Ep 243 Adam Keen – My Ashtanga Teaching Manifesto

Adam addresses the theme of abuse in Ashtanga yoga in light of more recent allegations. He explores the contrasting archetypes of teachers in the context of Ashtanga yoga, focusing on the strict adherence to tradition and the implications for student progression. Finally he lays out his personal Ashtanga teaching code of conduct and what students can expect when they come to a class, retreat, course or workshop with him.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

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Key Points

· A strict teacher is often seen as a good teacher.

· Traditional methods can create deep fault lines in education.

· Commitment to the Ashtanga method is paramount for some teachers.

· Teachers who shout at students may be deeply committed to tradition.

· The purity of the Ashtanga method is a significant focus for some instructors.

· Sacrifice is often required to achieve advanced levels in yoga.

· The number of times a teacher has been to Mysore can indicate their commitment.

· Respect for traditional methods can lead to rigid teaching styles.

· Student progression may be hindered by strict adherence to perfection.

· The balance between tradition and flexibility is crucial in teaching.

Elizabeth Kadetsky discusses her book 'First There Is A Mountain', detailing her experiences with Iyengar Yoga and the cultural dynamics surrounding it. She reflects on her journey to writing the book, her experiences in India, and the complexities of dietary practices within the yoga community. The discussion also touches on the historical context of Hindu nationalism, Iyengar's legacy, and the evolution of yoga practices over time. Kadetsky shares her insights on the nuances of yoga culture, the impact of her research, and her current approach to yoga.

www.elizabethkadetsky.com | @ekadetsky

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Key Points

· Elizabeth Kadetsky is a writer and professor at Penn State.

· Her book 'First There Is A Mountain' was published in 2004.

· Kadetsky's first trip to India was in 1997, leading to her research on Iyengar Yoga.

· Iyengar Yoga emphasizes alignment and the use of props.

· Dietary practices in yoga can reflect cultural and communal identities.

· Kadetsky experienced cultural shock when practicing yoga in India compared to the West.

· Iyengar's influence on yoga is significant but complex, involving historical and cultural dynamics.

· The rise of Hindu nationalism has impacted the perception of yoga in India.

· Kadetsky sees her book as a reflection of its time, capturing a specific moment in yoga history.

· Her current yoga practice focuses more on meditation and breath rather than strict physical exercise.

Ep 241 Adam Keen – Healing Through Touch in Yoga Adam explores the complex and evolving role of touch in yoga practice. He discusses the historical context of touch in yoga, the healing potential of positive touch, and the challenges of safeguarding both students and teachers in a modern environment where boundaries have shifted. Keen emphasizes the importance of understanding good touch versus bad touch, advocating for a respectful and sensitive approach to physical interaction in yoga classes. He concludes with a call for thoughtful engagement with touch, recognizing its significance while also acknowledging the risks involved.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

LISTEN

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

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Key Points

· Touch in yoga has evolved significantly over the decades.

· Modern boundaries around touch have made it a contentious issue.

· Positive touch can aid in healing from past negative experiences.

· Consent cards and verbal agreements have limitations.

· Good touch should feel affirming and supportive, not corrective.

· Teachers must navigate touch with sensitivity and respect.

· Physical adjustments can sometimes lead to injury or discomfort.

· Building a relationship with students is essential before using touch.

· Feedback mechanisms are crucial for ensuring safe touch practices.

· Touch should enhance the yoga experience, not detract from it.

Ep 240 Tias Little – Yoga of the Subtle Body

Adam speaks with Tias Little about the intricate relationship between yoga, anatomy, and the subtle body. Tias shares his extensive experience in yoga and meditation, discussing the importance of understanding the physical and energetic anatomy of the body. They explore various topics including the significance of the feet, the midline, bandhas, the psoas and diaphragm connection, the adrenal system, and the role of the heart in feeling. Tias emphasizes the need for humility in practice and the importance of fluid dynamics for longevity, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of Samadhi and the journey inward.

www.prajnayoga.com | @prajnayoga

Book: Yoga of the Subtle Body: A Guide to the Physical and Energetic Anatomy of Yoga

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Key Points

· The subtle body is a crucial aspect of yoga practice.

