Yoga Beyond the Mat: Energy, Mantra, and Eternal Soul | Food for Thought #33

In this episode of Food for Thought by Greenfork, host Stephen Zabala interviews Kristen Nelson, owner of Yoga Mandali in Saratoga Springs, about her journey from college yoga classes to owning a heart-centered studio rooted in bhakti yoga—the path of love and devotion. They explore the full spectrum of yoga beyond physical postures, including breathwork, meditation, mantra, restorative practices, kirtan, gong baths, retreats, and teacher trainings that help release stored emotions, regulate the nervous system, and foster community.You can find Kristen at Yoga Mandali by visiting yogamandali.com, following them on Instagram/Facebook (@yogamandali), or booking classes via the Mindbody app.0:00 Welcome to Yoga Mandali and introductions2:54 Kristen’s first exposure to yoga in college5:29 The many limbs of yoga beyond asana8:28 Bhakti yoga: the path of love, devotion, and heart-opening11:13 Kundalini energy, group class power, and stored trauma release14:07 Restorative, yin, reiki, gong baths, and studio vibe16:44 Kirtan, mantra chanting, and freeing the mind19:26 Vulnerability in voice work and throat chakra22:11 Lineage of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Hare Krishna roots25:11 Bhagavad Gita stories, upcoming Edwin Bryant workshop27:56 Chakra series, bone health yoga, restorative trainings30:41 Retreats to Bloom and India pilgrimage33:24 200-hour teacher training and the studio’s 20+ year history36:35 Donation-based community classes and charity support39:00 Teaching cues, reading the room, and body inclusivity41:58 Letting go of poses, eternal soul teachings44:39 Mind as friend or enemy, personal transformation stories47:27 Last meal question, closing, and how to connect