SC Yoga Girl
By Melanie Deal
Yoga...it's the Real Deal!
SC Yoga GirlMar 06, 2023
BONUS: 60-Minute Slow Flow Gen-X Class
In this bonus episode, Melanie leads a Slow Flow vinyasa class, with Tree Pose as the peak pose, set to a soundtrack with all your favorite alternative and grunge Gen-X music. The actual class length is 56 minutes.
Props are optional, but it is recommended to have one or two blocks, a strap, and a blanket if you'd like some extra support.
To find out more about Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Hot Yoga: Which Type of Heat is Best? (S3, E15)
In this final episode of Season 3, Melanie talks about far infrared heat vs. forced air heat when it comes to practicing hot yoga? What is the difference between these two types of heat? Is one better than the other? Listen in to find out.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com or email Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Taking Time for Yourself (S3, E14)
Raw and Real: Life Update
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com, or email her at Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Loving-Kindness Meditation Explained (S3, E12)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses Loving-Kindness Meditation. She explains what it is, what the benefits are, and ends with a 7-minute Loving-Kindness Meditation practice.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Yoga for Mental Health (S3,E11)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses how you can use yoga to help you deal with anxiety, depression and/or trauma. Learn what each of these conditions is, symptoms of each, and the differences/similarities between them. Here are the links to the reports Melanie mentions in the episode:
Learn more about Melanie and her offerings at scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie directly at Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
BONUS: Yoga Nidra for Anxiety (40 minutes)
Enjoy this 40-minute yoga nidra practice, with an emphasis on anxiety.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, go to scyogagirl.com or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Intro to Yoga Nidra (S3, E10)
In this episode, Melanie explains what yoga nidra (yogic sleep) is, covering the benefits it provides and how to practice it.
If you're interested in purchasing Yoga Nidra, by Swami Satyanandra Saraswati, you can find it here.
To find out more about Melanie and her offerings, go to scyogagirl.com or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Cultivating Humility (S3, E9)
In today's episode, Melanie talks about the importance of cultivating humility in our lives and in our yoga practice.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Yin vs. Restorative Yoga (S3, E8)
In this episode, Melanie takes some time to talk about the similarities and the differences between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Restorative Yoga Deep Dive (S3, E7)
In this episode, Melanie explains Restorative Yoga and its many benefits. For more information on Melanie and her offerings, go to scyogagirl.com or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Yin Yoga Deep Dive (S3, E6)
The Yoga Sutras: Deep Dive into the fourth chapter, Kaivalya Pada (S3, E5)
In today's episode, Melanie provides a summary of the fourth (and final) chapter, or pada, of the Yoga Sutras: Kaivalya Pada.
You can find out more about Melanie and her offerings at scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
The Yoga Sutras: Deep Dive into the third chapter, Vibhuti Pada (S3, E4)
In today's episode, Melanie provides a summary of the third chapter, or pada, of the Yoga Sutras: Vibhuti Pada.
You can find out more about Melanie and her offerings at scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
The Yoga Sutras: Deep Dive into the second chapter, Sadhana Pada (S3, E3)
In today's episode, Melanie provides a summary of the second chapter, or pada, of the Yoga Sutras: Sadhana Pada.
You can find out more about Melanie and her offerings at scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
The Yoga Sutras: Deep Dive into the first capter, Samadhi Padha (S3, E2)
In today's episode, Melanie provides a summary of the first chapter, or pada, of the Yoga Sutras: Samadhi Pada. This chapter is all about what yoga is and how to achieve Samadhi (enlightenment or bliss), so listen in to find out more.
You can find out more about Melanie and her offerings at scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
The Yoga Sutras: An Intro and Overview (S3, E1)
In today's episode, Melanie begins the first of a short series of episodes about the Yoga Sutras. This episode is an introduction to the sutras and provides an overview of what they are, along with a bit of historical context.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
BONUS: 60-Minute Flow To Stretch Yoga Class
If you're looking for a yoga class you can do from anywhere, then check out this BONUS 60-minute Flow to Stretch yoga class, suitable for all levels. No props are required, but blocks and a blanket could be useful if you would like extra support in any way. The first half of the class is a slow vinyasa format, while the second half is a deep stretch format.
