Deepen Your Yoga Practice

You completed your 200-hour yoga teacher training. Maybe you've been teaching for years—or perhaps your certification has been sitting quietly while you wondered what comes next. So…is a 300-hour yoga teacher training right for you? In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc takes you inside True Love Yoga's 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training and explores what advanced study actually looks like. Unlike a foundational 200-hour training, a 300-hour isn't simply about accumulating more information. It's about refinement: developing discernment, finding your authentic teaching voice, understanding the why behind what you teach, and becoming a more confident, responsive, knowledgeable, and compassionate teacher. Lauren shares what students actually study, how the year-long program works, what makes True Love Yoga's approach unique, and answers some of the most common questions prospective students ask. Whether you're actively considering advanced training or simply curious about what comes after 200 hours, this episode offers a clear look at the next layer of yoga education. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How a 300-hour training differs from a 200-hour training Who advanced yoga teacher training is—and isn't—for Why advanced study is about refinement rather than collecting certifications How to develop your own authentic teaching voice What advanced asana study really means How philosophy can become a through line in your teaching Why business, leadership, and professional development matter for yoga teachers How mentoring supports your evolution as a teacher How True Love Yoga's flexible year-long training works Whether you need to currently teach to enroll How much weekly time to expect Why you don't need to feel "advanced" before beginning IN THIS EPISODE Beyond the 200-Hour A 200-hour training provides a foundation for teaching yoga safely and effectively. A 300-hour training asks a different set of questions. Who are you as a teacher? Why do you teach what you teach? How do you respond when a student or situation doesn't fit the script? What do you uniquely have to offer? Advanced training moves beyond simply following the map and develops the discernment to navigate when there isn't one. Refining Your Teaching Students explore advanced cueing, voice, presence, reading the room, energetic awareness, adaptive teaching, trauma awareness, and responsive teaching. The goal isn't to create teachers who sound like Lauren. It's to help each student uncover and trust their own voice. Advanced Asana + Additional Modalities Advanced doesn't always mean physically difficult. Students explore intelligent progressions, arm balances, inversions, backbends, modifications, chair adaptations, hands-on assists, therapeutic applications, advanced vinyasa sequencing, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, myofascial release, and Yoga Nidra. Philosophy as a Through Line The Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, chakras, subtle anatomy, ethics, and other philosophical teachings aren't treated as separate academic subjects. They're integrated into sequencing, anatomy, asana, workshops, retreats, teaching decisions, and leadership. The Business of Yoga Advanced teachers also need practical tools to build sustainable careers. Students explore branding, marketing, pricing, private sessions, workshops, retreats, legal considerations, financial literacy, podcasting, public speaking, community building, and sustainable professional development. Throughout it all, students clarify their unique value, whom they want to serve, and how to communicate their work authentically. Leadership One of the biggest shifts...

Many yoga teachers finish their 200-hour training wondering, "What's next?" In this heartfelt conversation, Lauren sits down with Annalyssa Broderson, a 200-hour graduate of True Love Yoga's 2020 training and current student in the studio's inaugural 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training. Together they discuss how yoga evolves over a lifetime, what happens after teacher training, and why continuing to study often brings more questions than answers. Annalyssa shares her journey from runner to therapist to yoga teacher, how yoga has supported her work with eating disorder recovery and mental health, and how returning to advanced study has helped her integrate movement, philosophy, mindfulness, and professional purpose. Whether you're a yoga teacher, considering teacher training, or simply someone who loves learning, this episode is a reminder that yoga isn't something we master—it's a relationship that continues to unfold. In this episode you'll learn: • How Annalyssa fell in love with yoga • What yoga teacher training was like during 2020 • The biggest differences between a 200-hour and 300-hour training • Why advanced yoga isn't about advanced poses • The role curiosity plays in lifelong practice • How yoga supports therapists, helpers, and caregivers • What students can expect from Annalyssa's Friday Hatha Flow classes • Why community makes continued education so powerful Interested in our 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training? Enrollment opens September 1, 2026 for our January 2027 cohort. ✨ Download our free guide: "Is a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Right for You?" Learn more, join the interest list, and download the guide: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training/ Early enrollment pricing includes $1,000 off tuition through November 11. Learn more: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training/ Connect with Annalyssa: Instagram: @wildemberkc

