The Thrive Yoga and Wellness Podcast
By Jennifer Dixon
The Thrive Yoga and Wellness PodcastFeb 03, 2020
Sacred Spaces: What does Namaste mean? Taking an Ancient word and using it in modern times
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Merritt Maloof Plumb Master energy worker for a discussion on what Namaste means in today's modern world.
Go ahead and listen in, then say what you think.
Sacred Spaces: DNA tests and finding Yourself through Yoga
In today's episode: discovering how yoga helped Lesleigh find balance while trying to navigate through a difficult journey, into her own truth.
Yoga Philosophy: Discovering Santosha or Contentment
DISCOVERING YOGA PHILOSOPHY: THE FIRST NIYAMA, SAUCHA OR PURITY
Reviewing the Yamas in our Sacred Spaces:
RA MA DA SA Gong Meditation by Stephanie Chance RYT 200
Go ahead and sit back and relax--even if you're in your car...just if you're driving, don't let your eyes get heavy.
Stephanie Chance RYT 200 has done it again with this fabulous Gong Meditation. Today's special episode is RA MA DA SA, a Kundalini Chant that basically means :
Ra- represents sun energy
Ma- moon energy
Da- earth energy
Sa- infinity or universal energy
It is considered a healing meditation and mantra-healing for the body and the planet, which makes it absolutely fitting for today's episode and today's climate.
We hope that you enjoy this meditation and if you do, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast! If you do feel led, consider donating to Thrive Yoga and Wellness at www.paypal.me/thriveyoga
Thank you and Namaste.
Yoga Philosophy and The 5th Yama Aparigraha or Non Attachment (sometimes called Non-possessivenes)
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Merritt Maloof Plumb for a discussion on Aparigraha or Non-possessiveness.
This is the 5th and final Yama, which is the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
Non-possessiveness can mean so many things, but we hope that our conversation helped to evoke a deeper sense of awareness to how letting go is freedom.
Be sure to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of our next episode!
Discussing Yoga Philosophy with Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Merritt Maloof Plumb. Bramacharya: The 4th Yama
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and Merritt Maloof Plumb Reiki Master and Energy Healer from The Energy Center for a deep dive into the 4th Yama, Brahmacharya.
Brahmacharya, or translated as Brama's Cave means non-excess.
Sometimes people take this to extremes and it even does mean not wasting energy. However, in today's society, and if you are a typical house holder, then the concept of Brahmacharya takes a slightly different meaning.
For us, it meant practicing awareness of the excess in our lives and how we could come to terms with it (1) and then effectively manage ways to eliminate that excess.
Jennifer confessed to having an excess of clothes and shoes and how even after this idea came to light, how she was still struggling with letting go of the excess clothes.
Merrit talked about releasing excess items in her most recent move and cited an old Indian expression, "if it doesn't grow corn or make your life beautiful, get rid of it."
How many things do you, us, so many folks in the world have that neither grow corn or make the world beautiful?
Brahmacharya asks us to examine these areas of excess and start to eliminate them. The yoga practice itself has a great way of eliminating excess with regular practice, but that is the key: Regular Practice.
Today, we invite you to meditate on Brahmacharya and practice what non-excess means to you.
We talked about this book: (this is an affiliate link)
https://amzn.to/2HXF7lp THe Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele
If you'd like to leave a love offering for us to help us continue providing you with great content, please consider doing so at www.paypal.me/thriveyoga
Gong Meditation by Stephanie Chance RYT 200
Join Stephanie Chance RYT 200 for a beautiful, balancing and relaxing Gong Meditation. This episode is special because you can sit back and listen and allow the music of the Gong to do all the work.
Now, we recommend the best speakers possible for this experience, however, if you're just driving down the road or stuck in a subway or on a train you will also get the many benefits of the healing music from the gong.
Asteya: A discussion on non-stealing according to the 3rd Yama in the 8 limbs of yoga
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and Merritt Plumb from The Energy Center for a discussion on the 3 Yama, Asteya or non-stealing.
It goes without saying that, morally speaking, we should not be stealing that which is not ours, but in this discussion, we take it a little deeper and talk about stealing someone else's joy or peace, or the things we do to steal our own happiness.
This conversation is fun but also thought provoking as we dive into the concept of non-stealing or Asteya.
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/Lz3c_ji2mFs
What is Satya or Truthfulness? Diving into the second Yama
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and Merritt Maloof Plumb Energy Worker and Reiki Master for a discussion on the second Yama, Satya.
This discussion is absolutely beautiful because it talks about something that is so incredibly dear to us all.
