Share

cover art for Is this thing that we're doing still yoga?

Yogaland Podcast

Is this thing that we're doing still yoga?

•

This discussion was recorded in London at the new Mission studio where Jason led Module I of his hybrid YTT a few weeks ago. Together, Jason and I explored the question -- Is this thing that we're all doing still actually yoga? Our power-hour or our 30-minute glo class or our rolling on foam rollers with some poses sprinkled in -- are those still yoga? Or has yoga in the West evolved into something else altogether?


A few tidbits that we discuss in the episode:

  • The fact that the word "yoga" has more than 350 definitions in Sanskrit, revealing its diverse nature.
  • The belief in a singular, authentic yoga tradition is challenged throughout history.
  • Swami Vivekananda's influence on bringing yoga to the United States and his perspective on Hatha Yoga.
  • Different yoga traditions, like Iyengar and Ashtanga, were once considered radical innovations.
  • The long-standing tension between "head up" and "head down" yogas: intellectual vs. physical practices.
  • The importance of focusing on one's practice and impact rather than judging others' practices.
  • The five common denominators of yoga traditions, including liberation teachings and philosophical infrastructure.
  • The significance of Abhyasa (effort) and Vairagya (letting go) in all yoga practices.
  • Yoga as a gradual process of replacing unconscious patterns with conscious beliefs aligned with self-realization.


Jason will be back at Mission in London in October -- join him for a 6-day immersion or for Module II of his Hybrid YTT. Get the details at: jasonyoga.com/london


You can find shownotes for this episode, including links to the books mentioned at: yogalandpodcast.com/episode304


If you'd like to support the podcast, join our Substack here -- it's a great way to connect with other listeners and get more of us in your inbox.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Embracing Vulnerability & Building Resilience as a Yoga Teacher

    37:47|
    On last week's episode, we talked about the importance of "putting yourself out there" as a yoga teacher. But most of us genuinely struggle to do this. So, today's episode struggles on embracing the vulnerability that naturally comes with teaching yoga. Jason shares his insights and stories to help you build resilience or, as he says, "become an empath with thick skin." Also, coming up! Jason's 100-hour module -- Shoulders, Neck, & Upper Back starts in just a few days. Get more info at: jasonyoga.com/300And if you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher, Jason's 200-hour is happening and now's the time to lock in the early bird price. Get more in here: jasonyoga.com/200

  • How to Build Your Yoga Business From Scratch

    52:36|
    Here's the good news: There are many different ways to build a sustainable career as a yoga teacher. The not so good news? There are so many different ways to spend your time and energy that it can be overwhelming. As yoga business owners ourselves, we feel this deeply. On this episode, we hone in on the most essential steps to take when building your yoga business.Reminders:Jason is starting his Shoulders, Neck, & Upper Back module soon! Go to jasonyoga.com/300 to learn more and enroll.Our 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training is open for enrollment. Join during this pre-training period and get $300 off plus immediate access to hundreds of hours of content! Go to jasonyoga.com/200 to learn more.For links and podcasts mentioned in this episode, go to the shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode341

  • Everything you ever wanted to know about 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (but were afraid to ask)

    42:35|
    If you're considering doing a 200-hour yoga teacher training, this episode is a must-listen. Jason answers the most common questions to consider so that you select the right training for you. Listen to this episode to get the most out of your 200-hour teacher training experience! We talk about:How to find the right training for me?Should I do my training in-person? Online?Am I "advanced enough" in my practice to do a YTT?Will I leave teacher training knowing how to teach a whole class?What are the different educational components that make up a Yoga Alliance approved 200-hour?If I want to do an online training, what should I look for? How do I know it's high-quality?How much money on average do yoga teachers make?What is the best part about doing a yoga teacher training?Jason will be offering his online 200-hour yoga teacher training in January 2025. To learn more and to lock in the early bird price: jasonyoga.com/200

  • 338. 5 Ways to Reduce Yoga Sequencing Overwhelm & Restore Confidence

    36:45||Ep. 338
    Feeling overwhelmed with sequencing is one of the biggest challenges that most teachers face. Even worse, it leads to burnout and lack of confidence. On this episode, Jason breaks down the 5 essential keys to help you focus your sequences, build confidence, and feel greater joy teaching your classes.Highlights:1:08 -- Yoga Sequencing Template8:45 -- The Importance of Consistency15:56 -- Anchor with Focal Points21:29 -- Simplify your Sequences26:44 -- Trust YourselfWe have tons of free sequencing content, including past podcasts, YouTube tutorials, and home practice sequences on our web site here: jasonyoga.com/blog/yoga-sequences/Jason also offers a self-paced online course, The Art of Yoga Sequencing, which you can learn about at: jasonyoga.com/sequencing

  • 337. How to Create a Supportive Yoga Practice When Life Throws You Curveballs

    36:05||Ep. 337
    When you go through challenging times in life, does your usual yoga practice go out the window? For most of us, the answer is a begrudging, "yep." And yet, we need our yoga and meditation and self-care practices the most when life gets tough. On this episode, Jason and I chat about how we adapt our practice (and add to it), to help create the support, awareness, and safety we need to move through the inevitable hard patches of life.You can find shownotes with resources on this episode at: yogalandpodcast.com/episode337

  • Quiet Healing: Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Trauma with Dr. Gail Parker

    57:05|
    Dr. Gail Parker joins me on the podcast this week! Gail is a psychologist, yoga educator, and author of two companion books that center restorative yoga as a potent healing modality for ethnic and race-based trauma. These books are incredible and have taught me so much, which is why I wanted to share them with you. Here are a few things I learned from the books and this conversation with Gail:An understanding of what race-based trauma is, both from an historical perspective and from lived experience. How people who have experienced race-based trauma often feel like it's their fault (and how this is so often reinforced by society)The ways that restorative yoga works for race-based trauma: You are working with the nervous system not the traumatic event, which teaches you how to recognize relaxation, immobilize without fear, and supports feeling safe in stillness without hypervigilance.The benefits of understanding your nervous system and attempting to discern the difference between triggers and actual threatsWhen we attempt to learn about racism and race-based trauma, we can (hopefully) make our yoga spaces more welcoming and inclusive! Thank you for listening and go to the shownotes for Gail's books: yogalandpodcast.com/episode336

  • Yoga and the Art of Letting Go

    48:07|
    Jason joins me on this episode, where we delve into the practice of letting go. We talk about the many instances where the concept of letting go appears in yoga philosophy, why it's beneficial, and what is required before we endeavor to let go. We also share our personal journeys toward cultivating emotional maturity, surrender, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.Highlights:02:37 The Art of Letting Go03:08 Core Strength and Yoga Philosophy10:48 The Concept of Surrender in Yoga16:13 Practical Applications of Letting Go22:42 The Importance of Inner Safety25:31 Exploring the Sensation of Safety in Yoga26:05 Meditation and Inner Resilience26:50 Community and Mindfulness28:20 The Mental Game in Yoga Poses31:43 Present Moment Awareness34:59 Letting Go of Future Worries37:44 Personal Stories of Letting Go43:24 Challenges of Aging and Physical Limitations

  • What It Takes to Make It as a Yoga Teacher, Part II

    44:31|
    On this solo podcast, Jason shares a roadmap for making a sustainable living as a yoga teacher. He breaks down the importance of yoga teacher training in your career development, the importance of learning to teach higher ticket offerings, and the best ways to develop and maintain a consistent student base.Highlights:Internal success and contentmentThe role of yoga teacher trainingThe 4 aspects of making a livingYoga Teacher MindsetUnderstanding the Yoga EconomyDeveloping and Maintaining StudentsEmbracing Change & AdaptationTrain with Jason's Yoga Alliance accredited trainings! Enroll in his 300-Hour YTT: jasonyoga.com/300Hone your sequencing with Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing: jasonyoga.com/sequencingThe last yoga anatomy course you will need to take! Essential Yoga Anatomy: jasonyoga.com/anatomy

  • What It Takes to Make It as a Yoga Teacher with Jason Crandell

    01:04:00|
    Jason joins me on this episode to talk about the challenges of making a living as a yoga teacher and how he has managed those challenges over the past 30 years. There have been many twists and turns and even some failures. We give you a peek behind the curtain of his career, honing in on 6 pivotal moments and what Jason learned from them.Related to this episode! Next week Jason is hosting a webinar where he shares his roadmap how to make it as a yoga teacher. You can sign up for this free webinar at www.jasonyoga.com/webinar