· Understanding anatomy enhances the practice of yoga.

· The feet serve as the foundation for the entire body.

· The midline connects the ground to the sky, embodying balance.

· Bandhas are about engagement and release, not just holding.

· The psoas and diaphragm are interconnected in movement and breath.

· The adrenal system plays a significant role in our energy levels.

· Cultural reflections on yoga can inform our practice.

· The sacrum is central to many yoga postures and movements.

· Fluid dynamics in the body are essential for health and longevity.

Carolyn Williams, a science journalist and author speaks about the intricate connections between the mind and body, particularly focusing on interoception, the gut-brain axis, and the role of movement in mental health. They explore how our internal body signals influence our emotions, the importance of the vagus nerve, and the impact of hypermobility on anxiety. Carolyn shares insights from her research and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for daily movement and the potential for creativity through physical activity. The discussion highlights the evolving understanding of these concepts in both scientific and cultural contexts.

www.carolinewilliams.net | @carolinewilliams_science

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Key Points

· The mind and body are interconnected, influencing each other constantly.

· Interoception is the awareness of internal body signals and is crucial for emotional regulation.

· Experiments show that expectations can alter physical sensations, impacting mental health.

· The gut plays a significant role in our overall health and emotional well-being.

· The vagus nerve is more complex than previously thought, with many sensory functions.

· Hostage negotiators use their sensitivity to body signals to make decisions in high-pressure situations.

· Movement is essential for mental health and can enhance creativity.

· Hypermobility can lead to anxiety due to physiological responses to movement.

· Strength training can improve self-efficacy and confidence in one's body.

· Daily movement snacks can enhance overall well-being and prevent sedentary behavior.

Adam explores the legacy of Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga, and the impact of his teachings on contemporary practices. He discusses the influence of Krishnamacharya's students, Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar, and how their interpretations differ from his original teachings. Keen emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which Krishnamacharya taught and how his methods evolved over time. He also delves into the innovations in yoga postures and the myth surrounding the Yoga Karunta, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Krishnamacharya's legacy and its implications for modern yoga practice.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

PODCAST

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

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Key Points

· Krishnamacharya is considered the father of modern yoga.

· His teachings were popularized by his students, Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar.

· Krishnamacharya's teaching methods evolved significantly over his lifetime.

· The context of his teachings was influenced by the political climate of India.

· His legacy is often associated with performative yoga demonstrations.

· Krishnamacharya's later teachings focused on therapeutic practices.

· The myth of Yoga Korunta serves to authenticate modern yoga.

· Truth in yoga history is a shifting concept.

· Ashtanga Yoga's rigid structure limits the evolution of practice.

· Understanding the context of Krishnamacharya's teachings is crucial for modern practitioners.

Adam shares his personal journey of recovery following a hip replacement surgery, reflecting on the challenges and insights gained during the process. He delves into the role of yoga teachers, discussing the pressure to perform and the misconception that teachers must be the best practitioners in the room. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for students, where they can explore their own practice without the burden of comparison. He advocates for a shift in perspective regarding the validity of teachers, highlighting that their worth should not solely be based on physical ability but rather on their capacity to guide and support their students. The conversation culminates in a call for honesty and compassion within the teaching community, encouraging teachers to embrace their humanity and the realities of aging and injury.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

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Key Points

· Recovery from surgery is a gradual process.

· Yoga teachers should focus on teaching, not performing.

· The pressure to be the best can hinder effective teaching.

· Idealizing teachers can create unrealistic expectations for students.

· Teaching should prioritize individual student growth over performance.

· Aging and injury are natural parts of a teacher's journey.

· Teachers should not feel like frauds for their physical limitations.

· Kindness and care are essential qualities in teaching.

· Students need space to explore their practice without pressure.

· The essence of yoga is about being present and authentic.