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

Something often happens in our youth. From young, vibrant beings, alive with energy and potential, we are molded and shaped by society, family, and media. That loss of uniqueness can often diminish our radiance as beings. Especially in the western world, where education can often just mean creating a better consumer, we often lose touch with our inner most being in our race to adulthood. In this episode we explore a story of Hanuman to tell us why forgetting is important; why being molded by culture and society serves an ultimate purpose. It's through our necessary process of forgetfulness that we are ultimately lead back to who we really are. Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

How important is the breath in yoga and what does a breath centered practice look like? Join us with yoga anatomy expert, Leslie Kaminoff, co-author of the wildly successful Yoga Anatomy book, as he explains the importance of breath as well as talks about many relevant topics with modern postural yoga. Special Guest: Leslie Kaminoff www.yogaanatomy.org Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Can you picture that futuristic moment in a Sci-Fi film where the character walks up to a machine and requests a meal that is instantly grown and presented to them? What if that dish included meat that didn't harm any animal? Well, the future is closer than you think! Our guest, Shir Friedman, works for a company that is creating chicken meat without harming animals. No hormones, no GMOs, real meat. The meat is grown in a medium that mimics the conditions inside a living animal, allowing it to grow as it would naturally. The potential impact on our environment, the meat industry, and our diet is HUGE! How is it possible? We'll learn more in this episode! Special Guest: Shir Friedman www.supermeat.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

The heat of the summer can effect our health in a number of different ways. Join us with Trudy Collings, an ayurvedic practitioner, herbalist and co-owner of Paavani Ayurveda, as she explains some helpful tips you can use to help beat the heat! Find out which herbs and foods can keep your body cool and skin glowing, no matter what the temperature gauge reads.  Special Guest: Trudy Collings www.paavaniayurveda.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Michael Katz is a master storyteller and the host of the radio storytelling program Katz Pajamas on NPR Station KCBX for the last thirty years. He joins us to talk about the art of storytelling and to share two of his favorite stories from the Far East. The Story of the Stone Cutter and the Magic of Patience are engaging, simple stories with a great message and are appropriate for all ages! Special Guest: Michael Katz www.storytellermichael.com Host: Ashton Szabo www.anatomyofliving.com Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Join us with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, an Integrative Neurologist and author of the book The Prime, as she explains how the science of Ayurveda can help you optimize your health, increase your brain power and naturally shed excess pounds. Dr. Chaudhary discovered an interesting side effect to the eating and lifestyle tools she was giving her brain patients - they began to shed excess pounds. She offers easy tips and guidelines to help you feel great and lose weight without dieting. Special Guest: Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D. www.drkulreetchaudhary.com www.theprimeclub.com Host: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

The way we think has a huge impact on how we receive each moment of life. A story originally found in the Mahabarata, the story of Utanka takes us on a journey of self exploration. We follow Utanka from student to wise man, from the protection of his teacher's home, out into the world and even down into the underworld. His experiences provide us with keen insight into how certain thoughts can sabotage our ability to receive the gifts of life, and his journey shows us possible ways to navigate those moments, and even provide hints of an ancient Kundalini Yoga Practice...    Written & Spoken by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Many people are familiar with Sufism because of the popularity of poets like Rumi and Hafiz, but what is Sufism? Why is it considered the path of the heart? How do Sufis use music and dance as part of their spiritual practice? And what can we learn from this rich tradition? Join us as we chat with Tahir Faridhee Qawwal, a sufi, a master musician and teacher, and leader of the Fanna-Fi-Allah Qawwal ensemble, who is currently producing a documentary on the musical traditions in India and Pakistan called Qawwali: Music of the Mystics. Special Guest: Tahir Far Idi Qawwal www.tahirqawwal.com www.fanna-fi-allah.com Host: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanapsirit.com  

In this episode, we explore the story of King Parikshit. A good and noble King, who lets his pride get the best of him. The King makes a series of choices that may eventually lead him to his death... Will he learn his lesson or face certain doom? The story gives us an opportunity to ask ourselves where pride might get int the way of the flow of life. It invites us to look at the choices we make and realize that there is always an opportunity to make a different choice.  Written& Spoken by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Even small feelings of self-criticism, doubt, fear, or perfectionism can cripple us mentally and emotionally, and even prevent us from feeling loved. The Story of Dhruva is one of our inner child, searching for love and acceptance, tormented by self-doubt and fear, and ultimately finding love deep within himself.  The love-able and determined Dhruva is a reminder to look within for the love so many seek on the outside. He shows us that once we realize the love within us, we can truly offer our greatest gifts and find our place in the world. Written& Spoken by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

The power of ritual and ceremony have been lost to many modern cultures, yet most people have daily rituals, whether they are aware of it or not. Join us as we explore a deeper understanding of ceremony and ritual, and how you can create a more fulfilling life with a fresh perspective on your regular every day moments.  Our Guest is Tehya Sky. She is metaphysical guide, the author of A Ceremony Called Life: When Your Morning Coffee Is As Sacred as Holy Water, and she offers unique insights into the impact that ritual can have in our modern lives.  Special Guest: Tehya Sky www.tehyasky.com Host: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com

