Love, Curvy Yoga

This podcast is taking a break for the summer! Before we do, I have a check-in and update on my process with this podcast. I also share some resources, including a Best Of list if you want to listen back through some old podcast episodes!

In today's episode, I have two things for you: (1) A listener survey that I would SO love you to complete as it's going to help me shape the vision for our next season, and (2) A guided meditation! The meditation is about connecting with your inner compass and noticing how you feel it in your unique body.

I think it’s fair to say that I’m not the biggest fan of uncertainty. I mean, is anyone? In this time when uncertainty is more apparent than usual, I’m digging into what yoga teaches us about it — and how you can draw on the tools I bet are already in your toolbox to support you.

I was talking with one of our teachers lately, asking her how she was. She said, "My mind tells me I'm not that stressed, but my body says otherwise." Um, hi -- can you relate? I definitely can! So in this week's episode we dig into why this happens and how we might invite in more alignment.

In today's episode we explore Yoga Sutra 2.46: "The pose should be steady and sweet." We dig into what this looks like both on and off the yoga mat, including how to find yourself in the flow of it.

What's right here? What's actually right here? In today's episode we dig into this and how it's showing up both in these challenging times and on our yoga mats.

In this time of great uncertainty and our minds trying to grasp onto something, anything solid (or maybe that's just me?), I talk about something that has helped me lately: Don't Know Mind.

I find myself reaching for some perfect way of doing the pandemic when that is obviously absurd on its face. So in today's episode, inspired by a couple wise yoga teachers and friends, we talk about what it looks like to reorient toward connection not perfection -- both on and off the yoga mat.

If you'd asked me pre-pandemic what I thought I knew about presence, I'm not sure what I would have said. In some ways, that feels like a lifetime ago. But I definitely wouldn't have described it like I would now (and who knows how I will in the future!). In this episode, I dig into that in order to make space for whatever might be unfolding in each of our lives and practices.

Links for you

My own relationship with my body is probably best represented by a shrug emoji right now. How about you?

In today’s episode I wanted to check in with you about this. I do that by discussing two recent questions that listeners sent in and asked me to talk more about:

1. Many times I talk myself out of doing a yoga video because the practice is too short or it is a meditative practice. I think it stems from the fact that my brain is wired to equate exercise with fitness, thinness and calories.

2. Loving our bodies even when we’re stress eating and holed up inside

I’ve noticed recently that my own bandwidth is greatly diminished. I started out social distancing with a positive attitude and a lot of energy. We are doing quite a bit as a family right now, and I was keeping it all up, as well as work and everyday life. I told my therapist that things were going well.

And that was true. Ish.

In this episode, I talk about the -ish part of things, how to notice and meet your own bandwidth, the advice I don't have, and the reminders I want to share.

When I asked on Instagram recently what our listeners would like to hear this week, the majority chose a guided meditation. So that's what you've got! The guided meditation portion is about 12 minutes long, and you can do it from anywhere you like. It's all about giving yourself a moment to be -- exactly as you are, no expectations, nothing to change or do. I hope it is of benefit!

When I was thinking about what to talk about today, it dawned on me that one really important thing to be considering during these uncertain times is how to adapt your practice based on how you’re feeling, knowing that it’s likely to be pretty different from day to day. Of course, this is always true, but sometimes it’s definitely more acute and apparent than others. So that is exactly what we get into in today's episode. And then at the end I share a fun story from a listener because I think we all need more of that right now.

This month brings seasonal change no matter what hemisphere you live in. So to prepare, in this conversation I’m talking about what Yoga and Ayurveda have to teach us. This is a great episode if you’ve been curious to learn more about different ways Yoga can expand off the mat to meet us in our everyday lives!

This month we've been seeing what it's like to practice 29 days of kindness toward ourselves. In this episode, I share some of the things that came up for me personally, the themes that emerged, and the power of looking for your own themes to discover what they have to teach you.

In our last episode we talked about trusting your own experience, so in this one we’re taking the conversation into how to remember what’s true for you. This one takes us into my sheroes from my favorite books when I was a kid, yogic concepts of satya and svadhyaya and much more.

I also answer a listener question about how to deal with the hurt that comes from the everyday fatphobia that is so prevalent in our culture.

As we’ve been exploring treating ourselves with kindness this month, I’ve been thinking about what I think the kindest thing you can do for yourself is. Here are some hints at what it’s not (though these are close!): taking a nap, petting a cute animal, looking at videos of cute animals online, or even thinking about cute animals. :) 

In addition to that, I also respond to a listener question about how to make time for home yoga practice when you’re teaching four yoga classes each week.

I recently noticed myself making a list in my head . . . of everything that’s wrong with me.

Super charming, I know.

Because I caught The List midway, I saw how absurd it was . . . and decided to keep going just to highlight the ridiculousness of these thoughts to myself. Because, really — have you ever really paid attention to them? I don’t know about you, but mine would have required me to become an entirely different person in about 1983.

So in today’s episode I explore my list and discuss a process for turning toward kindness when you find yourself making your own version.

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you plan to do your yoga practice after work one day, but then your neighbor stops by, you need to answer an unexpected email, and then all of the sudden the night gets away from you and you don't have time to do what you'd thought.

This is a totally normal scenario that doesn't mean anything about you or your yoga practice.

That is, until what happens next.

I'm talking about what often happens next, and some ways around it, in today's episode. So if any of this rings true for you, give it a listen!

"What makes me feel something?" This question from Andy J. Miller in Lisa Congdon's book Find Your Artistic Voice sent me on a journey recently.

