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Optimize Health and Well-Being Through Restorative Sleep
By integrating cutting-edge science with the ancient wisdom tradition of Ayurveda, Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar and Dr. Sheila Patel, authors of Awakened Sleep: An Ayurvedic Approach to Getting Deep Rest and Unlocking Optimal Health, share how we can have a balanced, restorative sleep that can unlock our full human potential.
#kriyayoga #ayurveda #insomnia #sleep #awakenedsleep
WEBSITE FOR THE BOOK: Awakened-Sleep.com
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar (BAMS, MD, Ayurveda) is one of the most prominent Ayurvedic physicians in the United States with over 35 years of clinical experience. He is the director of Ayurvedic Healing, an integrative wellness clinic in Santa Cruz, CA. Dr. Suhas is also the author of several books including The Hot Belly Diet and Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life and is a sought-after speaker at Ayurvedic and wellness conferences both nationally and internationally. He is an advisor and consultant at Chopra Global and Chopra Foundation and has chaired and designed curriculums for several Ayurvedic schools. You can find out more about Dr. Suhas at his website AyurvedicHealing.net
Dr. Sheila Patel
Dr. Sheila Patel, MD, FA, AFP is a board-certified family physician and former Chief Medical Officer for Chopra Global. For more than a decade she practiced full-spectrum family medicine in rural communities, and currently maintains an outpatient primary care practice in Southern California where she combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with the tools of modern medicine to help patients heal from a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Patel is certified as an instructor of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation and is current Chief Medical Officer for the Gaja Collective where she is lead educator for the Chopra Ayurvedic Health certification program. She also served as the clinical research director for the Chopra Foundation and has co-authored multiple published research papers on the benefits of meditation and Ayurveda. You can find out more about Dr. Patel at her website DrSheilaPatel.com
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: Through their understanding and practice of Ayurveda, both Dr. Suhas and Dr. Sheila offer a unique perspective on the issue of sleep that is a problem for so much of our western population. What I really appreciated is their discussion of how good, restful, restorative sleep is not only important for our physical bodies but is deeply connected to our experiences of spiritual enlightenment. Dr. Suhas quoted the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras saying that deep restorative sleep can bring us, each night, closest to the highest state of consciousness-nirvikalpa samadhi and we shouldn't waste the opportunity. Dr. Patel shared that these sleep rhythms are natural to us and the techniques they share in their book let us get in touch with the natural part of our self. She says that these small practices reconnect us to who we really are. I highly recommend this conversation.
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: I appreciate how Drs. Suhas Kshirsagar and Sheila Patel include all three aspects of ourselves in their discussion about the importance of sleep: physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual. This conversation illumined the importance of our dosha, or Ayurvedic mind-body constitution, on our ability for restorative sleep. Advice for improving our sleep was discussed, including a brief bedtime ritual where we can settle our thoughts from the day, plant positive intentions for the night and next day, and end with gratitude. Listeners will benefit from this conversations framing of how to make our sleep part of our spiritual practice.
Discover the Gift of Presence
How can we live life fully, with presence and reverence? Author and teacher Elena Brower helps us explore the many aspects of ourselves to get to the heart of who we are. She invites us to come home to ourselves with love.
#KriyaYoga #HoldNothing #BeginnersMind #Mindfulness #meditation
Elena Brower
Elena Brower is a mother, mentor, artist, teacher, best-selling author of several books including the book we are discussing today, Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself. She is also the host of the Practice You podcast. Elena has taught yoga and meditation since 1999. After graduating Cornell University in 1992, she designed textiles and apparel for almost a decade before focusing on yoga, meditation, art, and writing.
