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Garth McLean was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996, and with that his life changed in an instant. Gone were the days of high-intensity exercise (he could barely balance on a bike, let alone get through an entire L.A. spin class) and upon the advice of his doctors, he went to a yoga class at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles. Within a couple of weeks, he noticed sensation return to his body as he learned to cultivate patience and respect for it in order to embark on a healing and a new way of living. Inspired by what yoga could do for him, Garth decided to become a yoga teacher and share his experience with others coping with diseases like Parkinson’s, epilepsy and muscular dystrophy. A level 3 certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, Garth has written a book called “Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis,” and continues to find inspiration from his teachers, the greatest of whom was MS itself. Garth will be teaching a workshop at triyoga on 27 + 28 March available for booking here. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks oniTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post triyoga talks episode 40: walking the fine line between courage + caution appeared first on triyoga.

Jo Joseph is the only woman to have ever won DJ Magazine’s coveted DJ of the Year award, and for more than 30 years has been one of the globe’s most successful DJs, playing at Pacha and Space in Ibiza, Fabric in London, and Womb in Tokyo. Yoga became the antidote to the excesses of DJ life, and her study of philosophy, anatomy and sequencing deepened as she became a teacher. In this triyoga talks podcast, Jo spoke about smashing the glass ceiling as one of the first female DJs to break into a male-dominated world, how to create playlists that elevate the experience of a student in class, and how music and yoga are both spiritual experiences. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post triyoga talks episode 39: when music + yoga seamlessly mix appeared first on triyoga.

When you think about it, David Swenson has been distance teaching Ashtanga Yoga for decades with his VHS tapes and books. He recognised long before anyone else that students might not always be fortunate enough to be in the same room as their teacher — whether that was due to geography, personal circumstance or now Covid. Even so, he struggled in the early days to adapt to the technology of teaching online (like most teachers!) and in this triyoga talks podcast he spoke about moving from discomfort to ease and now enjoyment. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post triyoga talks episode 38: ashtanga yoga in the age of Covid appeared first on triyoga.

Aisha Nash is an award-winning pastry chef who left behind the high-stress world of Michelin-starred restaurants to become a yoga teacher. As a teacher, however, she did not feel welcome in most modern yoga studios, which she says is not properly reflective of what yoga is, and who it is for. In this triyoga talks podcast, Aisha spoke about how fat people can feel excluded in a yoga class, about how to free ourselves from diet culture not just in January but beyond, why weight does not necessarily equate to health, and how the BMI (body mass index) is inherently flawed and racist. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Aisha Nash on anti-diet yoga: triyoga talks episode 37 appeared first on triyoga.

Matthew Sanford at the age of 13 was paralysed from the chest down in a car accident that killed his father and sister. He spent three months at the Mayo Clinic, a world famous medical facility where paradoxically, the care he received increased his mind-body injury in what he calls corrective violence. Those doctors saved his life, yes, but the hospital experience itself was traumatising and ended up further separating Matthew’s mind from his body. |t was yoga, an ancient practice from India and not modern Western medicine, that rejoined his mind-body connection to the point where Matthew could feel sensation again. And he has dedicated his life to helping others feel the same. Matthew was certified to teach Iyengar Yoga by BKS Iyengar himself, and teaches yoga to the disabled as well as the abled, and founded MindBody Solutions, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming trauma, loss and disability into hope and potential. In this triyoga talks podcast, Matthew spoke about feeling sensation when his doctors said he couldn’t. About the parallel between patient compliance and student obedience. And about how people with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19. Want to learn more? Join Matthew in an online workshop on Thursday 10th December at 18.00 GMT in which he will teach you to stretch what he calls “the middle-third,” or all aspects of your arms, legs and torso. This workshops is open to all. Come realise your full potential with one of the world’s most inspirational, graceful and funny yoga teachers. Click here for more information. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Matthew Sanford on the real mind-body connection: triyoga talks episode 36 appeared first on triyoga.

Yoga’s roots are generally accepted to be found in India where it has developed over the course of 2,500 years, influenced by the country’s diverse religions and practices. It is now practiced by millions around the world, and can be done in ways that are wholly appreciative and respectful, but unfortunately also in ways that do not acknowledge the source or recognise the essence of yoga. In this triyoga talks podcast, we sat down with three British women of Indian heritage who are yoga teachers and practitioners to hear their views on the differences between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation in how yoga is taught and practised in the West, and how respectful exchanges of tradition and practice ultimately enrich and benefit many. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post cultural appropriation: triyoga talks episode 35 appeared first on triyoga.

