Yoga Inspiration

In this episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Tim Feldmann explores what it means to live yoga beyond the mat through the Bhagavad Gītā's teachings on yajña, dāna, and tapas.

Yoga is sometimes interpreted as a withdrawal from thought, action, and the responsibilities of ordinary life. Tim looks at why the Gītā offers a different perspective: living a yogic life does not mean stepping away from the world, but learning how to participate in it with greater awareness, responsibility, generosity, and discipline.

Through everyday examples, Tim breaks down yajña as selfless action or offering, dāna as generosity and giving, and tapas as the discipline and inner effort required to cultivate positive change. These practices are not limited to formal spiritual rituals. They can be expressed through doing our work well, caring for others, sharing our time and knowledge, practicing kindness, and developing the steadiness to respond more skillfully when life challenges us.

At the heart of the episode is a simple shift from selfish behavior toward selfless awareness. Tim explores how yajña, dāna, and tapas can reduce inner and outer conflict while helping us live in greater harmony with dharma, bringing the philosophical teachings of yoga directly into daily life.

Join Tim every Wednesday for live Pranayama practice on Omstars.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to be ready for Ashtanga Yoga's Intermediate Series.

Second Series is often approached through its physical landmarks: deeper backbends, leg-behind-the-head postures, arm balances, inversions, and demanding strength transitions. But the deeper preparation for Nadi Shodhana is not only physical. It is the development of a mind that is steady enough to meet intensity without becoming overwhelmed.

We look at the difference between being able to perform an asana and truly integrating it into daily sādhana, why Primary Series and Intermediate Series have different energetic intentions, and how nervous system regulation, mental steadiness, and consistent practice become essential as the work deepens.

The episode also explores readiness for Second Series beyond rigid physical benchmarks, the role of Kapotasana, leg-behind-the-head postures, Karandavasana, the seven headstands, and why the closing sequence is such an important part of integrating the intensity of Nadi Shodhana.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether the body can perform the postures, but whether the practitioner can maintain the thread of practice with patience, consistency, steadiness, and compassion.

Join us September 1 to 21 for the Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series Challenge on Omstars. Explore Second Series through step-by-step tutorials, targeted drills, counted vinyāsa classes, and guided practices designed to help you understand the method behind the postures.

Enter your email on the challenge page to receive a free downloadable Second Series practice chart, get the first three days of the challenge free if you are not already an Omstars member, and enter for a chance to win a one-year Omstars membership.

You can also join the challenge on Instagram. Follow @omstarsofficial, @kinoyoga, @lottasebzdayoga, @chandanabhowmickyoga, and @heidikayoga. Share your daily practice, tag the hosts, and use #theworkofsecondseries.

From Gross to Subtle: The Journey of Ashtanga Yoga Practice

In this episode, Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann explore the two ends of the yoga spectrum: the gross and the subtle, the dynamic and the still, the effortful and the refined. Ashtanga Yoga asks us to inhabit both worlds, jumping through, sweating, moving the body with strong discipline, and then turning inward, softening into breath, subtle sensation, and the quietude of mind.

Drawing from Sanskrit roots and classical teachings, Kino and Tim explain how sthūla, gross or dense practice, and sūkṣma, subtle or refined practice, are not opposites but complementary gateways into yoga. They discuss how the foundational tools of the practice, āsana, prāṇāyāma, and dṛṣṭi, can carry practitioners from surface-level sensation toward deeper layers of awareness.

The conversation unfolds around Patañjali's timeless definition of yoga, yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ, the stilling of the mind's movements. Kino and Tim share stories, personal reflections, and practical lessons on balancing abhyāsa, steady practice, with vairāgya, letting go. Along the way, they remind us that contentment, santoṣa, is not resignation but a doorway into clarity, and that every choice plants seeds in the soil of karma.

Whether through strong postures, subtle meditation, or the quiet discipline of daily practice, this talk invites us to see yoga as both gross and subtle, both active and still, always guiding us toward the inner horizon of awareness.

Practice with Kino, Tim, and our global community on Omstars. Explore thousands of yoga classes, in-depth courses, live practices, meditation, prāṇāyāma, and more at Omstars.com.

In this episode we explore one of yoga's most essential lessons: patience.

Drawing from Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras 3.6 and 1.12, we reflect on why everything in yoga unfolds in stages and why true progress comes through the twin practices of steady effort, abhyāsa, and non-attachment, vairāgya.

Through personal stories, including my struggle with Pincha Mayūrāsana and unexpected ease in Mayūrāsana, we learn how forcing or rushing can lead to harm, while patience and surrender create the conditions for real growth.

Yoga, is like tending a garden. Each posture is a seed, and with care, time, and trust, it will bloom in its own season.

Tune in for a reflection on why transformation cannot be rushed, on the mat or in life, and how patience itself becomes one of yoga's greatest teachers.

Join Omstars to practice and explore yoga in greater depth. Practice with me on Omstars.

In this episode of Yoga Inspiration, Kino answers student questions about the Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series, traditionally known as Nāḍī Śodhana.

We explore the structure and purpose of Second Series, including its deep backbends, leg-behind-the-head postures, arm balances, inversions, and the seven headstands. Kino also explains how to know when you are ready to begin Intermediate Series, why perfect postures are not the goal, and how consistency in Primary Series creates the foundation for deeper work.

The conversation also covers struggle poses, practicing six days a week, balancing Ashtanga Yoga with running or strength training, building the strength needed for Intermediate Series, working with transitions, and finding a teacher who supports dialogue rather than gatekeeping.

Beyond physical progress, Kino reflects on the deeper purpose of Nāḍī Śodhana as nervous system cleansing and energetic refinement. The practice asks us to approach each posture with patience, humility, reverence, and respect.

Listen in for a practical and honest exploration of Ashtanga Yoga Second Series, readiness, progress, and the inner work of practice.

Continue your practice with The Work of Second Series on Omstars, featuring step-by-step tutorials, targeted drills, and guided practice classes with Kino MacGregor.

At first glance, Ashtanga Yoga may look like a simple sequence of postures. But beneath the surface lies a subtle framework that carries the entire method: Tristhāna, the threefold support of breath, posture, and gaze.

In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of Tristhāna. The word comes from Sanskrit, with tri meaning "three" and sthāna meaning "place" or "support." These three abodes are not just techniques. They are thresholds that guide the practitioner from gross sensation into subtle awareness.

Breath is the golden thread linking body and mind. Posture is the seat that establishes presence. Gaze is the discipline that steadies perception. Together, they guide us inward, moving us from the visible body into the subtle body, from surface sensation into deeper stillness.

Kino and Tim also reflect on how these pillars extend beyond the mat. Breath becomes a refuge, posture teaches resilience, and gaze becomes discernment. To practice Ashtanga is to realize that we are never not practicing. Yoga becomes alive in every moment of our lives.

Listen in to explore how the three pillars of Tristhāna support the movement from external to internal, from gross to subtle, and discover how yoga is not just something you do, but something you live. Practice with Kino, Tim, and the Omstars community at Omstars.com, where you'll find guided Ashtanga Yoga classes, philosophy, meditation, and practice support for every stage of your path.

What does it really mean to be a yogi? In this episode, Kino explores the heart of yogic life beyond postures and performance. A yogi, she reminds us, is someone sincerely committed to realizing the Self and who understands that cultivating sattva (clarity, harmony, and balance) is an essential step along the path.

Drawing from Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra and the teachings of the three guṇas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), Kino examines how our daily choices, from the food we eat to the words we speak and the actions we take, either cloud the mind or orient it toward truth. She also explores the eight limbs of yoga (aṣṭāṅga) as a practical framework for living a yogic life, demonstrating how each limb supports the cultivation of sattva.

This episode is a reminder that being a yogi is not about perfection. It is about showing up with sincerity, choosing clarity over confusion, and returning to the practice again and again. In that sincere effort lies the heart of yoga. Ready to deepen your practice? Explore thousands of classes, courses, workshops, and guided programs with Kino and our community of world-class teachers on Omstars. Practice with us at Omstars.com.

What does it take to build a successful yoga business while staying true to your values?

In this episode, Kino MacGregor sits down with business leader and longtime mentor Bruce Barkus to explore the intersection of yoga, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. Drawing on decades of executive experience leading global companies and years of dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice, Bruce shares practical insights for yoga teachers, studio owners, and wellness entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses.

Together, Kino and Bruce discuss the realities of running a yoga business, from creating business plans and understanding financial metrics to building strong teams, developing company culture, and making strategic decisions for long-term growth. They also reflect on the lessons learned through Miami Life Center and Omstars, and the importance of balancing authentic practice with the demands of business ownership.

In this episode:

Why yoga teachers need to think like business owners

The importance of business plans, KPIs, and financial awareness

Common blind spots that hold yoga businesses back

Building community before opening your doors

Leadership lessons from both yoga and business

How to hire the right people and create a values-based culture

Balancing service, purpose, and profitability

Marketing, growth, and sustainable business practices

Staying connected to your own practice while running a business

Why success is built through relationships, mentorship, and support

Whether you're teaching classes, running a studio, building an online platform, or dreaming of turning your passion into a profession, this conversation offers practical guidance for creating a business that can support both your livelihood and your values.

Practice with Kino and worldclass master teachers on Omstars.

Yoga is more than flexibility or physical strength. At its essence, yoga is the training of the mind. In this episode, Kino MacGregor explores how yoga philosophy, breath, and daily practice help steady the mind, re-pattern habitual thinking, and cultivate inner awareness.

Drawing from the Bhagavad Gītā, the Yoga Sūtra, and the teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois, Kino reflects on the deeper purpose of practice beyond physical achievement. Learn how yoga helps us work with fear, emotional patterns, distraction, and the fluctuations of the mind while cultivating steadiness through breath, movement, and concentration.

As Pattabhi Jois often said, "Do your practice and think about God."

In this episode:

• Why yoga is a training of the mind • How practice reveals subconscious thought patterns • The relationship between breath, body, and awareness • What the Bhagavad Gītā and Yoga Sūtra teach about steadiness • How yoga prepares us for challenge, change, and letting go • Why the inner work of practice matters more than physical achievement

Practice with Kino on Omstars and explore guided classes, philosophy teachings, workshops, and live sessions designed to support a consistent and sustainable yoga practice.

Start practicing on Omstars.

What does it really mean for practice to deepen?

It is not a bigger backbend or a more dramatic shape. It is the quiet transformation that comes from showing up day after day.

In this talk, Kino explores how steady effort widens our capacity to feel the full spectrum of life. The highs may feel brighter, and the lows may feel deeper, yet the work is to meet both with awareness rather than attachment.

Think of the mind as a garden. When we tend it with practice, wisdom takes root. When we stop tending it, weeds of habit and reactivity return.

Kino shares a classical view of the path. Asana is a container where we willingly meet a small dose of discomfort and learn to stay. Breath gives us a way to regulate the field of mind and body. Concentration trains attention so we can see clearly. From this triad, wisdom ripens.

She also reflects on teachings that point to the universality of suffering and the freedom that comes from understanding its causes, along with the courage to respond with compassion, joy, and equanimity.

The episode closes with a reminder of the daily frame of practice: begin with devotion and end with peace for all beings. Keep coming back. Depth is not an accident. It is the natural result of consistent practice and a gentle heart.

Recorded at Nøsen Yoga Retreat in Norway, Kino and Tim explore the deeper benefits of traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice. Together, they reflect on Yoga as both a drop of nectar and an ocean, drawing on the Yoga Sūtra, the Bhagavad Gītā, and the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā.

From strength and vitality in the body, to balance in the nervous system, to the quiet of meditation, they share how tradition transforms practice into a path of peace, humility, and self-realization. If this conversation resonates, you can continue your practice inside Omstars. Explore full-length classes, guided series, and teachings from master instructors rooted in tradition. Begin your journey with a 7-day free trial and experience the depth of practice for yourself.

Srivatsa Ramaswami is one of the last direct students of the legendary yogi Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often regarded as the father of modern yoga. He studied with Krishnamacharya for over three decades, receiving a deeply traditional education in āsana, prāṇāyāma, chanting, and classical yoga texts.

He is widely respected as a teacher and scholar of yoga, known for preserving and sharing the Vinyāsakrama method. His work emphasizes thoughtful sequencing, breath-led movement, and adaptation for the individual practitioner.

Through decades of teaching, writing, and lecturing around the world, Ramaswami continues to carry forward this living lineage with clarity, precision, and depth.

Continue your study with Srivatsa Ramaswami on Omstars!

Join our live Vinyasakrama class on Sunday, April 19 on Omstars.com.

Then deepen your practice in Ramaswami's 100 Hour Training, May 11–30, available online through Omstars and in person at Miami Life Center.

Avidyā: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance in Yoga

Ignorance is rarely felt as ignorance. In yoga, this root affliction is called avidyā, the veil that causes us to mistake impermanence for permanence, suffering for joy, and the non-self for the Self.

In this episode, Kino MacGregor explores the meaning of avidyā through the Yoga Sūtras, the Upaniṣads, and Buddhist teachings. Rather than a simple lack of knowledge, avidyā is revealed as an active misperception, a distortion that shapes how we see ourselves and the world.

Drawing on Patañjali's teaching that ignorance is the field from which all other afflictions arise (YS II.4), this episode unpacks how subtle and pervasive avidyā can be. It appears not only as confusion, but also as false certainty, attachment to identity, and the clinging to ideas that have not yet ripened into direct experience.

Kino also reflects on the Buddhist understanding of avijjā, where ignorance is defined as not seeing the Four Noble Truths. This points to the idea that ignorance is not a lack of information, but a blindness to reality itself.

Through classical teachings and contemplative reflection, this episode invites you to consider how perception shapes experience. Like mistaking a rope for a snake, avidyā projects fear and misunderstanding onto what is already whole.

Yoga becomes the path of undoing this misperception. Through steady practice, breath, and stillness, moments of clear seeing begin to dissolve the veil of ignorance, revealing a deeper truth that has always been present.

In this episode you will explore: What avidyā means in the Yoga Sūtras How ignorance functions as misperception rather than absence of knowledge The role of avidyā as the root of suffering Parallels between yoga philosophy and Buddhist teachings on avijjā The rope and snake analogy as a model of mistaken perception How practice gradually dissolves ignorance into wisdom

Practice with Kino on Omstars and continue your journey on the path of yoga.

