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

Learn about the world of nude yoga – a practice that is much deeper than you may think. Our guest, Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” shares how he pioneered the practice of naked yoga for men in 2000. Learn from Aaron’s fascinating personal journey as he developed and grew this practice from a small experimental class, to a large nude yoga studio offering 15+ classes a week. Aaron walks us through how he developed his first naked yoga class, and the components that make this practice so special. Whether you think you might ever want to take your clothes off in yoga (or not), this podcast is full of gems that will help you break through any blocks or preconceived notions about yourself.      Yogi Aaron, author of “Autobiography of a Naked Yogi” is the co-owner of Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa, where he brings passion and adventure to countless students through his teachings and lectures. Inspired by his own practice, he guides students to secret and far-flung locales, empowers them to reali

We continue to celebrate menstruation through an Ayurvedic lens with expert Ayurvedic Consultant, Akshata Sheelvant. Building on Tuesday’s episode, we cover: Ayurvedic remedies for headaches, bloating and cramps. We learn what various menstrual side effects mean according to Ayurveda, and how they tie back to our digestive health. We also discuss common questions around birth control, hyperthyroidism, whether to exercise or practice yoga during your cycle and more! Ultimately, Akshata teaches us how to use your period as a time for powerful introspection and creative work.    Akshata (Akee) Sheelvant is an Ayurveda/Yoga Lifestyle Consultant living in Phoenix, USA. She is a RYT certified yoga teacher studied with Yogrishi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, India. Akshata is also a disciple of her Guru Paramahansa Yogananda and has been practicing Kriya Yoga for more than 15 years. Akshata has used the scientific wisdom of Ayurveda and practice of classical Hatha Yoga to successfully regulate her hypothyroidism. The Ayur

You’ll never think about your period the same way again after this week’s fascinating interview with Ayurvedic Consultant, Akshata Sheelvant. Understand why a woman’s health is directly related to her period. Learn how to identify a Vata, Pitta and Kapha period, as well as the 5 different types of Vata and how they affect menstrual flow. Discover how your period relates to your Second Chakra and the cycles of the moon. Akshata shares Ayurvedic wisdom on how to have healthy monthly cycles, as well as yoga poses and mantras for female reproductive health.   Akshata (Akee) Sheelvant is an Ayurveda/Yoga Lifestyle Consultant living in Phoenix, USA. She is a RYT certified yoga teacher studied with Yogrishi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, India. Akshata is also a disciple of her Guru Paramahansa Yogananda and has been practicing Kriya Yoga for more than 15 years. Akshata has used the scientific wisdom of Ayurveda and practice of classical Hatha Yoga to successfully regulate her hypothyroidism. The Ayurvedic saying let ‘foo

Understanding Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” can serve as a powerful catalyst for change in our own lives. In this episode, Ronnie Landis shows us how. He covers the key “plot points” in the Hero’s Journey and shares how we can use this framework to further our own self-development.   Ronnie Landis is a leading expert in holistic health, natural nutrition, and human potential. His work ranges from exploring the fringes of cutting edge health sciences, food based nutrition, innovative supplementation strategies, and a deep passion for helping people overcome long held mental and emotional road blocks so they can experience every area of their life at their full potential. Ronnie is a public speaker and teacher, a published author of multiple books, hosts of two popular podcasts, a transformation and peak performance coach, and above all else a man who deeply values life and has devoted his life to uplifting and inspiring the lives of as many people as he can reach through his mission, his work, and his mes

Prepare for massive paradigm shifts around the concept of “freedom” in this special episode. Ronnie Landis shares with us this paradox: How uncompromising discipline in how we schedule our day-to-day lives results in the freedom to show up as the best version of ourselves. We cover why “freedom” is often defined incorrectly. We learn how to break free from our excuses to create the habits our highest self secretly craves. If you’ve been wondering how to balance structure and freedom in your own life (and daily schedule), this is a must-listen! Ronnie Landis is a leading expert in holistic health, natural nutrition, and human potential. His work ranges from exploring the fringes of cutting edge health sciences, food based nutrition, innovative supplementation strategies, and a deep passion for helping people overcome long held mental and emotional road blocks so they can experience every area of their life at their full potential. Ronnie is a public speaker and teacher, a published author of multiple books, ho