WEBSITE: ElenaBrower.com SOCIAL MEDIA: @elenabrower
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: The thing that stood out most to me about this conversation with Elena Brower was the way she embodied the teachings of her new book, Hold Nothing. She was thoughtful, reflective and honest. It was reassuring to hear that we can "empty ourselves out and start again!" And, Dr. Trujillo added that emptiness is full of potentials. A thought provoking conversation to fuel your day, for sureThe thing that stood out most to me about this conversation with Elena Brower was the way she embodied the teachings of her new book, Hold Nothing. She was thoughtful, reflective and honest. It was reassuring to hear that we can "empty ourselves out and start again!" And, Dr. Trujillo added that emptiness is full of potentials. A thought provoking conversation to fuel your day, for sure
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: I enjoyed this conversation with yoga and meditation teacher Elena Brower about her book Hold Nothing. Elena’s presence and honesty about herself and her spiritual path was engaging. We discussed the importance of practice, respect, presence, and listening, and explored the idea of Beginner’s Mind. We close the episode with a discussion of some of the benefits of a steady meditation practice which were inspiring.
Awaken The Calm Center
Psychologist and author Steve Taylor invites us into The Calm Center—a space of stillness and presence within. In this conversation with Dr. Trujillo, he shares reflections and meditations that can guide us toward spiritual awakening and peace, amid life’s turbulence.
#kriyayoga #meditation #mindfulness #presence #silence
Steve Taylor
Steve Taylor, PhD, is the author of The Calm Center and many other bestselling books. He’s senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University and the author of many best-selling books on spirituality and psychology. Eckhart Tolle has referred to his work as 'an important contribution to the shift in consciousness that is happening on our planet. He has just published a new book of spiritual poetry, Back to Stillness. Visit him online at www.StevenMTaylor.com. FB: SteveTaylorAuthor IG: @SteveTaylorAuthor
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: Steve Taylor’s poetry is perfect for this time and season, and hearing the poetry read in this episode was beneficial for coming into the calm center. Just listening, I felt drawn inwardly and was touched by the way Steve expresses the things that pull us away from being in stillness and what takes us away from being mindful—this poetry is so honest. And his poetry reminds us of what is important: space is spirit, empty of time…. meditation creates space in our being, the universal space. This poetry is an embodiment of spirit and why we practice gratitude.
Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action
How can we transform our lives through our everyday actions? Acharya Shunya, esteemed Vedic teacher and scholar shares timeless teachings from the Bhagavad Gita revealing that, with intention, every act can be a sacred offering. Let your life be your prayer.
#kriyayoga #karmayoga #BhagavadGita #SelflessService #Godisthedoer #Nonattachment
Acharya Shunya
Acharya Shunya is a visionary author, speaker, lineage holder from India and the spiritual head of Vedika Global, an international spiritual organization. She is committed to sharing the light of Vedic wisdom with modern seekers worldwide. Born into a family of inner yogis and sadhus, Acharya Shunya is a distinguished teacher of nondual wisdom (Advaita Vedanta), spiritual Ayurveda, and the classical paths of Bhakti, Karma, Upasana, and Jnana Yoga. Deeply rooted in the Vedic tradition, she reinterprets these ancient teachings to create a path of learning and awakening that is both accessible and transformative for modern seekers.
AcharyaShunya.com VedikaGlobal.com Social Media: @AcharyaShunya
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: I so appreciated this conversation with Acharya Shunya on the topic of Karma Yoga-The Yoga of Action and how it is taught to us in the Bhagavad Gita. It is a continuation of Dr. Trujillo's conversation with her on the paths of Yoga that was discussed in a previous episode. There are so many aspects of Karma Yoga that were discussed that made this a very rich and meaningful conversation. As Karma Yoga is the way of selfless service, we offer all that we do in a way that serves the One in All and then we let go of the results of our actions. Acharya ji reminds us that we are the instrument and God works through us and to "be humbled by the recognition of what we are. We hold that with reverence and mindfulness" We all act in the world. It is impossible not to, but it is how we act and how we offer our actions as a sacred act that brings us joy, peace and that affects all those around us and the world. I highly recommend this program.
