Yoga Is Fundamentally A Spiritual Practice | Nicki Doane

Yoga Is Fundamentally A Spiritual Practice | Nicki Doane

From A Curious Yogi with Bobbi Paidel by Bobbi Paidel

January 10, 2026 · 59 min · Season 4 · Episode 16

About this episode

In this episode, Bobbi Paidel interviews Nicki Doane about the spiritual essence of yoga and her unique approach to practice.

"Yoga is about spirit." In this episode, I sit down with a true "teacher’s teacher," Nicki Doane . Based in Maui at her Maya Yoga Studio, Nicki has been immersed in the sacred teachings of Yog since 1989. Having studied under legends like Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, she brings a rare depth of wisdom mixed with a lightheartedness that makes the profound feel accessible. We dive into her journey from the Grateful Dead scene to the feet of the masters in India, the birth of her unique approach (Maya Yoga), and why individualized practice is the key to a lifelong Sadhana . In this episode, we explore: ➖ The Fusion of Lineages: How Nicki blends the discipline of Ashtanga with the precision of Iyengar. ➖ Yoga as "Working-In": Moving beyond the physical to honor the spiritual essence of the practice. ➖ The Power of Discipline: How boundaries in practice actually foster internal freedom. ➖ The India Connection: Why visiting the roots of Yoga is essential for every earnest seeker. ➖ Modern Yoga Challenges: Navigating the current landscape without losing the depth of the tradition. Find Nicki Here: Website & Retreats IG HERE @mayayogastudio I love, love, loved this…

People in this episode

Host: Bobbi Paidel

Guest: Nicki Doane

Topics covered

  • spiritual practice
  • yoga
  • individualized practice
  • discipline
  • yoga traditions
  • modern yoga challenges

Keywords

  • yoga
  • spirituality
  • Maya Yoga
  • Ashtanga
  • Iyengar
  • discipline
  • Sadhana
  • yoga traditions
  • modern yoga

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Maya Yoga Studio

Places: Maui, India

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