Today we continue our conversation with Lauren Zander, founder of The Handel Method®, which is taught in over 35 universities and institutes of learning around the world, including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, NYU, and the New York City Public School System. Lauren explains how personal Integrity is the secret sauce to achieving your dreams, finding happiness, confidence & self-esteem. Many of us may think we are living in integrity, but we are actually not! We go over how to set up promises and consequences to build self-trust and personal integrity.  Lauren explains the many ways in which we all trained to lie, and how to start telling the truth now in order to improve your life and inner landscape. Lauren also shares with us how her no-nonsense methodology is especially applicable to those of us who love yoga and meditation. Don’t miss this powerful episode, which builds on many of the ideas in Tuesday’s episode.   Lauren Handel Zander is the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Handel Group®, an

In today’s episode, Lauren Zandel shares with us her powerful coaching methodology, The Handel Method®, which is taught in over 35 universities and institutes of learning around the world, including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, NYU, and the New York City Public School System. According to Lauren, if you’re unhappy with aspects of your life right now, it’s your own fault! This takeaway: "maybe it's you" is good news. If you’re the common denominator of everything that isn’t working in your life, YOU can do something about it. If it’s the economy’s fault, your boss’s fault, your metabolism’s fault, there’s nothing you can do about any of it. Lauren teaches us how to dream big, examine our inner dialogue, and make promises and consequences that get us into action around our goals. You do not want to miss her no-nonsense approach to building a life you love.   Lauren Handel Zander is the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Handel Group®, an international corporate consulting and life coaching company. Her

Continuing our conversation with Breakthrough Practitioner, Danielle LaRock, learn how to connect with what she calls your “Authentic Vision.” What calls to you that is bigger than yourself - and yet feels so YOU? From here, Danielle shows us how to create a “Sacred Offering:” How you can BEST serve the world in your unique way? Lastly, we learn how to step into an “Impact Plan.” We tackle the question: How do we find the perfect balance between structure and freedom as we take actions that move us toward our calling? Listen  to find out!   Danielle LaRock has been called a “visionary empath” and a “small but mighty powerhouse.” As a Breakthrough Practitioner, she empowers purpose-driven people to heal themselves from disease and misalignment through actualizing their calling to heal the world. She overcame a chronic illness through this inner work and built her life around connecting with purpose. Her vision and life’s work is creating a world where we see each other for who we truly are, living and leading

Discover the root story that keeps you trapped and blocks clarity towards your calling. In this podcast “breakthrough session” with coach Danielle LaRock, learn how common thoughts uncover our core beliefs, which in turn can serve as powerful catalysts for transformation. Danielle shares with us practical examples of how she and her clients have either released or reframed their stories so that we can do the same. Danielle LaRock has been called a “visionary empath” and a “small but mighty powerhouse.” As a Breakthrough Practitioner, she empowers purpose-driven people to heal themselves from disease and misalignment through actualizing their calling to heal the world. She overcame a chronic illness through this inner work and built her life around connecting with purpose. Her vision and life’s work is creating a world where we see each other for who we truly are, living and leading as our Real Selves. She believes “The World Needs the Real You.”     Special Guest: Danielle LaRock https://www.daniellelarock.c

Continuing our conversation with Integrative and Holistic Medicine doctor and gut specialist, Mona Ezzat, we dive deeper into the affect stress has on our digestive tract. Learn action steps you can take NOW to solve common digestive problems. We cover: Are probiotics really worth taking? What do to if your stool is too loose, too firm or your suffer from constipation? We discuss why you might want to meditate before eating and Dr. Ezzat’s favorite brands of supplements. Lastly, she shares with us her favorite apps and wearable devices that can help us decrease our stress and increase our digestive health. Enjoy   Dr. Ezzat is a board certified family physician, board certified Integrative and Holistic Medicine physician with extensive training in functional medicine. Dr.Ezzat has been practicing for the past 17 yrs in such diverse settings as a Navajo Indian reservation to working as an onsite doctor at Facebook. Her passion is helping patients find the root of the health challenges and regaining their vital