The songs in the playlist are:
- Cloud Memory by Jim Perkins
- It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
- History (Love Mix) by Groove Armada
- God On My Side by Social Club Misfits and Ty Brasel
- Karma Police by Radiohead
- Ritual Union by Little Dragon
- I Believe by SOJA, Michael Franti and Nahko
- Wishing Well by Sananda Maitreya
- After Tonight by Justin Nozuka
- Know Where by Holy Other
- more than just a friend by f. fin
- You Get What You Give - Acoustic by RUNAGROUND
- Dedication by Josh Brill
- Dedication-Center & Calm the Mind-Aad Guray Nameh by Satkirin Kaur Khalsa
- Isvara Pranidhana by Spiritual Music Collection and Yoga Soul
Check out Melanie and her offerings at scyogagirl.com or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Mindfulness and Taming the Wild Elephant (S2, E25)
In this final episode of Season 2, Melanie discusses the connection between practicing mindfulness and taming a wild elephant. To purchase the book she recommends, How to Train a Wild Elephant: And Other Adventures in Mindfulness, by Jan Chozen Bays, click here.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
Finding Santosha (Contentment) Part 4: Focus on Finding Joy (S2, E24)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses how taking the time to focus on finding joy in our lives can help us towards finding Santosha. Santosha is the second of the Niyamas, and it translates to Contentment. If you have trouble finding the joy all around you, listen in for some tips on how you can use your yoga practice, as well as some everyday things, to help you do this more effectively.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
Finding Santosha (Contentment) Part 3: Focus on Your Own Actions (S2, E23)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses how taking the time to focus on our own actions, rather than the actions of others, can help us towards finding Santosha. Santosha is the second of the Niyamas, and it translates to Contentment. If you find yourself constantly caught up in external drama, listen in for some tips on how you can use your yoga practice, as well as some everyday things, to help you with being able to better focus on your own body and actions.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
Finding Santosha (Contentment) Part 2: Focus on Your Current Circumstances (S2, E22)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses how taking the time to focus on finding the positives in our current circumstances can help us towards finding Santosha. Santosha is the second of the Niyamas, and it translates to Contentment. If you have trouble finding the good in the challenging circumstances you face, listen in for some tips on how you can use your yoga practice, as well as some everyday things, to help you.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
Finding Santosha (Contentment) Part 1: Focus on Your Current Surroundings (S2, E21)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses how taking the time to focus on our current surroundings can help us towards finding Santosha. Santosha is the second of the Niyamas, and it translates to Contentment. If you have trouble staying focused, listen in for some tips on how you can use your yoga practice, as well as some everyday things, to help you focus on your current surroundings more effectively.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
Happiness Meditation (S2, E20)
In today's episode, Melanie offers a 5-minute guided meditation that helps us cultivate happiness in our lives. Get comfy for this relaxing meditation, and be prepared for your heart to be filled with happiness. Here's how the episode breaks down, in case you want to fast forward to certain sections in the future:
- (00:02:04) Melanie presents an introduction on the topic of happiness.
- (00:06:10) Guided meditation begins.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
What Yoga Taught Me About Managing Chronic Illness (S2, E19)
If you're dealing with a chronic illness and think yoga isn't for you, then check out this episode, where Melanie shares 5 ways yoga has helped her in managing her own chronic conditions.
If you have questions or would like more information about Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://scyogagirl.com/2022/01/25/what-yoga-taught-me-about-managing-chronic-illness/
Is Yoga a Religion? (S2, E18)
In today's episode, Melanie digs in to a question she's received frequently over the years: Is yoga a religion? Listen in to gain a better understanding of the connection between yoga and religion.
