Skillful Means Podcast
119 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsSpiritual nourishment for yoga practitioners and teachers.
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Episodes
#97 Delighting In Joy Guided Practice
September 15, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBJen wraps up her partial series on the Brahma Viharas with Mudita, commonly translated as "sympathetic joy." With Mudita, we're asked to rejoice in the good fortune of others, admittedly not easy. This is why Jen likes to think of Mudita as "delight," specifically delighting in joy itself whether it's originating from someone else or from within. But, when we are able to delight in other's happiness, it's further solidifies our connection and sense of interconnectedness, helping to ease the...
#96 Portals of Mindfulness Guided Practice
September 01, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.59 MBHave you ever caught yourself (or been caught by someone else) with your head buried in your smartphone while doing something mundane like brushing your teeth or walking through your home? If so, you can probably relate to the lure of distraction when certain moments don't seem worth our full attention. In this contemplation, Annie invites us to view these small, ordinary moments during the day as portals to mindfulness that may reveal a hidden treasure of simple awe that awaits our ordin...
#95 Tonglen Guided Practice
August 18, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBContinuing her mini-series on the Brahma Viharas, the Four Immeasurables, Jen shares the Tibetan practice of Tonglen. This training in compassion is an inner alchemy where the practitioner seeks to transmute the suffering of others. Tonglen teaches us how to grow our hearts beyond the boundaries of those in our in-crowd. It invites us to embrace our common humanity as an extension of our own being. This particular variation of Tonglen is inspired by a version by Roshi Joan Halifax. To s...
#94 Drawing A Line Guided Practice
August 04, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MBIt’s counterintuitive but essentially true: all phenomena itself is neutral, including people and events, and they have equal capacity to provoke suffering or ease alike – it all depends on how we meet the moment. As we continues our series of practice this summer, Annie offers a contemplation on how we might work with discernment in shaping a skillful state of mind when facing difficult circumstances. The meditation starts at 2:57. If your podcast app supports chapter markers, you can jum...
#93 Loving-Kindness Guided Practice
July 21, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBSome of the most treasured and widely-practiced Buddhist Teachings are the Brahma Viharas (The Four Immeasurables). They also appear in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as one of the many practices that settle mind. Sometimes referred to as "The Four Faces of Love," these teachings help us to foreground love in all our encounters... with ourselves, loved ones, community members, and even people that we don't particularly like. As part of our summer series of practices, Jen is going to share 3 of t...
#92 Mundane Ecstacy Guided Practice
July 07, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.31 MBThe old Zen proverb that says “before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water” is a gentle reminder that chasing the ecstatic will ultimately let us down. Instead, if we can stay close to the ordinary matters of each moment, we may be much better positioned to experience luminous presence. In this practice, Annie discusses the true meaning of mindfulness, and invites you to use your immediate surroundings as a platform for awakening to the moment. ...
#91 Mindfulness of Four Elements of the Body Guided Practice
June 23, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn the last of our series on the less common practices of the First Foundation of Mindfulness (Mindfulness of the Body), Jen shares a practice of contemplating the four elements of the body: earth, water, fire, and air. Because everything in the manifest world contains these elements, this practice helps us to embody interconnectedness. We're also encouraged to soften our sense of exceptionalism. We are, after all, just this. The meditation starts at 3:00. If your podcast app supports ch...
#90 Yoga Beyond Asana
June 09, 2023 18:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBCould you imagine a yoga class without postures? In fact, millions of dedicated yoga practitioners don't practice asana at all. In this episode, Annie and Jen discuss ways to engage with the teachings separate from asana, drawing on guidance from the "Bhagavad Gita" and their own experiences. "Bhagavad Gita" quote mentioned in the episode: Chapter 2 Verse 42-43 "There are ignorant people who speak flowery words and take delight in the letter of the law, saying that there is nothing els...