Listen and subscribe for more episodes on yoga philosophy, practice, and inner transformation.

Yoga has never been a path of withdrawal from the world. It is a path of learning how to stand within it without losing clarity.

In this episode, we explore the yogic concept of viveka, the capacity to see clearly and discern what is essential from what is transient. Drawing from the Yoga Sūtra, the Bhagavad Gītā, and traditional teachings, we look at how viveka-khyāti, steady and luminous discernment, allows practitioners to act in the world without becoming overwhelmed by it.

Through the stories of Arjuna and Virabhadra, this conversation explores how clarity is restored in moments of confusion and how powerful action can arise without hatred, reactivity, or collapse. Yoga teaches that ethical action begins with perception. When the mind becomes steady through practice, discernment naturally emerges.

In a world that rewards outrage and confusion, the cultivation of viveka-khyāti becomes a radical and necessary practice.

If you want to go deeper into the study and practice of yoga, explore the full library of classes, philosophy, and courses available on Omstars, the practice platform created by Kino MacGregor. From daily yoga classes to in-depth workshops and trainings, Omstars is designed to support practitioners at every stage of the path. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation.

Start your practice at Omstars.com.

Episode Description

In this conversation, Kino sits down with Dr. Raj Balkaran to explore the deeper dimensions of yoga practice beyond physical postures. Together they discuss mythology, meaning, and the role of story in shaping how we understand and embody yoga.

Dr. Balkaran shares the origins of The Stories Behind the Poses and explains how myth functions as a living teaching tool rather than symbolic decoration. Through stories of Ganesha, Kurmasana, Hanumanasana, and the churning of the cosmic ocean, he reveals how yoga practice is fundamentally about removing ignorance, cultivating wisdom, and learning to meet difficulty with clarity rather than force.

The discussion moves through themes of inner transformation, the role of the teacher student relationship, the subtle and gross bodies, and why yoga continues to work on us even when we believe we are only practicing for physical reasons. This episode invites listeners to consider yoga as a lifelong inward journey, where practice becomes a way of refining perception, deepening responsibility, and remembering our connection to something much larger than ourselves.

Topics Covered

Yoga as inner practice rather than performance

Mythology as a teaching tool in yoga

The story of Ganesha and the true meaning of obstacles

Poison, difficulty, and transformation in practice

Kurmasana and the still point within chaos

Physical and subtle dimensions of yoga

Teacher student relationships and authentic transmission

Yoga as a lifelong journey rather than a destination

About the Guest

Dr. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative literature, Hindu mythology, and yogic philosophy. He is the author of The Stories Behind the Poses and teaches internationally through courses, lectures, and retreats, bridging academic scholarship with lived spiritual practice.

Practice with Kino on Omstars

Continue the conversation on the mat. Omstars is Kino's online yoga platform, offering thousands of classes, workshops, and in-depth courses designed to support a sustainable, lifelong practice. Members can explore teaching, philosophy, strength, mobility, and mindful movement from anywhere in the world. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode of The Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with hospital chaplain, writer, and grief expert J.S. Park for a deeply grounding conversation about grief, presence, and what it means to live with an open heart in a world that can feel overwhelming.

They explore why grief is not something to fix or overcome, but something to honor, carry, and let transform over time. Kino reflects on communal grief in the Ashtanga world after the loss of a spiritual teacher, and J.S. offers compassionate insight into why we reach for solutions, why closure can be a myth, and how grief changes shape rather than disappearing.

Together they talk about treasured objects and rituals as anchors when words fail, the ways spirituality and community can either support or collapse under real-world suffering, and how spiritual practice must include our shared humanity and collective responsibility. J.S. also shares his path from atheism toward faith through witnessing love in community, and they unpack the tension between the teachings of Jesus and the harm done in the name of religion.

This episode is for anyone holding loss, navigating a crisis of faith, feeling exhausted by "move on" culture, or looking for a spiritual practice that helps you show up with tenderness and integrity.

Guest: J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain, writer, and grief educator. He is the author of As Long As You Need: Permission to Grieve.

Topics covered • Grief as something to honor, not solve • Why "closure" is not the goal and grief changes shape • Grieving the dream, not just the person • Treasured objects and ritual as grief anchors • When words fail and the role of art, music, and practice • Faith crises and spiritual seasons • From atheism to faith through love and community • Spiritual practice, justice, and resisting dehumanization • Boundaries, self care, and what actually sustains us • Mortality as an invitation to live more tenderly, now

Resources As Long As You Need: Permission to Grieve by J.S. Park

Practice with Kino on Omstars

Continue the conversation on the mat. Omstars is Kino's online yoga platform, offering thousands of classes, workshops, and in-depth courses designed to support a sustainable, lifelong practice. Members can explore teaching, philosophy, strength, mobility, and mindful movement from anywhere in the world. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor is joined by Andrew Tanner, yoga teacher of over 20 years, founder of the American Yoga Council and the Berkshire Yoga Festival, and author of So You Want to Open a Yoga Studio.

Together they explore what it truly means to be a yogipreneur and how to build a sustainable livelihood in yoga without losing the heart of the practice. Andrew shares why service is the foundation of meaningful work, why the yoga industry has shifted in recent years, and what many teachers and studio owners are navigating right now.

A central focus of the conversation is the vision behind the American Yoga Council, including competency-based standards, lineage-respecting accreditation, mentorship pathways, and accountability structures designed to better support teachers, schools, and the future of yoga.

This episode is a thoughtful, honest discussion for anyone who teaches yoga, runs a studio, mentors students, or cares deeply about the integrity and evolution of the yoga community.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

What "yogipreneur" really means in today's yoga landscape

Why service is the spark behind sustainable yoga businesses

How and why the yoga industry has changed since 2017

The limitations of traditional accreditation models

The vision and mission of the American Yoga Council

Competency-based standards and lineage transparency

Mentorship, accountability, and trust in yoga education

Supporting teachers and schools without forcing one-size-fits-all systems

Practice with Kino on Omstars

Continue the conversation on the mat. Omstars is Kino's online yoga platform, offering thousands of classes, workshops, and in-depth courses designed to support a sustainable, lifelong practice. Members can explore teaching, philosophy, strength, mobility, and mindful movement from anywhere in the world.

About the Guest

Andrew Tanner is a yoga teacher of over 20 years, founder of the American Yoga Council and the Berkshire Yoga Festival, and author of So You Want to Open a Yoga Studio. He has owned and sold multiple yoga studios and is dedicated to creating ethical, transparent systems that support yoga teachers, schools, and lineages.

Listen, Reflect, and Share

If this episode resonates with you, consider joining the Omstars community to deepen your practice with Kino and explore yoga as a path of study, movement, and self-inquiry. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode of theYoga Inspiration Podcast, I sit down with astrologer and teacher Gahl Sasson for a thoughtful conversation on cycles, change, and finding meaning during times of transition.

Together we explore how astrology and yoga intersect as tools for self awareness, timing, and personal growth. Gahl shares insights into understanding cycles of challenge and opportunity, the importance of perspective during uncertain times, and how spiritual practices can help ground us when life feels overwhelming.

This conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating change, seeking clarity, or wanting to deepen their relationship with practice as a source of stability and insight.

What You'll Learn in This Episode • How astrology can be used as a tool for self reflection rather than prediction • Understanding life cycles and why periods of difficulty often precede growth • The relationship between yoga practice and navigating personal transitions • How awareness and timing can support wiser decision making • Finding meaning, resilience, and perspective during uncertain times • Using spiritual tools to stay grounded while embracing change

As this conversation reminds us, timing matters. When we understand the cycles we are moving through, we can meet them with intention rather than force. If you're feeling called to begin the new year with greater awareness and consistency, the January 30 Day Flexibility Challenge on Omstars offers a supportive way to do just that. Through just 20 minutes a day of guided practice, you can align your body and mind with the rhythms of change and start the year grounded, steady, and connected. https://omstars.com/courses/30-day-flexibility-journey-with-kino-macgregor

This episode is a reflection on a year marked by grief, loss, and profound inner reckoning. I share openly about the death of my teacher, the unraveling of relationships I once trusted, and the disorienting experience of being misunderstood, judged, and rejected in ways I did not expect.

What began as a single loss rippled outward, touching every area of my life. Along the way, I was forced to confront painful truths about friendship, projection, and the limits of compassion when others are committed to misunderstanding you.

Through it all, one thing remained steady: practice.

Yoga has never been performance or achievement for me. It is where effort becomes prayer, where breath becomes an offering, and where I reconnect with something deeper than circumstance. Practice did not erase the pain of this year, but it gave me the strength to keep standing inside it.

In this episode, I explore:

Grief as a force that reshapes identity, relationships, and belief

The difference between honest feedback and cruelty rooted in unprocessed pain

Why some people react with hostility to joy, light, and devotion

The limits of persuasion when someone has decided who you are in their story

How social media amplifies judgment, outrage, and division

Why tending the "garden of the heart" is the only real work we can do

Falling and rising in practice as training for resilience in life

Strength as the courage to keep the heart open rather than shutting down

The power of speech, intention, and conscious listening

Community as imperfect, fractured, and still sacred

Why yoga remains unbroken even when people and institutions feel divided

I also reflect on the teachings that continue to guide me, including the idea that the true practitioner remains steady in praise and blame, friend and foe. I am not there yet. The words still sting. The grief still enters. But I am learning what strength actually means.

This episode is an offering to anyone who has felt shaken, misunderstood, or tempted to dim their light in order to belong. It is a reminder that joy and sorrow can coexist, that devotion does not require approval, and that the practice lives on through sincere breath, effort, and presence.

As long as yoga is practiced with honesty, the lineage has a future. And within that future, there is light.

Continue the Practice

If you are looking for a steady place to practice, I invite you to join me on Omstars for the January 30 Day Flexibility Challenge. In just 20 minutes a day, we return to breath, movement, and consistency as a way to build strength, flexibility, and resilience on and off the mat.

Omstars members can join the challenge at no additional cost. If you are new, you can sign up for the Omstars email list and try the first three days of the challenge free.

https://omstars.com/courses/30-day-flexibility-journey-with-kino-macgregor

In this episode, Kino speaks with trauma-informed yoga educator and activist Terri Cooper to explore the deep connection between yoga and healing. What is trauma, really? Is yoga inherently trauma-sensitive? And how can teachers and students use yoga to navigate emotional activation and create space for true transformation? Terri shares her insights from years of work with Connection Coalition, a nonprofit bringing trauma-informed yoga to youth in underserved communities. You'll also learn accessible tools for emotional regulation, why healing is essential for anyone who teaches, and what society gets wrong about trauma. Listen in to discover how yoga can become a path of profound presence, self-inquiry, and collective healing. Resources & Links: The Connection Course on Omstars Connection Coalition

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

Each year, under the bright full moon of Guru Purnima, yoga practitioners and seekers around the world pause to honor the timeless presence of the Guru, the teacher who removes darkness and reveals the light that has always been within us. This was written in July 2025, the first Guru Purnima Day, after Sharath Jois passed.

Our hearts were still heavy with grief and we contemplated what it truly means to walk in the light of the Guru? In the ancient yoga tradition, the Guru is far more than just a transmitter of techniques or philosophy. The Guru is the living embodiment of wisdom, a steady flame passed from teacher to student, generation after generation.

The Guru: Not Just a Teacher, but a Living Embodiment

Our ancient texts speak clearly about this. The Mundaka Upanishad (1.2.12) tells us:

तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम् ॥ Tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet Samit-panih srotriyam brahma-nishtham

"To realize that Supreme Knowledge, one must approach a Guru alone, carrying fuel in hand, who is learned in the scriptures (srotriya) and firmly established in Brahman (brahma-nistha)."

These two qualities, srotriya and brahma-nistha, reveal the heart of the true Guru.

Srotriya (श्रोत्रिय) comes from sruti (श्रुति), meaning "that which is heard," the revealed wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads. Etymologically, sru means to hear and -triya means possessor of. A srotriya is one who has fully mastered the sacred teachings, the outer mastery of scripture, tradition, and precise method.

Brahma-nistha (ब्रह्मनिष्ठ) brings us deeper still. Brahman is the undivided reality, the ultimate truth. Nistha means "firmly established," from nis (down, firm) and stha (to stand). A brahma-nistha is one who stands unshakably rooted in the living truth of Brahman. This is the inner realization that breathes life into the outer knowledge.

Together, they remind us: Without srotriya, the teaching drifts. Without brahma-nistha, the teaching is lifeless.

How the Guru Lives in Our Lineage

In the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, we have seen these qualities alive in the teachers who came before us. Sri T. Krishnamacharya was a true a srotriya and brahma-nistha, deeply rooted in Sanskrit, the Vedas, and the subtle method of yoga: his whole life was devoted to the practice. His student, K. Pattabhi Jois was my teacher and he dedicated his life to teaching. While K. Pattabhi Jois' scholarship as a Sanskrit Vidwan was widely recognized, he unfortunately did not fulfill the role of a perfect endowment of the teachings due to the harm done to female students at his hands. Ashtanga Yoga still seeks to account for those actions.

Sharath Jois, K. Pattabhi Jois' grandson, embodied the living thread of the practice with all his heart and sought to steady the lineage and make space for healing. His srotriya shined through in the precise count, the unwavering discipline, the commitment to preserve the parampara, the unbroken lineage. But what touched people most was his brahma-nistha: the quiet steadiness, the humility, the simple, living truth that shows through his presence and service to this path.

Both of my Ashtanga teachers are gone now. To me, they will always be a light on the path. I still sit with much grief, sorrow and loss about their passing.

A yoga Guru is a yoga master teacher, not necessarily a spiritual embodiment. The word Guru has many levels and my teachers cultivated a light in me that continues to shine today. I would not be who I am today without them both.

A true Guru (or teacher) does not make you a follower. A true Guru (or teacher) shows you how to find the light that has always been yours.

The Guru Cultivates the Inner Flame

As Patanjali reminds us in the Yoga Sutra (1.20):

श्रद्धावीर्यस्मृतिसमाधिप्रज्ञापूर्वक इतरेषाम् ॥ १.२० ॥ Sraddha-virya-smrti-samadhi-prajna-purvaka itaresam

"For others, samadhi comes through faith (sraddha), vigor (virya), remembrance (smrti), deep absorption (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna)."

