Deepen Your Yoga Practice

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores one of yoga’s most foundational teachings: Ahimsa, or non-harming. While Ahimsa is often translated simply as “be kind” or “do no harm,” the reality is far more complex—especially in modern life. What does non-harming mean in a world where participation itself creates impact? How do we live ethically when harm is, at times, unavoidable? This episode offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of Ahimsa as an ongoing practice of awareness, discernment, and responsibility, rather than a rigid rule or moral ideal. Lauren explores: The meaning of Ahimsa in thought, word, and action Its historical roots in Jainism, Buddhism, and early yogic philosophy The tension between ascetic (renunciate) and householder paths Insights from the Bhagavad Gita on action, dharma, and ethical responsibility Why non-action can sometimes cause harm How Patanjali presents Ahimsa as a guiding principle, not an absolute The realities of practicing Ahimsa in modern systems (technology, consumption, work, etc.) The role of discernment (viveka) in ethical decision-making Why boundaries, repair, and accountability are part of non-harming The difference between Ahimsa and spiritual bypassing Lauren also emphasizes that Ahimsa is not about perfection, purity, or passivity. Instead, it is about cultivating awareness, making thoughtful choices, and taking responsibility when harm occurs. This episode invites listeners to move away from overwhelm or guilt and toward sustainable, grounded, and compassionate action. Journaling Prompts Where can I reduce harm in my life right now? Where do I feel overwhelmed, and what is one sustainable shift I can make? How can I practice discernment rather than perfection? Where might I need clearer boundaries? What does non-harming look like in my current season of life? trueloveyogakc.com

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in yoga philosophy: Does yoga teach that we are separate from the world, or that we are one with it? This conversation dives into two foundational philosophical frameworks that shape the way yoga has been understood for thousands of years: dualism and non-dualism. Lauren explores the historical roots of these ideas, how they show up in classical yogic texts, and why modern yoga often blends them together. She also discusses how these philosophies influence the way we relate to our thoughts, our identities, our relationships, and the world around us. In this episode, you’ll learn: What dualism and non-dualism actually mean The role of Samkhya philosophy in the Yoga Sutras The distinction between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (material reality) The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and the teaching that Atman and Brahman are one How teachers like Swami Vivekananda shaped the way yoga philosophy was introduced to the West Why modern yoga often blends different philosophical traditions The strengths and limitations of both dualist and non-dualist approaches How these philosophies show up in meditation, relationships, activism, and asana practice Rather than asking practitioners to choose between separation and unity, this episode explores how both perspectives can serve our growth and help reduce suffering. Dualist practices can help us create space between ourselves and our thoughts, emotions, and identities. Non-dualist perspectives can cultivate compassion, connection, and a sense of shared humanity. Yoga philosophy invites us not to choose one rigid framework, but to continue asking deeper questions about the nature of reality and the self. Journaling Prompts Where do I cling most strongly to identity? Where do I need stronger boundaries? Where do I feel deeply interconnected? Which philosophy resonates more with my temperament: dualism or non-dualism? Can I hold both perspectives at once? Ultimately, yoga is not a single unified philosophy but a family of traditions responding to human suffering across time. The inquiry itself may be more important than the answer.

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc continues her chakra series with the third eye chakra, also known as Ajna — the chakra of intuition, insight, discernment, and perception. Located between the eyebrows, the third eye is often associated with inner wisdom and clear seeing. But in this episode, Lauren approaches it not as mystical abstraction, but as a grounded and practical center of awareness — a bridge between logic and intuition, intellect and inner knowing. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the third eye chakra is and where it is located The meaning of Ajna in Sanskrit The symbolism of the third eye, including the two-petaled lotus Historical and philosophical roots of this chakra in tantric and Hatha yoga traditions How Ajna relates to viveka (discernment), svadhyaya (self-study), dhyana (meditation), and jnana (wisdom) Modern interpretations of the third eye through the lens of awareness, emotional intelligence, and perspective Signs of a balanced, overactive, or underactive third eye chakra Yoga, breathwork, meditation, and lifestyle practices to support clarity and intuition The difference between intuition and impulsivity Why the third eye is less about mystical powers and more about seeing clearly and living wisely Lauren also shares practical reflection questions and a short closing contemplation to help you connect with your own inner wisdom. This episode is part of a larger chakra series, and Lauren recommends going back to the intro chakra episode and the lower chakra episodes for deeper context if you’d like.