#89 Mindfulness of Skin, Flesh, & Bones Guided Practice
May 26, 2023 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBIn the First Foundation of Mindfulness, the Buddha shared several practices that were intended to help practitioners release their attachments to the body. Whether we are concerned about it's size and shape, the body's age, specific parts... we're encouraged to experience the body as it simple is: comprised of hard and soft tissues... organs... parts. In this month's guided practice, Jen shares a variation on the contemplation of the anatomy of the body. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers ...
#88: A Conversation with Sarah Powers on Embodying Love & Compassion
May 12, 2023 05:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBWe are thrilled to welcome Sarah Powers, author and co-founder of the Insight Yoga Institute, onto the show to talk about embodying the qualities of love and compassion. This is the "finale" episode our series on the 12 Embodiments of Yoga. Sarah was the perfect guest for this topic as compassion is such a central theme in her teachings. Throughout the sweeping conversation, Sarah helps trace the line between practicing on a mat and love and compassion as an orientation towards living life...
#87 Mindfully Eating an Orange Guided Practice
April 28, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 9.77 MBWhile we may train up mindfulness in formal settings, our true aim is to become present and aware all the time. So, at some point, we must take the practice off the cushion or mat and point it towards the everyday things that we usually take for granted.... washing our hands, preparing a meal, folding laundry. In this guided practice, Jen guides you to mindfully eat an orange. Even if you don't particularly like oranges, this is still a surprisingly potent practice because it helps us to s...
#86 Embodying Kindness & Generosity
April 17, 2023 21:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIn their continuing exploration of Annie's 12 Embodiments of Yoga, in this episode, Annie and Jen discuss the nuances of Kindness and Generosity. While this may seem like a breezy topic, these qualities (and their corresponding actions) ask of us a certain amount of magnanimity that has to be cultivated and applied intentionally. Jen & Annie look at how to do that and how their own orientation has changed over their decades as practitioners. ~ ~ ~ We love to hear from you! Reach out to...
#85 Mindfulness of Standing Guided Practice
March 31, 2023 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.49 MBJen continues her series on Mindfulness of the Body variations with an exploration of standing, one of the four traditional meditation postures. Standing practice can be a respite for many who find sitting for long stretches uncomfortable. And standing can quickly become uncomfortable itself, which his why it is a potent posture to practice with. But mostly, this is one of Jen's favorite meditation postures because you can practice it almost anywhere you happen to be standing in line. ...
#84 Embodying Wonder & Whimsy
March 17, 2023 22:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBWe're back from an unplanned hiatus with our continuing series on Annie's Twelve Embodiments of Yoga. This month, Jen and Annie are chatting about the role of wonder and whimsy in practice. Jen is a little skeptical, especially with whimsy, having generally approached her practice as a serious endeavor. Listen in to see if Annie can bring her around. Mentioned on the Show: "Yoga and the Quest for the True Self" by Stephen Cope "Wonder – is not precisely Knowing" by Emily Dickinson What We...
#83 Mindfulness of Body Posture Guided Practice
March 03, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBJen's back with a series new series of guided practices exploring different ways of working with the body to establish mindful awareness. Pulled from teachings in the Buddha's Four Foundations of Mindfulness, our hope is that cultivating mindfulness through the body will help you to find grounded stability and continuity in your connection to the present moment. In this first of five practices, you'll explore Mindfulness of Body Posture, a teaching that can be transferred to any shape whet...
#82 Restoring Balance Guided Practice
February 03, 2023 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.2 MBUnlike all other biological organisms who have built-in mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, human minds are at the mercy of themselves. They gallivant around, unchecked, until we choose to rein our own thoughts in. In this guided practice, Annie offers a method for helping those galloping thoughts to gently return to a centered place in the body that can orient the mind around gentle peace. Meditation starts at 2:03. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to help you ...
#81: Embodying Sacrifice & Spaciousness
January 19, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBContinuing with our exploration of Annie's 12 Embodiments of yoga, Jen and Annie chat about sacrifice and spaciousness. With Jen feeling like sacrifice is a loaded term, they spend some time unpacking what is really expected of us when it comes to spiritual growth. In particular, they explore how sacrifice is a necessary natural process and creates the conditions for the spaciousness that promotes the ease and wellbeing we want our practice to foster. ~ ~ ~ We love to hear from you! Reach ...