These qualities are the hidden garden the Guru, our teacher, nourishes in us:

Sraddha: faith, the quiet trust that steadies us when doubt arises. Virya: courageous effort, the strength to keep going. Smrti: remembrance of who we really are and why we practice. Samadhi: deep absorption, the merging of mind, breath, and heart. Prajna: clear insight, the wisdom that sees through illusion.

The outer Guru lights this lamp. The inner Guru, which is our own guidance and light, keeps it burning.

A Prayer on Guru Purnima

When we bow on Guru Purnima, we do not bow only to a person, we bow to the entire living thread that connects us to truth: our teachers, our daily practice, our inner wisdom.

May our lives be our offering back, our sraddha, our virya, our willingness to stand firm in the truth when the world wavers.

May we carry this flame forward, bright and steady, for all those who will come after us, seeking the same light that our Gurus kept alive for us.

ॐ श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः। Pranam to all Gurus, visible and invisible, past, present, and yet to come.

May Guru Purnima remind us all that the Guru is not far away. The true Guru lives in daily breath, sincere effort, and the quiet voice inside that whispers, keep going. May we keep this light alive, together.

In a world where information is always within reach, it's tempting to believe we no longer need teachers. With a few clicks, we can access ancient texts, videos, and tutorials on nearly any aspect of yoga. But there's something that the internet cannot give you: transmission. Yoga is not simply learned; it is received. And it is only in relationship that this sacred transmission occurs.

Our role as yoga teachers is not to entertain or perform. We are not here to serve up a random collection of poses or stories. Our job is to teach yoga to you, to help you understand the significance of the method. Especially in Ashtanga Yoga, where lineage matters and precision holds meaning, we offer a comprehensive system, not a fragmented sampler. What we offer is not just technique; it is a way of being. And that way of being is passed down through a living thread.

To understand the teacher-student relationship in yoga, we must return to its roots, in the Sanskrit tradition, in the oral teachings of the Upaniṣads, and even in the deep etymology of the words we use in English.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

In this deeply honest and sometimes difficult conversation, Melissa Matt, Kino MacGregor, Peg Mulqueen, Sarah Nelson, and Greg Nardi take a courageous step into the heart of Ashtanga Yoga's ongoing reckoning. This episode asks some of the most pressing and uncomfortable questions facing our community today:

Who decides what practice looks like? How are poses given, and what happens when power, hierarchy, and silence intertwine?

Drawing from recent events and decades of shared experience, the teachers reflect on accountability, lineage, and the urgent need for new models of integrity. The dialogue is raw, vulnerable, and imperfect but necessary.

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

Podcast notes

The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence

One of the most frustrating instructions I ever received in a meditation class was deceptively simple: Close your eyes and quiet the mind. I remember thinking, if I could do that, I wouldn't be here learning how to meditate. Like so many others, I was searching for peace amidst the chaos of my own thoughts.

Fortunately, I stumbled upon an ancient method that didn't demand silence from the start. It welcomed me exactly as I was. And over the years, daily meditation has become a cornerstone of my spiritual path, a way not to escape my thoughts but to learn how to be with them, honestly and gently.

Many people believe they can't meditate because their minds are too restless. But that's precisely why meditation works. You don't need to be naturally calm to benefit from the practice, in fact, it's often those with the most inner turbulence who stand to gain the most. The very effort to sit, to observe, to try, even if imperfectly, is itself transformative. Every sincere attempt to concentrate, even for a moment, changes the texture of our awareness. Presence deepens. Stillness peeks through.

In this way, meditation becomes a necessary companion to the physical discipline of yoga āsana. While āsana strengthens and opens the body, meditation refines the mind. Both are limbs of the same eightfold path and thrive in relationship to each other. If you're immersed in a strong physical practice, I invite you to explore the quiet power of sitting. If you already sit, but haven't stepped onto a mat, consider how movement might deepen your awareness. It's in the meeting of stillness and motion, of breath and body, that yoga reveals its deepest gifts.

There is a turning that happens in every sincere moment of meditation: a turning inward, a turning away from distraction, and when we're ready, a turning toward truth.

Seeing the Dhamma in Impermanence

The Buddha's path is experiential, not theoretical. In the Saṃyutta Nikāya (SN 22.45), he says:

"Yo aniccaṃ passati, so dhammaṃ passati. Yo dhammaṃ passati, so aniccaṃ passati."

"One who sees impermanence sees the Dhamma. One who sees the Dhamma sees impermanence."

To walk the path is to see clearly—moment by moment—that all things arise and pass. This insight is not depressing, but liberating. It opens the heart to compassion, to presence, and to the letting go that leads to peace.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

What does it really mean to practice yoga not just once in a while, but again and again, across years, through resistance, joy, boredom, and transformation?

In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of abhyāsa, the Sanskrit word often translated as "practice," but whose roots reveal something far more enduring: the committed, intentional act of returning. They weave this with the concept of bhāvanā, the inner cultivation of the heart and mind, drawn from early Buddhist teachings.

Through stories from the Ashtanga method and personal reflections on the power of repetition, Kino and Tim share how practice is not about performance or perfection, but about shaping who we become through presence.

This episode is an invitation to see practice not as a means to an end, but as the path itself. The pose is not the point. Returning is the point. Cultivating presence, breath by breath, day by day, becomes the living path of yoga. When we stop running and return to the moment, we remember, this is the place we never truly left.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Registration is now open for Yogaversity! Join us for a transformative 12-month yoga education program. Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn't matter what shapes your body can or can't make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us and it weaves us into a community of fellow seekers.

One of yoga's subtle gifts is clear seeing, not just of the body but of the mind and heart. Its promise is not mere physical skill, but an inner transformation that dissolves confusion and reveals freedom.

At the start of every Ashtanga practice, we chant an invocation. It's not just ritual, it's a reminder of why we practice and what we're really here to transform.

Key Line:

Saṃsāra Halāhala Mohaśāntyai

"For the pacification of the delusion (Moha) that is the poison (Halāhala) of Saṃsāra."

Quick Word-by-Word Meaning

Saṃsāra (संसार): From sam- (together) + √sṛ (to flow) - the endless cycle of birth and death. Literally "the continuous flowing together."

Halāhala (हलाहल): Deadly poison - like the mythic poison Śiva contained in his blue throat. Symbolizes the toxic nature of worldly entanglement. Moha (मोह): Delusion - the ignorance that clouds clear seeing. Sāntyai (शान्त्यै): "For pacification" - calming the poison of confusion.

Why It Matters This ancient line reminds us: the real work of yoga is inner alchemy. The Guru and the practice help neutralize the poison of confusion so we can see clearly and live freely.

When we chant, we remember: the obstacles aren't just outside, they live inside us as fear, attachment, and illusion. The path of yoga transforms poison into nectar, chaos into calm, confusion into clarity.

Listen in as we explore more hidden meanings behind this beloved chant and how it can deepen your practice.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for my upcoming Live series in October on Omstars, Embodied Strength and get one year of Omstars+ membership free!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training.

Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey quickly took him to India to study with Sharath Jois. He reflects on practicing in Mysore, balancing academic research with daily sadhana, and what it means to approach yoga with both a beginner's heart and a scholar's mind.

The conversation dives into Wade's personal evolution, from golf and weightlifting to yoga, from serious injury and reconstructive surgery to rehabilitation and "prehab" strategies that sustain long term practice. Together, Kino and Wade discuss the sometimes controversial topic of cross training, highlighting how mobility, strength, and yoga can complement each other for healthier movement and more sustainable teaching.

Listeners will gain practical insights on the difference between flexibility and mobility, the physical demands of assisting in Mysore style classes, and how weight training can protect hypermobile bodies while deepening the yoga journey.

Whether you are an Ashtanga student, a yoga teacher navigating injuries, or a practitioner curious about integrating gym training with yoga, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for building a supported practice.

Highlights from the episode

Wade's first encounter with Ashtanga Yoga and his early teachers

Stories from his first trips to Mysore and practicing with Sharath Jois

Recovering from major knee surgery through physical therapy and yoga

The difference between flexibility and mobility

How gym training can support safe assists and prevent injury

Strategies for bridging yoga, strength training, and long term practice

Practice with Kino and Wade on Omstars.com

Practice LIVE with me on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7 day trial at omstars.com

September special - sign up for my upcoming October live series Embodied Strength, and get one year free of Omstars+!

Stay connected with us on social: @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga @wadeoakley Join Wade on Omstars for his upcoming Ashtanga Prehab Masterclass October 24th.

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings, and Mysore seasons. Learn more at kinoyoga.com

In this rare and heartfelt conversation, Kino MacGregor sits down with Sri Shubha, daughter of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya, to share stories and insights from the man often called the father of modern yoga.

Sri Shubha offers a deeply personal glimpse into her upbringing in a household where yoga was not just a practice, but a way of life. She reflects on her father's presence, rituals, and teaching style, along with the subtle ways his guidance shifted between students. She also honors her mother's quiet but profound contributions to yoga, revealing how both parents shaped her own path as a teacher.

Together, they explore how yoga was introduced to her, why it remains an essential part of her life, and how she prepares for each class she teaches. Sri Shubha shares what she hopes students carry beyond the mat, what matters most when guiding a practitioner, and the balance between breath, alignment, and presence.

Listeners will also get a preview of her upcoming live sessions on Omstars, including the sacred text she will be covering and the wisdom students can expect to gain.

Whether you are a dedicated practitioner, a yoga teacher, or simply curious about Krishnamacharya's enduring influence, this episode offers an intimate and inspiring portrait of a living lineage.

Highlights from the Episode

Early memories of Krishnamacharya at home and in practice

The rituals and rhythms of the Krishnamacharya household

How his teaching adapted to the needs of different students

The influence of her mother's yoga practice and teachings

What Sri Shubha considers before stepping into a classroom

The qualities she values most in guiding students

Insights into the sacred text she will teach in her Omstars live series

Links & Resources Learn more about Sri Shubha's upcoming Omstars live sessions at: www.omstars.com

This bonus episode is a gateway into The Spiritual Hustle, an honest, practical, and soul-centered approach to building a yoga or wellness business. The conversation traces the roots of practice, the call to teach, and the leap of faith it takes to create an online presence that stays true to authentic voice.

You'll hear about:

• The real challenges (and gifts) of shifting from student to teacher • How to overcome fear and show up authentically online • The power of collaboration and how The Spiritual Hustle was born • What makes this program different from other yoga biz trainings, blending real-world tools with ethical, heart-led guidance

For yoga teachers, practitioners, and soul-led entrepreneurs ready to grow with heart and purpose, this conversation offers inspiration and guidance. Because you don't have to hustle alone, we're in this together.

Join Kino MacGregor and Bruce Barkus this September for The Spiritual Hustle, a 3-week live course designed to help yoga teachers, practitioners, and wellness entrepreneurs grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity. Enrollment is open now, secure your spot for September 3–24, only on Omstars.

In this warm and inspiring episode, Kino MacGregor welcomes her dear friend and legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher David Swenson for a conversation about his new book, Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow.

David shares what sparked the idea for the book — a collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom from decades of living yoga on and off the mat. He offers an inside look at the writing journey: the surprises, the challenges of editing, and why he chose the self-publishing route to keep his voice true and unfiltered.

David shares a few anecdotes straight out of the book!

Kino and David also laugh and reflect on life's simple pleasures — teaching students around the world, staying connected to loved ones, and tending to the fruit trees that thrive under David's careful eye on his Hawaiian land.

This episode is a reminder that yoga is more than poses — it's a way of living with courage, humor, and a willingness to swim against the current when your heart says so.

Tune in for:

Why Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow is a book for every yogi and seeker

Practical tips on writing and self-publishing

Teaching stories and life lessons from decades of practice

Honest reflections on staying rooted in what matters

A glimpse into David's island life, fruit trees included!

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

Join Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Wade Oakley and Chandana Bhowmick as they discuss what devotion means for each of them. Finding the fuel of devotion in their practice is more sustainable than the fuel of ambition. Hear how they each found the student's heart of love in their relationship with their teachers and how they carry the flame of the practice forward today.

In the yogic path, we often associate devotion with sweetness—offering flowers, singing mantras, lighting candles. But true devotion is forged in longing. Longing is love stretched out across time. It is the ache that refuses to settle for surface answers. It is the pull of the soul toward something it remembers but has not yet fully touched.

This longing—this burning yearning—is not a problem. It is a sign of awakening.

Many of us come to yoga not because life is perfect, but because it hurts. We come to the mat with broken hearts, old questions, unseen grief. And often, we feel that unless we are calm or wise, we cannot be truly devotional.

Longing is already devotion.

When you show up to practice with no guarantees, that is devotion.

When you breathe through uncertainty and stay anyway, that is devotion. When your practice becomes the place where you cry, or break, or ask life's hardest questions—that is holy.

It is not the polish of your practice that sanctifies it. It is the depth of your yearning. As students, let your questions live inside you. Don't rush to fix them. Let them ripen you. Ask not only "What can I master?" but "What do I truly seek?"

As teachers, honor the longing in your students. Know that behind every posture, there is a heart that is yearning—not just to stretch—but to understand. Teach not just to instruct—but to witness, to serve that fire.

We are not here to douse that fire. We are here to tend it.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

In a world filled with conflict, injustice, and harm, how do we respond as yogis? In this episode, Kino explores the powerful yogic concept of *kṣānti*—forbearance, patience, and compassionate endurance—through scriptural sources including the Bhagavad Gītā, the Bodhicaryāvatāra, and the Yoga Sutras. We talk about how yogic activism is possible—and necessary. With examples from Arjuna's awakening on the battlefield, the lives of the Buddha, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr., we look at how spiritual practice and social action go hand in hand. You'll learn the difference between ego-driven anger and compassionate anger, how to check your motives, and why nonviolent resistance is rooted in yogic ethics. Topics include: - The meaning of *kṣānti* and *titikṣā* in Sanskrit - How Arjuna learned to fight with clarity, not hatred - Personal vs. collective dharma - Why checking our motive is a yogic act - Yogic guidelines for right action in a world on fire Takeaway: We can speak up for justice, stand with others in trouble, and act from love—not reactivity. True *kṣānti* is not passivity. It is spiritual courage.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga and Why We Hope You Keep Practicing Too

Dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice is a powerful journey worth pursuing, even decades after your first class. Reflecting on more than 25 years of practice, we've discovered profound reasons to stay committed, which we captured in a recent series on why we are still practicing Ashtanga Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga is a lifelong commitment. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga for over 25 years has taught us patience, humility, and dedication. It's not just about achieving the poses but about continual inner transformation. Each practice is a conversation between breath, body, and mind, an honest reflection, and an act of devotion to the lineage. Yoga is a sacred thread that connects us deeply, beyond the physical practice.