We communicate all the time, but are we doing it well? Are you aware of your patterns and habits of communication? What is Conscious Communication and how does it differ from regular communication? Join us with our guest Danny Arguetty, author of Six Qualities of Consciousness and Nourishing the Teacher, as we dive into the hidden secrets of becoming more skillful communicators. Through Danny's profound insights, you'll gain new tools in becoming a better communicator and help improve the quality of your life and relationships.  Special Guest: Danny Arguetty www.dannyarguetty.com Host: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Inflammation is associated with numerous health issues that affect both mind and body. What causes inflammation? If necessary, can we reduce it? How does stress affect inflammation? What role does your diet play and can yoga help? Join us with nutritionist Julie Daniluk, the host of Healthy Gourmet on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), as we discuss the impact of inflammation on the body. She's the author of Meals That Heal Inflammation and Slimming Meals That Heal, and she joins us today to help us understand the role inflammation plays in our health and lives.    Special Guest: Julie Daniluk www.juliedaniluk.com Host: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Amy Ippoliti is a yoga teacher, writer, and philanthropist who is known for her innovative methods to bridge the gap between ancient yoga wisdom and modern day life. An internationally renowned teacher of yoga teachers, she recently co-authored the book: The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga: The Yoga Professional's Guide to a Fulfilling Career. She joins us on the Sivana Podcast to discuss the role of the modern yoga teacher, what makes a yoga teacher successful, what some of the biggest challenges of being a yoga teacher are, how to choose a yoga teacher training and much more! Whether a teacher or student of yoga, you are bound to benefit from Amy's keen insight and experience in the world of yoga. Special Guest: Amy Ippoliti www.90monkeys.com www.amyippoliti.com Host: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

From the sublime and serious to the ridiculous and funny, JP Sears has affected millions of people through his widely popular YouTube and Facebook videos. Although many know him from his comedy routines, JP is a deeply introspective and cultivated being who plays with humor as a means of exploring life and the ego. In this episode, we consider what it means to live a spiritual life, discuss the importance of humor on the spiritual path, offer thoughts on authenticity and much more!  There is a lot to enjoy in this episode filled with both insight and laughter.   Special Guest: JP Sears www.awakenwithjp.com Hosted by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Produced by: Benn Mendelsohn www.sivanaspirit.com  

Ann Purcell is an award winning author and musician who has been teaching Transcendental Meditation for over forty years. She joins the Sivana Podcast to discuss meditation, how it relates to creativity and the power of silence. Ann's exuberance and wisdom are evident as she speaks, and whether you are a seasoned meditator or have never practiced before, there is a lot to learn and enjoy in this episode. Special Guest: Ann Purcell  http://www.enlightenmentforeveryone.com/ Hosted by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Produced by: Benn Mendelson https://www.sivanaspirit.com    

Living in an egocentric culture, it's easy to fall into pride. In this episode, we'll explore how feelings of pride allow an opportunity to examine the deepest motivations behind our actions and come to learn how pride can become an agent of our downfall or an opportunity for growth and deeper connection. We'll examine the importance of having perspective in one's life and its necessity in navigating pride, as we dive into the story of the sometimes wild, but always beloved, monkey deity: Hanuman.   Written by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Produced by: Benn Mendelsohn www.sivanaspirit.com

Today we talk about the role of motherhood on the spiritual path with Kimberly Ann Johnson, founder of Magamama, a community and resource hub for new moms who want natural empowering solutions to the challenges that can accompany childbirth. Kimberly speaks with immense passion about motherhood and the importance of ritual along the path. What are some of the biggest challenges that face new mothers? What is circle practice and how can it help shift how we experience parenthood, personally and as a community? How can we support new mothers? We'll explore these questions and a lot more... Special Guest: Kimberly Ann Johnson www.magamama.com Hosted by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Produced by: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com

What is your Inner Guidance System (IGS) and how does it work? How is it different from intuition? Can it help you live a more fulfilled life? In this episode, we chat with internationally renowned author, teacher and speaker, Zen Cryar DeBrucke, who wrote the book Your Inner GPS: Follow Your Internal Guidance to Optimal Health, Happiness, and Satisfaction. She'll introduce us to the workings of our IGS, teach us practices on how to connect with this deep wisdom inside us and ultimately share how we can use this inner wisdom to transform our lives.  Special Guest: Zen Cryar DeBrucke www.zeninamoment.com Hosted by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Produced by: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com  

Wealth, power and other aspects of the material world can often be viewed as barriers to living a spiritual life. In this episode, we'll explore a story of the Goddess Lakshmi as well as her Eight Aspects to help us better understand our relationship with the material world. We'll ask basic questions of whether or not it's necessary to give up all material possessions in order to live a spiritual life. These stories will help us look at our relationship to money and its place in our lives, as Lakshmi invites us to look into the deepest motivations behind our actions.  Join us on an exploration of what it means to live abundantly in the world. Written by: Ashton Szabo Narrated by: Ashton Szabo Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper Produced by: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com