In this tender and nuanced episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the structure of spiritual leadership — and what happens when charismatic teachers fall from grace. Every few years (or lately, every few days), a spiritual teacher, wellness figure, or thought leader becomes entangled in allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, or ethical breach. When their work has meant something to us, that moment can feel disorienting. This episode is not about amplifying headlines. It’s about examining something deeper and more enduring: Where did the guru–student model originate? How did ancient lineage-based mentorship evolve into modern celebrity spirituality? Why does spiritual authority feel regulating to our nervous systems? What is projection, and how does it distort teacher–student dynamics? What are common red flags in hierarchical spiritual communities? How can non-dual language be weaponized to bypass accountability? What does healthy spiritual leadership actually look like? How do we practice devotion without dependence? Lauren explores the psychology of projection, the risks of pedestal dynamics, and how both teachers and students can become distorted within unchecked hierarchy. She offers six ways to practice yoga without slipping into unhealthy guru culture: Keep your agency Diversify your teachers Trust your nervous system Value community over charisma Separate teachings from personality Maintain critical thinking Yoga has always been about liberation. Mature spiritual practice does not require blind faith — it requires discernment, humility, and the willingness to stay human.

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the five kleshas — the root causes of suffering described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Book II, Sutras 3–9). These ancient psychological insights, compiled around 400 CE and influenced by Samkhya philosophy, offer a powerful framework for understanding why we repeat patterns, cling to identities, avoid discomfort, and fear change. Lauren unpacks: What the kleshas are historically and where they appear in the sutras The five kleshas: Avidya (misperception), Asmita (ego-identification), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion), and Abhinivesha (fear/clinging to life) How they show up in modern life — social media, productivity culture, politics, parenting, wellness culture, and relationships Why the kleshas are not sins, but universal human tendencies How meditation, self-study (svadhyaya), non-attachment (vairagya), and conscious pause help loosen their grip This episode is not about self-judgment. It’s about compassionate awareness. The kleshas are proof you are human — not failing at yoga. Freedom, Lauren reminds us, is not removing suffering from the world. It’s loosening the grip suffering has on your perception.

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores what it means to “spring clean” the energetic body — in a way that is philosophically grounded, nervous system informed, practical, and free from magical thinking. Spring is traditionally associated with renewal, circulation, and momentum. In Ayurveda, it is kapha season — characterized by heaviness, dampness, and stagnation. In yoga philosophy, it is a time to invite renewed prana flow. Lauren unpacks: What the subtle or energetic body includes (prana, nadis, chakras, koshas) A modern interpretation of energetic health (nervous system tone, emotional residue, digital overstimulation, thought loops) Signs your energy body may need clearing Five practical ways to “spring clean” your energy: Clearing physical stagnation through movement Breathwork for energetic reset (Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, Ujjayi, long exhale breathing) Emotional composting (shadow work and integration) Attention hygiene (digital and cognitive detox) Ritual and intention reset (saucha and sankalpa) You’ll also hear chakra-specific spring reset ideas for those following the chakra series. Spring cleaning isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about removing what blocks who you already are.

In this solo episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores five of the most commonly repeated myths about yoga history—and offers a clearer, more honest perspective in their place. Drawing inspiration from Doug Keller’s Yoga History course, Lauren dives into the real roots of yoga, from Vedic texts and Śramaṇa traditions to modern postural yoga. She explains how yoga evolved over centuries as a diverse family of practices—not a single, unchanging system—and how understanding its historical complexity deepens our personal and teaching practices. If you’ve ever wondered where yoga really comes from, or questioned how modern vinyasa fits into an ancient lineage, this episode will challenge, inspire, and expand your view. Sources Mark Singleton, Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice (OUP). James Mallinson & Mark Singleton, Roots of Yoga (primary sourcebook). Geoffrey Samuel, The Origins of Yoga and Tantra (Cambridge).

