Sivana Podcast: Eastern Spirituality, Yoga Philosophy, And Conscious Living

Enhance your life by tuning into the natural rhythm of lunar ebbs and flows. Continuing our conversation with author Ezzie Spencer, PhD, we dive deeper into how we flourish by better understanding the cycles of the moon. Ezzie helps clarify if we need to work with same intention multiple times, or just one per lunar cycle. She also goes through the full 8-phase moon cycle as outlined in her book. Learn what you should (and shouldn’t) focus on in each of these 8 cycles. In a time in which we feel increasingly disconnected from nature, Ezzie’s Lunar Abundance practices offer a path to reconnection.   Dr Ezzie Spencer wants people to flourish. She is a published author, and creator of Lunar Abundance®. She is the host of an iTunes podcast, and the author of the book, LUNAR ABUNDANCE, CULTIVATING JOY, PEACE AND PURPOSE USING THE PHASES OF THE MOON. Ezzie started out as a lawyer and academic researcher. She holds a PhD in therapeutic jurisprudence and women's wellbeing. Together with tracking the moon cycle, this

Create peace, security and purpose in both your personal and professional life, guided by the phases of the moon. Ezzie Spencer PhD, author of “Lunar Abundance,” tell us how we can flourish by better understanding the lunar cycle. She speaks to us about scheduling: Does you current work and social calendar take into account the yang/yin patterns of the moon? We also discuss “intention setting.” What does setting an intention really mean? What rituals and actions surround this? What if your intention is to create LESS, instead of MORE of something? How do yoga and meditation play out within a lunar practice? Listen to find out!   Dr Ezzie Spencer wants people to flourish. She is a published author, and creator of Lunar Abundance®. She is the host of an iTunes podcast, and the author of the book, LUNAR ABUNDANCE, CULTIVATING JOY, PEACE AND PURPOSE USING THE PHASES OF THE MOON. Ezzie started out as a lawyer and academic researcher. She holds a PhD in therapeutic jurisprudence and women's wellbeing. Together wit

Continuing our conversation with author and Poet Laureate, Albert Flynn DeSilver, discover why poetry is the foundation all great writing (and why it couples so well with yoga and meditation). Albert opens up and tells us about his “failed” TedX talk, and why we should allow ourselves to write, even if we think it is “crap.” He shares several breakthrough tips about the editing process, as well as some of his own favorite journaling prompts. You won’t think about poetry, reading or writing the same way after this special interview. Albert Flynn DeSilver is an American poet, memoirist, novelist, speaker, and meditation teacher at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. Albert teaches nationally at the Omega Institute, Shambhala Mountain Center, the Esalen Institute and at writing conferences nationally. Albert is also an internationally published poet and served as Marin County California’s very first Poet Laureate from 2008-2010. Albert has read and shared the stage with U.S Poet Laureate K

Today, author and Poet Laureate, Albert Flynn DeSilver, shares with us how writing and meditation can be a powerful pair. “To engage in both practices fully is to activate a more complete creative and spiritual self,” states Albert. In this episode, learn about the spiritual nature of language. Albert talks about how we can write ourselves into “radiant beings,” and why he doesn’t believe in writer’s block. Whether you’re interested in journaling as part of your introspective practice or interested in publishing your work, this episode is full of inspirational tips.   Albert Flynn DeSilver is an American poet, memoirist, novelist, speaker, and meditation teacher at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. Albert teaches nationally at the Omega Institute, Shambhala Mountain Center, the Esalen Institute and at writing conferences nationally. Albert is also an internationally published poet and served as Marin County California’s very first Poet Laureate from 2008-2010. Albert has read and shar

Today we continue our conversation with Beth Weissenberger, master coach to CEOs and professional NFL players. Building on Tuesday’s episode, we shift to tips about how to have “Hard Conversations.” Beth teaches us concrete tools to overcome our fear, ‘frame’ the conversation, own our part in the problem and make a concrete ask for a solution. Whether you need to have a big difficult conversation with a partner, family-member or friend or just need tools to effectively ask for help at home or in the office, you’ll walk away from this podcast empowered to clear the air with everyone around you.   Beth Weissenberger is the Co-Founder and President of Handel Group® Corporate and Sports Divisions. With nearly 20 years in the coaching industry, Beth has led personal development seminars for more than 50,000 people globally, has been a featured Executive Coach at Businessweek.com, and is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. Beth’s ability to evolve corporate culture and bring about exponential financial gr