We often hear that “all disease begins in the gut.” But what does that really mean? Today, we learn how the ecosystem of our gut works, from our mouth down through our colon. Dr. Ezzat answers common questions about our digestive health: Why do we crave carbs when stressed out? Does caffeine wreak havoc on our digestive system? What are common problem foods that irritate the lining on the gut? Learn how the brain, gut and Vagus nerve are all connected in this fascinating overview episode of the digestive system. Dr. Ezzat is a board certified family physician, board certified Integrative and Holistic Medicine physician with extensive training in functional medicine. Dr.Ezzat has been practicing for the past 17 yrs in such diverse settings as a Navajo Indian reservation to working as an onsite doctor at Facebook. Her passion is helping patients find the root of the health challenges and regaining their vitality through lifestyle measures.   Special Guest: Dr. Mona Ezzat-Velinov https://www.drmona.me/   Creator

In this episode, we continue our conversation on Shaktipat and Kundalini awakening with Gabriel Cousens, MD. Once you experience a Kundalini awakening - how does it unfold throughout your system? Learn how this energy can thrive (or die), pending on how we choose to nurture it. We also discuss the relationship of teacher and student. Is it possible to experience a Kundalini awakening without the guidance of a spiritual teacher? Or is energy transmission from a teacher necessary? What red flags should we be aware of when looking to receive Shaktipat? And how do we find the right teacher? Don’t miss this special episode which dives deep into all things Kundalini.   Gabriel Cousens is the author of fourteen internationally acclaimed books including “Conscious Parenting” and “Spiritual Nutrition.” Known worldwide as a spiritual teacher and the leading expert in live, plant-source nutrition, Dr. Cousens functions as a holistic physician, psychiatrist, family therapist, and cutting edge researcher on healing diabet

What is Shaktipat? What role does it play in the process of liberation? How is it transmitted down from teacher to student? In this episode, Gabriel Cousens, MD, shares with us the riveting story of his own Kundalini awakening through Shaktipat. He also explains what we should do if Kundalini awakening is something we seek. Dr. Cousens knowledge on the topic of Kundalini energy is vast. Get ready to be inspired!   Gabriel Cousens is the author of fourteen internationally acclaimed books including “Conscious Parenting” and “Spiritual Nutrition.” Known worldwide as a spiritual teacher and the leading expert in live, plant-source nutrition, Dr. Cousens functions as a holistic physician, psychiatrist, family therapist, and cutting edge researcher on healing diabetes naturally. He holds an M.D. from Columbia Medical School, a doctorate in homeopathy, and diplomas in Ayurveda, clinical acupuncture, and holistic medicine. His multi-cultural background as an ordained rabbi, an acknowledged yogi, and a four-year Nativ

Continuing our conversation with addiction expert, Erin Colleen Linzi, we learn how to step into a role of authority in our lives and overcome the “victim” mindset that can so often plague us. Erin even shares a personal story of her struggling with this victim mindset in a fight with her husband. We discuss how to balance self-compassion with discipline whilst in recovery. We also learn about how we can make our yoga practice play an active role in overcoming addictive behaviors. Yoga-lovers especially will enjoy this special episode. Erin Colleen Linzi is an addiction and eating disorder recoveree. She struggled with drinking, pills, and bulimia for 12 years. After a divorce, getting laid off from work, and being completely adrenal fatigued and bed ridden, she rose from the bottom and found peace through nourishing her body, yoga, meditation, and life coaching. She now owns a yoga studio called Thrive Yoga & Fitness, a spa called Thrive Yoga Therapies, a Recovery Coaching Company and podcast called Thri

Under every addiction and eating disorder is unaddressed pain. How do we sit with that pain? Hold it? And ultimately, transform it? Today we talk about being vulnerable, raw, and fully present with Erin Colleen Linzi, an addiction and eating disorder recoveree. We learn her CLEAR formula of self-inquiry. We uncover tips on how to overcome addiction. We talk about how the root cause of many addictive behaviors stem from false past memories. These ideas are relevant to all of us – regardless of whether you’re currently in recovery. Erin Colleen Linzi is an addiction and eating disorder recoveree. She struggled with drinking, pills, and bulimia for 12 years. After a divorce, getting laid off from work, and being completely adrenal fatigued and bed ridden, she rose from the bottom and found peace through nourishing her body, yoga, meditation, and life coaching. She now owns a yoga studio called Thrive Yoga & Fitness, a spa called Thrive Yoga Therapies, a Recovery Coaching Company and podcast called Thriving A