Yes, the practice is intense. It asks everything of you and sometimes more than you're ready to give. It is understandable why people question it. Injury and struggle are real. But maybe the story of Ashtanga Yoga begins when the struggle shows up, not when it's avoided.

Discipline doesn't mean dogma. Ashtanga Yoga can help us learn the difference between discipline and rigidity. There's room for softness inside structure. There's compassion inside tradition. It's not about forcing your body, it's about meeting yourself over and over again and being willing to adapt and evolve.

The practice is a mirror, not a performance. The practice has never been about what the body looks like. It's about the inner mirror it holds up every single day; thoughts, ego, avoidance, learning, resilience, loss, and sometimes, quiet strength and joy.

Injury can teach us how to listen, not quit. Injury sometimes comes both in practice and in teaching. But injury doesn't mean the practice failed. It means we need to learn biomechanics, breath, patience, humility. Ashtanga can also teach us how to heal.

To practice Ashtanga Yoga means embracing a lineage, a timeless tradition passed down from teacher to student. Continuing this practice is our way of honoring their legacy and ensuring the teachings live on authentically and respectfully. Lineage is not just a hierarchy, but a sacred thread. It connects teacher to student, breath to breath. It holds memory, presence, devotion. When the teacher is gone, the practice becomes the prayer that keeps them alive.

One significant reason to continue is the incredible community. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga fosters deep relationships built on shared experience, empathy, and understanding. Each practitioner is part of a global family that supports and uplifts one another through the trials and triumphs of daily practice.

What Keeps Us Here:

The breath that expands

The sweat that purifies

The silence that clarifies

The posture that humbles

The surrender that opens the heart

It's not about flexibility or form, it's about returning home. Every session on the mat is a reminder of my inner strength and resilience. Ashtanga Yoga cultivates mental fortitude and personal empowerment, teaching me to meet challenges with grace and equanimity. It's not about conquering the practice but embracing the journey. We are still practicing because this path continues to transform us, not into someone "better," but into someone more honest, more grounded, and more alive. For us, this is not a trend. It's a life path. We hope you join us, as friends and colleagues, on the path so we can walk together.

Lastly, if you've left the practice, we honor your reasons. There's no one right way. But if you ever want to return, know that this breath, this mat, this practice is still here, waiting, quiet, ready, without judgment.

Our teachers often referenced the Yoga Sutras as guidance for encouragement to keep practicing. We share three of the key Sutras that they shared with us to help stay on the path of practice. Three key Yoga Sutras offer powerful encouragement to persist and deepen our Ashtanga practice:

Yoga Sutra 1.14:

sa tu dīrgha-kāla-nairantarya-satkārāsevito dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ

Translation: Practice becomes firmly grounded when continued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincere devotion.

This Sutra reminds us that persistence and consistency, practiced with genuine respect, lay the foundation for true mastery and personal growth.

Yoga Sutra 2.43:

kāyendriya-siddhir aśuddhi-kṣayāt tapasaḥ

Translation: Through disciplined practice (tapas), impurities diminish, leading to mastery over body and senses.

Ashtanga Yoga is a practice of purification. The discipline required each day refines our body, senses, and ultimately our spirit, granting us clarity and vitality.

Yoga Sutra 2.44:

svādhyāyād iṣṭa-devatā-samprayogaḥ

Translation: Through self-study (svādhyāya), one attains union with the chosen deity or guiding principle.

Continuous self-inquiry, central to Ashtanga, fosters deeper connection to one's inner wisdom and guiding truths, enriching our spiritual journey.

Our encouragement to every student—whether you're just starting or have practiced for decades—is to keep showing up on the mat. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the growth, and remember that each step forward is a step toward greater clarity, strength, and spiritual awakening.

We practice because it continually transforms us, grounding our lives in meaning, tradition, and profound connection. We invite you to explore your own reasons, keep practicing, and remain inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

We are, by nature, discriminating beings. We develop taste — for art, food, fashion, architecture. We learn to tell what is real from what is imitation, what is durable from what is fleeting. We become connoisseurs of culture, cuisine, aesthetics.

So what happens when that same discriminating capacity is turned inward?

This is what yogic philosophy demands. It says: if you can be discerning with worldly things, how much more precious — how much more urgent — is it to become a connoisseur of consciousness?

Instead of savoring flavors, we savor states of mind.

Instead of curating experiences, we curate clarity.

Instead of acquiring possessions, we acquire purity — śuddhi.

And instead of merely enjoying the world, we seek to understand the enjoyer — the bhoktā — and realize its unity with the impeller, preritā.

The Yoga Sūtras speak of viveka-khyāti — the dawning of discriminative wisdom — as the final stage before liberation (YS 2.26–2.28). This viveka is not cynicism, nor cold analysis. It is the ability to discern puruṣa from prakṛti, the eternal from the transient, the seer from the seen.

Haṭha Yoga trains the body and prāṇa to become instruments of precision. But the real fruit of yogic effort is the flowering of this inner viveka: the clear, unmistakable knowledge of who we are and what we are not.

And this is where the teachings of the Upaniṣads and the Gītā converge: in showing us how to become refined enjoyers — not those trapped by the senses, but those who, through purification, become capable of tasting the divine in everything.

The yogin becomes, in this light, not a renouncer of life, but its most discerning participant — one who recognizes the unity of all three and acts accordingly, with wisdom, love, and purpose.

So let us ask ourselves: in the vast buffet of worldly things, we often become sophisticated. Can we become as refined, as nuanced, as discerning in the domain of the sacred?

Let us become connoisseurs of the spirit — cultivating taste not only for truth, but for the way it reveals itself subtly, mysteriously, intimately — in the breath, in silence, in scripture, and in selfless action.

To know Brahman, the Upaniṣad says, is to know everything worth knowing. That knowledge is not collected. It is tasted.

And the one who tastes it, becomes — śuddhir bhoktā — the purified enjoyer of the eternal.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

In the sacred journey of yoga, the figure of the guru—the teacher, the revealer—is not merely someone who instructs us in techniques. The guru is the light that removes darkness, the presence that dispels confusion, and the voice that calls us back to the Self. The Sanskrit word guru itself is formed from gu, meaning darkness, and ru, meaning remover. The guru is not the source of light—but the one who points us toward it, until we recognize it within.

Grace, or kṛpā, is not a transaction. It's not earned. It flows freely, when the heart becomes soft enough to receive it. The final verse of the Guru Stotram offers this reflection:

dhyānamūlaṁ guror mūrtiḥ pūjāmūlaṁ guror padam

mantramūlaṁ guror vākyam mokṣamūlaṁ guror kṛpā

The root of meditation is the Guru's form. The root of worship is the Guru's feet. The root of mantra is the Guru's words. And the root of mokṣa, liberation itself—is the Guru's grace.

This grace isn't limited to moments of instruction or dramatic realization. It flows in silence. It is in the way the teacher holds space. It is in the presence that awakens something long forgotten. It is in the unspoken transmission of śakti—spiritual energy—that begins to shift the very axis of the student's life.

This is the dance of grace and effort. The student bows, asks, serves—and the guru, moved by love, offers the truth that sets us free.

So what is our work as students, as seekers on this path? It is to recognize grace, to receive it with reverence, and to never forget that the true guru is not limited to any form. The ultimate guru-tattva lives in the heart of all beings—as śraddhā (faith), as viveka (discernment), as that subtle inner pull toward the light.

In honoring the guru, we honor the light of wisdom itself—formless, eternal, and infinitely compassionate.

Tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ — Salutations to that glorious Guru.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

Many of us come to yoga seeking relief. Relief from pain, from restlessness, from uncertainty. And sometimes we find it. But over time, what we discover is more lasting than relief. We discover presence. We discover steadiness. We discover a kind of joy that doesn't have to shout. It only has to be. So we practice. Not to get rid of pain, but to know it. To meet it with clarity and care. And in that meeting, we find something remarkable: joy is still possible.

It is a joy that knows sorrow. A happiness that is not threatened by difficulty. This is the depth of saumanasya. Saumanasya is defined by Patañjali as cheerfulness—it could also be translated as "mental clarity," "gentle gladness," or even "spiritual contentment." But this is not about putting on a smile or chasing a feeling. It's the natural radiance of a mind that has become unentangled. In Pāli, the same word appears as saumanassa, and it's spoken of as a kind of mental vedanā—a feeling tone that arises not from external stimulation, but from deep, internal stillness.

It's not the kind of joy that explodes in celebration or depends on everything going our way. It's the joy that arises when the striving quiets down. When the noise fades. When the heart is unburdened. And perhaps most beautifully, it's a joy that does not replace suffering, but includes it.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

In the closing prayer of the Ashtanga practice, we chant: svasti prajābhyaḥ pari-pālayantāṁ, nyāyena mārgena mahīṁ mahīśāḥ, gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubham astu nityaṁ, lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu. These ancient words are an offering — a prayer for all beings to be protected, for the rulers of the earth to walk the path of righteousness, for all sacred beings to be blessed, and for every living soul across all worlds to experience happiness and freedom. The final invocation, Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ, repeats the call for peace three times — for peace in the outer world, peace within ourselves, and peace in the unseen cosmic realms.

This spirit of universal love is the very heart of yoga. In Sanskrit, the word for this love is prema — drawn from the root pri, meaning "to love" or "to gladden." Prema is not an ordinary affection tied to desires; it is a pure, selfless love that flows naturally into service — seva. In the Bhakti Sūtras, it is said: sa tu prema-rūpā — "True devotion takes the form of pure love." When we step onto our mats each morning, struggling and surrendering through the rhythm of breath and movement, we are invited into this deeper practice: not merely to perfect poses, but to offer every breath, every effort, as an act of prema — love — and seva — service — to all life.

Thus, Ashtanga yoga becomes more than personal discipline; it becomes a ritual of the heart. Every vinyāsa is an offering. Every challenge faced with patience is a prayer. Every fall and every rise is an act of love made visible. Through this spirit, we fulfill the timeless prayer: lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu — "May all beings everywhere be happy and free."

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

As we go deeper on the spiritual path—whether through yoga, meditation, or self-inquiry—we often discover a paradox: We feel more peace… but we also feel more pain. The highs become transcendent. The lows, unbearable. We start to feel everything more intensely. This intensity is not a mistake. It is the heart of the path.

The Buddha says: you have felt more grief than the ocean holds water. This isn't just poetry. It's a spiritual earthquake. This is not to depress us, but to awaken us—to stir our hearts. This stirring is known in Buddhism as saṁvega.

This feeling—though unsettling—is a sacred catalyst. It's what Prince Siddhartha felt when he saw old age, sickness, and death. It's what every sincere practitioner eventually encounters: not just the suffering of the world, but the raw truth of our entanglement in it.

You begin to see the pain in pleasure—how even joy is tinged with impermanence.

You see the subtle violence of craving, the ache beneath distraction.

Your old ways of coping no longer work.

This is grace, not failure. Because only when we see duḥkha clearly, can we begin to walk a path beyond it. These are cracks in the illusion. And through those cracks, truth pours in. The practice is not to patch them up, but to stay open.

Yoga gives us a container:

Asana: to ground the body as emotion rises

Prāṇāyāma: to stabilize the nervous system as old energy releases

Meditation: to witness pain without collapsing into it

Bhakti: to open the heart in devotion rather than despair

And ultimately, viveka—discernment—so that we can feel the pain of the world without losing our place in it.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

Sometimes we may not understand why it is necessary to engage in strong practice. This talk dives into how the effects we put into asana practice cultivate a powerful internal fire of purification. This was a talk given after a 4 day immersion with Kino and Tim in Bangkok.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

Kino and Tim discuss how to honor the lineage in the absence of our teachers. They further dive into the definition of what constitutes merit in the practice of Yoga. Ending with a Q&A that captures the spirit of the conclusion of their first week of teaching in Bali

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

Why yoga? Anyone who has practiced for a decade, two decades, or even a lifetime knows that the answer to this question is anything but simple—or perhaps so simple that words fail to capture it.

Some truths can only be understood through embodied knowledge, a form of wisdom that arises not from intellectual effort but from deep receptivity. Yoga is a path of insight, not just the accumulation of facts or information, though it does not reject them. It is a path of Vijñāna—a deeper knowing, an awakened consciousness, a means of direct realization.

There are realms beyond what the mind can grasp, mysteries that logic cannot solve. But what the mind cannot know, the spirit can perceive, and the soul can experience.

This is why lifelong practitioners return to their mats, day after day, year after year. All who have touched this special knowledge—not of the intellect, but of the soul—are called them back, again and again, to what was once glimpsed in moments of deep practice.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

Join Kino and Tim as they explore Tristhana, the foundational framework of Ashtanga Yoga that unites breath, body, and mind. Whether you are new to the practice or have been teaching for years, this episode offers a deeper look at how these three elements work together to cultivate presence, focus, and transformation.

Breath serves as the bridge between body and mind, asana creates embodiment and healing, and focused awareness sharpens the mind, leading to profound inner growth. Through years of dedicated practice, these principles become the gateway to peace and awakening.

Kino and Tim also examine key Yoga Sutras that contextualize the Tristhana method within yoga's spiritual tradition, bringing historical depth and meaning to the practice. This discussion will expand your understanding of Ashtanga Yoga and provide practical insights to integrate into your journey.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics.

Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

Astrology is more than just predictions. Join Kino and Gahl for a conversation about spirituality, past lives, and how astrology can help guide us along our journey

Gahl Sasson makes Kabbalah, astrology and psychology engaging, illuminating, and fun. His book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, (published by Simon & Schuster and co-written with Steve Weinstein), blends wisdom and metaphors from cultures across history and the entire world into an innovative blueprint for personal transformation and material enrichment.