George Floyd’s brutal murder has sparked outrage on American streets. Many in the yoga community has expressed solidarity with the protests, and in this special triyoga talks podcast, we speak to Canadian yoga teacher and activist Dianne Bondy about the harm caused by spiritual bypassing, about how the yoga community can challenge the racist status quo, and about what being an ally in the Black Lives Matter movement really means. “It’s great to put up your black out on Instagram, but are you actually going to change your behaviour?” “Show up  in a way that is real, every single day,” Dianne said, “Take a long, dark deep dive into who you are and what you believe. Isn’t that the yoga practice?” Dianne is teaching an online workshop with triyoga on Saturday, 19th September 2020 – ‘creating accessible spaces: taking yoga off the mat + into the community’. Click here for more details. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Dianne Bondy on challenging racism + spiritual bypassing: triyoga talks episode 34 appeared first on triyoga.

In this very special episode of triyoga talks (our first in a while), Yoga Director Genny Wilkinson Priest talks to triyoga founder Jonathan Sattin. They speak about the difficult days leading up to the closure of our five centres (and our plans to reopen), taking triyoga online, the changing yoga landscape, what the future might hold with social distancing within studio spaces and lots more. You can listen to the podcast in our usual audio format here and on all our usual iTunes and Android platforms. Plus, we’re bringing this episode to you in glorious video for the first (and probably not the last) time. Click here to find us on YouTube. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Jonathan Sattin on taking triyoga online + planning for the future: triyoga talks episode 33 appeared first on triyoga.

At the height of the HIV/AIDS hysteria of the ’80s, Faith Hunter’s two brothers were diagnosed HIV positive after being treated for Hemophilia with contaminated blood. The experience brought her closer to her family, taught her how to express herself and, ultimately, took her to the mat. Now, she owns her own studio in Washington, D.C and works to help as many people as possible heal their wounds through yoga – whether they be emotional or physical. This episode Faith goes deep on difficult topics like losing a sibling to AIDS, learning to care for ourselves when we are taught only to care for others and what it means to ‘ghost your feelings’. We also talked to Faith about being a person of colour in the yoga world, holding more space for those who need it and serving our entire community – not just those who agree with us. It’s a must-listen episode for everyone looking for answers to the tough questions and some inspiration along the way. Click here to learn more about Faith’s workshop on 20th March – ‘chakra healing: body + soul’. Click here to learn more about Faith’s workshop on 21st – 22nd March – ‘heart-centre healing: movement, meditation + sound’. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Faith Hunter on emotional self-care + inclusivity: triyoga talks episode 32 appeared first on triyoga.

Just as he was planning to move on to his PhD in Clinical Psychology, Gahl Sasson’s professor stopped him. He refused to write a letter of recommendation. Why? Gahl was simply too creative for the profession. And thank goodness for that: Gahl left to go surfing in California, stumbled on the world of astrology and the rest is history. Now, he is a trusted astrologer, established author and has been teaching workshops on kabbalah, astrology and mysticism around the globe for over a decade. In this episode of triyoga talks, Gahl answers all our burning astrology questions, like: What is it? Where does it come from? How does it affect us? What should we expect in 2020? And what, really, is Mercury retrograde? Curious? We’d be surprised if you weren’t. It’s an exclusive look into this age-old practice and the year to come with one of our favourite stargazers. Once you’ve finished the episode, be sure to book your spot in one of his upcoming January workshops. Click here to learn more about Gahl’s workshop on 17th January 2020 – ‘the astrology of 2020: the dawning of a new age’.  Click here to learn more about Gahl’s workshop with Laura Day on 18th January 2020 – ‘rise like a phoenix: how to find opportunities in crisis’. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Gahl Sasson on astrology + the year ahead: triyoga talks episode 31 appeared first on triyoga.

Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher Lolly Stirk moved to London from South Africa in 1969. Upon arrival, she immediately found herself drawn into the world of yoga and psychoanalysis. She developed her yoga practice under legendary teachers such as Donna Holleman and Vanda Scaravelli, nurturing an intimate connection to her body and breath – both foundational principals of active birth. The joyful experience of giving birth to her daughter at home is what drove Lolly to start teaching yoga to pregnant women. Hers were among the very first pregnancy yoga classes in London in the early 1980s. Lolly has since dedicated her life to helping women give birth on their own terms. She is one of the pioneers of the active birth movement, a revolution that is changing the way women give birth in this country. In this episode of triyoga talks, Lolly shares memories from the birth of her daughter and how this powerful experience changed her life. She speaks about why pregnancy yoga should be more than modified poses and how her classes and trainings are created to enhance and support the natural changes happening during pregnancy. Lolly also discusses reasons why nurturing a close-knit community is so valuable for new mums and mums to be. She says, “This kind of building of community, particularly in a yoga studio is an incredible thing to do. It can become a bit anonymous if they don’t get that human factor of relating to each other and seeing the other person. It’s a wonderful thing.” Click here to join Lolly at her next active birth and hypnobreathing monthly workshop open to mums and their birthing partners at triyoga Chelsea. Click here for more information and to book Lolly’s upcoming pregnancy yoga + hypnobreathing immersion with Annabel Hargrave on 8th – 9th February 2020. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. The post triyoga talks episode 19: Lolly Stirk on active birth, pregnancy yoga + the value of community appeared first on triyoga.

At the height of her career at YogaWorks in Los Angeles, Mia Togo decided to move to the other side of the world with little more than her passport and a promise: love. Now, she speaks to us about how to overcome fear, what yoga looks like in London vs. America, and how teachers – wherever they may be in the world – can and should empower their students. It’s a big one. When talking about the differences she’s noticed here in the London yoga community, she says “Here, people think advanced is hypermobility [even though] their bodies aren’t meant to be in [those poses]. Advanced [yoga] is the quality of your mind, the refinement of your breath, the clarity that you can bring when you’re in the asana itself.” And her final bit of advice to teachers? It’s simple: “Teach students to trust themselves.” Mia teaches vinyasa flow yoga at triyoga Camden and Chelsea on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Click here to see Mia Togo’s schedule.  Click here to learn more about Mia’s upcoming New Year’s day 2020 workshop.  Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Mia Togo on doing the inner work: triyoga talks episode 30 appeared first on triyoga.

Yin yoga is one of the fastest-growing and most practised styles of yoga worldwide. Hear its origin story straight from the source as we sit down with Paul Grilley, the founder and developer of yin yoga as we know it today. During our chat, Paul walks us through yin yoga’s three threads (anatomy, practice and Chinese/Indian energetic theory), the benefits of a regular practice and who should (and shouldn’t) be practising this style – speaking specifically to pregnant women and hypermobile students. After debunking common myths about yin yoga, Paul says, “Other than restorative, yoga yin is one of the most gentle practices that I know… This idea that yin yoga is in the constant pursuit of the full range of motion is false. It’s a conflation of the idea that yin yoga has the potential of opening your joints in ways that yang yoga doesn’t.” Sign up for Paul’s online workshops at triyoga:  Chakra meditation: nyasa (30th April 2020) Yin yoga: the five archetypal poses (9th May 2020) Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Paul Grilley on yin yoga: triyoga talks episode 29 appeared first on triyoga.

Jivana Heyman is on a mission to bring the heart of yoga and its practices to long marginalised and under-represented groups. As a social activist, he advocates equal and fair treatment for all people in the yoga space – the disabled, the elderly, the chronically ill, the bigger bodied, the economically disadvantaged. He founded Accessible Yoga, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the practices of yoga to everyone, regardless of their economic status, race, sexuality, gender identity or ability. In doing so he helped spark a movement to make everyone and anyone feel welcome in a yoga class so they can experience the benefits of yoga. In this episode of triyoga talks, we hear Jivana’s views on yoga as a human right, how to work with students with differing abilities and whether there should be more specialised classes in studios. On diversity, he says: “There is this universal truth that we all share a spirit; that’s what the yoga teachings tell us, that we have this atman and it’s the same in all of us. But then experience of our lives is so different and unique – and I feel that piece is lost in most yoga spaces.” Click here for details of Jivana’s accessible yoga training at triyoga Camden, 19th – 21st November 2019. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Jivana Heyman on accessible yoga + equality: triyoga talks episode 28 appeared first on triyoga.