What is truth? A
ccording to the Yamas Ahimsa and Satya are tightly woven guidelines that should be the foundation by which all yogis base their life. Endeavoring to always live in a non-violent manner towards themselves and towards others but also living a life of Truth.
During this discussion, Merritt and Jennifer talk about how Truth, speaking and living in one's truth can manifest itself and how truthfulness, although absolutely imperative, must take second seat to non-violence.
As we discuss truthfulness to ourselves, what does remaining true to you mean? How does truth taking second to non-violence make you feel? What is something that is true but may not be in non-violence towards yourself or others?
How to do Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)
Join Jennifer Dixon of Thrive Yoga and Wellness as she explores one of the fundamental yoga poses, Triangle Pose. Here, you will be led through the various cues and things to remember when practicing this asana. Remember, your body and experiences are unique—honor that beautiful difference and take these cues and guidelines, not rules of law.
Things to keep in mind with triangle:
1)front leg is straight (ish)
2) Hips push back
3) hands reach forward
4) chest facing the wall to your side (so not towards the floor and not facing the ceiling)
5) back foot can be parallel to the back of your mat or slightly pointing forward. Keep trying!
If you want to see more videos, be sure to like and subscribe to this channel! We also have a library of yoga inspired workout videos available at www.thriveyogaandwellness.com/thrive-online
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/cudlV5EokR4
What is Ahimsa_ Exploring the Yamas and Niyamas of Astanga Yoga
Welcome to Sacred Spaces! A joint effort between Jennifer Dixon from Thrive Yoga and Wellness and Merritt Maloof Plumb from The Energy Center.
In this episode, we explore the very first yama, or ethical guideline from the 8 limbs of yoga; Ahimsa.
Ahimsa is non-violence.
Although it goes without saying that non-violence is not killing someone or causing injury, non-violence can be much more subtle than that and it is the absolute foundation to the first limb of yoga, or Yama.
Non-violence extends outward but starts right within when you look at how you treat yourself. Whether it is the words you allow that internal voice to say to you or how you force yourself to do things that your body simply isn't ready to do (ahem, all you super serious yogi friends of ours!) Practicing non-violence towards yourself is key to translating a non-violent relationship with the world.
We dive deep into what non-violence means to each of us and how it extends from within and we bring up some interesting tid bits in today's shorter episode, so sit back, relax and let us know what you think about Ahimsa, or Non-violence.
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/kftZHDyeapo
Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasanana 1)
Join Jennifer Dixon with Thrive Yoga and Wellness and Thrive Online your go to online yoga community with yoga inspired workouts you can do from the comfort of your home that will challenge you, help you build strenth, flexibility, burn calories and reach your wellness goals.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to do Warrior 1, or Virabhadrasana 1 in sanskrit. This is a basic yoga pose found in many different types of yoga classes and has many different ways you can practice. Here, Jennifer talks about "best practices" you can do to help keep your back safe and pain free.
Key points to remember:
1) Your front foot is pointing straight ahead
2) Your back foot is at a 45 degree angle (so pointing the front corner of the mat)
3) Feet are working towards heel to heel alignment, but that doesn't have to happen, you can have your legs wider for stability as well as to allow the hip flexors to relax and stretch
4) Your hips are trying to be level and squared to the front
5)Your arms are straight up, pinky fingers rotating towards each other
6) Chest is proud, but don't stick your ribs out.
7) Try to square your shoulders off to the front and hold your shoulders down and away from the your ears.
8) Gaze is towards your fingers or up at your third eye
9) Front knee is bent towards 90 degrees
10) Back leg is working toward being straight
11) Your belly is IN (A LOT)
12) Your tail bone is lengthening down
Remember, always keep your stomach muscles engaged and try not to tilt that tail bone out. (this cue can reduce back pain) This is a great pose to build strength and flexibility at the same time!! You are opening up the back leg's hip and psoas, creating space in the back and in the shoulders and tremendous strength in the front leg and abdominals.
If you would like to learn more about Jennifer or if you would like to practice with Jennifer in person and you’re in the Chattanooga, TN area, come to Thrive Yoga and Wellness. We offer almost 40 classes each week in a variety of modalities from beginners to advanced, to chair and seniors all the way to super physical HIT yoga. It’s a great studio in the suburbs with ample parking and the community vibe even the folks at Cheers would be proud of. (How’s THAT for showing my age?!?!) The Thrive website is www.thriveyogaandwellness.com.