Meditation teaches us that we are not our thoughts, yet controlling our never-ending inner dialogue is a massive challenge. Today, executive coach Beth Weissenberger describes how she helps CEOs and professional NFL players achieve their desired results by gaining awareness of their own inner dialogue. Beth provides a framework of how we can ‘name’ the voices inside our head for greater awareness and ultimately, elevate our consciousness. Before recording this podcast, Beth told me she wasn’t sure if her message would resonate with yogis. One of my favorite parts of this interview is that so much of what she shares is almost identical to what’s taught in a variety of yoga traditions. If you’re looking to achieve a greater sense of awareness over your thoughts and your life, this episode is for you!   Beth Weissenberger is the Co-Founder and President of Handel Group® Corporate and Sports Divisions. With nearly 20 years in the coaching industry, Beth has led personal development seminars for more than 50,000 p

Yoginis often feel a tremendous amount of pressure to go for a “natural” birth. Today, we’re joined Izzy Adair, a Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula and 500 hr certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre and post-natal yoga. Learn why we want to use the term “unmediated birth” instead of “natural.” Izzy walks us through how the best birth preparation involves tuning in to our own body awareness, with tips on how to do exactly that. She also covers challenges that can arise in birth (especially for woman who do yoga), and tips on how to navigate both birth and post-partum gracefully. Do not miss this episode if you’re pregnant or considering conceiving soon! Izzy Adair is a Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, 500 hr certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre and post-natal yoga, Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, and student of Women’s Anthropology   Special Guest: Izzy Adair www.holisticbirthandwellness.com Instagram @izzyadair   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/  

What foods are pitta aggravating? Vata provoking? Good for balancing kapha? Today we review Ayurvedic wisdom with Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, Izzy Adair. We also learn: Should we eliminate coffee? Ditch smoothies? Do we need to be vegan, vegetarian or neither to practice Ayurevda? We cover the difference between a “yogic” diet and “ayurvedic” diet. Izzy also explains mono-eating: What is it? What’s the benefit? Walk away from this episode with tons of actionable Ayurvedic tips. Izzy Adair is a Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, 500 hr certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre and post-natal yoga, Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, and student of Women’s Anthropology.   Special Guest: Izzy Adair www.holisticbirthandwellness.com Instagram @izzyadair   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/   Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper www.zmcmusic.tumblr.com   Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com   Please consider leaving us a rating or review on iTunes! https://b

Today we continue our conversation with Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi.” After sharing how he developed his very first naked yoga class (and what it entailed), Aaron walks us through how this practice grew into a flourishing studio in New York City offering 15+ classes a week. We talk about stripping away clothing as a way of accessing the deepest layers of ourselves. We discuss potency of emotional release in yoga (and naked yoga in particular!). He tells us why simply listening to another person’s breath can change our lives. Aaron talks about the yoga practice as an experiment: “To practice, is to experiment.” If you’re not experimenting with your personal practice right now, this podcast will inspire you to start.  Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” is the co-owner of Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa, where he brings passion and adventure to countless students through his teachings and lectures. Inspired by his own practice, he guides students to secret and far-flung

Learn about the world of nude yoga – a practice that is much deeper than you may think. Our guest, Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” shares how he pioneered the practice of naked yoga for men in 2000. Learn from Aaron’s fascinating personal journey as he developed and grew this practice from a small experimental class, to a large nude yoga studio offering 15+ classes a week. Aaron walks us through how he developed his first naked yoga class, and the components that make this practice so special. Whether you think you might ever want to take your clothes off in yoga (or not), this podcast is full of gems that will help you break through any blocks or preconceived notions about yourself.      Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” is the co-owner of Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa, where he brings passion and adventure to countless students through his teachings and lectures. Inspired by his own practice, he guides students to secret and far-flung locales, empowers them to reali

