Gather ‘round with Catie Oliveira an experienced yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and mom who has been a part of nearly every aspect of the growing Yoga culture in the U.S. for over 20 years. In today’s conversation, we delve into the profound essence of yoga beyond the mat and postures and how “yoga is training for life.” We explore how yoga serves as a deeply spiritual and holistic practice that truly is a guide map for living life in harmony (like Chinese Medicine). The conversation highlights the importance of sthira (effort) and sukham (ease) in both yoga practice and daily life. Stability provides safety, yet joy, surrender, and pleasure are equally vital to our balance and vitality. We get into the distinction between Yoga and Yoga Therapy, performing and guiding a class, and the evolution of yoga teacher trainings in the U.S. underscoring the necessity of self-study for authentic teaching. The episode also touches on the lifelong journey of learning and growth in yoga, where balancing strength and softness is crucial to avoid burnout and as we evolve through different stages of life, our Yoga should evolve with us. Other topics discussed in this episode include:
* Yoga is not just about postures; it’s a holistic practice and can be a map for living in balance.
* The yoga mat reflects our lives and how we navigate them.
* Connection with Self is the ultimate goal of yoga.
* The pendulum of rigidity and flexibility affects our well-being.
* Yoga needs to be accessible to everyone, but not every class suits all.
* Social justice in yoga is about bridging communities and creating inclusivity.
* It’s okay to mess up; what matters is the willingness to listen, recognize and feel discomfort, unlearn, and keep showing up.
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Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Holistic Health
03:03 The Essence of Yoga: Beyond the Postures
06:02 Personal Journeys: How Yoga Shapes Lives
08:44 Yoga Teacher Training: A Path to Confidence
11:51 The Evolution of Yoga Practice
14:35 Yoga as a Life Philosophy
17:48 The Role of Flexibility in Yoga
20:43 The Importance of Community in Yoga
23:55 Navigating the Challenges of Yoga Practice
26:47 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Yoga
40:10 Overcoming Perfectionism in Teaching Yoga
41:56 The Journey from Performance to Authenticity
42:56 The Process of Learning and Teaching Yoga
49:19 Self-Study and Authentic Teaching
49:54 The Role of the Teacher as a Guide
51:30 Connecting with the Self through Yoga
55:12 The Balance of Asana and Philosophy
56:48 Sthira and Sukham: The Balance of Effort and Ease
01:07:25 Applying Balance in Daily Life
01:18:10 The Dance of Stira and Sukha in Relationships
01:23:19 Understanding Yoga Therapy vs. General Yoga
01:27:05 The Importance of Tailored Yoga Practices
01:31:56 Finding Balance in Yoga and Life
01:40:08 Yoga as a Tool for Empowerment and Self-Discovery
01:50:59 Social Justice and Accessibility in Yoga
01:55:15 Reflections on Personal Growth and Community Engagement