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: What a joy to have a divinely inspired conversation with Acharya Shunya about one of the four paths of classical yoga, Karma Yoga, the yoga of action or the yoga of selfless service. As always, I found Acharya ji to be very clear, wise, and down-to-earth in her teaching. In our discussion about surrendering the fruits of our actions, I enjoyed her advice to give the “self’ a holiday and to let the “Self" dance through you. I loved her mantra of “Idam Na Mama”, or “this is not mine”, which we can chant as we complete a task to remind ourselves that we are not the doer. I recommend this episode to all who would like more clarity and inspiration in their understanding of Karma yoga.
Awaken to The Path of Healing, Happiness, and Inner Peace
Do you yearn to deepen your connection to your true Self? Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati shares profound wisdom and tools that help us to rediscover the peace, joy, and clarity already within us.
#kriyayoga #oneness #meditaiton #netineti #womeninspirituality
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is the author of the book we are discussing today, Come Home to Yourself: Simple Answers to Life’s Essential Questions. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a renowned spiritual leader, motivational speaker, author, and social activist based in Rishikesh, India. She is a graduate of Stanford University and holds a PhD in psychology. Sadhvi serves as the international director of Parmarth Niketan, one of India’s largest spiritual institutes, as well as on the United Nations Multi-faith advisory Council and several other international bodies. She has received numerous national and international awards for her leadership and humanitarian service, including the United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong commitment to volunteer services.
WEBSITE: Sadhviji.org IG: Sadviji
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: So many pearls of spiritual wisdom in this conversation with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati about the ways to come home to yourself. Sadhviji explains the Himalayan way--as opposed to the American-- is to know that we are not the body: we are whole, eternal, infinite beings. When we connect to the eternal you and me, the result is we are kinder and gentler to the planet and others. Sadhviji says to come back into Oneness connection, “tie experience with the you that is experiencing the felt-sense-- anchored, vibrant and alive.” Tie in quick moments of remembrance during the day and remembrance of thanks. I appreciated the many ways that Sadhviji expressed coming back to myself through many practices to be used in everyday living. This is a special conversation that I’m sure our listeners will benefit from.
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: The focus for my conversation with Sadhvi Bhagawati Sarasvati was our true Self, the unchanging reality at the center of our being, which is the focus of her new book, Come Home to Yourself. We are not the mistaken identification that we can have with our changing body and mind, which in the yoga tradition is called avidya. We also discussed the challenges and rewards she has found as an American woman leading a spiritual community in India. I particularly enjoyed Sadhvi ji’s explanation of the “neti, neti” meditation technique, and her advice to tie remembrance of our connection to Supreme Consciousness to activities we perform throughout our day. I appreciated having Sadhvi ji as a guest on the show
Write the Script for Your Future
Learn how every choice you make can plant seeds of peace, purpose, and joy—for yourself and the world. Philip Goldberg, author of Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful Life, shares how our karma is not our fate, it’s our freedom.
#kriyayoga #karma #BeNice #yamas #meditation #nonattachment
Philip Goldberg
Philip Goldberg is the author or co-author of numerous books; a public speaker and workshop leader; a spiritual counselor, meditation teacher and ordained Interfaith Minister. A resident of Great Barrington, MA, in the heart of the Berkshires, he hosts the Spirit Matters podcast, leads American Veda Tours, conducts online courses and workshops, and writes regularly for several publications and on his Substack, “Practical Spirituality with Philip Goldberg.”
WEBSITE: PhilipGoldberg.com
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: I am very interested in the concept of karma, and having Phil Goldberg on the podcast to discuss his new book on karma was going to clarify questions I had. While the concept of karma holds great power for us, we benefit from knowing what it is and what it is not. Phil has plenty of wise information and thoughts about karma, how we can plant the good seeds through practices of kriya yoga and especially through a deep meditation practice. In the end, he says, be nice. Do good. Do the right thing. Real life gets complicated so make better choices for your future good.