One third of the population lands somewhere on the spectrum of hypermobility and the yoga community often praises this over flexibility of the joints, attracting a large number of hypermobile students. Being in the dark about your own or your student’s hypermobility can lead to serious injury. So, what exactly is hypermobility? What are the common symptoms? What can be done to correct bad habits within your asana practice? And how can teachers spot and help to adjust hypermobile students during a busy class? In this episode of triyoga talks, we explore all these questions and more with triyoga teacher and hypermobility expert Celest Pereira. We also touch on the business of yoga, top activities to supplement your practice, how to handle online trolls and tips for yoga teachers trying to succeed in an over-saturated market. When discussing how to help individual students during a full class, Celest shares: “The components that can help someone who is hypermobile are actually the components who can help anybody. When you start to understand your biomechanics and when you start to move with integrity with the body and you turn on your stability muscles… oh my goodness your life changes.” Click here to view Celest’s schedule and book to practice with her at triyoga Soho.  Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. The post Celest Pereira on hypermobility + the business of yoga: triyoga talks episode 27 appeared first on triyoga.

Four experts discuss the dynamics of the guru-disciple relationship in this special recording of our recent symposium in Camden. This was an evening of open, honest and fascinating conversation, which we’re releasing by popular request from those who missed out on the day. The event looked closely at the traditional guru-disciple relationship that ancient Indian epic texts say is crucial to spiritual progress. However, it’s a relationship that’s come under intense scrutiny in recent times amid questions about the influence of power dynamics. On the panel were an Advaita Vedanta teacher (Bhaskar Ramachandran), an Iyengar yoga teacher (Carrie Owerko), an ashtanga yoga teacher (Philippa Asher), and an academic (Amelia Wood). They discuss ways in which contemporary yoga teachers can approach their duty authentically and traditionally while empowering and championing their students. Bhaskar Ramachandran explains the basis of the relationship: “In Sanskrit, the word ‘guru’ means dispeller of darkness; one who removes darkness, one who removes ignorance. So, the sole objective of the guru is to remove your ignorance. It should be the sole objective of the guru. This is the basis of the relationship between the teacher and student. It is surrender, it is faith.” Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. The post rethinking gurus in modern yoga: triyoga talks episode 26 appeared first on triyoga.

Globally-recognised yoga teacher Kino MacGregor shares the inspiring tale of her evolution from late-night raver to fully-devoted yoga practitioner, teacher and entrepreneur. Her first goal as a new yoga teacher was a grand one: share yoga with one million people. Two decades later, and she’s done just that, inspiring 1.1 million followers on Instagram and students in studios around the world. In this episode of triyoga talks, Kino shows her vulnerable side as she opens up about her healing from the trauma of rape. She shares her views on the role of money in yoga, and the future of ashtanga yoga. She even talks about babies, and whether or not she’s planning on running for political office. When discussing making ashtanga accessible, she spoke about the need to shift attention towards yoga’s essence: “I can only hope that all yoga practitioners can understand that the magic and the power of the practice is not based in rules, rigidity and dogma, but is based in a power to transport the individual into health in the body, clarity and peace in the mind, and openness and love in the heart. Whatever means we can use to communicate that and create that opening, well to me, that’s yoga.” Whichever way you look at it, Kino’s impact on modern yoga is big, and her passion for the practice and reverence for the divine is contagious. We hope you enjoy this dive into the deeper side of Kino MacGregor. triyoga will be hosting Kino MacGregor in London once again, this time at the Oval Space from 27th – 29th September 2019. Click here for more information and to book your place at Kino’s weekend of workshops ‘depth, power + presence: a three-day ashtanga yoga journey’. The post Kino MacGregor on mental health, wealth + the future of ashtanga yoga: triyoga talks episode 25 appeared first on triyoga.