In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc continues her chakra series by diving into the heart chakra—Anahata, the center of love, integration, and emotional wisdom. She explores how the heart serves as a bridge between the lower and upper chakras, connects the physical and spiritual self, and reflects the qualities of compassion with boundaries. Lauren shares signs of imbalance, practices to strengthen this energetic center, and the importance of self-love and resilience. She also ties the heart chakra to yogic concepts like bhakti, ahimsa, and metta, offering practical tools both on and off the mat, including heart-opening postures, boundary work, grief rituals, and breath-led movement. Whether you're navigating heartbreak, working on emotional balance, or seeking deeper integration, this episode will support you in cultivating an open but supported heart. This episode also highlights Lauren's book, Embody Your Inner Goddess, and True Love Yoga’s 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, where each chakra is explored in depth throughout the yearlong curriculum. Takeaways Anahata is the fourth chakra, representing love, integration, and compassion. It bridges the lower (earthly) and upper (spiritual) chakras. A balanced heart supports empathy, connection, and emotional boundaries. Imbalances may show up as numbness, people-pleasing, isolation, or martyrdom. Anahata relates to the lungs, shoulders, immune system, and vagus nerve. Philosophical connections include Bhakti Yoga, Ahimsa, Metta, and Karuna. Practices include heart-opening postures, grief rituals, metta meditation, and breathwork. Boundary setting is essential to giving from a place of wholeness. Grief and heartbreak are not flaws—they are part of an intelligent heart. Yoga teaches us to stay present with discomfort and to love bravely.

n this deeply grounded and timely episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the experience of moral injury, political despair, and nervous system exhaustion through a yogic and trauma‑informed lens. Naming the quiet undercurrent many people are carrying—grief, unease, confusion, and ethical disorientation—Lauren offers language, compassion, and structure for staying human, regulated, and engaged without burning out. Rather than bypassing reality or amplifying fear, this episode invites discernment over reactivity, service over self‑sacrifice, and sustainability over urgency. Drawing on yoga philosophy, nervous system science, the Bhagavad Gita, the gunas, and concepts like Abhyasa and Vairagya, Lauren reframes non‑attachment as clarity, not indifference—and joy as a form of resistance, not denial. Listeners are guided through practical reflections and nervous‑system‑supportive practices to help them identify their unique role in collective care, protect their inner resources, and stay ethically engaged without losing themselves. Reflection Questions from the Episode: What is mine to carry? What is not mine to carry? What kind of service feels sustainable for me right now? What helps me stay human?

In this fiery episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc explores the solar plexus chakra, or Manipura—the energetic center of personal power, confidence, and purposeful action. Lauren breaks down this chakra’s associations with fire, transformation, self-trust, and discipline, connecting it to yogic philosophy through concepts like Tapas (spiritual discipline), Swadharma (individual purpose), and Karma Yoga (selfless action). She discusses the signs of balanced and imbalanced Manipura energy, offers powerful on- and off-the-mat practices to build confidence and ignite your inner fire, and encourages listeners to step into leadership with clarity, courage, and compassion. This episode includes journaling prompts to help you align with your purpose and closes with a warm reminder: you have the right to take up space and move forward with confidence. Whether you're deepening your chakra study or just learning to trust your intuition, this episode is your invitation to burn brightly—with purpose. Mentioned: Lauren’s book: Embody Your Inner Goddess True Love Yoga’s 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

