Let's Talk Yoga

What exactly is a sankalpa, and how is it different from an affirmation, intention, or goal? Medha Bhaskar joins me to explore the deeper meaning of sankalpa, how to discover one that truly resonates, and how it can become a guiding direction for our lives.Episode Highlights:Sankalpa’s meaning and place in yogaSankalpa versus affirmations and intentionsSankalpa versus manifestation and goalsUnderstanding SMART goalsDiscovering a deeper sankalpaHaving one or multiple sankalpasSharing a sankalpa publiclySankalpa as a personal mantraCultivating the feeling of sankalpaDifferent types of sankalpasPersonal versus universal sankalpasChoosing the right sankalpa focusMoving beyond selfish sankalpasMeasuring sankalpa progressWorking through disappointmentUsing sankalpa with difficult intentionsFinding and taking a sankalpaUsing self-inquiry to discover sankalpaWriting, repeating, and wording sankalpaChoosing the right sankalpa languageUsing positive sankalpa statementsSankalpa as a healing practiceSpiritual versus personal sankalpasRecognizing fear-driven sankalpasDo’s and don’ts of sankalpaAvoiding control and obsessionUsing universally applicable sankalpasAllowing sankalpa to evolveUsing a single-word sankalpaRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

What are the bandhas, and why do they play such an important role in Hatha Yoga? Sandra Anderson joins me to explore the physical, energetic, and meditative purpose of Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, and Maha Bandha, along with practical guidance for yoga teachers.Episode Highlights:Meaning and purpose of bandhasBandhas in asana, pranayama, and meditationUnderstanding Mula BandhaMale and female differences in Mula BandhaContraindications for Mula BandhaUnderstanding Uddiyana BandhaAvoiding excessive muscular effortPreparing the body for bandhasTeaching bandhas without labelsSigns of effective bandha practiceUnderstanding Jalandhara BandhaJalandhara Bandha in pranayamaUnderstanding Maha BandhaYoga practice without bandhasPresenting energetic practices responsiblyTeaching advice for yoga teachersSandra's courses and resourcesRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

Why does Sanskrit place so much importance on sound and pronunciation? I’m joined by Dr. Varun Khanna to explore the stories, philosophy, and history behind Sanskrit, and discuss what modern yoga teachers really need to know about the language.Episode Highlights:Meaning of the word guruSound and vibration in SanskritOrigins of Devanagari scriptSanskrit's role in Indian philosophySound, vibration, and the subtle bodyPronunciation and mantra accuracySanskrit in modern yoga teachingSanskrit as a tool for learning yogaOm as the ultimate vibrationSanskrit beyond power and hierarchyPractical takeaways for yoga teachersRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

Strength is becoming an essential part of modern yoga, but what does it really mean to be strong in asana? I sit down with functional strength coach Chhavi Sahal to explore trunk stability, core engagement, flexibility versus strength, and practical ways yoga teachers can build stronger, more resilient practitioners.Episode Highlights:Strength gaps in asanaTrunk stability and load-bearingStrength versus flexibilitySthira Sukham AsanamPush and pull strengthStrength beyond yogaBuilding trunk and core strengthStanding versus supine core engagementPosterior chain strengthBalanced hip stabilityBenefits of strength trainingStrength and yogic practiceRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

Most yoga teachers have heard of at least one or two of the Shat Kriyas — maybe you've practiced jala neti, maybe you've taught kapalabhati. But the full picture of what these six techniques actually are, where they come from, and why the Hatha Yoga Pradipika places them before pranayama is a conversation the modern yoga world rarely has with any rigor. In this episode, Aru goes deep into the Shatkarma — the six cleansing practices of Hatha Yoga — drawing directly from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita to unpack what these techniques were actually built to do, and why "yogic detox" is one of the least accurate ways to describe them.This is not a beginner overview. This is the episode for teachers, trainees, and serious practitioners who want to understand the architecture of Hatha Yoga — why the body had to be cleared before the breath could be regulated, what the texts say about each technique specifically, and where modern science has quietly caught up to practices that are at least six hundred years old on paper, and likely much older.Episode Highlights:What Shat Karma actually means — Sanskrit breakdown of the term and each of the six kriyasThe historical context: Swatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th c.) vs. Gheranda Samhita (17th c.) and how they differ in their treatment of ShatkarmaWhy Swatmarama places the six kriyas before pranayama — and what that sequencing tells you about the entire logic of Hatha YogaThe difference between "cleansing for wellness" and "removing a specific obstruction so practice can go deeper"A full breakdown of all six — Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati — with Sanskrit etymology, traditional technique, and purposeWhat modern research actually says (and where it goes quiet)Why Trataka is the only kriya that isn't physically invasive — and why that makes it the most misunderstood of the sixBasti: why it's the most prerequisite-dependent kriya, and why almost no one can do it traditionallyThe two texts don't list the six in the same order — and why that sequencing difference matters more than it looksRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