#80 Laser Focus & Bright Light Guided Practice
January 05, 2023 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.36 MBIn this guided practice, Annie shares inspiration from recent scientific breakthroughs in nuclear fusion. She suggests that we can turn simple inward focus into bright, shining energetic presence to generate our own little sunbursts of kindness, patience, and compassion. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to help you deepen into your yoga and mindfulness journey. We welcome your comments. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, send us a note at feedback@skillfulmeanspo...
#79 Making Room for Other Guided Practice
November 23, 2022 06:00 - 13 minutes - 9 MBIn this meditation, Annie guides you through a practice of making space for others, especially those who share different philosophical or political beliefs or who we find emotionally activating. Instead of trying to find common ground, Annie offers the option of rooting yourself in the present moment while inviting spacious, peaceful presence to guide you. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to help you deepen into your yoga and mindfulness journey. We welcome your co...
#78 Embodying Courage & Practice
November 07, 2022 21:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBContinuing our exploration of embodied qualities of Yoga, Jen & Annie discuss the nuances of Courage and how it's a necessary ingredient for our Practice. They also share how they're getting ready for the Winter season. ~ ~ ~ Reach out to us on Facebook and Instagram. We also welcome your messages at [email protected] or in our voicemail box on SpeakPipe. You can get in touch with Jen through her website (http://www.sati.yoga). Find Annie at Sun & Moon Yoga Studio (...
#77 Embodied Simplicity Guided Practice
October 14, 2022 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.4 MBDovetailing on our conversations on embodiment, Annie's back with a guided practice that reframes distracting thoughts by laying a simple and straightforward path an easy breath. In this practice, Annie share's the mindfulness technique of noting, which draws compassionate attention to rumination while giving you the option of choosing not to stay there. We hope this will be of benefit. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to help you deepen into your yoga and mindfuln...
#76 Embodying Quiet & Attention
October 13, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this episode, Jen and Annie take a look at two of Annie's 12 Embodiments: quiet and attention. The sweeping conversation covers a lot of ground from inner spaciousness, meeting emotions with compassion, quietude in relationship, beginners mind, quality of attention, and is it creepy to do nothing at a coffee shop? They also share a few "hacks" that are saving their lives right now. Mentioned in this episode: Alter Eco Chocolate Bars Hungry Lady Salads by Kathleen Ashmore Pets + Oxytoc...
#75 Embodied Listening Guided Practice
September 15, 2022 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBJoin Annie Moyer as she guides you through an exploration of embodied listening, connecting you to the subtle vibrations of sound that can be felt throughout the body. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to help you deepen into your yoga and mindfulness journey. We welcome your comments. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, send us a note at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at https://www.speakpipe.com/skillfulmeanspodcast. You can find An...
#74 What do we mean by "embodiment?"
September 01, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBThe word embodiment is becoming as ubiquitous as mindfulness these days. Wondering if the word is drifting in meaning, Annie and Jen look at what embodiment is through several lens including spirituality, philosophy and psychology. They also point out ways in which something may appear to be embodied but not. And this is all a lead up to a series of upcoming explorations in what Annie has dubbed "The 12 Embodiments of Yoga." Mentioned in this episode: "Years and Years" on HBO "Upload" on...
#73 Yin Short for the Upper Back Guided Practice
August 18, 2022 05:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBIn our fifth and final Short Yin Yoga Practice Snack, Jen shares offers some relief for the upper back, a common area of tension for a lot of people. Throughout the practice, she'll also help you mindfully attend to your breath as a way of gathering and calming the mind. Postures in this practice: rolling panda x2 butterfly variation Props you might need: block yoga blanket or stiff beach towel Visit our Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/skillfulmeanspodcast/) for a time l...
#72 Who's the Real Teacher in the Yoga Room?
