In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, host Lauren Leduc interviews Savanna Smith, a member of the True Love Yoga community, about her journey with yoga, her experiences in yoga teacher training, and her new summer book club initiative. Savanna shares how yoga has been a healing force in her life, especially after a traumatic car accident, and how she integrates yoga principles into her career in cosmetology. The conversation also explores Savanna's teaching philosophy, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, and her passion for combining yoga with reading in her upcoming book club, 'Get Lit.'

Takeaways

• Yoga has always been a background music in Savanna's life.
• Yoga helped Savanna recover from mental and physical health challenges.
• The idea of teaching yoga was always a whisper in Savanna's mind.
• Yoga teacher training emphasized feeling over perfect alignment.
• Savanna found joy in teaching yoga with a focus on inclusivity.
• Her cosmetology students embraced yoga practices in their learning.
• Savanna's teaching approach is about accessibility for all body types.
• Music plays a significant role in creating a joyful yoga experience.
• The summer book club combines yoga and reading for community building.
• Dance is a powerful way to connect with one's body and flow.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Reading
03:10 Savanna's Journey with Yoga
06:18 Yoga Teacher Training Experience
09:20 Integrating Yoga into Cosmetology
12:09 Teaching Approach and Inclusivity
15:04 Get Lit: Summer Book Club
18:15 Deepening Your Yoga Practice

Sign up for Savanna's Summer Series

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc discusses the transformative power of yoga retreats compared to everyday yoga practice. She emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in a retreat environment, where distractions are minimized, allowing for deeper self-connection and community bonding. Lauren also announces her upcoming retreat in Mallorca, Spain, highlighting the unique experiences and benefits it offers.

Takeaways

• Yoga retreats can be a significant investment in personal well-being.
• Everyday life often distracts from a full yoga practice.
• Retreats provide a structured environment for deeper connection.
• Traveling for yoga enhances sensory experiences and mindfulness.
• New experiences during retreats can improve cognition and mood.
• Shared intentions among retreat participants foster quick connections.
• Retreats balance fun with moments of self-reflection.
• Having a planned retreat alleviates travel stress.
• Yoga practices can be tailored to all experience levels.
• Taking time for yoga can rejuvenate and enhance daily life.

Learn More about Lauren's 2026 Mallorca Retreat and use code SAVE200 to save $200 off your spot!

Follow

In this episode, Lauren Leduc explores the connection between myofascial release and seasonal practices, particularly focusing on the energy of summer. She discusses the myofascial system's superficial and deep front lines, their importance in yoga, and how they relate to emotional and physical well-being. The conversation highlights techniques for myofascial release and invites listeners to participate in an upcoming workshop designed to enhance their practice and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Myofascial release is essential for body awareness.
• Fascia connects muscles, tissues, and organs in the body.
• Summer energy is associated with expansion and expression.
• Mindful movement can help release emotional tension.
• Techniques like foam rolling can improve mobility.
• The deep front line is crucial for stability and breath.
• Emotional regulation is linked to the myofascial system.
• Workshops can provide practical techniques for personal growth.
• Exploring the front body enhances confidence and vitality.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Myofascial Release and Seasonal Living
03:10 Understanding the Myofascial System
06:21 The Superficial and Deep Front Lines
09:17 The Importance of Myofascial Release in Summer
12:01 Techniques for Enhancing Practice
15:02 Workshop Invitation and Closing Thoughts

Sign up for Lauren's Myofascial Release Workshop

In this episode, Lauren Leduc explores the concept of pranayama, the practice of breath control in yoga. She discusses its significance, origins, and various techniques that can enhance physical and mental well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating pranayama into daily life for improved health and mindfulness.

Takeaways:

• Pranayama means control of life force energy.
• Breath is a powerful tool for health and relaxation.
• Pranayama is rooted in ancient yogic texts.
• It serves as a bridge between body and mind.
• Different techniques can activate or calm the nervous system.
• Diaphragmatic breathing is essential for beginners.
• Advanced techniques include breath retention practices.
• Pranayama can be integrated into daily routines.
• Practicing pranayama can enhance lung capacity and cardiovascular health.
• Start with small, consistent practices for best results.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pranayama
01:47 Understanding the Roots of Pranayama
04:19 The Benefits of Pranayama
08:51 Pranayama Techniques for All Levels
12:33 Integrating Pranayama into Daily Life

In this episode, Lauren Leduc explores the significance of sun salutations in yoga practice, delving into their historical origins, benefits, and personal reflections. She emphasizes the importance of intention and mindfulness in incorporating sun salutations into daily routines, highlighting their role as a moving meditation and a connection to nature.