Please feel free to email melanie at Melanie@scyogagirl.com with any comments or questions. If you would like more information about Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com.
Crown Chakra (S2, E17)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Crown (Sahasrara) Chakra, which brings our deep dive into the Chakras to a close. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Crown Chakra back into balance.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Third Eye Chakra (S2, E16)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Third Eye Chakra back into balance.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Throat Chakra (S2, E15)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Throat (Visshudha) Chakra. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Throat Chakra back into balance.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Heart Chakra (S2, E14)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Heart (Anahata) Chakra. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Heart Chakra back into balance.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Solar Plexus Chakra (S2, E13)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Solar Plexus Chakra back into balance.
For a great tutorial on how to do the Breath of Fire that Melanie talks about, check out this video on YouTube, which one of my favorite teachers, Brett Larkin, recorded.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Sacral Chakra (S2, E12)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Sacral (Svadhisthana) Chakra. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Sacral Chakra back into balance.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Root Chakra (S2, E11)
In today's episode, Melanie breaks down the Root (Muladhara) Chakra. You'll learn how to tell when you're balanced in this chakra, as well as signs it is depleted, blocked or overactive. Melanie also shares a variety of things you can do to heal and bring the Root Chakra back into balance.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
For the First Time (S2, E10)
In this short episode, Melanie wraps up 2022 by asking you to remember that "first time" feeling from your first yoga practice, and how doing so can be a benefit to you on your journey.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Letting Go of Expectations (S2, E9)
In this episode, Melanie talks about why it's important to let go of expectations, both on and off the mat.
To find out more about Melanie and her offerings, visit scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Motivation for a Healthy Life (S2, E8)
In this episode, Melanie talks about understanding the motivation for the things you take on in your life, as well as how to maintain your motivation when things get challenging.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, go to scyogagirl.com, or email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress (S2, E7)
In today's episode, Melanie talks about specific types of yoga poses that can be helpful to manage stress. For example:
- Warrior Poses (check out the 5 primary warrior poses here)
- Twists (check out some great ones for beginners here)
- Inversions (like Legs Up the Wall)
- Backbends (here's a link to a short YouTube video that shows a very simple one you can do)
- Forward Folds (like Ragdoll)
- Centering
To find out more about Melanie and her offerings, go to scyogagirl.com, or email at Melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Don't forget to like, rate, review and subscribe!
Lakshmi Gratitude 6-Minute Meditation - Part 4 (S2, E6)
As we wrap up our 4-part series on Gratitude, Melanie offers a 6-minute guided meditation that helps us connect with Lakshmi, the goddess of good luck, good fortune, and everything that is favorable. Get comfy for this relaxing meditation, and be prepared to receive love and energy permeate through you. Here's how the episode breaks down, in case you want to fast forward to certain sections in the future:
- (00:38) Melanie offers an introduction to Lakshmi and how you can call on her to bring abundance, joy and gratitude into your life.
- 0:05:40) Guided meditation begins
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out her web site at scyogagirl.com.
Gentle 45-minute Yoga Class for Gratitude - Part 3 (S2, E5)
In today's episode, you're in for a treat as Melanie leads you through a 45-minute gentle yoga class centered on the theme of Gratitude. This is a beginner-friendly class; however, if you are dealing with injuries or severe limitations, please check with your doctor before practicing. Here's the breakdown of the episode, so you can fast forward to the appropriate places as you listen and prepare for the practice:
- (00:38) Melanie provides an intro to today's class, which tells you what to expect in the class, as well as the props you might need
- (03:19) The yoga practice begins
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, please check out her website at scyogagirl.com.
Using Yoga to Cultivate Abundance and Gratitude - Part 2 (S2, E4)
In today's episode, Melanie talks about how your yoga practice can help us cultivate abundance and gratitude in our lives. This is part 2 of 4 episodes that focus on cultivating abundance and gratitude.
Please feel free to email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com with any comments or questions. If you would like more information about Melanie and her offerings, visit her site at scyogagirl.com.