His second work, Cosmic Navigator, is the essential reference guide to understanding your astrological makeup. He recently published a book on the astrology of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Thousands have enthusiastically embraced his fresh and stimulating approach to spirituality in lectures and workshops in the United States, UK, Argentina, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Moscow, Mexico, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Israel.

He is a contributor to the Huffington Post, and Astrology.com, and has been named "Los Angeles' Best Astrologer" by W Magazine. He is a guest lecturer at USC, Tel Aviv University, and teaches at Esalen, Omega Institute, University of Judaism, and the Open Center in NYC. He has appeared on CNN, ABC News, KTLA-TV Los Angeles to name a few. In 2017 his academic article, Symbolic Meaning of Names in the Bible was published by the Journal of Storytelling, Self, & Society. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com.

Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here!

Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga

Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com

With set sequences, rules, and repetitions, Ashtanga is often seen as a devotion to discipline. But if you look closely, it is a delicate orchestration where breath, movement, and focus unite to reveal the clarity within.

In today's episode, we reflect on the purpose behind the method, exploring how every inhale, every exhale, and every asana carries intention. Ashtanga challenges us to set aside rebellion, ego, and the need to control, humbling us and inviting trust in the wisdom of the practice rather than forcing outcomes.

Through this lens, Ashtanga becomes more than a physical discipline - it transforms into a mirror for self-awareness and growth. By trusting the method and surrendering to its wisdom, we create space for inner stillness to emerge. Join us as we commit to cultivating presence, humility, and the quiet strength to return to the mat, again and again.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman join us to share timeless insights exploring how impermanence and interconnectedness form the foundation of a meaningful life. With wisdom rooted in years of spiritual practice, they reflect on the paradox of happiness – not as something to chase but as a natural state revealed through presence and self-awareness.

Our conversation invites us to look beyond rigid structures and external validations, embracing tools like meditation and community to uncover the essence of joy. It's not about perfection or mastery but about showing up for the practice of being present with ourselves and others. In this shared space of connection, we find the courage to hold life's grief and beauty side by side.

Through their reflections, Richard and Mary remind us that happiness is not static but a living tradition within us, nurtured by intention and care.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

The lineage of Ashtanga has always been a living tradition carried forward by devoted practitioners. But what happens when the Guru who once held the lineage are no longer present? Without an Acharya to guide us, the responsibility shifts to each of us – to show up, to practice, and to nurture the teachings within ourselves.

And it's not about perfection or mastery. It's about presence. The simple act of stepping onto the mat, even amidst doubt or difficulty, keeps the fire of the tradition alive. Through practice, we honor not only the teachers who came before but also the community and future generations who will carry the lineage forward.

Perhaps the greatest contribution we can make is to trust in the practice itself. By staying consistent and cultivating fertile ground within, we allow the teachings to flourish ensuring their vitality for years to come.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Ashtanga Yoga is more than a personal ritual - it's a living tradition carried forward by generations of teachers and students. Those who came before us made sacrifices to do so and as yogis, we share a responsibility in keeping the lineage alive.

So in this episode, we explore what it means to honor our teachers. Not through idolization, but by asking: How do we sustain a lineage that has given us so much, even amidst personal loss and change? What can we learn from those who sacrificed everything to preserve these teachings?

This conversation invites us to look within, embrace the urgency of the moment, and recommit to our practice as an act of devotion and gratitude. Through stories, reflections, and timeless wisdom, we find inspiration to step onto the mat again and again, trusting that yoga will guide us forward, as it always has throughout the lineage.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Ashtanga Yoga reminds us that practice is not about perfection, it's about presence. And while this truth features throughout life's ups and downs, let's take a moment to reflect on this through the lens of accessibility. There is, after all, great power in offering adaptations that make the practice available to all bodies and abilities…

And what does it mean to stay connected to practice through aging, injury, or self-doubt anyway? How can accessibility deepen - not dilute - our connection to the essence of yoga? This conversation invites us to embrace the transformative power of breath, movement, and intention, discovering that the perfect body for practice is simply the one we have today.

Let's celebrate, together, accessible Ashtanga Yoga and the resilience it inspires, both on and off the mat.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

While our practice connects us to a lineage of timeless teachings, its essence is deeply personal and woven into our breath, our movement, and our awareness. It's here within this space that we begin to understand the true source of the practice - our being - and the resilience it cultivates both on and off the mat.

Yet, the journey is not always easy. Life's challenges whether physical, emotional, or circumstantial often test our dedication to this presence. And so, this episode explores the hidden knowledge beneath the surface of everyday distractions, urging us to recommit to practice even amidst challenges. With patience and faith, we learn that the seeds of yoga - when tended with care - can grow into the firm ground of transformation guiding us through life's impermanence and uncertainty.

What keeps you returning to the mat? Together we reflect on the effort and grace required to sustain the practice and honor the lineage that grounds us.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

As we honor the life and teachings of Sharath Jois, we are reminded of the deep roots and enduring spirit of the Mysore yoga tradition. This episode invites us to reflect on the profound relationship between teacher and student – a connection built on humility, surrender, and a flow of wisdom passed through generations.

Grief, like yoga, requires us to sit with discomfort, to embrace impermanence, and to find strength within ourselves and our communities. Through this shared loss, this memorial guides us in exploring how the light of the lineage shines brightest when carried forward with gratitude and reverence.

Let us come together to hold space for healing, honor Sharath Jois's legacy, and celebrate the path of yoga.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

As Lebanon endures yet another wave of conflict, Hala speaks candidly about the heartbreak of leaving her homeland to protect her young son while holding fast to her role as a guide and healer for her community. Her journey reminds us that yoga is a practice far beyond the mat – it's a call to connect, to serve, and to hold space even in the most difficult of times.

In this conversation, Hala opens a window into the life of Lebanon's vibrant, yet fragile, yoga community. She describes the ongoing work of providing meals, essentials, and a compassionate presence for displaced families, emphasizing that real change often begins in taking care of one another.

As we listen, Hala's story invites us to consider our own role in cultivating peace – both within and beyond. This is a powerful reminder of the resilience, compassion, and unwavering hope that yoga can inspire, no matter the circumstances.

Share your support:

SupportLRC – Donate, Save Lives

Hala's Instagram (@yogiinbeirut)

Yoga is an invitation to meet ourselves just as we are, embracing both the ease of sukha and the discomfort of dukkha with presence and patience. It's a practice that calls us to observe the fluctuations of the mind – our desire for comfort, our resistance to pain – and, through each cycle of breath, to cultivate a quiet resilience that meets both without reaction.

Much like life's trials, yoga also asks us not to escape struggle but to soften into it; to find calm not by denying difficulty but by welcoming it with grace. Each breath, each moment on the mat, is a reminder of impermanence - a gentle guide urging us to let go of attachment and rest in acceptance.

But this journey doesn't end with our own growth. Each time we come to the mat, we contribute to a shared peace that ripples beyond ourselves, inviting compassion and unity for all beings. So, join us today as we breathe, honoring the timeless connection that we share.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Perfection is enchanting—but it promises an end destination that doesn't exist. Yoga, if you listen carefully, asks us to turn inward, embracing tapas - disciplined effort - not as a demand for perfection but as a gentle guide through life's ups and downs.

Let's be humbled by the reminder that yoga is not a performance after all. It's a daily ritual that meets us exactly where we are. It's a letting go of comparisons, whether to others or our past selves. And through the heat of disciplined practice, we burn away our inner obstacles, confront our inertia, and find solace in the simple act of standing on the mat with breath, body, and mind.

So without perfection, what does success look like in our practice? It's through tapas we discover the quiet strength that lies within. This is the heart of yoga—a transformative journey that asks us to meet ourselves every single day.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

In a world where we often seek certainty, clear answers, and the comfort of knowing, yoga offers a humbling reminder: truth is rarely as simple as it seems. It's in this awareness of our behavioral patterns we can take the opportunity to question our reality…

Or maybe we don't get a choice. It's easy to assume that our view of the world is objective but by returning again and again to our mats, the spaciousness we create will show us that our minds are constantly filtering, predicting, and reshaping what we see based on past experiences and ingrained patterns.

So what do we do when the construct of our mind is in question? Satya invites us to step into the uncomfortable space of not knowing—to acknowledge that our perceptions are often skewed and our truths subjective.

Satya can lead us closer to authenticity, greater self-awareness, and a profound connection to the truth that transcends our individual experience. This is not just about practising on the mat but learning to navigate the world with a heart open to all that we don't yet understand.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

For many, the allure of yoga is wrapped in ideals of achievement – perfect poses, precise counts, and the polished image of a seasoned yogi. Yet, the heart of the practice invites us to embrace something far deeper.

Being a student means showing up with an open mind, being willing to stumble, and finding peace in not knowing the big answers. It means recognizing that every teacher - no matter how experienced - is also a student on an endless path of discovery. Without a hierarchy to climb or a race to win, yoga becomes a refuge where we learn to soften into our imperfections and accept the messiness of our own journey.

This episode encourages us to connect with the true purpose of our practice – not to become an expert or to display our abilities, but to heal, grow, and nurture our connection to something greater.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Self study offers a bridge between practice and self-understanding, yet in a world where achievement is often measured by what we know or what we can do, Swadhyaya gently redirects us toward a more introspective path. Here, memorization becomes an act of devotion - a way to internalize the teachings, grounding our practice in respect and humility.

But humility in yoga isn't about diminishing ourselves; it's about creating space to truly learn. When we approach the practice with an open heart, we honor the lineage of those who have come before us, allowing their wisdom to guide us. It's this active engagement with respect that transforms our practice into a mirror, reflecting our deepest truths.

As we move through sequences, Swadhyaya encourages us to look beyond the physical and into the self too. Because the real work begins when the physical falls away—when the ease of youth gives way to the challenges of age or injury. It's in these moments that yoga truly becomes a mirror, showing us who we are when external measures of success no longer apply.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Life has a way of challenging us - pushing us to the edge of our comfort zones - and it's in those moments that we often find our true strength. Ashtanga yoga practice mirrors this perfectly, presenting us with both physical and emotional hurdles that test our discipline and resolve.

It's time to delve into the heart of what it means to engage with tapas and accept that it's not about forcing ourselves beyond our limits, but rather about embracing the challenges we encounter with a steady and balanced approach. It's this inner fire that's cultivated through consistent practice where we learn to face discomfort with grace, using each struggle as a stepping stone toward deeper self-awareness and growth.

In this episode, we explore the lessons of tapas—the disciplined effort that fuels transformation. By meeting challenges with a harmonious mindset, we not only advance in our practice but also navigate life's difficulties with greater ease. Whether it's the burn of a difficult asana or the heat of an emotional challenge, the lessons of tapas remind us that true growth is born from facing our struggles with patience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our path.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

From the first step onto the mat to the deeper journey inward, Ashtanga offers more than just physical transformation. It introduces us to the yamas, the ethical principles that lay the foundation for a truly holistic practice. These yamas - non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, ethical conduct, and non-attachment - invite us to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and interactions both on and off the mat.

In this episode, we explore how these principles plant seeds of mindfulness, nurturing our path towards inner peace and clarity. By embracing the yamas, we uncover opportunities for self-compassion, introspection, and connection with the deeper essence of yoga. It's in these moments of ethical living that we meet the real essence of our practice, transcending beyond physical postures.

How present are the yamas in your daily life? Together let's explore how living with integrity and compassion not only enhances our experience in the shala but also leads us toward a more enlightened existence.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

How often do we consider the profound impact of consistency in our yoga practice? Because it's in moments of resistance and wavering minds that we can witness the full loving force of yoga. It is here where we receive an invitation. And every time we RSVP "yes", we open up our capacity for growth…

We start to see that Ashtanga invites us to move beyond the physical into a journey with spiritual essence and how each session on the mat becomes a mirror. And as reflections of our strengths and vulnerabilities surface, we're again met with another opportunity to give up and succumb to our comfort zones.

Yet let us not forget that the striving for self realization is enormous pressure to put onto our practice too. Feeling out of balance? Cue our yoga teachers' wisdom–the kind of wisdom that while challenging, is essential for our growth…

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Walk far enough down the yogic path and it will soon become clear that the guidance of a teacher and the support of our communities is invaluable. On Guru Purnima Day, we pause to reflect on the profound impact of our gurus and mentors who illuminate our journey.

Yet, while this path is often illuminated by such wisdom, it is not without its challenges. Personal struggles—whether physical, emotional, or circumstantial—are intrinsic to the journey. These hurdles, when met with the right guidance, transform into profound opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.

Which mentors have inspired you to sustain the light of yoga in your life? Through shared stories and reflections, we celebrate the interconnectedness of our practice and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. So join us and tune in to pay tribute to the teachers who have illuminated our paths, the lineage that grounds us, and the unwavering effort required to keep the flame of yoga alive.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

The truth is, we each have a library's worth of past experiences and conditioning that can cloud our vision, trapping us in looping thoughts. And while that sounds uncomfortable, this is the instinctive reality of the human mind. Every day we face the urge to judge.

Meanwhile, discernment (or Viveka) offers a different path. One of turning inward, reflecting deeply, and distinguishing between what is true and untrue, relevant and irrelevant.

This process is slow and deliberate - deserving of patience, dedication, and deep questioning. Abd if we focus on our breath and embrace meditation, we thin out the incessant chatter of the mind, creating space for discernment to arise and for judgment to dissolve. The ultimate mastery of mind.

This is not a lesson in differences though. Rather, this is an invitation to ask ourselves: How often do we allow our minds to snap to judgment missing the opportunity for true insight?

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

​​Meditation holds the promise of transformation, but its path is not always straightforward. For some, it is a retreat from the chaos of daily life–a space to recharge. For others, it is a crucible, challenging the mind and revealing its deepest patterns.

No matter what experience we affix onto the practice, meditation invites us to sit with ourselves, observe the mind's incessant chatter, and confront the impermanence of our thoughts and emotions. This practice is not about escaping discomfort but embracing it, learning to detach from fleeting emotions and reducing our suffering.