August 04, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this month's conversation, Annie and Jen are exploring the question: who's the real teacher in the yoga room? To put another way, how do we balance listening to our own inner guidance with that of the person standing at the front of the room? The discussion spans a range or themes around agency, autonomy and what's the purpose of the teacher in spiritual life and practice. Mentioned on the Show Sarah Powers Stephen Bachelor adrienne maree brown ~ ~ ~ Reach out to us on Facebook and...
#71 Yin Short for the Thighs & Back Guided Practice
July 21, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBIn our fourth Short Yin Yoga Practice Snack, Jen skillfully and tenderly guides you through a sequence of postures for the thighs and back. Because the thighs, in particular, can be a challenging target area, she also offers nervous system support with gentle breath work and visualization. Postures in this practice: dragon x2 caterpillar Props you might need: block bolster or firm cushion yoga blanket or stiff beach towel Visit our Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/skillful...
#70 Form vs Function
July 07, 2022 18:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBWe're continuing our exploration of opposites in the way that yoga is practiced and taught with a look at the debate over form and function when it comes to asana. How do we stay safe in the yoga room? Should we focus on how the postures look and try to work towards alignment paradigms? Or should we focus on the why? We also dive into deeper questions around the overall purpose of asana in the broader context of yoga practice and how Instagram Yogis are impacting how we think about asana. ...
#69 Yin Short for the Upper Chest & Arms Guided Practice
June 23, 2022 05:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBIn the third Short Yin Yoga Practice Snack, Jen guides three postures for the upper chest and arms. This little practice is a nice antidote to desk posture. She also shares encourages to become more familiar with the feelings that arise when we practice, holding whatever arises in a compassionate container. Postures in this practice: supported fish banana x2 Props you might need: block bolster or firm cushion yoga blanket or stiff beach towel Visit our Instagram page (https://w...
#68 Can Sutra 2.33 help us overcome negativity? Or not?
June 09, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBIn this month's discussion, Annie and Jen unpack sutra 2.33 from "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali." When negative thoughts arise, this sutra advises that we cultivate the opposite. Is Patanjali advocating for spiritual bypassing? Or is this an early form of cognitive behavior therapy? And how might more modern interpretations of this sutra be used to inadvertently cause harm? Mentioned in this episode: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation and commentary by Alistair Shearer Shambhala E...
#68 Can Sutra 2.33 help us overcome negativity? Or not?
June 09, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBIn this month's discussion, Annie and Jen unpack sutra 2.33 from "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali." When negative thoughts arise, this sutra advises that we cultivate the opposite. Is Patanjali advocating for spiritual bypassing? Or is this an early form of cognitive behavior therapy? And how might more modern interpretations of this sutra be used to inadvertently cause harm? Mentioned in this episode: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation and commentary by Alistair Shearer Shambhala E...
#67 Yin Short for the Inner & Outer Thighs
May 26, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this second Short Yin Yoga Practice Snack, Jen shares three postures that target the inner and outer thighs to help promote gracefulness and mobility in areas that are often stiff. Jen also sprinkles in a dash of mindfulness of body sensation while encouraging you to also notice the way your mind reacts to being in the postures. Postures in this practice: dragonfly reclined, single leg twist x2 Props you might need: block bolster or firm cushion yoga blanket or stiff beach to...
#67 Yin Short for the Inner & Outer Thighs Guided Practice
May 26, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this second Short Yin Yoga Practice Snack, Jen shares three postures that target the inner and outer thighs to help promote gracefulness and mobility in areas that are often stiff. Jen also sprinkles in a dash of mindfulness of body sensation while encouraging you to also notice the way your mind reacts to being in the postures. Postures in this practice: dragonfly reclined, single leg twist x2 Props you might need: block bolster or firm cushion yoga blanket or stiff beach to...
#66 The Yoke and the Yolk of Purusha & Prakriti
May 12, 2022 05:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBIn the next few discussion episodes, Annie and Jen will explore some of the common opposites that show up in our practices spaces and in conversations among practitioners and teachers. They start things off with the friction between purusha (unbounded consciousness) and prakriti (form/matter), which are outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as the framework for understanding our existence in the universe. How does one balance the needs of the form body with the spiritual aims of practice? Ar...