What does it mean to truly know yoga? When Lauren began her first 200-hour yoga teacher training, she imagined she might finish with a firm grasp on the practice. Instead, the opposite happened: yoga became bigger, the questions became deeper, and the path of learning expanded. In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren explores the beginner’s mind and the paradox of mastery. The more we learn about yoga, the more we begin to recognize how much remains unknown. She discusses why certificates do not automatically equal wisdom, why advanced yoga is about much more than advanced postures, and how lifelong study can cultivate humility, curiosity, discernment, and openness. This episode is an invitation to release the pressure to arrive and embrace yoga as an unfolding relationship—one that continues to reveal new layers through movement, anatomy, philosophy, meditation, teaching, service, and life itself. Mentioned in This Episode True Love Yoga 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Enrollment for the next True Love Yoga 300-hour teacher training opens September 1. This program is designed for 200-hour graduates who want more than another certificate. It offers a place to ask deeper questions, refine teaching skills, expand knowledge, and continue growing within a thoughtful community of dedicated teachers and practitioners. The training is open to graduates of any 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Learn more: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training/

Why do yogis practice arm balances and inversions? Are these postures ancient traditions, modern inventions, or simply social media-worthy poses? In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the fascinating history and deeper purpose of arm balances and inversions in modern yoga. While many of these postures became popular through the influence of gymnastics and physical culture in the 20th century, their value extends far beyond the physical challenge. Lauren discusses how balancing on our hands teaches resilience, patience, body awareness, and self-study. Rather than focusing on mastering impressive shapes, these postures invite us to develop a growth mindset, cultivate courage, and discover the joy of play. Whether you've been practicing inversions for years or your feet have never left the floor, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why the process matters far more than the pose itself. Mentioned in This Episode Abhyāsa Posture Clinic: Balances, Arm Balances & Inversions Sunday, August 16 12:30–2:30 PM True Love Yoga We'll spend two hours exploring balancing postures, arm balances, and inversions through intelligent progressions that help you build strength, confidence, body awareness, and stability—regardless of your experience level. ✨ $30 ✨ TLY Members save $5 with code WORKSHOP ✨ Free for current Yoga Teacher Trainees Learn more: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/

What if letting go isn't about caring less—but about seeing more clearly? In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores vairāgya, one of yoga's most profound teachings. Often translated as non-attachment, vairāgya is frequently misunderstood as detachment or indifference. In reality, it offers a compassionate path toward freedom, acceptance, and inner spaciousness. Drawing from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Lauren explains how abhyāsa (steady practice) and vairāgya (letting go) work together to create balance in both yoga and everyday life. Through stories, philosophy, and practical tools—including yin yoga, myofascial release, calming breathwork, and nervous system regulation—this episode offers a timely invitation to soften your grip, especially during the busy, overstimulating days of late summer. Whether you're carrying physical tension, emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, or simply feeling mentally cluttered, this conversation will help you create space for clarity, peace, and renewal. In this episode you'll learn: What vairāgya really means in yogic philosophy Why non-attachment is different from not caring How practice (abhyāsa) and surrender (vairāgya) work together Why acceptance is more powerful than control The connection between letting go, the nervous system, and fascia Practical yoga practices to cultivate release and restoration Reflection questions to help you identify what you're ready to release Mentioned in this Episode Vairāgya: Cool, Clear & Restore Workshop True Love Yoga Sunday, August 9 12:30–2:00 PM An afternoon of: Myofascial Release Yin Yoga Cooling Breathwork Guided Reflection Yoga Nidra True Love Yoga members receive $5 off with code WORKSHOP. Learn more: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com