We continue to celebrate menstruation through an Ayurvedic lens with expert Ayurvedic Consultant, Akshata Sheelvant. Building on Tuesday’s episode, we cover: Ayurvedic remedies for headaches, bloating and cramps. We learn what various menstrual side effects mean according to Ayurveda, and how they tie back to our digestive health. We also discuss common questions around birth control, hyperthyroidism, whether to exercise or practice yoga during your cycle and more! Ultimately, Akshata teaches us how to use your period as a time for powerful introspection and creative work.    Akshata (Akee) Sheelvant is an Ayurveda/Yoga Lifestyle Consultant living in Phoenix, USA. She is a RYT certified yoga teacher studied with Yogrishi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, India. Akshata is also a disciple of her Guru Paramahansa Yogananda and has been practicing Kriya Yoga for more than 15 years. Akshata has used the scientific wisdom of Ayurveda and practice of classical Hatha Yoga to successfully regulate her hypothyroidism. The Ayur

You’ll never think about your period the same way again after this week’s fascinating interview with Ayurvedic Consultant, Akshata Sheelvant. Understand why a woman’s health is directly related to her period. Learn how to identify a Vata, Pitta and Kapha period, as well as the 5 different types of Vata and how they affect menstrual flow. Discover how your period relates to your Second Chakra and the cycles of the moon. Akshata shares Ayurvedic wisdom on how to have healthy monthly cycles, as well as yoga poses and mantras for female reproductive health.   Akshata (Akee) Sheelvant is an Ayurveda/Yoga Lifestyle Consultant living in Phoenix, USA. She is a RYT certified yoga teacher studied with Yogrishi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, India. Akshata is also a disciple of her Guru Paramahansa Yogananda and has been practicing Kriya Yoga for more than 15 years. Akshata has used the scientific wisdom of Ayurveda and practice of classical Hatha Yoga to successfully regulate her hypothyroidism. The Ayurvedic saying let ‘foo

Understanding Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” can serve as a powerful catalyst for change in our own lives. In this episode, Ronnie Landis shows us how. He covers the key “plot points” in the Hero’s Journey and shares how we can use this framework to further our own self-development.   Ronnie Landis is a leading expert in holistic health, natural nutrition, and human potential. His work ranges from exploring the fringes of cutting edge health sciences, food based nutrition, innovative supplementation strategies, and a deep passion for helping people overcome long held mental and emotional road blocks so they can experience every area of their life at their full potential. Ronnie is a public speaker and teacher, a published author of multiple books, hosts of two popular podcasts, a transformation and peak performance coach, and above all else a man who deeply values life and has devoted his life to uplifting and inspiring the lives of as many people as he can reach through his mission, his work, and his mes

Prepare for massive paradigm shifts around the concept of “freedom” in this special episode. Ronnie Landis shares with us this paradox: How uncompromising discipline in how we schedule our day-to-day lives results in the freedom to show up as the best version of ourselves. We cover why “freedom” is often defined incorrectly. We learn how to break free from our excuses to create the habits our highest self secretly craves. If you’ve been wondering how to balance structure and freedom in your own life (and daily schedule), this is a must-listen! Ronnie Landis is a leading expert in holistic health, natural nutrition, and human potential. His work ranges from exploring the fringes of cutting edge health sciences, food based nutrition, innovative supplementation strategies, and a deep passion for helping people overcome long held mental and emotional road blocks so they can experience every area of their life at their full potential. Ronnie is a public speaker and teacher, a published author of multiple books, ho

Today we continue our conversation with Lauren Zander, founder of The Handel Method®, which is taught in over 35 universities and institutes of learning around the world, including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, NYU, and the New York City Public School System. Lauren explains how personal Integrity is the secret sauce to achieving your dreams, finding happiness, confidence & self-esteem. Many of us may think we are living in integrity, but we are actually not! We go over how to set up promises and consequences to build self-trust and personal integrity.  Lauren explains the many ways in which we all trained to lie, and how to start telling the truth now in order to improve your life and inner landscape. Lauren also shares with us how her no-nonsense methodology is especially applicable to those of us who love yoga and meditation. Don’t miss this powerful episode, which builds on many of the ideas in Tuesday’s episode.   Lauren Handel Zander is the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Handel Group®, an

