170: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Psychology, and the Search for Purpose

A conversation on spiritual awakening, svadharma, character strengths, service, and why yoga is so much more than movement.What if yoga was never meant to be something we only do on a mat?In this episode of The Midlife Spirituality Project, I’m joined by yoga teacher, writer, and spiritual seeker Marissa Guerra for a beautiful conversation about yoga philosophy, purpose, spiritual awakening, and what it means to live the practice beyond the mat.Marissa shares how yoga found her during a season of burnout, depression, and identity change. What began as a physical practice during the pandemic eventually led her to yoga teacher training in Sri Lanka, deeper study of the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras, time in India, graduate study in psychology and spirituality at Columbia, and a growing devotion to helping others understand themselves more deeply.Together, we talk about yoga as a path of self-knowledge, service, and transformation. We explore svadharma, character strengths, the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern psychology, and how following what fascinates us can become a way of finding our purpose.We also talk about gratitude, spiritual strength, karma, meaning-making, and why yoga is not just something we do in class. It is a living practice that helps us come back to love, presence, and the truth of who we are.In This Episode, We Talk AboutYoga philosophy beyond asanaMarissa’s journey from corporate life to yoga and spiritual studyBurnout, depression, identity shifts, and spiritual awakeningThe connection between svadharma, character strengths, and purposeWhy self-development is really self-knowledgeHow ancient wisdom and modern psychology overlapTurning difficult life experiences into meaning and serviceGratitude as a daily practice for retraining the mindYoga as a living practice, not just something we do on the matWant to see Marissa's gorgeous visuals and join the deeper conversation? Follow her on Instagram!Want to dive into deeper readings? Follow Marissa on a Substack!About Katie FarinasKatie Farinas is a midlife coach, yoga teacher, and spiritual guide who helps women navigate midlife with clarity, peace, purpose, and empowerment. Through yoga philosophy, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and energy-based practices, Katie supports women in reconnecting with themselves and stepping fully into their most aligned and authentic lives.📆 Schedule a Clarity Call to see if my coaching is right for youOther Ways To Connect🪷 Join the Monthly Satsang. A space to reflect and grow together in community.🌐 Visit Katie’s website to see all her services.💌 Join the newsletter for soulful insights and to receive weekly practices➡ Follow me on Substack📆 Book a reflective Insight Seat to come on the show and receive live coaching🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube or SubstackHave a question you would like answered about coming home to yourself in midlife? Record your question here and I will answer it on the show!! https://www.speakpipe.com/KatieFarinas