Why is it so difficult to rest—even when we're exhausted? In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren explores one of the greatest challenges of modern life: learning how to truly rest. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our productivity. We fill every quiet moment, struggle to slow down, and often wait until burnout forces us to stop. Yoga offers another way. Drawing from yoga philosophy, nervous system science, and the wisdom of the three gunas, Lauren explores why rest can feel so uncomfortable, how chronic hypervigilance keeps us trapped in "doing," and why true rest is a practice—not something we have to earn. This episode is an invitation to reconnect with your inherent worth, cultivate greater balance, and discover the profound practice of simply being. What You'll Learn Why resting feels so difficult for many people How productivity culture shapes our sense of worth The relationship between hypervigilance and burnout What yoga teaches about inherent worthiness The role of the three gunas in rest and balance Why rest is a practice rather than a reward Practical ways to begin cultivating intentional rest Reflection questions for slowing down with compassion In This Episode Productivity culture and self-worth Sat-Chit-Ananda Nervous system regulation Hypervigilance and chronic stress Burnout and recovery The gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas Abhyasa (consistent practice) Restorative yoga Meditation Intentional rest Spiritual practice of being Reflection Questions What stories do I tell myself about productivity? Do I believe I have to earn rest? What happens when I stop doing? Who am I when I'm not accomplishing? What would one small act of intentional rest look like today? Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need permission to slow down. If you'd like to deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy, nervous system regulation, meditation, and embodied practice, learn more about our classes and teacher trainings at True Love Yoga. https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Listen to more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

Why do some days feel calm and clear while others feel anxious, restless, or completely unmotivated? According to yoga philosophy, these shifting experiences aren't random—they're expressions of the three gunas, the fundamental qualities of nature described in the ancient Samkhya tradition. In this episode, Lauren explores one of yoga's most practical philosophical frameworks and explains how the gunas can help us better understand our energy, emotions, motivation, and patterns without judgment. Rather than seeing ourselves as "lazy," "anxious," or "unproductive," the gunas invite us to view our inner experience as changing weather patterns that can be observed with awareness and responded to skillfully. You'll learn how cultivating awareness—not perfection—can transform the way you relate to yourself. What You'll Learn What the three gunas are The origins of the gunas in Samkhya philosophy The relationship between Purusha and Prakriti How sattva, rajas, and tamas influence everyday life Why none of the gunas are "good" or "bad" Practical ways to balance excess rajas and tamas Why awareness matters more than optimization How yoga helps us witness changing internal states with compassion In This Episode The history of the gunas Samkhya philosophy Purusha vs. Prakriti Sattva: clarity, harmony & wisdom Rajas: energy, ambition & restlessness Tamas: stability, recovery & inertia Burnout through the lens of yoga Nervous system regulation Self-compassion instead of self-judgment Applying the gunas in everyday life Reflection Questions Which guna feels strongest in me today? Am I experiencing clarity, restlessness, or heaviness? What does my nervous system actually need right now? Can I observe my experience without identifying with it? What small practice would move me toward greater balance? Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love to hear from you! Leave a review, share this episode with a friend, or send me a message about which yoga philosophy topics you'd like to explore next. If you're ready to dive even deeper into yoga philosophy, anatomy, meditation, and teaching, learn more about our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs at True Love Yoga. https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Listen to more episodes: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

