Off The Mat with Helen Russell-Clark: Exploring Yoga, Psychoanalysis, and Personal Growth

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Off the Mat Podcast, I chat to Helen Russell-Clark, a dedicated yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. We discuss her yoga journey, from her initial experiences with the practice, to where she now finds herself in her career. Helen shares insights on integrating the principles of yoga into daily life and the influence of her background in psychoanalysis on her teaching approach. We also touch on the challenge and beauty of meditation, the importance of somatic practices, and the profound impact yoga can have on one's life. Hope you enjoy this weeks conversation.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 Books"Eastern Body, Western Mind" by Anodea Judith - About chakra systems and psychotherapy"The Poetry Pharmacy" by William Sieghart - Anthology prescribing poems for particular feelings"An A-Z of Pasta" by Rachel Roddy - Pasta cookbook✨ Other ResourcesEzra Klein podcast interview with Mark Epstein about meditation and Freudian paradigmRachel Roddy - food writer👇 Connect [email protected] classes⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction01:06 Guided Meditation06:59 Drink + Snack Ritual08:30 Helen's Journey into Yoga11:26 From Yoga Practice to Teaching19:51 The Impact of Psychoanalysis on Yoga22:26 Balancing Yoga and Life28:53 Advice for Beginners in Meditation29:24 Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts30:17 The Role of Somatic Practices in Meditation31:40 Personal Practice and Changes During Lockdown32:43 The Impact of Teaching on Personal Practice38:47 The Concept of a Container in Yoga Practice44:06 Final Flow