121: Yoga Sutras for Modern Life: Community Conversations with Diane Malaspina PhD

We all know that yoga is much more than a physical practice; it is underpinned by a framework of philosophy that is centuries old. But as a yoga teacher, you may or may not have incorporated this theoretical understanding into daily action – or helped your students do so.

So today we talk about the practical application of some key yoga sutras with returning guest Diane Malaspina PhD. In this episode, Diane helps host Rachel appreciate how three of Patanjali’s sutras apply to the challenges we face in daily modern life.

Listen in as we discuss the balancing act we must manage to realize any important long term goals, and how self-compassion can be a powerful tool for connection.

“I look at this as not one more thing to do, but another layer of how we get out of separation and into connection.” – Diane Malaspina

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“Use sutras to form an understanding of the human condition, maybe our human potential, and how our spiritual potential can develop.” – Diane Malaspina

Show Notes:

• Defining the yoga sutras [3:16]
• What yoga philosophy teaches us about the nature of life [6:58]
• Committed practice (abhyasa) & non-attachment (vairagya) [10:54]
• Rolf Gates’ definition of abhyasa [14:35]
• Another definition of sutras 1:12-1:16 – “Trust the Process” [19:42]
• Ahimsa as a counter to fear & polarization [30:36]
• The change begins with us; self-compassion leads to connection [35:07]
• Boundaries as a sustainable balance to Ahimsa [48:15]
• More resources & Diane’s Yoga Medicine courses [51:02]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Inside the Yoga Sutras – The Path to Freedom Online Course
• Exploring the Yamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course
• Join Diane LIVE & IN-PERSON for the Yoga Medicine® Resilience Retreat from Nov 2nd – 3rd in Santa Rosa, CA
• Suggested reading:
  • Meditations from the Mat, Rolf Gates
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Chip Hartranft
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami Satchidananda
  • Inside the Yoga Sutras, Jaganath Carrera
  • Kristin Neff, Self Compassion Journaling
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes with Diane Malaspina PhD:
  • 04: Find Ease in Uncertainty
  • 31: The Power of Intention
  • 57: Drishti, the Potency of Our Focus – Research Roundup
• Connect with Diane Malaspina:

Facebook | Instagram | Diane Malaspina

“How can we detach from the day-to-day outcomes and drop into that deeper listening or curiosity or refinement along the way?” – Diane Malaspina