In this very special 100th episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc reflects on the heart of yoga after years of conversations exploring philosophy, anatomy, nervous system science, meditation, ethics, spirituality, teacher training, and more. To celebrate this milestone, Lauren asked True Love Yoga teachers and 300-hour trainees one simple question: “What is something you wish your students knew?” The answers were deeply aligned and beautifully human. In this episode, Lauren explores themes of belonging, self-acceptance, autonomy, breath, nervous system awareness, compassion, and the reminder that yoga is not about becoming perfect — it’s about becoming more honest, aware, and connected while fully inside your humanity. This episode is a love letter to students, teachers, community, and the evolving practice of yoga itself. In This Episode: Why you already belong in yoga spaces The importance of autonomy and modifying practices Self-acceptance as the practice itself Learning to listen to your body Why breath matters more than you think Yoga beyond perfectionism and productivity culture Consistency over intensity Compassion, awareness, and being beautifully human Mentioned in This Episode: Ahimsa (non-harm) Aparigraha (non-grasping/non-attachment) Ujjayi breath The Eight Limbs of Yoga True Love Yoga Teacher Trainings Practice Reflection Questions: What would it feel like to believe I already belong? Where can I practice more compassion toward myself? What is my body communicating to me lately? Am I approaching yoga as performance or relationship? What happens when I allow myself to be imperfectly human? Learn more about Lauren, classes, trainings, and retreats at:https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Listen to more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice:https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Auburn Ellis—an E-RYT 500, educator, and founder of Soul Yoga Fest KC—to explore the roots and power of Kemetic Yoga, breathwork, and inclusive practice. Together, they unpack how yoga evolves across a lifetime, how cultural lineage shapes practice, and how breath becomes a source of true internal power—on and off the mat. Dr. Auburn shares her journey from Chicago Public Schools teacher to yoga educator, her deep connection to Kemetic Yoga (rooted in ancient Egyptian traditions), and how her work bridges movement, history, art, and community care. This conversation is both grounding and expansive—inviting us to deepen our practice through awareness, curiosity, and connection. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: What Kemetic Yoga is and where it comes from The role of geometry, breath, and alignment in this lineage How yoga evolves through different phases of life The meaning of internal power beyond physical strength Yoga as a global, evolving tradition Creating inclusive and accessible yoga spaces How to integrate yoga into everyday life (especially busy seasons) Upcoming Workshop with Dr. Auburn Ellis Breath & Internal Power: A Kemetic Yoga Workshop July 18 | 2:00–3:30 PM True Love Yoga (In-Person + Virtual) 1.5 CE Hours (Yoga Alliance Eligible) In this 90-minute experience, you’ll explore: Kemetic yoga postures + flow Breathwork (rule of four breathing) Journaling + reflection The connection between art, science, and the body ✨ Beginner-friendly | All levels welcome Sign up: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Connect with Dr. Auburn Ellis Instagram: @dr_auburn Soul Yoga Fest KC – August 9 Teaching at True Love Yoga + YTT Continue Your Practice This episode invites you to ask: What does internal power mean in this phase of my life? How can I integrate breath into my everyday moments? Where can I expand my understanding of yoga’s roots? Listen + explore more: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

Why does yoga work? Not in the sense of magical claims or wellness hype—but genuinely, why do so many people feel better when they practice consistently? In this episode, Lauren explores the deeper mechanisms behind yoga’s transformative power through the lenses of nervous system regulation, breath, embodiment, ritual, movement variability, interoception, community, and spirituality. This conversation bridges modern physiology with ancient yogic wisdom and asks a larger question: What is it about yoga that continues to resonate so deeply across thousands of years and countless evolving forms? Lauren reflects on how yoga transformed her own life—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually—and unpacks why the practice continues to help so many people reconnect with themselves. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Yoga and nervous system regulation Breath as a bridge between body and mind Interoception and self-awareness Movement variability and embodiment Ritual, repetition, and meaning Community and co-regulation Spirituality, awe, and transcendence Why yoga is more than flexibility The modern relevance of yoga practice Why yoga creates lasting transformation for so many people Key Themes Nervous system regulation Breathwork and pranayama Embodiment and mindfulness Ritual and sacred practice Yoga philosophy and modern science Community healing Spiritual connection and awe Movement and emotional resilience ‍♀️ Mentioned in This Episode Lauren discusses: Yoga as a tool for regulation rather than perfection Interoception and emotional resilience The importance of ritual and predictability Co-regulation in yoga communities Why yoga is not “magic,” but still deeply powerful How awe and spirituality shape human experience Reflection Questions How does yoga work for you personally? What shifts when you slow down enough to listen inwardly? What parts of yoga help you feel most connected? Where in your life do you most need regulation, ritual, or community right now? Continue Your Practice Explore more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice: Deepen Your Yoga Practice Podcast Learn more about classes, workshops, retreats, and trainings at: True Love Yoga