I sit down with Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath to explore Ayurvedic parenting, child development, and holistic well-being. We discuss prakriti in children, digestion, hydration, breath, mindfulness, emotional health, modern parenting challenges, and practical ways to raise resilient, balanced, and healthy children through the lens of Ayurveda.Episode Highlights:Inspiration behind the bookAyurvedic pediatrics explainedUnderstanding the whole childPrakriti and child developmentOptimizing health from conceptionHealing versus fixingDigestion and nutritionWater and hydrationBreath and self-regulationMindfulness and awarenessEgo and child developmentSattva, rajas, and tamasPerception and mental healthParenting in the digital ageModern parenting approachesBuilding trust with childrenSupporting individualityCommon childhood health concernsSelf-care for parentsConscious parenting practicesRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

I sit down with Becky Aten to explore neurodiversity, ADHD, and how yoga teachers can create more inclusive and supportive spaces. We discuss the origins of neurodiversity, common misconceptions about ADHD, late-life diagnosis, inclusive teaching practices, and practical ways to better support neurodivergent students in yoga classes.Episode Highlights:Origins of neurodiversityNeurodiversity vs. neurodivergenceNeurodivergent conditions and traitsInnate and acquired neurodivergenceLate-life diagnosis experiencesUnderstanding ADHD beyond stereotypesADHD in adultsGender differences in ADHDHyperfocus and executive functionYoga and neurodiversityBenefits of yoga practiceRecognizing student challengesNeurodivergence and hypermobilityInclusive yoga languageAvoiding shame in teachingCreating neuro-inclusive classesClear expectations and accessibilityResources for further learningRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

With only a few days left before my Pranayama Teacher Training begins, I'm sharing a reading from Chapter 1 of the new training manual. Learn the foundations of pranayama, the difference between prana and pranayama, and why breath literacy matters for every yoga student and teacher.Episode Highlights:Pranayama training overviewProblems in modern pranayama educationPrana versus pranayamaThree pillars of pranayamaMeaning of pranayamaUnderstanding pranaClassical and modern pranayama goalsTeacher responsibility and lineageAsana and pranayama relationshipTraining enrollment detailsRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

Most yoga teachers are taught that chest opening is the key to better pranayama, but what if that’s actually the last thing to focus on?In this solo episode, I share the five areas of asana practice that matter most when preparing the body for pranayama. We explore lung anatomy, spinal mobility, nervous system regulation, hip flexor tension, diaphragm function, and why true breath expansion comes from working with the whole body, not just the chest. If you want your pranayama practice to feel more effortless and effective, this episode offers a practical framework you can start applying right away.Episode Highlights:Common pranayama preparation mythsBody as the container of pranaSide and back body breathingLung anatomy and breath capacitySpinal mobility for pranayamaFalse expansion through chest openingNervous system regulation through breathFront body dominance and stressHip flexors and diaphragm functionLower abdomen freedom for breathingChest opening as a resultIntelligent asana preparation frameworkBreath literacy in practiceActionable pranayama preparation stepsRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

What is Vishoka Meditation, and how can it help us move beyond sorrow? I sit down with Ishan Tigunait of the Himalayan Institute to discuss consciousness, breath, meditation, and the deeper purpose of yoga practice.Episode Highlights:Himalayan tradition and lineageUnderstanding consciousnessTechnique versus experienceFoundations of Vishoka MeditationMoving beyond sorrow and sufferingObstacles on the spiritual pathBody, breath, and prana awarenessSignificance of the navel centerCharacteristics of healthy breathingBreath qualities and meditationRole of the teacherQualities of a sincere studentIndividual versus group meditationMeditation and community serviceLiving as a fuller expression of selfDaily meditation as self-discoveryLearning Vishoka MeditationRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

