S1 E16 Questioning Dogma, Choosing Coexistence: A yoga-inspired spiritual journey with Stacie da Ponte

In this episode of The Inner Practice, host Jackie Vandertuin sits down with Stacie da Ponte for a thoughtful and expansive conversation on spirituality, yoga philosophy, humanism, and the courage to question inherited belief systems.Raised Roman Catholic and surrounded by cultural and religious diversity, Stacie shares a pivotal moment after 9/11 that prompted her to step away from dogma and begin a lifelong journey of inquiry. Through existentialism, philosophy, and consciousness studies, she sought a framework for living that supports coexistence, compassion, and care for both people and the planet.Yoga entered Stacie’s life early—not as fitness, but as meditation, prayer, chanting, and mindful presence. Over time, her practice evolved to include asana, breath, and embodied self-study, revealing the deep connection between the physical body, emotional life, and spiritual growth. She reflects on yoga as a practice—not a religion—that invites curiosity, humility, and lived wisdom rather than blind adherence.This episode explores leaving Plato’s Allegory of a Cave, the value of questioning doctrine, the golden rule of unconditional love, and how yoga offers a slow, honest path toward acceptance, coexistence, and self-understanding.A powerful listen for anyone interested in yoga philosophy, spiritual exploration, humanism, mindfulness, and living with openness in a complex world.Book that Stacie recommends:Rao, A. (2025). Yoga as embodied resistance: A feminist lens on caste, gender, and sacred resilience in yoga history. North Atlantic Books. Send us Fan MailSupport the showIf you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected] in touch at:Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.comInstagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapyFacebook:  Jackie Vandertuin TherapyTo support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice