What does it mean to walk the path of yoga? Join me weekly for joyful conversations with wise teachers, sincere yogis and other spiritual seekers. We inquire into our deepest questions and learn how to apply the ancient wisdom into our own daily practice…and life. Learn more at www.bobbipaidel.com @bobbipaidel
“I know it is possible to get through the darkest times. To overcome suffering. There is always an ember to ignite.”*Trigger warning: this episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health and concerned with suicidal ideations, please know that help is available to you. Here are resources in Canada;Talksuicide.ca Suicideprevention.ca Wellnesstogether.ca Mentalhealthcommission.caToday I’m joined by teacher and friend Ryan Leier, a globally known Yoga ambassador, leader of One Yoga community, founder of the non-profit initiative “Vinyasa Yoga for the Youth” and devoted student of the Krishnamacharya lineage, of which he has studied extensively with many of the most revered teachers in the modern history of yoga. Mental health challenges have recently altered Ryan's life and practice. This intense period of darkness has ignited in him a renewed relationship and passion for sharing the profound healing power of yoga.In this heartfelt conversation, Ryan shares his struggles, triumphs, and deep wisdom learned through lived experience.We touch on sooo much, but here’s a few key points:➖ 11:09 How yoga can be a coping mechanism➖ 18:45 When your whole life becomes the practice➖ 25:49 There’s nothing to do but love each other➖ 35:08 Treating one's teachers as friends and students as equals➖ 48:22 Returning to the practice with 3 poses a day➖ 54:03 A tale by Rumi: The Lion TattooIn this episode, Ryan mentions a few of his teachers; Danny Paradise, Srivatsa Ramaswami, Father Joe Pereira, and the Patanjali Sutra translation by Barbara Miller titled ‘Yoga: a Discipline of Freedom’.Connect with Ryan and join the 40 days of Sadhana here: www.ryanleier.com/40-days or find him on IG: @ryanleierWith humility, grace and power, Ryan sweetly reminds us of how we can move forward from the most difficult times. Please listen, share and continue to spread awareness of mental health illness and how it affects all communities - yoga included.With love and oneness,BobbiThanks for listening, you beautiful soul!💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.💭Never miss a new episode and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite platform.💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories – just be sure to tag @bobbipaidel so we can connect💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, offer feedback or be a guest, please get in touch.💭 Want to go further into your understanding of what it means to be both human and divine though yoga sadhana? Let’s share in the journey together at www.bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨
“Surrender all that changes to your higher Self, then you will always be guided and know how to live your life. And that is your victory you will achieve in your lifetime.” This weeks guest, Shelley Astrof is a master of meditation, educator, author and self proclaimed peace pioneer - love that! Today we explore the Bhagavad Gita and Shelley’s extraordinary vision of how we can take the profound teachings on life and spirituality into our modern day lives. We really go deep into how meditation can transform our lives (especially from a young age!), the total relevance of the Gita’s lessons and just how to apply them. She shares with utmost joy, generosity and clarity, Shelley inspires us to go all in for joy and oneness. Enjoy! A few of my favorite moments: ➖04:45 “Improve your marks, learn to meditate!” ➖17:25 Can meditation be taught? ➖25:55 The Bhagavad Gita - timeless wisdom addressing the human condition➖33:00 Key teachings from the Gita ➖42:50 The value of the Gita in your every day life is making it your own ➖51:50 Your mind as your enemy or your best friend? Connect with Shelley: www.knower.ca This one of my favorite conversations yet. Ticking all the boxes of a perfectly insightful and delightful discussion bringing our attention to the highest. Let me know what you think! With love and oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening, you beautiful soul! 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭Never miss a new episode and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite platform. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories – just be sure to tag @bobbipaidel so we can connect 💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, offer feedback or be a guest, please get in touch. 💭 Want to go deep into your Sadhana in the idyllic setting of southern Nicaragua? Check out my upcoming September retreat www.bobbipaidel.com/retreat and come home to your highest Self! 🙏♥️✨