What makes a yoga class truly transformational? Why do some classes stay with us for years—even when we can’t remember the exact sequence? In this episode, Lauren explores the deeper elements that create meaningful, lasting experiences in yoga spaces. Beyond advanced postures or perfectly designed sequences, transformational classes are often built through nervous system safety, authentic teacher presence, intentional pacing, ritual, music, philosophy, and community. Lauren unpacks the psychology and energetics behind impactful classes and reflects on how yoga teachers can create spaces where students feel safe enough to soften, connect, and grow. This episode is especially valuable for yoga teachers, yoga teacher trainees, and anyone curious about why yoga can feel profoundly healing and connective. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Why transformation is not the same as intensity Nervous system safety in yoga classes Co-regulation and teacher presence Predictability, pacing, and sequencing Music, silence, and emotional resonance Ritual and repetition in yoga practice The role of philosophy and storytelling Community and collective experience Why authenticity matters more than perfection The mysterious “something” that makes certain classes unforgettable Key Themes Trauma-aware teaching Nervous system regulation Sequencing as storytelling Emotional resonance in movement Ritual and rhythm Authenticity over performance Yoga philosophy in modern teaching Building inclusive yoga spaces ‍♀️ Mentioned in This Episode Lauren discusses: The importance of nervous system regulation for teachers Why options and modifications create safety Her set-sequence class Abhyasa and practicing without music The difference between performance and presence in teaching How yoga teachers can create transformational spaces without trying to “perform” transformation ✨ Interested in Teaching Yoga? If this conversation resonates, True Love Yoga offers: 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training For aspiring teachers and dedicated students wanting to deepen their understanding of yoga, sequencing, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology. 300-Hour Advanced Teacher Training For certified yoga teachers ready to refine their voice, deepen their knowledge, and create more impactful and transformational class experiences. Learn more: True Love Yoga Teacher Training Continue Your Practice Reflection questions from this episode: What yoga classes have stayed with you and why? When do you feel safest and most authentic in practice? How do rhythm, ritual, and community shape your experience? What does transformation actually feel like in your body? Listen to more episodes: Deepen Your Yoga Practice Podcast

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores some of the most common physiological claims made in yoga spaces and asks: Are they actually true? From detox claims to inversions, immunity, lymphatic flow, and the pineal gland, this episode takes a thoughtful, evidence-based look at what yoga does and does not do for the body. Inspired by The Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle and Matthew Huy, Lauren unpacks several common yoga myths with curiosity, nuance, and respect for both yogic tradition and modern science. In this episode, she explores: Whether inversions really send more blood to the brain If inversions or shoulder stand stimulate the pineal gland or thyroid Whether Kapalabhati or breath of fire detoxifies the body If sweating in hot yoga removes toxins Whether yoga improves lymphatic drainage If yoga “boosts” the immune system Why truthfulness and precision matter when we teach and practice yoga Lauren also emphasizes that dispelling these myths does not make yoga less powerful. Instead, it helps us practice and teach with more honesty, precision, and trustworthiness. Yoga still offers profound benefits — including nervous system regulation, improved circulation, greater awareness, and support for overall wellbeing — but we do not need to exaggerate those benefits in order to appreciate them. Mentioned in this episode: The Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle and Matthew Huy Key takeaway: Understanding the body more clearly does not take away the magic of yoga. It makes the practice more intelligent, skillful, and grounded in truth. trueloveyogakc.com

Shownotes In this episode, Lauren sits down with True Love Yoga Teacher Training graduate Kayla Hower to explore her journey into yoga, her experience in teacher training, and her upcoming workshop centered around creativity and self-connection. Kayla shares how yoga evolved from an occasional workout into a grounding, life-supporting practice—especially through motherhood and her work in community-based social services. Together, Lauren and Kayla discuss imposter syndrome, personal growth, and how yoga becomes something we live, not just something we do. They also dive into Kayla’s upcoming workshop, A Creative Practice, which blends gentle yoga, meditation, and accessible creative expression through neurographic drawing. This episode is an invitation to: Try something new Let go of perfection Reconnect with creativity and play ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: How yoga becomes a lifelong support system Navigating imposter syndrome in teacher training The shift from “doing yoga” to living yoga Yoga as a tool for presence in helping professions Creativity as play, self-care, and nervous system support Why trying something new deepens your practice Upcoming Workshop with Kayla A Creative Practice June 20 | 12:00–1:30 PM True Love Yoga A cozy, accessible workshop blending: Grounding Hatha + Yin yoga Meditation for creativity and self-connection Neurographic drawing (no experience needed) Use code WORKSHOP for $5 off (members) Learn more + sign up: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/ Connect with Kayla Follow Kayla on Instagram: instagram.com/mindbodycreative.kayla Continue Your Practice If you’re feeling inspired by Kayla’s journey, this is exactly the kind of growth and exploration we cultivate inside our Yoga Teacher Trainings at True Love Yoga. Learn more: https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training/ Listen to more episodes: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