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: I so appreciated my conversation with Phil Goldberg about his new book Karmic Relief. In his book and in this conversation Phil clears up several misconceptions about karma. While often invoked with regards to negative events happening, karma also extends to positive events. Karma is not an excuse to be indifferent to the suffering of others because “it’s their karma”. The intention we have as we perform an action really makes a difference. And having a meditation practice is indispensible, as it helps to purify the mental field, leaving the mind quieter, more content, more conscious, and leaving us more likely to plant good karmic seeds.
Embrace the Gifts of Growing Older
Mark Nepo, poet and spiritual teacher, invites us to embrace the mystery of aging. Drawing on the world’s wisdom traditions, he illuminates the gifts of growing older, turning anxiety about aging into the light of living fully.
#kriyayoga #aging #creativity #loss #wholeness
Mark Nepo
Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over 40 years. A New York Times #1 bestselling author, he has published 27 books including the book we are discussing today, The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life. Mark has been interviewed several times by Oprah Winfrey as a part of her Supersoul Sunday as well as by Robin Roberts for Good Morning America. His work has been translated into over 20 languages. Go to Mark’s website to learn more about his books, upcoming retreat and webinar related to this topic.
WEBSITE: MarkNepo.com SOCIAL MEDIA: @Mark Nepo
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: As always, Mark Nepo's wisdom and reflection on aging will strike a cord with anyone who listens to this conversation. He tells about how a young sound engineer was working with him as he was recording the audio version of this book, The Fifth Season. He asked her how she was hearing these reflections and teachings on aging and did that bore her. She said no, because even at her age she realizes that we are all aging and the lessons are pertinent to her as well. There are so many highlights that I could list but one of the lessons he shared is about loss. As we know, throughout our life we experience many losses, great and small. As we get older, those losses include loss of physical and mental abilities as well as losses of dear friends and family. He equates that to the flaking away of the layers that cover our light. He says our work is to discern which losses are heartbreaking and which losses are freeing. We can open our hearts and learn from all the losses. He says we are shaped by our experience, making our life a work of art. I highly recommend listening to this program, no matter what age you are.
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: I so enjoy my conversations with Mark Nepo as they are always uplifting and wise. Drawing on his new book, The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, we discussed how aging comes with some losses, but also with the opportunity for growth, transformation, and increased authenticity. We can look at our life as a work of art, embrace the Mysterious Whole of Life and feel the joy that the sensation of Oneness brings us. Aging can then become a time of increased fullness.
Find Fulfillment through Realizing Emptiness
In each moment we are faced with a choice about how to think, react, and live our lives. Billy Wynne, author of The Empty Path: Finding fulfillment Through the Radical Art of Lessening, provides a guide to helping each of us find ultimate fulfillment through the art of lessening and the embrace of emptiness.
#KriyaYoga #Emptiness #equinimity #contentment #nonattachment #fulfillment
Billy Wynne
Billy Wynne is the author of The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment through the Radical Art of Lessening. A student of Buddhism and mindfulness for 30 years, he received meditation teaching certification under Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach and lay Zen Buddhist ordination from the Zen Center of Denver, where he now teaches classes and serves on the board.
WEBSITE: BillyWynne.com SOCIAL MEDIA: FB: Billy Wynne IG: BillyWynneLife
THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: I have spent most of my life searching, questioning my existence, and looking for answers as many of us have. In the conversation with Billy Wynne it was interesting to see the ways in which Kriya Yoga and Buddhist philosophies intersect. Impermanence, contentment, non-attachment were all touched upon. My favorite quotes from from Billy: "it is a radical step to say 'I am already as good as I am.' or a similar one, 'all along I was right at home.' This podcast is a great way to go deeper. Happy listening.
DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: What an enjoyable conversation I had with Billy Wynne about his book The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment Through the Radical Art of Lessening. I particularly appreciated Billy’s description of emptiness as including impermanence, the lack of an ego self, and the interdependent co-arising of everything in the world. We discussed principles such as Oneness, equanimity, contentment, and non-attachment through the lenses of both yoga philosophy and Zen Buddhism. It was engaging to see the common threads between the two traditions.