Dianne Bondy is a yoga teacher on a mission. A mission to tear down the walls of the yoga industrial complex to make space for people of colour, older people, disabled people, transgendered people and people of all shapes and size. Never one afraid to confront and call out injustice or exclusion, Dianne is a passionate social activist leading a rebellion against the homogenisation of yoga and in the process slowly — but surely — inspiring change. This episode of triyoga talks is a frank conversation packed with wisdom, uncomfortable truths and infectious laughter – things we’ve come to know and love about Dianne. She shares what it’s like being a full-bodied, black yoga teacher and how yoga can help with body image. She also shines a light on the invisible barriers of inclusion and provides steps that studios and teachers can make towards creating more inclusive spaces. On the topic of yoga centres being a place on inclusivity, Diane is quoted as saying:   “I’m so encouraged – especially during these times – that some disruptors and agitators are showing society, media and spaces of yoga that yoga should be inclusive and be used as a tool for uniting us, instead of dividing.” Dianne is teaching an online workshop with triyoga on Saturday, 19th September 2020 – ‘creating accessible spaces: taking yoga off the mat + into the community’. Click here for more details. Click here to listen to other episodes of our podcast ‘triyoga talks’. You can subscribe to triyoga talks on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher The post Dianne Bondy on activism + inclusion: triyoga talks episode 24 appeared first on triyoga.

Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher In the 1980s, Beryl Bender Birch famously coined the term “power yoga,” and in doing so brought the practice of ashtanga yoga to the high-energy masses in Manhattan at the New York Road Runners Club, where she was the wellness director. The influential and best-selling book “Power Yoga” soon followed and, today many teachers credit it as being the first yoga book they ever bought. Three more books followed, each progressing deeper into the many practices of yoga including philosophy and meditation. She broadened out her student base from the athletic at first, to the aging as well as those in active military service. She is also a pioneer for yoga and social justice having co-founded the inspiring non-profit organisation Give Back Yoga Foundation. In this episode of triyoga talks, Beryl discusses everything from the origin of “power yoga” to practising under the fierce ashtanga teacher Norman Allen to supporting first-responders and veterans through trauma-sensitive yoga. When speaking about the evolution of one’s practice, Beryl sums up the journey quite poetically, stating: “I think all our practices in yoga, whether it’s asana, pranayama or meditation, are progressively requiring us to pay attention in a more subtle way. We start out paying attention to the physical body and once we get that straightened out, we start to become more aware, more conscious, our circle of compassion expands.” To access this inspiring conversation about power, presence and accessibility, listen to the full podcast online or subscribe using the buttons above. Click here to join Beryl at triyoga Camden on 13th – 15th September 2019 for ‘healing ourselves + our world: a weekend of workshops based on power yoga’.  Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. The post triyoga talks episode 23: Beryl Bender Birch on power yoga, social justice + accessibility appeared first on triyoga.

Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher Find out more about upcoming trainings with Carolyn Cowan at triyoga online:  Altered states: the breath (online course starts 19th June 2020) Mastering the addictive personality (online training starts 1st July 2020) Carolyn Cowan has lived an extraordinary life. Child model for Vogue, original 70s punk on King’s Road, body painter for music legends such as Freddie Mercury and Elton John – the list goes on and on. After two decades of drink, drugs and gambling, it was David Bowie who took Carolyn to her first NA meeting at the age of 31. She’s been clean and sober ever since – 29 years. Today, Carolyn Cowan is one of London’s foremost Kundalini yoga teachers and a well-respected psycho-sexual and relationship therapist. Her charisma, humour and intimate understanding of life’s tough topics creates a friendly and authentic atmosphere that attracts a wonderfully diverse mix of students. In this episode of triyoga talks, Carolyn discusses how losing everything and shifting identities has informed her fearless approach to living life and teaching yoga. She also shares her views on the 12 step programme and her belief that anxiety, compulsive behaviour and addiction are not diseases, but actions rooted in shame, abuse and trauma. When asked about sexuality and inclusiveness within the yoga community, Carolyn says: “Within the community of LGBTQI the expansion of yoga is a really cool thing because a lot of the meeting places are in clubs, bars and shows. So to also have these spaces that are sober and have to do with connecting, intimate connection and an expression of spiritual practice is really nice.” To access this fascinating conversation about life, love and self-acceptance, listen to our full podcast online or subscribe using the buttons above. Click here from more information and to sign up for Carolyn’s upcoming teacher training on mastering the addictive personality. Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here. The post triyoga talks episode 22: Carolyn Cowan on anxiety, addiction + sexuality appeared first on triyoga.