Being and remaining open to my feelings has always been a challenge for me. So in this episode I'm opening up about what has helped me feel more and how essential yoga has been on that journey. I also share about the specific practice I do to support me in this and how it could support you, too.

One of the biggest questions I get from people is how to establish and maintain a regular yoga practice. And I understand why! This is a challenge for pretty much everyone, myself included.

So in today's episode I'm digging into things that have helped me stay connected to my practice in the past, as well as what's helping me right now (yes, it's an ongoing exploration!).

Then we get into how knowing where you are on the path of your yoga practice can free you from feeling like you're the only one who can't create a regular yoga practice that sticks no matter what and what can help you connect to your practice no matter where you are on your path.

Plus: an invitation!

Okay, today I’m talking about something that has really been in my face lately: at the grocery store, in the doctor’s office, and more.

Are you ready?

It’s how obsessed people are with chunky thighs, big bellies, and other forms of round cuteness.

Not on me, of course. But on my baby.

Obviously I’m aware that people are into this, but just how into it they are has been a bit mind-boggling, particularly in contrast to our society’s messages about round body parts past the age of, say, one.

So in this episode I’m exploring how I think we get so into rolls on babies precisely because we force ourselves to think they’re “bad” when we’re older, when this slippage begins, and how we can reclaim some of that loving energy for ourselves at any age.

It’s that time of year again — time for the Word of the Year! If you’re not familiar with this practice, it’s a little bit but not exactly like choosing an intention for the year. I think about it as something I’m interested in being in relationship with throughout the upcoming year.

In this episode I share how things have gone with my word for this year, which has been Receptive, and then I share the word I almost chose for 2020 before landing on the one I’m actually going with.

Also in this episode I invite you to share a question you’d love our podcast community to answer. Stay tuned to the end for how you can send in a question, as well as for how to share your Word of the Year with me — because you know I really want to know! I love this stuff!

As we turn the corner to a new year, I really wanted to have an important conversation: how to get off the yoga practice hamster wheel and create a practice that actually works for you.

This matters to me SO much because I very regularly have conversations with people who think they're doing it wrong, aren't doing enough, can't get it right, and on and on. The list of ways people are hard on themselves in regard to their yoga practice is nearly endless. And, of course it is, right? We get this message everywhere!

So today we're exploring the typical life cycle of a yoga practice and how you can get off that hamster wheel and figure out what works for you in a practical, doable way. If you've ever said to yourself, "Tomorrow I'm going to start my yoga practice for real," then this episode is for you.

It didn't really dawn on me that the end of the decade is near until I heard someone mention it a month or so ago. At first I didn't think much about it. But then as some time passed, I started reflecting on everything that has unfolded in the last ten years. And whoa -- it's so much! Isn't that true for you, too? Wow.

So in this episode I kick things off with a bonus Ask Me Anything question that came in after I recorded last week's episode. And then I dive into ten things I learned in the past decade. It was hard to narrow down my list! But I think where I landed is pretty all encompassing. Here's #7 to give you a preview: Very little of what you think are your unique flaws are actually unique. Or flaws. They're almost all called being human.

At the end, I've got another invitation and giveaway for you, so be sure to listen all the way through!

We’re back with Season Seven!

This season it’s going to be me — and you. Liz is moving onto bigger and better things (hi and thanks, Liz!), so as we dive in here together, I would love for you to be more involved!

To kick us off with that, I have an invitation and a giveaway for you. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for how you can enter to win! Hint: it might be a one year free membership in our online studio, Curvy Yoga Studio (psst…yes, it’s definitely that!).

Before that, I get into the questions that came in for this Ask Me Anything episode. The questions cover everything from if it’s okay to not have a passion, whether or not I practice yoga with Nic, my best advice for new dog parents, my postpartum body acceptance journey, and more! It’s a wide ranging and fun conversation with some new music and a funny question at the end (stay tuned all the way to the very end for that).

So glad to be back! Thank you for listening!

LINKS FOR YOU 

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about body lies we no longer believe

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about where their body stories come from

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about how yoga can help you access your intuition!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode, Liz and Anna talk about our current lessons are about body acceptance.

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes — something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode, Liz and Anna talk about defining what enough is for yourself.

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about defining what enough is for yourself

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about how they have let go of the yogi’s they thought they would be!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

• Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week
• On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about the ways they have learned to let themselves change
• A resource we love
• And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about how to Marie Kondo your body image!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes — something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about the ups and downs of their body stories and discuss the ways the ways they bring themselves back when they find themselves in a body funk!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna talk about burnout, pre-burnout, and their suggestions on what to do when you are in it or feel it coming!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz and Anna give you their tips on how to know what to do when you are creating a home yoga practice!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes — something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz chats with Body Love Project author, Jessie Harrold

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Anna and Liz discuss their tips for making time for practicing yoga at home!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Anna and Liz discuss their tips for preparing to visit a new yoga class!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Anna and Liz discuss ways that they all themselves to take up space… on and off the mat!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes — something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Anna and Liz share their current favorite things!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Anna and Liz remind you that you aren’t the only one and in turn affirm to themselves that they aren’t the only ones!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Anna and Liz talk about becoming your own teacher!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode Liz catches up with fellow yoga teacher and her high school friend, Ariele!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: On this week’s episode, Liz and Anna talk bathing suits!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

:: Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week

:: Liz talks us through a guided meditation to hopefully help us find some appreciation for our body and the gifts it gives us!

:: A resource we love

:: And, our gratitude for the week!

On the podcast this week we’re sharing:

• Practice notes -- something we learned from our practice this week
• Anna and Liz chat with Amy Day about DIY healing,  yyoga, writing, and so much more!
• A resource we love
• And, our gratitude for the week!