And what if with careful guidance, we could all find a sanctuary within ourselves amidst the chaos of life? The dualistic nature of meditation could be the answer we seek, so, let's take a closer look.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Many come to the mat believing yoga will erase all suffering, bringing perpetual bliss and prosperity. Yet, the true essence of yoga offers something more profound and enduring.

It's time to explore the ancient wisdom that yoga imparts, teaching us to embrace the inevitable changes and hardships with grace, wisdom, and compassion. Because it's not about achieving a flawless practice or a pain-free life but about cultivating an inner state of peace and acceptance.

As we navigate the misconception that yoga will solve all our problems, we reflect on the real purpose of our practice. How do we remain content in the face of adversity? How do we let go of the ego-driven chase for external validation? Through the lens of spiritual abundance, we learn to find joy and contentment in the present moment, recognizing that true fulfilment comes from within.

Join us as we unpack these teachings and discover how to apply them both on and off the mat, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of our true selves. Whether you've been practising for a decade or just a day, this episode invites you to renew your contract with yoga, embracing its transformative power with humility and devotion.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Sadhana allows the waters of spiritual practice to simmer within us, gradually revealing the light within. It teaches us the value of patience and perseverance, emphasizing that the journey of yoga is a lifelong pursuit.

Because truly, yoga is not something that can be mastered in a weekend, a month, or even a year. While a year of practice can establish a solid foundation, true understanding and transformation require a lifetime of dedication.

Sadhana nurtures our physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional well-being enough to unveil deeper layers of the self–ones that kindle growth and wisdom from our truth. And in daily life, through skilful, mindful action we learn to engage in tasks that free us from illusion and suffering.

Because that might just be the hardest part. To step off the mat and encounter irritations and heartbreak? It is in these moments that our true work begins—translating the insights of sadhana into our everyday experiences, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of this precious life.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

As we delve deeper into this yogic path, we appreciate the practice not just for physical prowess, but for emotional and spiritual resilience too. Whether we're striving to show up daily despite life's demands or digging deep to overcome generational trauma, commitment is key to our growth.

But what about once we're on the mat? How easily do our thoughts wander with our curious senses? By exploring the foundational principles of Ashtanga yoga, such as Tristana—the integration of breath, movement, and focus—we learn to navigate our practice with greater awareness and intention, no matter how painful it is to resist temptations.

Soon enough, our awareness blooms and yoga begins to encourage our truth to unfurl. By understanding these deeper layers, we transform past discomforts into present strengths. Discipline is no longer just about the practice; it becomes a dedication to ascend in all areas of our lives.

Let's explore how to move beyond the discomfort of the mind, body, and senses, together.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

As life progresses—with its inevitable busyness, ageing, or delving into the role of teacher—finding time for personal practice becomes even more crucial. We must continually adapt, acknowledging that our physical abilities might change and accepting these shifts not as setbacks but as opportunities to deepen our understanding of yoga's true essence. It's about evolving our practice to fit our changing lives, ensuring that it remains a steadfast source of support and reflection.

This episode invites us to reflect on the constancy of change and the persistence required to sustain a yoga practice. We explore how to hold space for our personal growth on the mat, recognizing that the practice of yoga is less about achieving perfection and more about embracing life's journey with grace and resilience.

We also explore the delicate dynamics within the yoga community, where competition and jealousy can sometimes overshadow mutual success. It's crucial to cultivate 'mudita' or sympathetic joy, celebrating the achievements of others as affirmations of possibility, rather than a path toward division.

Join us as we discuss how the discipline of yoga can be a profound tool for life transformation, guiding us through personal introspection and community interactions with compassion and humility.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

The first time we step onto a yoga mat is the first step on an unexpected journey towards transformation. As we immerse ourselves deeper, repeating movements and dedicating our energy, we witness a shift in our lives but more notably, we encounter the humanness of frustration, shame and blame. Yet, it is in these moments where yoga reveals its subtler spiritual layers offering us tools not just to perform but to persevere and transform.

These reflections, often sparked by realizing our teachers' humanity or our own limitations, might tempt us to stray from the path. Doubts can arise, shadows can appear more comforting, and the myth of perfection might seem like a shattered promise. However, embracing these human elements is not an admission of defeat but a deeper initiation into yoga's true purpose.

We must remember that advancing through series or mastering more complex poses doesn't necessarily equate to spiritual progress. True advancement comes from recognizing that perfection is not the goal of yoga—embracing our humanity is.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Without a doubt, yoga is an invitation for introspection and growth. It holds a mirror to who we truly are and generously serves as our unwavering support throughout the trials of life. But as we move through this journey, how often do we consider our contribution to the yoga community?

Much like the unwavering support of our own practices guiding us through arduous human experiences, community parallels as the backbone of yoga's presence in society. It's truly in the embrace of a supportive community that the true essence of yoga blossoms.

And in this moment, who do we consider responsible for togetherness in yoga? It's not solely the teacher's guidance or the student's perseverance that fosters connection, but the intersection of both that forms a sense of belonging, a sense of sangha.

So next time we dive into our asanas with devotion, let's extend that outwards to the yogi on the mat next door, open up the space for deeper connection - for more togetherness - and consider community a loving duty for us all.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Yoga does change your life if you tend to the practice every day. But is it compassionate enough to show up on the mat when your body is begging you for a break?

You get to choose: you could show up to your Ashtanga practice once a week giving your everything or you could show up every day with just 50% - even 10% - of what you've got. With this decision, you get the invitation to reflect upon what brought you to Ashtanga in the first place. Because if spiritual transformation is what you seek, you must release the shackles of perfectionism and validation.

So let's talk about this road to consistency and explore how samadhi greets you when you return every day with humility. After all, when we live in a world that's conditioned us to want more, why not release the chase for applause for our impressive string of asanas?

Why not allow Ashtanga to bring us back down to earth - not just from the busyness of modern life, but to settle the ego?

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

The belief that one metaphorical door closing is the chance for another one to open couldn't speak to Katy Scherer's story more. When pregnancy placed a sudden limitation on her running career, a redirection emerged that she never expected; she traded laces for bare feet and the gravel beneath them for a yoga mat.

But this isn't a conversation about life's surprises, this is in fact an exploration of Katy's wisdom of the breath.

Her initiation into yoga offered incredible gifts of community and well-being, but it profoundly guided Katy towards a deeper connection to oneness and, ultimately, her journey of guiding others along the path of pranayama.

Through candid discussions on body awareness and the recognition of bodily limitations, this conversation explores the profound potential for self-discovery that lies within the practice of pranayama and breathwork. So join us - but not before taking a nourishingly deep inhale-exhale.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

From summer camp serendipity to university days solace, yoga can meet us in the most unsuspecting times. It plants tiny seeds of inspiration into our awareness so that our yogic journeys can fully bloom when the time is right.

And it's in these moments - where many of us find yoga's healing qualities as a soothing balm to insomnia or back pain - that we meet the real essence of yoga. The deeper dimensions offer opportunities for self-compassion, introspection, and connection with the breath, with oneness.

It's the devotion to this essence of yoga that nurtures teachers with not just the connection to oneness but the vision of that nature too. Isn't yoga for everyone? And do we really need to categorize our practices to achieve that?

Tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in thoughts of diversity, ashtanga versus vinyasa and audience Q&A.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Limitlessness and opportunity – the inertia of pacy modern life can serve as fuel for realising our purpose in this lifetime. But much like this two-month immersion in Mysore that serves as a grounding balance to our proactive compulsions, finding the right teacher will surely keep us all on the right track. At the very least, it will help us avoid complete burnout.

Yet while living in a world of endless possibilities, this can also be a tricky endeavour in itself. When there are many gurus in arms reach - whether digitally or a plane ride away - it inevitably raises the questions: How do you find your teacher? How do you know they're right for you?

Everyone has teachers along their path, but not all of us are willing to acknowledge them. Whether that's perfectionism rearing its head or a case of warped expectations, the only thing that matters is ensuring they meet our needs, our values.

So teachers and life-long students, settle into this dharma talk that arose after two months in Mysore - the truth that arose when the desire for action was extinguished.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

If we expect somehow to only show up for our practice when things are feeling good and do a good job from the external standards, then we'll lack the kind of spiritual fortitude that's really required.

And, in this modern age, it's all too easy to lose our grip of patience when immediacy permiates our every chance to make a decision. We may be fortunate to live in a world of advancements that better our lives but, if our desire for convenience takes precedence, we risk weakening our spiritual edurance. We risk hardening our hearts when faced with difficulty.

We must also ask: if our default understanding of endurance is to bring presence and perspective to adversity, where does that leave us when things are going well?

Spiritual endurance goes beyond 'pushing through' and instead offers a chance to deepen our yoga journey, to enrich our lives way beyond the mat.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

As we journey on the spiritual path, we seek answers for our ever questioning minds. What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose? Can I really be bothered to do primary series today?

Healthy questioning offers us meaningful personal growth but it is indeed part of the practice to remain the observer of thoughts. Once we step into the rabbit hole questioning ourselves, our yogi paths, and even our teachers, it is during those moments we must decide whether we are truly cultivating fertile ground for faith.

From dropping the notion of romanticism to the benefits of a dynamic practice - let's dive in and explore the gifts available to us during challenging times.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

What brought you to yoga? For many, the instant access to other people's lives online fuels them to chase aspirational goals. But where does a path lit up by comparison lead?

For instance, to be excitedly motivated by the idea of mastering a headstand or flexibility draws in so many people to yoga - this would be fine if our self-perception didn't become so easily warped in the pursuit of perfection.

The truth is, the perfect practice is the one where you show up. And the perfect body is the one you already have. So to remain in touch with the true essence of yoga, arrive with compassion for yourself and your students and be prepared to ask yourself: Why am I really on the mat today?

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Openly, vulnerably and courageously, Dina Ghandour shares her experience as a Palestinian Yogi throughout this conversation. Her journey began with practising asanas with a VHS tape in her bedroom at 15 to now, a Jivamukti Yoga certified yoga teacher and bodyworker based in Duba leading community classes and worldwide retreats.

Tapping into her belief that yoga is a practice of liberation and that liberation is about the elevation and healing of all beings, Dina's mission for women's remembrance of their strength is needed now more than ever.

To let in the very real, authentic details of her personal story and to inspire you to continue the work of yoga, enter this interview with an open heart and a curious mind.

For further information and resources on the topics mentioned in the episode, please access them below.

Resources (books written by both Palestinian and Israeli acclaimed historians):

The 100 Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine + The Biggest Prison on Earth by Ilan Pappe

Gaza in Crisis by Naom Chomsky and Ilan Pappe

Palestine Academy's Palestine 101 online course

All Out for Palestine Digital Action Toolkit by the Palestine Feminist Collective

Death toll raised to 21,000

Website for the SIM cards

Terms

According to the UN Genocide Convention:

The current definition of Genocide is set out in Article II of the Genocide Convention: Genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group; already 15,200 have been killed in Gaza alone, 6,600 of which are children -- and violence and killing also happening also in the occupied West Bank, which is not ruled by Hamas

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; consistent images and videos coming out of Gaza prove this is true

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; the blockade on Gaza and the control of its food, fuel, electricity, medication etc pertains to this clause accurately

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group

Reference (un.org)

Occupation:

In international humanitarian law, a territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the adverse foreign armed forces. The occupation extends only to the territory where such authority has been established and can be exercised. (From the International Red Cross)

For background:

Military Presence and Control: Israel maintains a significant military presence in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) control checkpoints, strategic locations, and border crossings, restricting the movement of Palestinians and exerting authority over key areas.

Settlement Construction: Israel has been involved in the construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law. These settlements often result in the displacement of Palestinian communities, changing the demographic and geographic realities on the ground.

Separation Wall: The construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier, also known as the separation barrier or the wall, has further separated Palestinian communities and hindered their access to agricultural land, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. While Israel argues that it is a security measure, critics argue that it serves as a de facto border, annexing Palestinian territory.

Restrictions on Movement: Palestinians face various restrictions on their movement, both within the territories and internationally. Checkpoints, roadblocks, and barriers limit the ability of Palestinians to travel freely, affecting daily life, economic activities, and access to essential services.

East Jerusalem Annexation: Israel's control and annexation of East Jerusalem have been a contentious issue. The international community does not recognize Israel's sovereignty over East Jerusalem, which Palestinians consider the capital of their state. However, Israel has continued to expand its presence in East Jerusalem through settlement construction and policies that alter the demographic composition of the city.

No matter how much passion we have for our yoga practice, it's our relationship to discipline that profoundly shapes our experience. And, even if two people had the same passion for yoga yet one was regimented and the other was averse to consistency, neither one of them will have a perfectly smooth journey.

But isn't finding balance the point? Isn't an opportunity to dive deeper into our being the essence of the practice itself?

Along with Tim, in this episode we explore powerful tools that support our personal approach to devotion. From community to obsession, let's uncover the challenges and solutions to showing up on our mats consistently.

After all, why wouldn't we want to cultivate the opportunity to meet our truest selves?

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Whether it is morally correct to pursue wealth, business, or even simply charging for services has perhaps been a question on many wellness practitioners mind. It's this question weaves its way throughout this episode as we explore both the philosophical and the practical side to running a spiritual business.

It's improtant to acknowledge that this inner conflict is deeply rooted yet we must remember that there are two types of yogis - the one that takes monastic vows and the one who follows the householder path. The latter liberates us from the conflict and shows us that we can live life however we want - even seeking prosperity - so long as we remember our yogic principles.

That doesn't mean it will be easy, though. Let's dive into honest conversations about trial and error, building yourself a strong network, and shifting your focus away from ego with fellow yogi, Beatriz Yepes.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

At the heart of our yoga practice, we engage mindfully with asanas to awaken the whispers of our subconscious and dive into layers unseen. Yet what is central to the symphony of ashtanga is the tristana method – a trilogy of asana, breath, and gaze. While it may be a simple structure for the mind to understand, truly how many years does mastery take?

Along with Tim, in this episode we explore how the interplay between conscious and subconscious worlds through tristana isn't a mere detail; it's the essence that anchors us in the rich traditions of yoga. We also meditate on the truth that with enough daily dedication, we can cultivate an inner sanctuary to welcome the merging of these worlds. To feel real peace. To bring ourselves home.

