Beyond The Mat

May you be safe. May you be peaceful. May you be free of suffering. 

From our hearts to your, so much loving-kindness. 

As requested by one of our listener, -E & J discuss how they found meaningful connections within the yoga community, how friendship should be more of an exchange than a transaction, and the reality of change, even in the people that are close to us. Add a side of story time an a couple potent personal examples and you are in for a treat this week. 

What better time of the year to discuss the importance of rest. The time between Christmas and New Year is often filled with lots of action and connection (which is amazing) so -E. & J created this episode as a reminder that there are many techniques available to you, on and off your mat, to rest and recharge your batteries. Enjoy! 

In a world where everything seems to be outcome driven it can be challenging to shift our perspective and enjoy the journey. In this upbeat conversation -E. & J discuss how perfectionism has crept its way in both asana practice and modern life. This episode is an invitation to find contentment and joy with the process and a reminder that each finish line is also a starting point. 

Embark on a journey with -E. and J as they explore how the practice of asana can be a way back home to our true essence and discuss how the ideas of Joseph Campbell can help us understand the steps we go through as we progress through journeys, big or small, in our lives. 

Trust us when we say you don't want to miss this week's conversation. -E. & J eagerly discuss ways to mediate polarities both on the mat and in daily life. This episode is full of relevant examples and honest belly laughs. Tune-in, it's Thursday! 

This week's conversation revolves around the 3 gunas: Rajas (to do) 🌪, Tamas (to have) 🪨 and Sattva (to be) ☀️. These manifestations of consciousness are an important part of the yoga philosophy & energetics and presents themselves both on and off the mat. -E. & J discuss how we can experience them, and how we can also influence which part of the cycle we are in. Hopefully this candid exchange peeks your interest and make you want to learn more about the topic. Enjoy! 

-E. & J are back and better than before! They start seasons 2 by taking some time to catch-up and share their hopes for the pod. The main discussion this week presents a question that is the essence of BTM: which concepts of yoga/philosophy have been relevant to you in your life lately?… tune in to find out!

Beyond the Mat is 20 episodes old and what a fun journey this has been! Catch -E. & J for this season's finale where they discuss the how the concept of reactivity applies to life in and out of the studio. This organic conversation is packed with poignant examples that apply to daily life and is guaranteed to make you both laugh and reflect. 

It is crazy how much has changed since episode #1! -E. & J take some time to catch-up and have a conversation about using change as tool for transformation through meaningful experiences on and off the mat.

How do you balance effort and ease on and off the mat? this week’s episode is all about balancing these opposing forces as suggested in Yoga Sutra 2.46.

You asked and we delivered! This week's episode is all about relationships and how to navigate them. -E. & J first explore the student/teacher connection before moving into a conversation about romantic relationships. There is definitely something for everyone in this episode so be sure to tune-in and leave us some feedback. 

An episode on self-love right before V-Day!? Yes please! 

-E. & J start the discussion by relating this concept to the practice of yoga before taking it way beyond the mat suggesting that getting to know yourself and caring for you could be the key to universal love. Big stuff! They also chat about small steps to take in the right direction and and their practical application. Fun stuff! Tune-in, you'll love it. 

How do you react to happy people? What about people who are suffering, virtuous, or difficult? This week’s episode is all about navigating these different relationships as suggested in Yoga Sutra 1.33. 

Episode #11 is the perfect mix of lightheartedness and deep thinking. After a short week off, -E & J are back together and better than ever. This week's conversation includes topics like: exploring vulnerability on the yoga mat, defining vulnerability off the mat & identifying what makes it so hard in our contemporary world, and being vulnerable as a practice. This the perfect lead-up to the month of February which will be  an exploration of the broader topic of love ...

of course we couldn't help talking about T. Swift! Tune in!

This month started with a discussion how to identify personal goals and manifest them into existence using daily routines that will transform into healthy habits over time. The key word here is "over time" which is why this week's conversation revolves around the topic of self-discipline (also known as tapas). -E. & J discuss the importance of consistency as you navigate both your yoga practice and your life! This episode will give you a new perspective on the the idea of discipline and will leave you feeling informed and confident. Tune-in! 

*This is the 1/2 way point for season #1 of Beyond the Mat. We are taking a short intermission: there won't be an episode on January 20th but we will be back on the 27th. 

Listening is an art and it is also the perfect topic of conversation as we head into a rush of gatherings big and small. -E. & J discuss the benefits of practicing active listening as well as some ways to improve your skills when you are on the receiving end of the conversation. Of course they also chat how listening as it is tied to both the physical and ethical realms of yoga... listen up! 

This is the time of the year for gatherings big and small, and as we approach the Holiday season, Emmanuelle and Jared share some tips on how to make meaningful connection with others. They also share some stories and ideas on how to explore your more extrovert side if it sometimes feel unfamiliar to you. Of course, there is also a conversation on how both teaching and practicing yoga are amazing tools for connection and community. Tune in, you won't regret it! 

Quote: No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main" - John Donne 

Receiving goes hand in hand with giving, so it was the obvious choice for episode 2. Emmanuelle and Jared relate this idea to self-worth, validation, acceptance, and adversity while giving some relatable examples from their individual lives. This is a discussions about openness and how it translates to receiving others on and off the mat. 

8:48 - https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/eight-angle-pose/ 

In this first episode, Emmanuelle and Jared discuss the importance of checking in with yourself (using tools like meditation or journaling) to help inform how much you should give to yourself and what you have to give to others. They also explore many different ways that the act of giving/sharing presents itself in our lives.

Quote: "The small woman builds cages for everyone she knows. While the sage who has to duck her head when the moon is low, keeps dropping keys all night long for the beautiful rowdy prisoners."- Hafiz 

5:04 - The book mentioned here is actually: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.

In this short bonus episode Emmanuelle & Jared will introduce themselves as well as the podcast. Tune in to get to know your hosts and understand the "why" behind this new endeavor.