#65 Yin Short for the Low Back Guided Practice
April 28, 2022 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBThis is the first practice in a series Jen is calling "Yin Shorts: Short Yin Yoga Practice Snacks with a Dash of Mindfulness." Kicking things off, Jen focuses on the low back with three poses that will hopefully help you feel a little more mobile and comfortable in the low back. She'll also guide you through a survey of the three centers of your inner world: body, heart, and mind. Postures in this practice: sphinx 1/2 butter variation x2 Props you might need: block or two bolster or...
#64 Tending the Garden of the Mind
April 14, 2022 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBFollowing on Annie's series of contemplative practices on the kleshas, Jen and Annie discuss how uncovering the roots of our "mental poisons" might guide us in navigating current events that feel particularly fraught. Resources Mentioned on the Show: G.R.A.C.E.: Training in Cultivating Compassion-based Interactions via Upaya Zen Center The Lightmaker's Manifesto by Karen Walrond What We're Reading Small Wonder: Essays by Barbara Kingsolver Wild Seed (Book 1 of The Patternist Series) by O...
#63 Contemplating Abhinivesha Guided Practice
March 18, 2022 14:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn the last practice in our series on the kleshas (hindrances) Annie masterfully guides you through a contemplation of abhinivesha. Often translated as "fear of death," it can also mean "will to live." But it's the flavor of fear of abhinivesha, compounded by other kleshas such as raga (attachment) and dvesha (aversion), that abhinivesha creates so much suffering. In this gentle practice, you'll connect with the cyclical quality of the breath as a signifier of the give and take of life. Fo...
#63 The Kleshas, Part 5: Contemplating Abhinivesha Guided Practice
March 18, 2022 14:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn the last practice in our series on the kleshas (hindrances) Annie masterfully guides you through a contemplation of abhinivesha. Often translated as "fear of death," it can also mean "will to live." But it's the flavor of fear of abhinivesha, compounded by other kleshas such as raga (attachment) and dvesha (aversion), that abhinivesha creates so much suffering. In this gentle practice, you'll connect with the cyclical quality of the breath as a signifier of the give and take of life. Fo...
#62 The Language of Inclusion in Yoga Spaces
March 03, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBThis month, Annie and Jen discuss how consequential our language is, particularly when cultivating a culture of inclusivity in our yoga and spiritual spaces. We see yoga communities as microcosms of general society, and we believe that the grassroots work we do in our small spaces rolls up into the more nourishing and equitable world we'd like to see in the world. Teachers, Books, and other References mentioned in this episode: If we missed one, let us know at feedback@skillfulmeanspodcast...
#61 The Kleshas, Part 4: Contemplating Dvesha Guided Practice
February 17, 2022 06:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBContinuing our contemplations of the kleshas — t he causes of suffering — Annie guides us through a tender exploration of dvesha, or aversion. Noting that we tend to view our aversions as safety measures, Annie gently encourages us to widen our bandwidth of experience to include discomfort so that we don't waste precious energy that we could be directing towards growth and transformation. For repeat listens the meditation starts at 3:48. If your player supports chapter markings, you can sk...
#60 Balancing Tapas & Santosha
February 03, 2022 06:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBAnnie and Jen explore the nuances of Tapas (heat) and Santosha (contentment), two oft misunderstood concepts. Is tapas really about burning off impurities through vigorous practice? Is santosha a ticket to complicity? Have a listen and let us know what you think! ~ ~ ~ What We're Reading: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami The Expanse Series by James S. A. Corey Grounded Spirituality by Jeff Brown ~ ~ ~ Reach out to us on Facebook and Instagram. We also welcome your messag...
#59 The Kleshas, Part 3: Contemplating Raga Guided Practice
January 20, 2022 06:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this heart-filled third of five practices on the kleshas – the causes of suffering — Annie guides you through the difference between love and attachment (raga), beautifully bringing to light how the suffering of our conditioned experience snuffs out the luminous essence and unconditional presence of divine humanhood. For repeat listens the meditation starts at 2:57. If your player supports chapter markings, you can skip ahead. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to...