How is your journey of anchoring in tristana going? Let's delve into the weaving together of the body, breath, and consciousness.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

In this conversation, we explore the type of yoga that almost all of us have thought "it looks so easy" but turns out to be one of the most challenging styles. World-renowned yoga trainer, Jo Phee, walks us through the world of yin yoga and how she went from corporate life to teaching this quietly powerful style.

Yin yoga is stillness, reflective, and meditative. And if we're all seeking more of that in our lives then doesn't that mean yin is better than any other form of yoga? Jo illuminates the principles of Taoist philosophy reminding us that yin and yang cannot and they should not exist in isolation. Even the Taoist symbol isn't a perfectly straight line. They're always having a dance.

So what do you need more of in your life? Perhaps you can allow the answer to unfurl within this conversation; whether yin yoga brings you stability, healing or balance, it's time to find out how it could enrich your life.

Start the journey now with your free 30-day membership on Omstars.com. Use code: PODCAST.

Keep up with us online @omstarsofficial or follow me on Instagram @kinoyoga. Visit my blog at Kinoyoga.com to learn more.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at info@kinoyoga.com. If you want to share what you've learned on your yoga journey, you could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

When I think about my first ever yoga class, I remember that feeling of finally being back in my body again. More than that, I finally felt comfortable in the body I was in. For Jonathan Ferrucci, his first class inspired him to wonder where his body ends and the rest of the universe begins.

Jonathan is a professional pianist sharing his experience at the intersection between yoga and music. For him, these are both languages he used to find his authenticity as not only a musician but as a human being.

His introduction to yoga came from his mother, but it wasn't until he discovered the Ashtanga practice in his twenties that he started to really understand the spiritual journey of yoga.

The ambitious, performance-oriented side of his mind is balanced by the patience of the practice, and Jonathan shares how his yoga routine transformed into a spiritual practice through Ashtanga.

Many of us can relate to Jonathan's experience of being "outside of the body," where our minds are constantly wandering in circles of anxiety and stress. Performing on stage can bring this anxiety to a new level, and Jonathan saw yoga as a tool that would help him return to his body.

Our yoga journeys are more than a sequence of poses or routines. Yoga is a practice; it is a daily effort in being present in the moment, which forces many of us to dig deep and recognize some parts of ourselves we may have forgotten or misplaced.

You cannot predict how the practice will affect you, and Jonathan shares how he was struck most by the silence and how it turned into the biggest lesson he's learned on the yoga mat.

If any of us have ever lost ourselves and are looking for a way back onto the mat, Jonathan's story will inspire you to come back to the practice with a new perspective. You may be humbled by this new perspective, or maybe you will learn something new.

Meet Jonathan at this intersection between self, yoga, and music with a special concert performance on Omstars. All charitable donations will bring music to children in disadvantaged situations.

If you have an inspiring story to share, please get in touch. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

What does yoga represent to you? Why did you take that first step onto the yoga mat?

I've been practicing yoga because I was looking for a more peaceful life. Now, more than twenty years later, I can confidently say that when I walk off my mat after practice I'm a little bit more peaceful, a little bit kinder.

Yoga practice has the power to bring a little bit more love and peace into your life by changing the way you treat others and the way you treat yourself. One can even argue that this quest for peace is why the practice of yoga has survived for so many years.

The spirituality of our yoga journey reminds us that this practice is more than just the pose. Even now, when we keep seeing perfectly photographed poses on Instagram, we have to remind ourselves that we are more than just our asana obsessions.

We all have our favorite poses. I'm the first to admit that I really wanted to do a headstand when I started my Ashtanga practice. But the true journey of yoga is not limited to the physical poses. The path of yoga is more spiritual and metaphysical.

At the core of the metaphysical practice of yoga are the five niyamas:

Saucha: cleanliness and purity Santosa: contentment, acceptance, and optimism Tapas: discipline and persistence Svadhyaya: self-study and study of the sacred texts Isvarapranidhana: devotion to the higher power

These moral and ethical self-disciplines help yogis relate with society. Since very few of us will become monks, the niyamas can help us householder yogis balance our yoga practice with the society in which we live.

As I discuss the five niyamas, you may recognize some of these from other episodes. I've discussed tapas many times before on this podcast, but not in the way it influences the effort the yogi dedicates to their practice.

In yoga, your effort is directly related to how much yoga is asking you to change your life. These changes can manifest in many ways, from dietary changes to complete mental makeovers in your subconscious. Tapas will help you balance your discipline so you can dedicate the right kind of effort to your practice.

Remember - we should have that feeling of effort or else we miss the very thing that yoga is trying to teach us.

The five niyamas are the substance of the lifelong journey into the spiritual practice of yoga. You will think of them every time you get on your mat, and your perspective of the niyamas will change as you evolve on this journey.

Tune in now to learn how to fit the niyama into your yoga practice.

I want to keep inspiring you to continue your practice. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

The important thing to understand on this spiritual journey we're on is knowing the difference between what is real and what is imaginary.

If we only live in the imaginary, then we risk the spiritual practice becoming a way for us to ignore reality. On the other hand, some of us can get attached to difficult realities, which can lock us into those negative cycles of thinking.

Luckily, yoga practice and meditation teach us that we are not helpless victims of the life experience.

We have the power to break our subconscious thinking patterns if we learn to accept our failures in the practice. It's no secret that this spiritual journey is made up of struggles - that's why we call it a practice, but through this practice we have the opportunity to learn.

One of my biggest lessons on the yoga mat was (and sometimes still is) the acceptance of failure. More than that, it's being able to sit with this failure with a relaxed and non-judgmental attitude.

For me personally, the more I expect something to work out in a particular way, the more tightly I'm wound to it, which breeds negative thoughts and judgmental behavior. Does this happen to you?

If the answer is yes, realize that the brain doesn't subconsciously know the difference between imagination and reality. The way you react to real-world stimulation is the same way you react to a visualization, and your subconscious mind will interpret it as such.

It is this reaction that is the root of suffering, and I'm discussing the ways we can recognize these moments during our meditative and yoga practices so we can train our brain to understand the difference between what is imagined and what is reality.

Recognizing this opens up the possibility to remain neutral in the face of failure, which makes it much easier to break the unconscious patterning of the mind. I want to empower you to sit with your failure without judging yourself, and learning to recognize the difference between your reality and your imagination is a great place to start.

What failures have you learned to face on the yoga mat? Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com. You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

For this meditation I want you to choose something you want to manifest. I always recommend having this idea in mind before you sit down for practice so you don't interrupt the spiritual journey, but don't hold it so tightly that you can't relax your mind.

Remember - your mind needs an anchor. Just as your body needs a seat in order to settle into this moment, so does your mind. And just as in previous practices, this anchor will be your inflowing and outgoing breath.

As you focus on your breathing, pay attention to the way it feels on your upper lip, the way it flows in and out of your nostrils. If you find your mind wandering, bring it back to your breath.

It's important to use this anchor of your breath. Keep your attention focused there in order to practice the state of equanimity we've discussed before, but it's interesting to note where your mind wanders during meditation.

Is there a pattern to your thoughts? Do you find yourself focusing on the same emotional and physical reactions?

All of these distractions - even something as simple as your feet falling asleep - are worth noting, especially if there is a pattern of reactivity. Acknowledge and note this discomfort, note how you want to react, and then bring your attention back to your breath.

This is the work we put in during meditation. We are training our minds to be neutral, to detach our ego from all that we've experienced, and break the chain of attachment and aversion that traps us in negative thinking patterns.

This humble work of practicing holding a single point of concentration in your mind is the key to this meditative practice, and the key to unlocking the subconscious patterns we all fall victim to in our daily lives. Please find a comfortable space to sit and relax as you join me in this meditation.

I want to keep inspiring you to continue your practice. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

Practicing meditation is a practice in doing nothing. That may sound like a riddle, but it's the truth! And it's why meditation is so difficult for some of us.

My yoga teacher always used to say that meditation was very difficult. Asana yoga is almost easier because as we practice the poses, we are giving our minds a distraction from the sheer weight of nothingness.

I'm here to tell you that the key to meditation lies in embracing this nothingness, this intangibility of the practice. Meditation is designed to move us away from the material world and into the quality of the exact moment we are in without a hectic need to define it or run away from it.

Unfortunately, our minds don't always work that way. Don't you ever experience doubts on the yoga mat?

We are always looking for something to fill up the moment that, in the instant we're left alone with the stillness, we start to doubt ourselves.

Who are you without your thoughts?

What are we without our busy schedules?

Sometimes there can be unprocessed thoughts and emotions laying heavy on our hearts that we don't want to face. The silence forces us to face them, which breeds fear and doubt.

This is because if your mind is not trained it will ruminate back and forth between worrying about the past and projecting into the future. Meditation trains our mind to recognize the frequency of our thoughts so we can break that cycle of worry and doubt.

I have a few helpful tips for my fellow yogis who have a hard time accepting the stillness of meditation, and I'm discussing many ways you can break the cycle, including:

First, be nice to yourself. Everyone is allowed to have their mind run wild once in a while. Just bring yourself back to your breath and refocus your mind. Count your breaths backward from ten to refocus your mind. Accept that meditation is supposed to be boring. If you're bored, then you're doing it right.

Tune in now for more helpful ways to anchor your mind and more tips on how to get into that state of mind even if you don't have a silent space to practice at home. Quarantine has made many of us modify our yoga practice to fit into our new lifestyles, and it's important to share these moments together.

Practicing meditation together, as I have done in previous episodes of this podcast, creates a collective energy that inspires us and makes meditation a little less intimidating. When practice is more attainable like this, you're more likely to stick with it.

I want to keep inspiring you to continue your practice. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

Please prepare for a long sit if you're joining me for this meditation. These guided meditations are important to the spiritual practice, but the longer we practice you may find that certain positions aren't as comfortable as they used to be. So get comfortable and settle into this moment.

Feel free to use a chair. Feel free to lay down. As long as we settle into this moment and are aware of our bodies and our breath releasing and relaxing, the meditation can begin.

When we meditate, we are doing the subtle, inner work that is so important to our yoga practice. We are creating a path for the mind to be inwardly focused. Think of this as your chance to be the silent traveler in your mind - the silent observer of your thoughts.

As your thoughts arise, observe them without judgment or emotion. This takes practice, so be nice to yourself as your thoughts start to wander. If this happens, remind yourself that you are not your thoughts and return to your breath.

Sometimes, when we're in the stillness of meditation, it can be hard to turn off the waking mind. Your breath gives the mind a focal point so that you can begin to enter that stillness of mind. This takes great discipline, so I am inviting you to join me in this episode for a special meditative practice.

In this meditation, we practice recognizing Anapanasati, or the awareness of the inflowing and outflowing breath. This awareness puts us in a state of equanimity, where breath is simply breath and thoughts are simply thoughts, and we can truly reach that space of stillness.

Because it is only in this stillness of the mind where you are open to receiving the energy of happiness and peace, and we can begin to practice metta. Join me now to practice finding that balance with all things, including our own minds.

Share with me your tips for finding peace and stillness on the yoga mat. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

Every one of us must ask ourselves, sometimes more than once: what is yoga?

By definition, yoga means unity - but what do you want unity with? More specifically - are you seeking this unity consciously or unconsciously?

To clarify, it's not important whether you are conscious or unconscious of your spiritual journey.

Rather, it's important to recognize your spiritual quest as just that - a journey.

The unconscious seeker may take longer to reach a revelation, but the conscious seeker risks the ego getting in the way of their growth. That's why it's important to learn the historical context of yoga and apply the methodology of yoga to your practice.

I'm discussing the history of Patanjali's teachings and the dichotomy in his yoga sutras to teach us how to find this unity.

Prakriti and Purusha are the dichotomy at the center of Patanjali's teachings. Prakriti - the phenomenal world - is our material world, the ephemeral where the only constant is change. On the flip side is Purusha - the noumenal world.

Purusha is the singularity that exists independently of our sense and perception; it is that oneness we seek within ourselves and with our universe. According to Patanjali, the Purusha within us has agreed at some moment to forget what it is.

We have forgotten who we are, and the oneness within us now identifies itself as our bodies or our thoughts. Yoga practice teaches us that it is actually neither.

Yoga is a quest for the unity we seek within ourselves and with the world, and to Patanjali, unity could be dangerous if one does not involve the higher mind in the process. That's why I'm teaching you the history of the yogi's journey.

Without this framework, anything can become yoga, and it's very important to maintain the practice of yoga as sacred. It's important to set out a time for your personal practice so you can continue to build on this foundation as you make this spiritual journey.

I'm happy to share this time with you on your yoga journey. If you want to share some of the most important lessons you've learned on your quest, send an email to info@kinoyoga.com. Tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

What are you thinking about right now?

If you think too hard about it, you'll realize our minds are always distracted. We are always focused on the business of daily life, which is why so many of us avoid the silence. I'm here to tell you that these moments of silence are important.

It is in this silence that we come to truly know ourselves, and through this silence is how we fight the battles within ourselves. You just have to get comfortable with it. Meditation can help you do that.

Meditation trains us to survive the silence. Through meditative practice, we can utilize the quiet moments between our breath and rebel against the ingrained habits of our subconscious mind.

For some of us, meditation makes us anxious. For others, we get sleepy. I have a few recommendations for all my meditators listening to this podcast, but first — I want to ask you to close your eyes.

By closing our eyes, we force the mind's attention inward, force it to focus on something other than the outside world, if even just for a minute. It could be the longest sixty seconds of your life, but the silence is there to help you. Sitting in silence will strengthen your mind and give you the power to break all those old negative ways of thinking.

If you're worried about the silence, I recommend that you pay attention to your breathing. Don't change the way you breathe, just watch yourself breathing until there is no longer silence - there is just you and your breath.

Taking on your own mind takes courage, and your courage inspires me to step onto the yoga mat every day and practice not only my asanas but my meditation. Tune in now to learn more benefits of meditative practice, and take advantage of my guided meditation episodes.

It's up to you to get on the mat every day. Send an email to info@kinoyoga.com and tell me what inspires you to continue practicing yoga. You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

This is a practice in meditation and mindfulness and how to integrate a sitting practice into your yoga practice. If you're intimidated by meditation - or just afraid you're going to fall asleep in practice! - I invite you to tune in for this guided meditation.

