanskrit pronunciations, you may have wondered how to approach using mantra in your practice. You may have wondered - What if I can't pronounce the words correctly? Does pronunciation matter? When is it acceptable to use mantra or Sanskrit chants in my classes? Melissa Shah has answers to these questions and more.   Melissa works to make yoga accessible through yoga therapy, mentoring yoga teachers, and mantra, which she has practiced since childhood. She is passionate about bringing yoga and Ayurveda back to its roots, and reclaiming representation within the wellness community. Currently, Melissa works individually with clients offering yoga therapy in the Viniyoga tradition and offers weekly community chanting and pranayama classes.   Melissa sheds light on what exactly mantra is, and talks about the benefits and importance of mantra in yoga. She also shares her perspective on getting the pronunciations right when saying mantras, and how we can navigate incorporating mantra into our practice and classes in a way that is mindful, respectful and intentional.   Key Takeaways: [4:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Melissa Shah. [6:52] Check out the hot tip of the week from Schedulicity. [9:37] Where did Melissa's yoga journey begin? When did she start practicing mantra and chanting? [13:01] Did Melissa ever have a period of time where she rejected yoga, having started at such a young age? [16:38] What is the definition of mantra? [19:02] Are mantras always in Sanskrit or can they be in English?  [21:03] What's the difference between kirtan and mantra? [25:46] How should yoga teachers approach the pronunciation of Sanskrit words in mantra? [30:38] What is the science behind mantra? [35:36] Where the tongue lands in the mouth has an impact on the body. Melissa explains more about this in relation to mantra. [41:28] How does Melissa approach people who may feel uncomfortable with chanting and mantras, or like it collides with their beliefs or religion? [45:10] Learn more about mantra and chanting from Melissa at her classes, and also check out some resources she has available on her website. [47:13] Melissa closes the interview with a chant.   Links: Melissa Shah Melissa Shah’s Online Class Schedule Find Your Breath Online - Membership and Online Library The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 240: Pelvic Health for Everyone with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 241: Bhakti Yoga & Kirtan with Kamini Natarajan Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers with Tristan Katz The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "What kind of intended effect do you want the mantra to have?"   "Depending on where the individual you're working with this at and what they'll connect to the most, you can give them other kinds of sounds."   "When you're in a position of power, especially as a white person in a wellness space, when you're in a position of power like that, what you do, other people model."   "It means something when you don't put in the effort. It's a micro aggression and it does mean something and it does cause harm."   "I wouldn't say that not being able to pronounce something the perfect way is an excuse for not using it at all." "You don't necessarily have to know what the mantra means to get its benefit."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 241: Bhakti Yoga & Kirtan with Kamini Natarajan   Description: Not many people in North America practice bhakti yoga and kirtan or even associate it with the stereotypical images of yoga portrayed on social media. In fact, for many people sitting and chanting do not fit into their idea of what yoga is and its purpose. Kamini Natarajan, kirtan and raga singer and bhakti teacher for over two decades to share more.   Kamini Natarajan comes from a family of bhakti practitioners, and started learning Indian classical music at the age of six. She has undergone rigorous training with acclaimed teachers and musicians in India, and today, she teaches Indian classical music and kirtans, as well as performs at events both in person and online, and records her own music.   What is bhakti yoga? What is kirtan? What are the benefits we can get from them? Kamini explains all this and more. She also explains how we can be respectful of Indian culture and heritage, while still incorporating kirtans and bhakti yoga into our own practices. She answers the “whys” and “hows” about Bhakti Yoga and the deep spiritual relationship that exists between Classical Indian music, chanting and how it relates to our daily lives.   Key Takeaways: [7:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kamini Natarajan. [11:17] What is the work that Kamini does and who does she do it for? [12:27] Where did Kamini's journey with kirtan and bhakti yoga begin? [16:04] What is a bhajan? Kamini explains how it differs from a kirtan. [18:25] Kirtans in North America are often led by people from North America. What are Kamini's thoughts on someone not of the Indian culture learning and sharing kirtans? [23:37] What are some things Kamini wishes yoga teachers would know to appreciate the culture and understand it better before bringing kirtans into their yoga classes? [25:53] Not a lot of people practice bhakti yoga in North America, and have very differing concepts of what yoga is. [30:04] How would Kamini explain the concept of Bhakti yoga to someone who had no idea about what it is? [34:17] Kamini is also a raga singer. What is raga? [36:38] What are the benefits of bhakti yoga? [40:08] Is bhakti yoga something that can be done on your own? Is it something that we can do virtually? [43:09] Where does Kamini suggest people get started if they are interested in bhakti yoga, singing and chanting? [48:23] How does Kamini manage singing kirtans early in the morning when everyone else is asleep? [51:27] Did Kamini have a rebellious period as a teenager when she tried to rebel against what her mother was doing? [52:22] Is yoga philosophy incorporated into bhakti yoga? How did bhakti yoga originate? [57:35] Find out more about Kamini and her work on her website.   Links: Kamini Natarajan Music and Kirtan Blog Indian Ragas For Kirtans Ebook By Kamini Natarajan Kamini Natarajan on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 227: Is Pain During Yoga Okay? with Neil Pearson Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity, Pelvic Health Professionals and the Accessible Yoga Conference.   Quotes from this episode:   "The kirtans here, they are of course, very, very, very simplified and sometimes, I would say, diluted down versions of what we hear back in India."   "Bhakti yoga is about finding your own path, your own spiritual path, your own journey."   “If somebody is really deep into their own bhakti and spiritual journey, that is, I think, what matters the most.”   "Try to learn from the sources to the best that you can."   "A lot of people get mixed up, they get caught up so much in the physical aspect and the exercise aspect of yoga that they don't even know about all of these other forms of yoga."   "With devotion comes letting go."   “When we talk about devotion, we talk about surrender. We talk about not thinking about ourselves, giving up on the importance that we give to ourselves in certain ways.”   "I really always encourage my students as well as people who come to attend my kirtan events to come up with their own melody for a lot of these simple mantras and chants."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 240: Pelvic Health for Everyone with Shannon Crow   Description: What is pelvic health and who is it for? Many people think of pelvic health as being related to childbirth, or people assigned female at birth, or getting older in a female body - but this is not true! Everyone has a pelvis, and a pelvic floor, and it is important for all of us to understand it better.   In this episode, Shannon Crow explains more about what pelvic health is and who it is for. She explains the basics around the form and anatomy of the pelvic floor, as well as its key functions in the body. She also highlights some of the common pelvic health issues people face, as well as shares some statistics on why pelvic health is something we should all know about.   If you are a yoga teacher who is teaching people who have a pelvis, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [4:02] In this episode, Shannon is talking about pelvic health - what it is, and who it's for. [6:28] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity. [7:53] Everyone should know more about pelvic health. [8:18] Many people think of pelvic health as being related to childbirth, people assigned female at birth, or getting older in a female body but this is not true! [9:20] There tends to be shame and embarrassment around talking about pelvic health issues. [10:45] Pelvic health issues are extremely common! [12:33] The first step towards improving pelvic floor starts with understanding how the pelvic floor works. [13:42] What is the pelvic floor, and where is it? [15:34] The pelvic floor has three layers. [17:16] What does the pelvic floor do? Two of its key functions are support and sphincteric. [18:59] The pelvic floor also contributes to sexual function and stability [20:23] The pelvic floor acts as a sump pump as well. [21:14] One of the pelvic floor’s roles is to guard and protect. [23:13] Shannon shares some statistics around pelvic health. [24:37] If you would like to learn more about pelvic health, Pelvic Health Professionals is a great place to learn from experts and other professionals. [28:15] Shannon gives a shout out to the Accessible Yoga Conference - she will be leading a panel on building community! [29:59] Shannon summarizes her answers to the questions "What is pelvic health?" and "Who is pelvic health for?"   Links: Pelvic Health is for Everyone Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Resources - Podcasts, Videos & Articles The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 225: Yoga for Hip Pain with Shannon Crow Yoga for Pain Resources - Podcasts & Articles The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity, Pelvic Health Professionals and the Accessible Yoga Conference.   Quotes from this episode:   "Whether we're assigned male or female at birth, whether we're non-binary or non-gender conforming, that really has nothing to do with pelvic health because everyone on the planet has a pelvis and a pelvic floor."   "One of the first steps towards improving our pelvic health is just understanding how the pelvic floor works."   "Once you start to understand how the pelvis works, you can be a real benefit to your yoga student."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 239: Connecting in Divisive Times with Sinéad O'Connor   Description: These are divisive times, both online in yoga communities and beyond that. Some people are for the vaccine, some people are against it, some people have questions and are uncertain about their stance. Yet, these divisions are the opposite of what yoga is about. This podcast is all about connections, and we need to be mindful about how we can extend care to ourselves, those around us, as well as the planet and every living creature.   In this episode, Sinéad O’Connor talks from her perspective as someone with an underlying health condition living through the pandemic. Sinéad is a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher team, a yoga teacher, and active mother of three energetic boys who enjoys camping and hiking. She is also someone who lives with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic kidney disease, and is in Stage 3 of renal failure. Sinéad shares a post she recently wrote about living with this disease during a pandemic, especially on how it is a privilege to be able to question the healthcare offered to us as healthy, able-bodied people. Shannon concludes by urging us to reflect on how we can practice care or ahimsa for someone else -- that doesn’t involve trying to change their behaviour or views?   Key Takeaways: [5:00] We are seeing many divisions in the yoga world right now. [7:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sinéad O'Connor. [8:35] Sinéad shares a little bit about herself and her condition, polycystic kidney disease (PKD). [9:30] Sinéad recently wrote a post on Facebook about living with this disease in light of the COVID situation. [13:01] If you would like to support Sinéad’s fundraiser, two things you can do are to give a donation, or share Sinéad’s post to share her story with the world. [13:32] Shannon has a few questions for us to reflect on.   Links: Sinéad O'Connor Sinéad O’Connor on Instagram Sinéad ’s Fundraiser Pelvic Health Professionals Schedulicity (Coupon Code: CYT2MONTHS) The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Original Post by Sinéad  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 237: Scope of Practice with Drew Hume Ahimsa in Action with Wolf Terry Facebook Thread about Self Care Post about Social Location by Raudhah Rahman Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and the Accessible Yoga Conference.   Quotes from this episode:   "Not everybody understands what it's like to live with an underlying health condition in a pandemic."- Sinéad    "Like millions of people living with underlying health conditions, I don't have the privilege of questioning the healthcare I'm being offered. That privilege is only afforded to the healthy, the able bodied, the people that once stayed home to protect us." - Sinéad    "What does care for someone in my community look like without trying to change their views or their behavior?" - Shannon