#58: Lessons from "Ted Lasso"
January 06, 2022 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBJen and Annie excavate some themes and lessons from the hit TV show "Ted Lasso" including: the shadowy side of positivity culture, how much are we truly responsible for other people's wellbeing, the ways in which letting go of craving and aversion comprise the maturation process, and the sympathetic joy modeled in key characters' friendship. They also share some everyday practices that'll help you find yoga in ordinary moments. Mentioned In Everyday Practices Grounded: Finding God in the...
#57 The Kleshas, Part 2: Contemplating Asmita Guided Practice
December 23, 2021 06:00 - 10 minutes - 7.36 MBIn this second of five practices on the kleshas – the obstacles that hide our true self – Annie unpacks a beautiful contemplation of asmita, egoism. More than just holding a high opinion of one's self, asmita is all about mistaking the ever-changing features of our existence as permanent and definitive. When we are able to see through this veil of separation, we move further from suffering and closer to our divine, wise nature. ~ Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to hel...
#56 Better Together
December 09, 2021 06:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBAnnie and Jen examine a problematic dynamic in yoga spaces where competition fuels predatory tactics that ultimately serve few people. They also discuss the commodification of yoga classes and how studios and independent yoga teachers can come together in shared purpose and mutual support. ~ ~ ~ What We're Reading: Better to Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia in Auroville by Akash Kapur Lit From Within: Yoga, Teachings, and Practices to Illuminate Our Inner Lives by Sarah...
#55 The Kleshas, Part 1: Contemplating Avidya Guided Practice
November 25, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBThe philosophical tradition of yoga suggests five root causes of suffering, known in Sanskrit as kleshas. While the specific spins of our minds differ from person to person, these "hindrances" can be considered universal. In this contemplative practice with Annie Moyer, we’ll focus on the first of these culprits, avidya (ignorance), which is a misunderstanding of our true nature — a confusion between what’s eternal and what’s fleeting. Whenever a distraction grabs hold, we'll practice mee...
#54 Welcome Annie Moyer
November 11, 2021 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThis week, Jen welcomes her new cohost Annie Moyer to the show. They discuss Annie's unusual yoga beginnings, her yoga guide stars, her thoughts on what yoga students are seeking in a post-pandemic world, and Annie's work with Awakening Yoga Spaces, a non-profit coalition of yoga and wellness communities committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the yoga world. ~ ~ ~ Find out more about Awakening Yoga Spaces: https://www.awakeningyogaspaces.com ~ ~ ~ You can reach out to us...
Changes Coming to the Show
November 04, 2021 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.95 MBSo it happens that impermanence has found its way to Skillful Means Podcast. Jen teases some updates and says adieu to Sarah Jane who is stepping back (but not away) to expand her work in a number of exciting – and needed – areas. Find out more about Sarah Jane's upcoming programs at https://www.sarahjaneshangraw.com She will soon be offering a Mindfulness for Yoga Teachers Course, and several End of Life Programs including a Death Cafe. You can also join one of her two weekly virtual of...
#53 Progressive Relaxation for Managing Stress and Anxiety Guided Practice
October 21, 2021 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBFrequent bouts of stress and anxiety create physical tension in the body. When stress persists, we can "forget" how to relax, a common source of chronic pain. In this practice, Jen prompts you to alternate between tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to help you not only release chronic muscle tension, but also get more familiar with the difference between what tension and relaxation feels like. Progressive Relaxation is well-studied and has been shown to not only reduce the effe...
#52 Sensing Subtle Energy in Yin Yoga Guided Practice
October 07, 2021 05:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBOf the many reasons to practice Yin Yoga, working with the energy body is one of the most alluring. Yet, this ephemeral force can be elusive for many practitioners. In this guided practice, Jen takes you through a short series of gentle and accessible Yin Yoga poses while directing your attention through the physical realm and into the subtle body. The practice follows a brief introduction at 1:24. If you podcast player supports chapter markers, you can skip ahead. ~ Skillful Means P...