I’m joined by Andrew McGonigle for a deep dive into Ujjayi Pranayama, the breath technique often called “ocean breath.” We explore the anatomy, nervous system effects, breath retention, and why Ujjayi is far more nuanced than most modern yoga classes make it seem.Episode Highlights:Ujjayi breath foundationsUjjayi body mechanicsInhalation versus exhalation useUjjayi in vinyasa yogaBreath literacy beyond techniqueBreath as tool, not goalNatural breath versus UjjayiUjjayi and nervous system regulationTrauma-sensitive breath practicesUjjayi during pregnancyBreath retention and kumbhakaInternal awareness through pranayamaTeaching Ujjayi progressivelyHeating versus cooling effectsClassical versus modern UjjayiPersonal choice and breath agencyRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

I’m sharing the deeply personal story behind why I revamped my Pranayama Teacher Training and how grief transformed my relationship with breath, pranayama, and teaching yoga. I also dive into breath literacy, why breath is more than just a technique, why Ujjayi is often overused, and the foundational breathing principles I believe every yoga student and teacher should understand.Episode Highlights:Revamped Pranayama training launchPersonal pranayama backstoryGrief and relationship with breathTurning pain into purposeBreath literacy philosophyBreath beyond techniqueBeyond inhale and exhaleUjjayi breath reconsideredBreath and nervous system connectionSteady breath and steady mindNasal breathing in yogaNostrils and brain connectionPranayama training detailsItaly retreat updatesRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

What’s the real difference between a yoga teacher and a content creator? In this episode, I break down the subtle (but important) signs that can help you tell them apart, so you can choose how and who you learn from more intentionally. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by courses, content, or conflicting advice online, this one will help you cut through the noise.Episode Highlights:Distinguishing teachers vs content creatorsRecognizing modern yoga landscape shiftsUnderstanding intention vs impactSpotting marketing-driven yoga approachesIdentifying email list obsession patternsRecognizing freebie-heavy funnelsNoticing inflated metrics vs real impactUnderstanding numbers vs student transformationIdentifying “old yoga failed” narrativesSpotting packaged personal opinionsRecognizing transactional teaching modelsUnderstanding lack of long-term mentorshipIdentifying short-term course interactionsSpotting constant free content loopsRecognizing overconsumption in yoga learningIdentifying sales funnels vs real practiceNoticing aesthetic-driven curationRecognizing curated vs embodied teachingSpotting trend chasing without depthNoticing high presence, low-impact profilesUnderstanding digital reach vs real-world impactDefining qualities of a yoga educatorUnderstanding teacher-student relationshipsRecognizing long-term guidance and accountabilityUnderstanding contextualized traditional teachingsIdentifying student integration over timeRecognizing course consumption patternsAuditing followed yoga accountsEvaluating course quantity vs depthCommitting to one teacher long-termAssessing teacher retention of studentsPracticing consistency with one methodRestorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

A lot of people nowadays only have surface-level knowledge about karma. It’s often misunderstood and oversimplified in various contexts. For instance, you might be under the impression that karma is the consequence of our own “actions”. You reap what you sow, whether it be good or bad. Surprisingly, it’s actually more than just our actions but even our thoughts and words that are considered karma. It has a really profound philosophy. Well, in today’s conversation, we’re going to discover this and all things karma with Medha Narwani.Law of Karma Episode Highlights:The law of karmaHow does karma become a part of yoga?Why does one act contrary to the laws of karma despite knowing itWhat qualifies as negative and positive karma and how to mitigate them through lifeThe aspect of the intention behind one’s actionsThe new age concept of the “Law of attraction” in connection to karmaHow does one turn karma into karma yogaHow does a teacher or a guru help with the navigation of karmaYou can find the resources mentioned at https://letstalk.yoga/episode/understanding-the-law-of-karma/Restorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

Prana is something every yoga teacher knows. But many know it only as surface knowledge. In this episode, Arundhati interviews Indu Arora, a long-time yoga teacher, and author about Prana. They decode prana for today's yoga teacher & student. If you're keen to learn about prana clearly and from an authentic source. This is the conversation to tune into.Prana Decoded Episode Highlights...What is prana?When did prana first appear in the scriptures or in yoga?How does one connect with their prana?How does breath play into prana?The different types of prana and their significanceRecommended practices for healthy functioning of prana and apanaMisinterpretations about pranaIndu Arora is a long-time yoga teacher, author, and mentor to yoga teachers. To read her full bio, head to https://letstalk.yoga/You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/episode/prana-decoded-with-indu-arora/Restorative Yoga Teacher Training OnlinePrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeFollow Let's Talk Yoga on InstagramConnect with Aru on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!