“Spirituality exists in daily life. In the bowl of oatmeal, in the cup of tea.”Today I’m joined by author, sommelier, and practicing Buddhist Keith Robinson. Since childhood, Crohn’s disease has been his life-long nemesis, companion, and teacher. Over his lifetime, Crohn’s brought him to the brink of death many times. Keith began to practice and study Nichiren Buddhist teachings at the age of 13.This conversation is inspired by Keith’s recent memoir The Buddha in our Bellies, spanning continents and centuries in stories of identity and belonging — we ask ourselves where do we fit?An illuminating and inspiring read, join Keith, his partner Yoshiko and the Buddha himself, to search for joy and purpose through suffering and despair. I highly recommend finding the book!Amazon: https://a.co/d/7CNXnJ6FB: The Buddha in our BelliesEmail Keith: pilgrimsofjoy@gmail.comHere’s a few highlights from our chat:➖06:10 Compassion is within every human being➖22:05 Importance of a mentor➖31:40 Making the practice your own➖34:00 At our core, we all believe ourselves to have a purpose➖37:05 Keith reads a chapter from the book (The Awakening)➖41:15 Defining a spiritual life with community, teacher, daily practice & purposeLearn more about Soka Gakkai and practicing Buddhism: www.sokaglobal.org/A wonderful introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, a beautifully shared life story and many nuggets of wisdom that we can all learn from - regardless of our unique circumstances.With love and oneness,BobbiThanks for listening, you beautiful soul!💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.💭Never miss a new episode and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite platform.💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories – just be sure to tag @bobbipaidel so we can connect💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, offer feedback or be a guest, please get in touch.💭 Want to go deep into your Sadhana in the idyllic setting of southern Nicaragua? Check out my upcoming September retreat www.bobbipaidel.com/retreat and come home to your highest Self! 🙏♥️✨
“If you meditate and you become calm and are at peace with the world, then you can arrive at an answer to the problem that is worrying you.”Today's enlightening conversation with Philosopher Madhuri Santanam Sondhi is a total privilege. At nearly 90 years old, she’s lived an extraordinary life. Madhuri has spent her life as a devoted wife to a celebrated politician, a mother to two children and also an Independent Research Scholar. She has a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh and diplomas from the Universities of Oxford and London. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research. Friends with His Holiness the Dalai Lama for six-plus decades and a total devotee of her beloved Guru Swami Shyam.Madhuri illuminates this episode with her wisdom, sweetness and delightfulness. Here’s what we touch on:➖07:55 Madhuri’s search for her Guru & finally meeting him➖11:39 What no one ever taught you➖22:22 Inner peace, social peace, political peace➖26:25 Peace and Oneness➖32:30 Spiritual outlook to deal with problems➖37:17 Crisis as a great teacher➖52:45 What happens to the mind in meditationIt is my wish for us all that we have such peace and settledness in us at 90 years old. This conversation exemplifies the power of oneness possible between two people regardless of age or background when tuned into the Self.With love and oneness,BobbiThanks for listening, you beautiful soul!💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.💭Never miss a new episode and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite platform.💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories – just be sure to tag @bobbipaidel so we can connect💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, offer feedback or be a guest, please get in touch.💭 Want to go deep into your Sadhana in the idyllic setting of southern Nicaragua? Check out my upcoming September retreat www.bobbipaidel.com/retreat and come home to your highest Self! 🙏♥️✨
“ Belonging is a deep acceptance as who you are where all parts of you are welcome as a result of the human experience.”This week’s guest is yogi, educator, leader and speaker Jess LeBlanc. She aims to inspire others to build a healthy connection and interaction between the mind and body – two equally important entities in the pursuit of true health. This is a beautifully insightful conversation around community, belonging, connection, and further more - the interconnectedness of us all.Special moments from the conversation:➖14:08 Community is key. “This work is not designed to be done in isolation.”➖18:33 A place for awareness and compassion➖20:18 Quick and dirty simple tools➖32:43 Everyone deserves a seat at the table➖40:22 Get off the internetFind tickets to Lucent Festival August 11-13 Cochrane, Alberta: www.embodiedliving.ca/lucent-festival IG @lucentfestivalConnect with Jess: www.jessleblanc.comJess is authentically living her life in the way that she teaches and leads. Her generosity of spirit shines through in this episode. I know you’ll take a little inspiration and wisdom for cultivating community and belonging in your own life.With love and oneness,BobbiThanks for listening, you beautiful soul!💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.💭Never miss a new episode and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite platform.💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories – just be sure to tag @bobbipaidel so we can connect💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, offer feedback or be a guest, please get in touch.💭 Want to go deep into your Sadhana in the idyllic setting of southern Nicaragua? Check out my upcoming September retreat www.bobbipaidel.com/retreat and come home to your highest Self! 🙏♥️✨