What does it mean to return—not just to a place, but to yourself? In this episode, Lauren explores the practice of returning through the lens of yoga, ritual, and retreat. She shares her personal journey of leading retreats on the Greek island of Amorgos and why she continues to go back—not for novelty, but for depth, connection, and remembrance. This conversation weaves together: The yogic concept of abhyasa (steady practice) The nervous system benefits of familiar, intentional spaces The difference between vacations and retreats And how returning can become a powerful spiritual practice Lauren also shares details about her upcoming 2027 retreat and extends an invitation for listeners to experience this practice of returning for themselves. ✨ In This Episode, We Explore: Why returning is a core yogic practice How familiar spaces deepen nervous system safety Retreat vs. vacation: awareness vs. consumption The sensory and spiritual experience of Amorgos, Greece Community as a catalyst for transformation Listening to the “pull” (and working with resistance) How retreat experiences ripple into everyday life Retreat Invitation: Amorgos, Greece Amorgos Aegialis Hotel & Spa July 31 – August 7, 2027 Join Lauren for a 7-night retreat experience designed to help you reconnect, reset, and return to what matters. What’s included: Daily yoga + meditation Incredible meals (including a daily brunch buffet ✨) Spa access + complimentary massage Time to explore, rest, and connect Transfers from the port ✨ Early Bird: $400 off for a limited time Details + registration https://www.laurenleduc.com/retreat-2 Continue Your Practice If this episode resonates, consider: What are you being called to return to? Where does your nervous system soften? What feels like home in your practice? Listen to more episodes: https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc closes out the chakra series with an exploration of the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)—the center of awareness, unity, and connection to universal consciousness. Unlike the lower chakras, which focus on building safety, identity, expression, and agency, the crown chakra invites us to soften our grip on all of it. It is not about becoming something new, but about remembering what has always been true. Located at the top of the head, Sahasrara is associated with: Unity and non-separation Awareness and witnessing Consciousness and transcendence Connection to something larger than the individual self Lauren explores how the crown chakra connects to key yogic philosophical concepts, including: Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) The relationship between Atman (self) and Brahman (universal consciousness) Moksha (liberation) as realization rather than attainment Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, including non-attachment (vairagya), devotion (bhakti), and equal seeing (samadarshana) The episode also explores what balance and imbalance can look like in this chakra: Balanced: Sense of connection and unity Inner peace independent of circumstances Humility, curiosity, and presence Ability to witness thoughts without attachment Imbalanced: Disconnection, cynicism, or lack of meaning Spiritual bypassing or dissociation Avoidance of real-world responsibility Feeling “above” or disconnected from life Lauren emphasizes that true connection to the crown chakra is not about escaping life—but about engaging more fully with clarity, compassion, and awareness. Practices to Support the Crown Chakra: Meditation and witnessing awareness Breath awareness and gentle pranayama Self-inquiry and contemplation Mantra and sound (including Om) Time in stillness and nature Seva (selfless service) Journaling Prompts: Where do I feel most connected in my life right now? Where do I feel separate or disconnected? What am I holding onto that could soften? Who am I beyond my roles, titles, and identities? This episode is an invitation to remember that you are already whole, already connected, and already part of something much greater than the individual self. trueloveyogakc.com