I will begin by drawing your attention to your senses and the inner experience. Our senses are normally directed to the external world and our day-to-day lives, but while meditating we have the chance to consciously direct our senses inward.

The easiest way to do this is to pay attention to your breath. Acknowledge the feeling as you inhale and exhale. Don't try and control or manipulate your breathing pattern, just acknowledge and recognize it. It will be your focal point as I guide you through this meditative practice.

Meditation is an important part of the spiritual journey in yoga. It teaches us to acknowledge our experiences without getting lost in the often overwhelming sensations of our feelings and our emotions.

When you practice meditation, you are training your mind to break old habits and see different opportunities. As your mind wanders - as it inevitably will as you sit quietly on your mat - all you have to do is call it back to your breath with a sense of kindness. There is no judgment, only acknowledgment and a gentle call back to the meditative state of mind.

As I said, this is a judgment-free zone. Meditation is no easy feat and it takes practice. Why not start the practice today?

I want to hear about your accomplishments on the yoga mat. Send an email to info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

The secret to yoga practice is in the asanas. These poses we twist our bodies into are not just for our physical health and strength. Yoga practice has the power to lead you on a path of liberation from the mind and body.

In this episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, I get a little theoretical and discuss how yoga gets into our subconsciousness. While our subconscious minds are made up of the habitual reactions of our thoughts, bodies, and emotions, yoga can tap into and disrupt even the most negative cycles of thinking.

How?

Consider this - rather than thinking of our brains and minds as synonymous, consider the theory that our mind is actually capable of creating reality based on our perception. This perception includes our innate physical reactions to certain stimuli, such as pain or pleasure.

For example, when something is uncomfortable, our reaction is to run away or otherwise remove ourselves from the painful situation. But if you practice yoga, you are training yourself to remain neutral in the face of discomfort.

The discomfort we experience on the yoga mat is there to teach us how to recognize bodily sensations in response to various experiences. Yoga teaches us that it's not the pain that's important. It's the way we react to this pain that matters the most. And this heightened sense of the body gives you an access point into your subconscious mind.

What will you do with this access?

Will you have the power to break your habits?

Learning how not to react is one of the most important lessons you will learn on the yoga mat. Mastering it will give you the ability to change the way you think, and that is the first step toward changing your habits and becoming the best possible version of yourself.

Tune in now for more important lessons in spiritual training, and contact me with other valuable lessons you have learned a valuable lesson through yoga practice. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

You are such an inspiration to me, and it inspires me to continue practicing when I see all of you taking to your mats every day. I created this forum to help you and all my listeners find a safe space in your lives for yoga practice.

This is YOUR practice where I send you that same inspirational energy! No matter where or when you're joining this primary series practice - it is meant for you to relax and appreciate the spiritual journey.

I welcome rest. I welcome modifications. All I expect is that you work as hard as you know you can work today.

Let's get started!

I will guide you, starting with a traditional opening prayer and through the poses and breathing so you can feel accomplished on the mat.

If you want to share some of your yoga accomplishments, send an email to info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

The two practices of sati, or mindfulness, and metta, love and kindness, are distinctly different, but you cannot practice one without the other. It's important to understand their differences in order to make the most out of your yoga practice.

To start with, you cannot practice metta without sati. Sati is the mindfulness and awareness of what is. There is no imagination or visualization - what is simply is, and we must stay grounded in this practice in order to achieve mindfulness.

Achieving this mindfulness is easier said than done because sitting and meditating is very intimidating to most of us. We are carrying existential pain and suffering deep within us and meditation forces us to sit with this pain. There's absolutely nothing comfortable about that. But as you practice sati, you are practicing ways to observe this pain without fueling it.

This objective way of looking at our thoughts and emotions makes it possible to practice metta. Metta is the power of creation through conscious thinking. When we practice metta, we are actively planting positive thoughts in our heart's center of love, kindness, peace, and harmony, both toward ourselves and those around us.

These positive thoughts can be things like "I am worthy" or "I deserve to be happy," but they can also be as simple as the mere thought of love. Thinking of someone or something you love is part of the practice of metta. These thoughts tap into the vibration of love and give you the power to carry it within you and share it with others.

As you listen today, think of your mind and heart as a garden. Sati will clear away the overgrowth of negative thoughts so you can plant the seeds of metta in an open mind and an open heart.

I hope you recognize how important sati and metta are to not only our yoga practice but also to our own peace of mind. You cannot practice metta without sati because you cannot plant seeds of love before recognizing the pain and suffering that exists within your heart.

Share some of what's in your heart with me and my listeners. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor.

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

There is a transformation that happens with each practice. Your heart expands and you are better able to tap into that vibration of love, peace, and harmony. But, as with all things in this life, practice is not always easy.

We require sustenance to stay on the mat, and I bring this meditation to you today to inspire you and sustain you as we continue our yoga journey together.

Meditation is a practice. You don't need to be perfect the first time you do it, or even the second or third! Your mind will wander and your nose might itch, but all you need to do is follow each breath with attentiveness. Meditative practice requires an anchor, and this anchor will be your breath. Start now.

Inhale.

Exhale.

This natural pace of your breath will act as your guide through this meditation. Notice the actual sensation of your breath, the way it feels on your upper lip and through your nostrils. Take a moment to find this sensation because it will be your anchor on this journey.

If your mind wanders, don't stress. If your foot falls asleep, don't move. Just acknowledge these thoughts and sensations and use the anchor of your breath to bring you back to the meditation. I apply this same advice to the powerful emotions that may bubble to the surface as we practice. Try not to react. These feelings are transitory, so observe with mindfulness and move forward.

When you choose not to react to these minor disruptions, you become stronger on this meditative path to mindfulness. And when you practice mindfulness, you're better able to bring your focus to the heart's center, the center of love and kindness, the center of metta. It is here that you can tap into the vibration of love.

Join me now on this meditative journey as we tap into the vibrations of love, peace, and harmony and learn the importance of practicing self-metta just as we practice yoga. Love is our natural state, and this practice today will bring you back into that natural state of being.

Share some of the things you've learned on the yoga mat with me and my listeners. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

Training the mind is hard work. Any of us who have spent time on a yoga mat can attest to that. But what if I told you there was a secret to training your mind?

That secret is meditation. Meditation allows us to gaze at the inner plane, and it's through this self-observation that we can effectively calm and train the mind.

Now, the practice of meditation can mean many things to many different people. Perhaps you already include it as part of your yoga routine, or maybe you even practiced meditation first before you took up yoga. Anyone can practice meditation, and this episode of the Yoga Inspiration podcast is meant for beginners and advanced meditation practitioners.

Meditation requires a state of deep introspective concentration, and even the most advanced meditators can still have difficulty relaxing the mind. In fact, to be considered "good" at meditating, you must be able to focus on your breathing for 60 seconds.

While we won't be trying to achieve that today, all I ask is for you to consider meditation as a way to celebrate and accept the cycles of life we go through. I'm sharing my experiences from my most recent meditation retreat to hopefully inspire you to give meditation a try.

To start meditation, it's important to find a neutral object to focus on. Many of us use breathing as our center of focus. We all breathe, and breath is unlikely to have any emotional attachment to any thoughts of any kind. You want to keep your mind clear, and meditating on your breath flowing in and out can help concentrate your mind.

There are key differences between the breathing in meditation and the breathing we do in yoga. While meditating, you breathe as normal and learn to recognize your pattern of breath. This recognition can help you notice the way your breathing may change depending on the various life situations you find yourself in.

I discuss how and why meditative breathing is different from yoga, and I answer some key questions many yogis have about starting and maintaining a regular meditative practice. Meditation is key to training your mind and breaking any bad habits of negative thinking, so tune in now to step into that meditative mindset and begin retraining your brain.

Share some of the things you've learned on the yoga mat with me and my listeners. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

Meditation is an essential component of the spiritual path of yoga. Before you tune in to another episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, I invite you to join me in this meditative practice.

It's easy to have theoretical conversations about meditation, but engaging in the act of meditating is the only way to truly grow on this yoga journey. Try it with me now! I will guide you through this meditative practice and share some of the benefits of meditation with you.

To start, come to a comfortable seated position and allow your eyes to close. Try not to change your position too much during this practice, but do stay comfortable.

It's important to keep your eyes closed during this practice in order to become aware of your senses. When your eyes are closed, the sense of sight is driven inward and you can start to practice in a state of self-observation.

Self-observation is how we enter the meditative mind. When you direct your cognizant mind to your inner world, it becomes much easier to focus on your breathing. Use your breath to create an anchor in your mind.

The easiest way to create this anchor is to bring your attention to your nose, your nostrils, and be aware of the feeling of your breath as it goes in and out. Don't try to breathe in a particular way, just simply breathe. If your mind starts to wander, acknowledge the adventure, and use your breath to bring yourself back to your inner world.

Your job on the yoga mat today is to acknowledge where your mind goes without engaging in any of the thoughts. Simply acknowledge, observe, and return to your breathing. When you do this, your mind will become clearer and you can start to truly practice metta.

Even if you've never meditated before, this practice is the perfect place to start. Get comfortable and get ready to enter the meditative mind!

Share the lessons you've learned on the yoga mat with me and my listeners. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

I'm taking a little inspiration from my Chat & Chai classes at the Miami Life Center for this special episode. Please tune in now for a special chat and a meditation that will help you reconnect with the innocence of your mind.

Remember when you first started yoga? That beginner's mindset is what we're trying to get back to today.

The longer you practice, the more important it is to check back in with yourself and your beginner's mind. Too often we come to the mat with an agenda - sometimes it's to do a headstand, or maybe we want a deeper backbend, but when you come to practice with a plan in your head, you're missing out on your moment to really connect.

That moment goes beyond the physical poses. Yoga is your chance to reconnect with your spirit and get back in touch with the deeper intention of the practice. Remember - yoga is an initiation of the heart.

The more we practice, and the more we learn about the physical practice and poses and bending, the further we stray from that excitement and wonder we felt that first day on the mat - our beginner's mind. Yes, I love learning about yoga, but I also love how my yoga practice is a chance to unlearn all that I know.

When you come to the yoga mat, you are starting on a journey that will turn you into a totally new person, if you let it. In order to be re-invented, you have to acknowledge that - despite all you know - you really don't know anything.

Your spirit remains untouched by all that your mind knows, and your yoga practice is the rare moment where you have the freedom to spend time within the freshness and newness of the human spirit.

Come explore this freshness of spirit and reconnect with the innocence of the beginner's mind.

Share the lessons you've learned on the yoga mat with me and my listeners. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

Yoga is here to change the very foundation of the way you think. But that can only start when you change the way you inhabit your body. Join me in this episode for a special dose of daily yoga inspiration.

This special meditative practice will open your heart and change the way you look at yourself.

The society we live in teaches us to toughen up and put on a happy face. But the longer we live in society, the more we become hardened to the ways of society, and it's hard to let go of that, even as we practice yoga.

Yet the practice of yoga is designed to break this facade and give us a moment to establish a powerful emotional link with our bodies.

The body is the home of your spirit while you are on this earth, and it's important to understand the value of your body. This value extends beyond the shape and size of your body. Yoga reaches into the very space you inhabit.

If you've ever felt ashamed of yourself, at yoga practice or elsewhere, then you understand what it feels like to judge your own presence. It's important to feel your presence and tune into yourself without any judgments or desires. This pure act of feeling and awareness is where we begin our practice.

With today's practice, I'm asking you to open your heart to the idea of self-love and acceptance. Listen today and consider these three things as you practice along with me:

Think about the space of the physical body without judgment. If it hurts, let it hurt. Experience the inner body, the space beneath the skin and thoughts of your conscious mind. Experience the space around your body and feel the space you physically inhabit.

Open your heart and share the lessons you've learned on the yoga mat with me and my listeners. Send an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!

Stay connected: @kinoyoga and @omstarsofficial

View my teaching schedule, blogs, etc on Kinoyoga.com

Get your free 30 day membership on Omstars.com& use code: PODCAST

On this episode of The Yoga Inspiration Podcast, I'm sharing the inside scoop on what yoga means to a lifelong athlete. Dusty is a professional gymnast and yoga student in Las Vegas who didn't take his first yoga class until he was in his 60s! Now it's been five years since he started and his experience is bound to inspire yoga beginners and expert yoga students both to get on the mat.

Because you don't have to be an athlete to practice yoga. Sure, being a lifelong gymnast has its perks when it comes to flexibility and core strength, but Dusty reveals that any kind of athleticism can't prepare a yogi for the mental and emotional workout the practice takes you on.

Unusual circumstances brought Dusty to the yoga mat. As a gymnast, he was always sustaining sprains and injuries - but then he broke both of his legs in a surfing accident. It wasn't the physical healing he was worried about. Dusty was more curious about the emotional impact an injury like this would have on him. He shares how his first yoga class inspired him to rethink his healing process and why he ultimately decided to turn taking care of himself and his yoga journey his top priority.

I've always been in awe of the work gymnasts can put in. But yoga taught Dusty things he never considered before. We're always quick to assume that someone as nimble as a gymnast can just hop on their yoga mat and do pose after pose after pose. In reality, yoga stretches a range of motion that a gymnast like Dusty never stretched before.

Dusty discusses what surprises him most about the differences between gymnastic training and yoga practice. It might surprise you to hear that a star athlete like Dusty couldn't even do child's pose at first! But all of this practice and learning made Dusty feel like a beginner again.

No matter how far along you are in your yoga journey, you will always be a yoga beginner. There are always new positions to learn, new mistakes to be made, and Dusty shares with me the things that yoga is teaching and re-teaching him every day.

Dusty even asks me what it's like to be a yoga teacher at the end of this episode. I must admit that self-reflection immediately makes me feel embarrassed. I still feel like a beginner. I relate to my yoga students and they inspire me every day to get back on the mat and keep trying.

What is your yoga inspiration?

It's something Dusty made me think about on this episode, and it's something I want you to think about as you listen today. Because you never know when inspiration will strike. You can't predict what the world has in store for you, and you never know where moments like these will end up taking you. Like Dusty says, yoga is timeless, and your yoga mat will be right here waiting no matter where you're at in your yoga journey.

If you're a practicing yoga student, please share a bit of your yoga journey with me! Send me an email at info@kinoyoga.com and tell me - what does yoga mean to you? You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast with Kino MacGregor!