Or if you’re not in the area and still want to practice with me, you can totally do it for free, virtually. I even have a free free 5 day HIT (High Intensity Training) Yoga challenge you can sign up to do and get 5 free HIT Yoga classes delivered straight to your inbox. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work. You’ll take your yoga skills and strength to a whole new level and be sore in the best possible way that you won’t want to stop on day 5! I can’t wait to practice with you! Check it out at www.thriveyogaandwellness.com/thrive-online-hit-yoga-challenge.
In the video, I was practicing on my still kicking Manduka Eko Mat which I love and have had going on 5 years, it is FINALLY starting to die...it is sad. :( Time to go shopping!
This post was written by Jennifer Dixon MBA ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher. She is the lead teacher in the Thrive Yoga and Wellness 200 hr Yoga For Every Body Teacher Training program: the Chattanooga area’s ONLY modular 200 hr Yoga Alliance approved Teacher Training program that allows you to train when YOUR schedule allows. With two semesters each year and plenty of opportunity to practice and train year round, this is the BEST yoga teacher training program for busy folks.
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/YAxRpplF3jc
What are the Yamas and Niyamas? An introduction to the first two tenants of Astanga Yoga
Join Jennifer Dixon and Merrit Malouf Plumb for a tip toe into the world of the Yamas and Niyamas.
The yamas and niyamas are the first two limbs of the Astanga yoga lineage and offer yogis guidelines by which to live.
Although these do call for restraint, it is not in an effort to keep us from happiness, rather the restraints are there to help us continue to live morally.
There are 5 yamas and 5 niyamas. For a lot of this discussion, we used the book, The Yamas and Niyamas Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele. if you would like a link to this book, go here: https://amzn.to/2NR9ei1 (this is an amazon affiliate link FYI).
In today's discussion we tiptoe into all 10 of these guidelines and over the course of the next 10 weeks, we will dive into each in more depth.
The 5 Yamas are:
1) Ahimsa - Non-violence
2) Satya - Truthfullness
3) Asteya - Non-stealing
4) Brahmacharya - Non-excess
5) Aparigraha - Non-possessiveness
The 5 Niyamas are:
1) Saucha - Purity
2) Santosha - Contentment
3) Tapas - Self Discipline
4) Svadhyaya - Self Study
5) Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender
Each week, we will dive a little further into each of these concepts and we'd love to start a conversation!
Have you ever studied the Yamas and Niyamas? What do you think about these guidelines? Be sure to drop us a comment down below-we'd love to know what you think or if you have any questions.
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/H8t819RmZtI
Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
If you would like to learn more about Jennifer or if you would like to practice with Jennifer in person and you’re in the Chattanooga, TN area, come to Thrive Yoga and Wellness. We offer almost 40 classes each week in a variety of modalities from beginners to advanced, to chair and seniors all the way to super physical HIT yoga. It’s a great studio in the suburbs with ample parking and the community vibe even the folks at Cheers would be proud of. (How’s THAT for showing my age?!?!)
Or if you’re not in the area and still want to practice with me, you can totally do it for free, virtually. I even have a free free 5 day HIT (High Intensity Training) Yoga challenge you can sign up to do and get 5 free HIT Yoga classes delivered straight to your inbox. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work. You’ll take your yoga skills and strength to a whole new level and be sore in the best possible way that you won’t want to stop on day 5! I can’t wait to practice with you!
In the video, I was practicing on my still kicking Manduka Eko Mat. (that is an affiliate link, it doesn’t cost you a dime but it helps out a small business, so thank you!) I wrote a blog post about this killer mat several months ago and if you’d like to check it out and why I love it so much, go here.
This post was written by Jennifer Dixon MBA ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher. She is the lead teacher in the Thrive Yoga and Wellness 200 hr Yoga For Every Body Teacher Training program: the Chattanooga area’s ONLY modular 200 hr Yoga Alliance approved Teacher Training program that allows you to train when YOUR schedule allows. With two semesters each year and plenty of opportunity to practice and train year round, this is the BEST yoga teacher training program for busy folks. Gone are the stresses about missed training weekends, you don’t have to worry about exhaustion and tears from super long intense weekend trainings every month--with the Thrive Yoga Teacher Training program, you train when your schedule allows and live your best life now. Yoga Teacher Training should be fun, come practice with us and let us show you how! Another great perk of training at Thrive? You get an unlimited membership to the studio for one full year while you train! NO ONE ELSE offers this amazing deal (worth $1100!) and it’s the PERFECT way to get the training you want with the practice you need. Our next semester starts in August of 2019! See you on the mat soon!