Cultivating Abundance and Gratitude - Part 1 (S2, E3)
In today's episode, Melanie talks about the importance of cultivating abundance and gratitude in our lives. This is part 1 of 4 episodes that will focus on different ways to do this. First and foremost, Melanie would love for you to join her in a 30-day challenge to celebrate gratitude, starting on November 7th.
This first episode gives you a variety of ways to express gratitude to get you started. And if you decide to join Melanie in the 30-day challenge, please feel free to email her at melanie@scyogagirl.com to let her know...she'd love to know who's joining her!
If you would like more information about Melanie and her offerings, visit her site at scyogagirl.com.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga - An Introduction (S2, E2)
In today's episode, Melanie discusses the Eight Limbs of Yoga, explaining a little bit about what they are and why they are important to know and practice along your yoga journey:
- Yamas
- Niyamas
- Asana
- Pranayama
- Pratyahara
- Dharana
- Dhyana
- Samadhi
If you have questions about anything from this episode, or would like recommendations on further reading, email Melanie at melanie@scyogagirl.com. For more information about Melanie and her offerings, or to read her blog posts that deal with the Eight Limbs of Yoga, visit her site at scyogagirl.com.
Introduction to the Bandhas (S2, E1)
In today's episode, Melanie provides an introduction to the bandhas (energy locks), the yogic technique to shut off the flow of energy to specific parts of the body. She'll break down what the bandhas are, why you should incorporate them into your practice, and she will discuss the four main bandhas and how to do them.
After listening, if you're interested in discovering more about Melanie and her offerings, or to work with her individually, check out scyogagirl.com.
Season 2 Trailer
Season 2 is coming your way, starting on Monday, October 24, 2022! Listen here to get a taste of what to expect this season.
Please visit scyoga.com for more information on Melanie and what she offers, or email her at melanie@scyogagirl.com.
Finding the Right Style of Yoga (S1, E15)
In the Season 1 finale, Melanie talks about how to find the right style of yoga for you. She covers 9 of the most popular styles, so that you have the information you need to find something you can love and enjoy for years to come.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com.
Ayurveda for Beginners (S1, E14)
After listening, if you're interested in discovering what YOUR unique ayurvedic constitution is, take this quiz to find out.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, or to work with her individually, check out scyogagirl.com.
Tips for Staying Focused when Distracted (S1, E13)
In today's episode, Melanie shares some tips that can help when you're having trouble staying focused or being productive amidst the many distractions we're constantly bombarded with.
Here are the links to the sites and articles Melanie mentions in the episode:
- Melanie's trainer, Molly, owns ExcelFit with Molly and offers in-person and online classes. Check her out!
- The 2009 Stanford study on the effect of multi-tasking can be found at https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0903620106.
- The 2011 study on how meditation helps with "mind wandering" can be found at https://www.pnas.org/doi/pdf/10.1073/pnas.1112029108.
Tips for Beginner Yogis (S1, E12)
In today's episode, Melanie shares five tips for those who are beginning a yoga practice, or thinking of beginning one. If you have felt overwhelmed or scared to begin a yoga practice, then this episode may just provide you with the information you need to give it a try!
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com.
Tips for Managing Anxiety/Panic (S1, E11)
In today's episode, Melanie shares six tips that can help you better deal with anxiety and/or panic attacks. If you experience either one or both of these on a regular basis, then perhaps some of these tips can help you manage them more effectively. Melanie shares some of her own story regarding the panic and anxiety disorders she has dealt with for over 20 years because she wants you to know that you are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, check out scyogagirl.com.
Guided Meditation for Patience (S1, E10)
In today's episode, Melanie guides you through a 10-minute meditation around the topic of cultivating patience. If you've been struggling with the ability to be patient when in the midst of uncertainty and discomfort, then this is an episode you won't want to miss! No special equipment or props are needed -- just be prepared to find a comfortable seated or lying-down position, and you'll be good to go.
For more information on Melanie and her offerings, go to scyogagirl.com.