This special episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice is not just a podcast—it’s a ritual. Lauren Leduc guides you through a year-end letting go ceremony grounded in yogic philosophy, self-inquiry, and mindfulness. With candlelight, journaling, breathwork, and personal reflection, you’ll be invited to honor the end of 2025 and create space for clarity and purpose in 2026. Grab your journal, light a candle, make some tea, and settle in. Or listen once while walking or driving, then return for the guided practice. ️ You’ll explore: Yogic pillars of Svadhyaya (self-study) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender) Integration and rest as forms of spiritual practice How Abhyasa and Vairagya help us release what no longer fits Seasonal wisdom from Ayurveda and how winter supports deep digestion Journaling prompts to reflect on what you’re proud of, what you’ve learned, what you’re ready to let go of, and what you’re calling in Journal Prompts Include: What am I most proud of from 2025? What version of myself am I ready to release? What word or feeling do I want to leave behind? What do I want to feel in 2026? What dreams are gently tapping at my door? You’ll be invited to burn, bury, or release your reflections as a physical act of letting go—and then to tune in to your inner knowing to welcome what’s next. Upcoming Events at True Love Yoga: Dec 31: Release, Reset & Renew with Avey & Liz (10–11:30am) Jan 1: Breathe, Flow & Set Your Intention for 2026 with Lauren Join us to move, reflect, and step into the new year with presence. Want to go deeper in 2026? Explore our Yoga Teacher Trainings: Learn more

In this nourishing and timely episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc guides you into the spacious world of Yin Yoga—a gentle, meditative practice designed to cultivate stillness, surrender, and deep awareness. As we shift into the more introspective yin season of the year, Lauren explores how yin yoga can support your nervous system, balance an active lifestyle, and help you reconnect with your inner landscape. You’ll learn about the roots and philosophy of yin, its physical and energetic benefits, how it differs from restorative yoga, and how to create a sustainable yin practice both at home and in the studio. ✨ Topics include: The Taoist and yogic influences behind Yin Yoga What happens in a typical yin class Yin vs. Restorative: key differences Meridian theory, chi, and chakra integration Yin for athletes, creatives, and burned-out humans How yin supports emotional processing and spiritual connection Simple yin poses to try at home ‍♀️ Practice prompt: Try legs up the wall for 5 minutes with deep breathing. Set a timer and notice how you feel after. Journal prompt: Where in my life am I being asked to soften? Classes at True Love Yoga: We offer Yin Yoga 4x/week: Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Go deeper with us: The True Love Yoga 300-hour Advanced YTT includes in-depth yin study, meridian theory, intuitive teaching, and more. Begins January 1, 2026. Apply here

✨ Shownotes In this episode of Deepen Your Yoga Practice, Lauren Leduc dives into the Prana Vayus, the five vital energy currents within the subtle body that influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. While many are familiar with the chakras, fewer practitioners explore these foundational energetic flows—yet understanding them can transform both your yoga practice and your daily life. Lauren explores: The definition and origin of prana and vayu Each of the 5 Prana Vayus: Prana Vayu (inward + upward, heart/lungs, intake) Apana Vayu (downward + outward, pelvic floor, elimination) Samana Vayu (inward + centering, navel, assimilation) Udana Vayu (upward + outward, throat/head, expression) Vyana Vayu (circulating + integrating, full body, coordination) How to feel and work with each current on the mat Practices to cultivate energy balance, intention, and inner alignment Ideas for integrating Vayus into your teaching, breathwork, sequencing, and daily living Whether you're a student, teacher, or simply someone seeking more clarity and vitality, this episode will help you deepen your understanding of subtle energy and reconnect to your inner wisdom. ‍♀️ Want to go even deeper? Lauren’s 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training begins in January 2026 and includes full training on subtle anatomy, energetics, and yogic philosophy. Learn more: trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training Takeaways Prana = vital life force; Vayu = wind/movement The 5 Vayus represent directional flows of energy in the body Awareness of these flows enhances physical, emotional, and spiritual balance You can work with the Vayus through asana, breath, meditation, and intention Knowing which Vayu is deficient or dominant can guide self-care and practice You don’t need to memorize them to begin noticing energetic shifts Subtle body awareness creates a more integrated, intelligent yoga practice The Vayus can inform decisions, boundaries, digestion, voice, and vision Teachers can use the Vayus to sequence, theme, and assist more effectively Each Vayu has a role in our healing and wholeness Links Join True Love Yoga Try the Yoga Practice Journal Lauren on Instagram