Takeaways

• Sun salutations are a foundational part of many yoga practices.
• They have historical roots in Vedic traditions and Hinduism.
• Sun salutations serve as prostrations of gratitude to the sun.
• The practice has evolved significantly over the years.
• Sun salutations consist of 12 movements linked by breath.
• They activate prana and stimulate the solar plexus chakra.
• Sun salutations offer physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
• They can be used as a warm-up for deeper yoga practices.
• Incorporating intention enhances the practice of sun salutations.
• Reflecting on one's relationship with sun salutations can deepen the practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sun Salutations
02:38 Historical Context and Symbolism
04:24 The Evolution of Sun Salutations
06:32 Benefits of Sun Salutations
08:48 Reflection and Integration into Practice

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc interviews Maggie Coomer, a yoga teacher at True Love Yoga. They discuss Maggie's journey with yoga, her experiences in teacher training, and the significance of crow pose. Maggie shares her insights on overcoming fear in arm balances, the importance of play in yoga practice, and how to deepen one's yoga journey. The conversation highlights the transformative power of yoga and the community it fosters.

Takeaways

• Maggie's journey with yoga began at age 13 with her dad.
• Yoga has evolved from a physical practice to a lifestyle for Maggie.
• Breaking her ankle led to a pivotal change in her yoga practice.
• Teacher training helped Maggie connect with her spirituality.
• Crow pose is a foundational arm balance that unlocks potential.
• Fear in yoga can be transformed into elation through practice.
• The importance of community in yoga practice is emphasized.
• Playfulness in yoga helps alleviate seriousness and fear.
• Devoting time to practice deepens connection and skill.
• True Love Yoga fosters a supportive and inclusive environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Personal Journey
08:04 Transformative Experiences in Yoga Teacher Training
13:09 The Significance of Crow Pose
17:24 Understanding Arm Balances and Overcoming Fear
23:47 The Importance of Play in Yoga Practice
24:11 Upcoming Crow Pose Workshop Details

Sign up for Maggie's Crow Workshop

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc discusses the transformative experience of practicing yoga outdoors. She shares her personal journey with outdoor yoga, highlighting its benefits such as enhanced mindfulness, connection to nature, and community building. Lauren emphasizes the importance of engaging with the elements and how yoga philosophy supports our relationship with the earth. She provides practical tips for outdoor yoga practice and invites listeners to join her free summer pop-up yoga series in Kansas City.

Takeaways

• Practicing yoga outdoors enhances connection to nature and community.
• Outdoor yoga provides a sense of freedom and play.
• Nature engages all senses, promoting mindfulness.
• Fresh air can improve mood and reduce stress.
• Grounding in nature helps down-regulate the nervous system.
• Outdoor yoga challenges balance and focus.
• Yoga philosophy emphasizes our connection to the earth.
• Ahimsa encourages non-harming and sustainability in practice.
• Embrace the beauty of imperfection in outdoor yoga.
• Community connections can be formed through shared yoga experiences.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Outdoor Yoga
02:31 Benefits of Practicing Yoga in Nature
04:59 Connecting with the Elements
07:30 Yoga Philosophy and Nature
09:48 Tips for Outdoor Yoga
12:21 Community and Connection through Yoga

Join us for Pop-Up Yoga at the Museum of Kansas City!

In this episode, Lauren Leduc discusses the importance of integrating yoga into strength training and athletic performance. She highlights the physical benefits of yoga, including improved mobility, strength, and injury prevention. Additionally, she explores the mental benefits of yoga, such as enhanced focus and breath control, and shares philosophical insights that can aid athletes in their training. The episode concludes with practical tips for incorporating yoga into a fitness routine.

Takeaways

• Yoga complements strength training and enhances performance.
• Yoga is beneficial for balance and strength, not just flexibility.
• Incorporating yoga can improve recovery and breath control.
• Tight muscles can lead to injuries; yoga helps alleviate this.
• Yoga promotes functional strength through stabilizer muscles.
• Breath control is crucial for stamina and power output.
• Yoga aids in muscle recovery and reduces soreness.
• Mental clarity and focus are enhanced through yoga practices.
• Effort and ease are both essential for optimal performance.
• Integrating yoga into training can lead to greater overall fitness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga for Athletes
02:21 Physical Benefits of Yoga
04:18 Strength and Stability through Yoga
06:32 Recovery and Injury Prevention
08:52 Mental Benefits of Yoga
11:51 Yoga Philosophy and Balance
13:58 Integrating Yoga into Training