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores one of yoga’s most foundational teachings: Ahimsa, or non-harming. While Ahimsa is often translated simply as “be kind” or “do no harm,” the reality is far more complex—especially in modern life. What does non-harming mean in a world where participation itself creates impact? How do we live ethically when harm is, at times, unavoidable? This episode offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of Ahimsa as an ongoing practice of awareness, discernment, and responsibility, rather than a rigid rule or moral ideal. Lauren explores: The meaning of Ahimsa in thought, word, and action Its historical roots in Jainism, Buddhism, and early yogic philosophy The tension between ascetic (renunciate) and householder paths Insights from the Bhagavad Gita on action, dharma, and ethical responsibility Why non-action can sometimes cause harm How Patanjali presents Ahimsa as a guiding principle, not an absolute The realities of practicing Ahimsa in modern systems (technology, consumption, work, etc.) The role of discernment (viveka) in ethical decision-making Why boundaries, repair, and accountability are part of non-harming The difference between Ahimsa and spiritual bypassing Lauren also emphasizes that Ahimsa is not about perfection, purity, or passivity. Instead, it is about cultivating awareness, making thoughtful choices, and taking responsibility when harm occurs. This episode invites listeners to move away from overwhelm or guilt and toward sustainable, grounded, and compassionate action. Journaling Prompts Where can I reduce harm in my life right now? Where do I feel overwhelmed, and what is one sustainable shift I can make? How can I practice discernment rather than perfection? Where might I need clearer boundaries? What does non-harming look like in my current season of life? trueloveyogakc.com

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc takes a deep dive into one of the most talked-about areas in yoga: the hips. Many yoga students describe their hips as “tight” or believe they need to “open” them more. But hip health is far more complex than simply stretching deeper. The hips are powerful load-bearing joints that influence posture, low back health, knee alignment, balance, walking, running, and stability. Rather than focusing only on flexibility, healthy hips require a balance of mobility, strength, and neuromuscular control. In this episode, Lauren explores: The anatomy of the hips, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and fascia How the ball-and-socket hip joint is designed for both stability and movement The major muscle groups that influence hip movement Why anatomical variation affects range of motion between individuals The difference between mobility and flexibility Why extreme hip stretching is not always beneficial Common hip patterns and issues seen in yoga students The role of strength training and stabilization in hip health How yoga can support functional hips through both strength and mobility Practical tips for improving hip health in a sustainable way Lauren also discusses the relationship between hip sensations and the nervous system, explaining why hip work can sometimes feel intense and why intensity does not always equal effectiveness. For yoga teachers, the episode includes important teaching considerations such as: Avoiding forced alignment Offering non-hierarchical options for students Watching for compensations in the knees and lower back Encouraging functional movement rather than chasing extreme shapes The goal of hip work in yoga is not extreme flexibility, but balanced, resilient movement that supports the body for life.

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in yoga philosophy: Does yoga teach that we are separate from the world, or that we are one with it? This conversation dives into two foundational philosophical frameworks that shape the way yoga has been understood for thousands of years: dualism and non-dualism. Lauren explores the historical roots of these ideas, how they show up in classical yogic texts, and why modern yoga often blends them together. She also discusses how these philosophies influence the way we relate to our thoughts, our identities, our relationships, and the world around us. In this episode, you’ll learn: What dualism and non-dualism actually mean The role of Samkhya philosophy in the Yoga Sutras The distinction between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (material reality) The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the teaching that Atman and Brahman are one How teachers like Swami Vivekananda shaped the way yoga philosophy was introduced to the West Why modern yoga often blends different philosophical traditions The strengths and limitations of both dualist and non-dualist approaches How these philosophies show up in meditation, relationships, activism, and asana practice Rather than asking practitioners to choose between separation and unity, this episode explores how both perspectives can serve our growth and help reduce suffering. Dualist practices can help us create space between ourselves and our thoughts, emotions, and identities. Non-dualist perspectives can cultivate compassion, connection, and a sense of shared humanity. Yoga philosophy invites us not to choose one rigid framework, but to continue asking deeper questions about the nature of reality and the self. Journaling Prompts Where do I cling most strongly to identity? Where do I need stronger boundaries? Where do I feel deeply interconnected? Which philosophy resonates more with my temperament: dualism or non-dualism? Can I hold both perspectives at once? Ultimately, yoga is not a single unified philosophy but a family of traditions responding to human suffering across time. The inquiry itself may be more important than the answer.