In today’s episode, Lauren Zandel shares with us her powerful coaching methodology, The Handel Method®, which is taught in over 35 universities and institutes of learning around the world, including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, NYU, and the New York City Public School System. According to Lauren, if you’re unhappy with aspects of your life right now, it’s your own fault! This takeaway: "maybe it's you" is good news. If you’re the common denominator of everything that isn’t working in your life, YOU can do something about it. If it’s the economy’s fault, your boss’s fault, your metabolism’s fault, there’s nothing you can do about any of it. Lauren teaches us how to dream big, examine our inner dialogue, and make promises and consequences that get us into action around our goals. You do not want to miss her no-nonsense approach to building a life you love.   Lauren Handel Zander is the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Handel Group®, an international corporate consulting and life coaching company. Her

Continuing our conversation with Breakthrough Practitioner, Danielle LaRock, learn how to connect with what she calls your “Authentic Vision.” What calls to you that is bigger than yourself - and yet feels so YOU? From here, Danielle shows us how to create a “Sacred Offering:” How you can BEST serve the world in your unique way? Lastly, we learn how to step into an “Impact Plan.” We tackle the question: How do we find the perfect balance between structure and freedom as we take actions that move us toward our calling? Listen  to find out!   Danielle LaRock has been called a “visionary empath” and a “small but mighty powerhouse.” As a Breakthrough Practitioner, she empowers purpose-driven people to heal themselves from disease and misalignment through actualizing their calling to heal the world. She overcame a chronic illness through this inner work and built her life around connecting with purpose. Her vision and life’s work is creating a world where we see each other for who we truly are, living and leading

Discover the root story that keeps you trapped and blocks clarity towards your calling. In this podcast “breakthrough session” with coach Danielle LaRock, learn how common thoughts uncover our core beliefs, which in turn can serve as powerful catalysts for transformation. Danielle shares with us practical examples of how she and her clients have either released or reframed their stories so that we can do the same. Danielle LaRock has been called a “visionary empath” and a “small but mighty powerhouse.” As a Breakthrough Practitioner, she empowers purpose-driven people to heal themselves from disease and misalignment through actualizing their calling to heal the world. She overcame a chronic illness through this inner work and built her life around connecting with purpose. Her vision and life’s work is creating a world where we see each other for who we truly are, living and leading as our Real Selves. She believes “The World Needs the Real You.”     Special Guest: Danielle LaRock https://www.daniellelarock.c

Continuing our conversation with Integrative and Holistic Medicine doctor and gut specialist, Mona Ezzat, we dive deeper into the affect stress has on our digestive tract. Learn action steps you can take NOW to solve common digestive problems. We cover: Are probiotics really worth taking? What do to if your stool is too loose, too firm or your suffer from constipation? We discuss why you might want to meditate before eating and Dr. Ezzat’s favorite brands of supplements. Lastly, she shares with us her favorite apps and wearable devices that can help us decrease our stress and increase our digestive health. Enjoy   Dr. Ezzat is a board certified family physician, board certified Integrative and Holistic Medicine physician with extensive training in functional medicine. Dr.Ezzat has been practicing for the past 17 yrs in such diverse settings as a Navajo Indian reservation to working as an onsite doctor at Facebook. Her passion is helping patients find the root of the health challenges and regaining their vital

We often hear that “all disease begins in the gut.” But what does that really mean? Today, we learn how the ecosystem of our gut works, from our mouth down through our colon. Dr. Ezzat answers common questions about our digestive health: Why do we crave carbs when stressed out? Does caffeine wreak havoc on our digestive system? What are common problem foods that irritate the lining on the gut? Learn how the brain, gut and Vagus nerve are all connected in this fascinating overview episode of the digestive system. Dr. Ezzat is a board certified family physician, board certified Integrative and Holistic Medicine physician with extensive training in functional medicine. Dr.Ezzat has been practicing for the past 17 yrs in such diverse settings as a Navajo Indian reservation to working as an onsite doctor at Facebook. Her passion is helping patients find the root of the health challenges and regaining their vitality through lifestyle measures.   Special Guest: Dr. Mona Ezzat-Velinov https://www.drmona.me/   Creator