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Welcome back to the Onion Peelers podcast! In this episode Lana and Mercedes talk all about tradition. Its definition, its meaning in the context of Ashtanga Yoga, and how it evolves and changes over time... and much more. Plus two little extra 'bonus tracks' answering questions from faithful listeners.

In this Onion Peelers episode Lana and Mercedes discuss all about yoga alignment. What is it? What is it for? How does it change over time? They also share a few suggestions to play with in your own practice of self-exploration. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording! Mentioned in this episode: David Keil Nancy Gilgoff Pattabhi Jois Sthira Sukham Asanam Vedanta Society, Boston Mantra & Yoga nidra with Fleur van Hille David Keil in Amsterdam

In this episode Lana and Mercedes, discuss the student-teacher relationship, its dynamics, the struggles we currently face within the yoga industry - and how we all play a key role in nurturing healthy relationships with each other.

In this episode Lana and Mercedes have a meandering conversation about the power of breath, focus and their relationship to the subtle body. They also share their own experiences, reflections and a few tips on how to cultivate a relationship with these more subtle aspects of both our bodies and practice.

In this episode Lana & Mercedes talk about the elusive bandhas. They share their thoughts , tips and challenges on how to access these energetic seals and how they relate to our subtle anatomy and practice. Enjoy! Mentioned in this episode: Sluice Greg Nardi

In this episode Lana and Mercedes chat about their favorite topic of all times, the breath! They discuss Ujjayi breathing in particularly, in the context of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and flow sort of practices and they share their insights on benefits, challenges and more. Mentioned in this episode: Ujjayi breath Richard Freeman

Make space in your bookshelf! In this episode Lana and Mercedes share their favorite book titles to support and inspire your Yoga journey. Mentioned in this episode: Yoga the Iyengar way Light on Yoga The tree of Yoga Ashtanga Yoga by David Swenson The heart of Yoga Ashtanga Yoga: Practice & Philosophy Power Yoga: The total strength & flexibility workout Journey into the Power Jivamukti Yoga, practices for liberating body & soul

In this episode Lana and Mercedes chat about the mind-body connection, the nervous system, and the incredible ability we all have within us to change and learn new things. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording! Mentioned in this episode: Yoga sutras of Patanjali Vibhuti Pada Edwin Bryant Abhyasa & Vairagya Neuroplasticity Dr. Andrew Huberman

Join Lana, Mercedes, and The Breathing Space community on this first Satsang edition. The Sanskrit word comes from 'sat' meaning true, honest, real, and 'sangha' meaning community. In other words, it means being in the company of truth, a gathering of like-minded, uplifting people on the spiritual path. Enjoy!  

In this episode Lana and Mercedes dismantle the idea of 'joy' in practice and talk real about confrontation and struggles while on the mat.

In this episode Lana and Mercedes have an open conversation about polarities, contradictions and strong point of views within the yoga world.

In this episode Lana and Mercedes answer a very interesting question submitted by one of their listeners and students: "If you were isolated from society for a year, what would motivate you to keep practicing ashtanga yoga? What is it for you that make it different from other seated meditation or other physical practice? Have you ever had moments of doubt?"

In this episode Lana and Mercedes talk about the seven major chakras (energy centers), their relationship to our nervous system, endocrine system and how they affect our overall well being. Enjoy!

In this episode Lana & Mercedes break down some of the many common misconceptions about yoga and who it is for, talk about the burden of social media, and ask the open question how can we strengthen and grow our yoga community through more diversity. Mentioned in this episode: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Indra Devi Nancy Gilgoff Beryl Bender Birch Kino MacGregor Shiva Rea Laruga Glaser Erich Schiffman Rodney Yee Richmond City Yoga

In this episode we talk about the difference between yoga styles and schools, the different practice settings, and how to choose the right one for you. Enjoy! Mentioned in this podcast: Baron Baptiste Bryan Kest Beryl Bender Birch Rodney Yee Ashtanga Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Iyengar Yoga

In this episode we share our experiences and tips on how to navigate those challenging early years of yoga teaching. Enjoy! Mentioned in this episode: Jon Kabat-Zinn Anam Thubten Downdog Yoga Baptiste Yoga Peg Mulqueen

How to start, develop and maintain a practice throughout the ups and downs of life (both big and small). You are not alone, we have all been there! In this episode we share our own experiences and tips to help you keep showing up for yourself. Enjoy!

Join Lana and Mercedes on a journey through the layers of the body. These layers known as koshas were first mentioned in the Upanishads. We hope you find this episode funtresting! Mentioned in the podcast: R.A.I.N meditation Loving Kindness meditation Sharon Salzberg Tara Brach Jon Kabat Zinn Joseph Goldstein Dr. Daniel Brown Fascia magnified x25

Join Lana and Mercedes on a chat about the 8 limbs of yoga,. These guidelines for living a purposeful and meaningful life are also known as Ashtanga Yoga presented by Patanjali in The Yoga Sutras, sadhana pada. Mentioned in the podcast: Edwin Bryant, author of The Yoga sutras of Patanjali

Join Lana and Mercedes in an open discussion about the phrase "listen to your body" and how our relationship to pain influences our ability to do this kind of listening. This is a big fat onion! Mentioned in this article: International Association for the Study of Pain Williams & Craig 2016 Cohen et al 2018