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/cU-QEj7S5pY
How are the Chakras, 5 elements and your Yoga Practice related?
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Teacher and Merritt Plumb from the Energy Center as they explore the relationship between the Chakras and 5 Elements.
Learn how your basic knowledge of these subtle energy centers and elements can help to influence your yoga practice and beyond.
Based on the last 12 week's of discussions, we summarize the locations of the Chakras and their respective elements. It's a fun, educational and thought provoking conversation tying up the Thrive Yoga and Wellness Last 90 Days Celebration.
Be sure to subscribe to this channel to learn about the chakras, 5 elements and more!
If you would like to watch this episode go over to Youtube Channel here: https://youtu.be/oFP4D8CcnUo
How to do Child's Pose or Balasana Pose
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher as she breaks down one of the more fundamental yoga poses, Child's Pose or Balasana Pose.
Where the Soul is Hidden: An Old Hindu Mythology Story
Welcome to the first episode of Sacred Spaces, a joint effort between Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 of Thrive Yoga and Wellness and Merrit Plumb of The Energy Center. This is the first installment of a series dedicated to diving a little deeper into the stories behind yoga classes.
In today's story, we talk about an ancient Hindu Story that teaches us why the soul is in each of us.
Here's a summary:
Many years ago, Brahma realized that the soul was in trouble. He held a council with other deities to discuss how to protect the soul. One suggestion was deep in the earth. Brahma said, no no that won't do, the humans will dig for it and find it. Another suggested the top of a mountain. Again, that wouldn't do because the humans would climb and find it. One suggested at the bottom of the ocean? Brahma said, no no they will find it there too. Finally, Brahma said, "I know where to hide it! I will hide it inside of them, they will never find it there!"
Ever since, humans have been searching all over for something. Looking, every trying to find something missing, when really it is right here inside us all along. Listen in as Merrit and Jennifer discuss this beautiful tale and how they use it in their yoga practices.
If you would like to watch this episode, be sure to head on over to our Youtube Channel.
How to do Dolphin Pose
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher for a quick tutorial on how to do the Dolphin Pose. This pose is GREAT to help open up the shoulders as well as build strength in them and the triceps.
The Ether Element
Join Merritt Malouf Plumb from the Energy Center and Jennifer Dixon from Thrive Yoga and Wellness as we explore the last element, the Ether Element. Most world philosophies and over many centuries have held the belief in 5 basic elements.
The basic premise of which is, all of the world around us is made up of these elements. In ancient times, it helped to explain the world around those studying the elements. Ether, the first or last element, depending on the source of study has often been called “space.” However, space doesn’t exactly do the ether element justice, because it is more than just space.
For example, in Ayurvedic studies, Ether is the source, the original element, from which all the other elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth are formed. This same element was studied by the ancient philosophers like Aristotle who called this element Aether or “Quintessence.” The definition of quintessence was simply, spirit. The ancients believed that ether embodied the space between the heavens and earth.
The Greeks believed Ether was what the Gods breathed. It was the source of life. Interestingly, some bible scholars allude to this same space between, in the bible at Genesis 1:2, you can find that there was a void: “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.“ This is not a biblical post, but the quote was added to show how even Judeo – Christian scholars talk about a void and darkness or space between, which could otherwise be named Ether.
Ether is said to be formless, and cold (since it is before fire.) Ayurvedic scholars believe that the season for ether is winter (the space between the life of spring and summer, and the harvest of fall.) Although it is formless, it can when out of balance, make a person feel ungrounded. Therefore, heavier foods are prescribed to help fill up your body and make you feel grounded. Since each of our bodies have characteristics of the five elements, you even have ether in your body, according to the 5 element theory. Ether would be the space between areas. This could be very tiny.
The yogis believe you can experience the Ether element during meditation. When your mind is troubled, it’s like a whirlpool. The sanskrit word for that is Vritti. One of the fundamental goals of your yoga practice is to calm those vrittis or those whirlpools and return to Samahdi- the calm and peaceful state of mind. You can do this with meditation and with a physical yoga practice. In theory, we can find this Samahdi and live there. (with practice.) Don't forget to subscribe to our Channel if you loved this discussion! Also, if there's something you'd like us to talk about, let us know! Drop a comment below and we'd be happy to include it in the coming weeks.
If you would like to watch this episode go over to our Youtube Channel here: https://youtu.be/r77cjI5KXWE
Live Core and Glute Focused Yoga Inspired Workout
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher for a quick yoga inspired workout that'll focuse on your core and your glutes and leave you feeling stronger! It's intense, but it's worth it!