In this episode, we continue our conversation with intuition expert, Kim Chestney. Learn why we must “intuit or die” and discover what Kim calls “Spiritual Darwinism.” We talk about how we’re globally transitioning from the Information Age to the Imagination Age, and what that looks like on both a personal level and in the workplace. We also cover: What to do if your intuition steers you wrong? How to step into a place of trust? How use intuition to overcome our fears? Don’t miss this special episode on the convergence of spirituality and science.   Kim Chestney is a best-selling holistic author, artist and the Founding Director of Pittsburgh’s CREATE! Festival. Her book, The Psychic Workshop: A Complete Program for Fulfilling Your Spiritual Potential, has been published around the world since 2004. Known for her unique perspective on Holistic Intuition ~ for body, mind, heart and spirit ~ Kim is revolutionizing our understanding of inner guidance. She is the founder of Mystic Studios, a creative and holistic

We’re talking all things intuition in this special episode with Kim Chestney! Learn about the four different types of intuition each of us posses. Discover how to use Kim’s process of elimination to uncover what are just your thoughts versus your true intuitive voice. Find out why awakening your intuition is actually a two-step process that involves both receiving and taking action. Kim will also be talking to us about how accessing intuition is all about FLOW and how we can stage an “intuition intervention” when making a small or big decision. Get ready to be inspired! After this episode, you’ll want to harness the power of your intuition into every aspect of your life with these practical tips.      Kim Chestney is a best-selling holistic author, artist and the Founding Director of Pittsburgh’s CREATE! Festival. Her book, The Psychic Workshop: A Complete Program for Fulfilling Your Spiritual Potential, has been published around the world since 2004. Known for her unique perspective on Holistic Intuition ~ f

Experience “Tapping:” a healing modality that combines ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. Guest expert, Nick Ortner, leads us through a tapping session live on the podcast! He also explains the history of this practice, the ancient science behind it, and how you can use tapping for everything – from overcoming chronic pain to manifesting your greatest self.   Nicolas Ortner is CEO of The Tapping Solution, LLC, a company with a mission to bring into the mainstream a simple, effective, natural healing method known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or “Tapping.” Nick’s goal is to empower people to create healthy, abundant and stress-free lives through his books, films, CDs, online events and speaking engagements attended by participants from all over the world. He is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Tapping Solution: A Revolutionary System for Stress-Free Living,” and “The Tapping Solution for Pain Relief: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing and Eliminating Chronic Pain.” Prior to t

Avoid burnout and perform at your peak through modern mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness teacher and performance coach, Pete Kirchmer, walks us through how we can embrace the Buddhist idea of ‘non-striving,’ while still achieving our goals. Learn how to decode your ‘stress signature’ and use resilience, focus and flow to perform at your highest potential. We discuss intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, how to make your goals a mantra for your life, and how to practice mindfulness while checking emails! Don’t miss this episode full of performance enhancing tips!   Pete Kirchmer is the Program Director for the UC San Diego Center For Mindfulness and the developer and lead trainer for the Chopra Center Life Coaching program. Pete’s private coaching practice is filled with high performers including professional athletes, executives and anyone looking to apply the practice of mindfulness to making healthy lifestyle changes, managing stress and improving performance in life, work and sport. Pete teaches Mindfuln

Dive deep into the Yoga Sutras with award-winning author, Nischala Joy Devi. Discover heart-centered interpretations of the Yamas and Niyamas. Dissect famous Sutras, like Sutra 1.2, and common words like Vritti or Samadhi. Nischala offers a completely unique, heart-centered approach to translating the Sutras. This episode is not to be missed!   Nischala Joy Devi is highly respected as an international advocate for her innovative way of expressing Yoga and its subtle uses for spiritual growth and complete healing. Educated by masters in India and worldwide, she was a monastic disciple of Sri Swami Satchidanandaji for over 20 years. She’s the author of several CDs, and books, “The Healing Path of Yoga” and “The Secret Power of Yoga, A Woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras” and the award winning audio book of “The Secret Power of Yoga.” Nischala Devi’s teachings reflect a heart-centered perspective of spirituality and scripture.   Special Guest: Nischala Joy Devi www.abundantwellbeing.com   Cr