The Air Element
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and Merritt Maloof Plum from The Energy Center as they explore the Air Element.
How to do Half Moon Pose or Ardha Chandrasana
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher for a quick tutorial on Half Moon Pose. This is an intense-intermediate pose because it is performed on one leg with the body balancing in the opposite direction of the non-grounded leg. Listen for a few quick cues that may help you reach this pose in your Asana Goals.
The Fire Element
Join Merritt Maloof Plumb from the Energy Center and Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher for a brief look at the Fire Element.
The element that is fed by air and quenched by water but can bring us life leads to a complicated and beautiful discussion. Go ahead and give it a listen and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast!
Live Streamed 30 minute High Intensity Yoga Inspired Training with Jennifer Dixon
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher for a quick 30 minute all over workout that is inspired by your favorite practice--yoga! You'll sweat, get stronger, build mobility and of course have a good time.
This is a great option if you can't be in front of a screen and want to really focus on your body moving through the postures in a very physical way.
The Water Element: with special guest Jennifer Eddigger from Myayu.com
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and Merritt Maloof Plumb from The Energy Center as they discuss the Water Element as it relates to Ayurveda with Ayurvedic Health Practioner, Jennifer Eddinger.
Learn how to do Crow Pose or Bakasana Pose.
Join Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher for a quick tutorial on how to do Crow pose or Bakasana. This is often considered the”gateway pose” to all things yoga inversion play time. Listen in and be sure to subscribe!
The Mahabharata's Final Scenes: How the Pandavas Go to Heaven
Listen in as Jennifer Dixon ERYT 500 and Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and Merritt Maloof Plumb from The Energy Center gather together to discuss the final scenes of the Great Indian Epic, The Mahabharata. It is from this tale that we get an understanding of the foundational beliefs of this ancient culture as well as the Bhagavad Gita. Most yogis know (or at least have heard of) the "Gita" if they have studied the practice for any length of time. The entire poem takes over 2 days to recite in its entirety and covers the lives of 5 great brothers, the Pandavas. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. All great warriors with a ton of great mythological battles and scenes, but today's discussion is on their final journey. The Pandava Journey into Heaven.
The five brothers and their wife (Draupadi) decide to give up their throne (yes, you heard that right, one wife and giving up throne) and make the journey to get to heaven. It is believed you can walk there, if you have lived a pious life, through the Himalayan mountains. When they leave their kingdom, immediately, they are befriended by a stay dog. This mysterious dog is their companion all over the Indian journey and into the mountains.
One by one, the wife, and the Pandava Brothers die, each suffering the fate of their respective greatest "sins." These sins are the same battles we face today, partiality, arrogance, ego, vanity, gluttony, etc. Only one brother, the eldest, and considered most Pious, Yudhisthira is given the opportunity to make it to heaven. However, this opportunity presents itself in the form of a chariot driven by Indra and at the stipulation that the dog can't go with him.
Yudhisthira, true to his personality refuses to abandon the dog, loyal friend, and now a dependent follower. Even after a debate with Indra, the choice is made and Yudhisthira decides to stay on earth. At that moment, the dog transforms into Lord Rama (God of Dharma.) *Spoiler alert* All 5 brothers and their wife make it to heaven. The dog does not go into heaven as a dog.
In today's discussion, we talk about this story, the sins worthy of physical death. We talk about what lessons we could learn from each of the brothers, the wife, and of course the dog. This is a beautiful, often un-heard of tale from a Indian Epic. We hope you enjoy our interpretation of the short story, that it causes you to think, and that it entertains you.
Please subscribe to our podcast for more!
One Secret to Help your Camel Pose, Ustrasana
The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara
How to Reduce Neck Pain in Forward Folds
The Third Eye Chakra or Ajna Chakra
Quick Beginner friendly yoga sequence focusing on core and balance
The Throat Chakra or Visuddha Chakra
How to do Side Plank, Vasisthasana
The Heart Chakras or Anahata Chakra
Full Length High Intensity Low Impact Yoga Inspired Workout
The Navel Chakra or Manipura Chakra
How to Flip Your Dog
The Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana Chakra
Listen for a High Intensity Low Impact (HIT) style Yoga class by Thrive Online
The Root Chakra or Muladhara Chakra
In this episode, we discuss the root chakra, the Muladhara chakra. It is quite simply put, at our root.
You will learn the color associated with this chakra, the foods to help balance the chakra, yoga poses, and even a little bit about the development cycle of the root chakra.