December 30, 2024 • 15 mins
This year, I have loved covering different topics from yoga’s roots and history to tips on building your business. As well as anatomy info to episodes mapping out your nervous system & injury information. And it feels like I’ve just touched on the tip of the iceberg! A few of my favorite episodes have been answering YOUR questions, because honestly where do we go to get answers? There aren’t a lot of places, and I have loved reading your questions and helping to enrich your teaching by offering you ideas to work through some of the issues you’ve struggled with.
In this special end-of-the-year episode I want to highlight the top 5 most downloaded and listened to episodes, just in case you missed them or you want to go back and listen again. I've linked them below so you can easily jump to them!
Episode Links:
Ep 4: How to Find Your Passion
Ep 20: Somatic Yoga Principles - How To Incorporate Them in Your Classes
Ep 21: Teaching Yoga and How It Affects Family Dynamics
Ep 27: The Hyper-sexualization of Yoga
Ep 46: What is Functional Freeze?
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright
Freebie: Yoga Sequencing for Different Injuries
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- Check out my website: Enhanced Body
- Connect with me on Instagram
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Monica (00:00):
We are almost at the end of the year, what happened to
2024?
For me, it felt like it flew by,but I have had some really
wonderful moments this year.
Honestly, it was a fantasticyear for me.
And guess what?
Today is my youngest daughter'sbirthday.
(00:20):
I can't believe I have an 18year old.
I mean, talk about time flying.
How has your year, wait beforeyou answer that, I want you to
think about all the positives,the good times, the affirmations
that came to light.
I am a huge believer in yourthoughts, creating your reality.
So which path in the fork on theroad are you going to take?
(00:43):
Will you dwell on what didn'thappen or didn't go your way.
Or will you highlight the good?
I want the good.
So take a moment maybe after youlistened to this episode and
think about the good smile aboutthe positives and feel the
goodness in your heart.
And what about the negatives?
(01:03):
Well, we can learn from thosetoo.
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you ifyou're a yoga teacher, you're
(01:24):
looking for support, you love tobe in conversation, and you're a
lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou My life as a yoga teacher,
the lessons I've learned, myprocess for building my
business, and helpful ideas,tools, strategies, and systems I
(01:45):
use and you can use so that yourbusiness thrives.
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
(02:09):
some laughs along the way.
Now, let's do this together.
Well, welcome back to the high caste.
I feel so grateful for you beinghere and listening to these
episodes that I publish for you.
You know, you are a big reasonwhy I started this podcast.
(02:30):
And last year, this time I wasin the final planning stages of
putting it.
Out into the world.
And here we are a whole yearlater.
I have to say, I have lovedcovering different topics from
yoga's roots and history to tipson building your business.
Then anatomy info to episodes,mapping out your nervous system
(02:52):
and injury information.
And it feels like I've justtouched on the tip of the
iceberg.
A few of my favorite episodeshave been answering your
questions because honestly,Where do we go to get answers?
There aren't a lot of places.
So I've loved reading yourquestions and helping to enrich
(03:14):
your teaching by giving youideas to work through some of
the issues you've struggledwith.
And this special end of the yearepisode, I want to highlight the
top five most downloaded andlistened episodes just in case
you miss them.
Or you want to go back and havea listen again.
(03:35):
I'll add all of their links inthe show notes, so you can
easily jump to them.
Alright, here we go.
One of my first episodescontinues to get downloads.
Each and every week and that'sepisode number four, how to
find.
Your passion.
And this episode, I walked youthrough a conversation that I
(03:58):
have with a yoga teacher who wasstruggling to continue teaching
yoga.
Her exact words were.
I really don't enjoy what I'mdoing every day.
I feel like I'm on a hamsterwheel and I'm just going along
with the program whose program?
I don't know.
I don't even know if it's mine.
(04:18):
I just feel like it just.
Is, and I want to change that.
I want to be teaching what Ilove and I know everything I'm
doing is making me feel excited.
Denise is the name that I usedfor this teacher, because at the
time of recording, I hadn'tgotten permission to use her
actual name.
(04:39):
But the conversation waspowerful.
And I think that that's why thisepisode is one of the most
listened to.
When you listen to this episode,you'll hear that I had a number
of questions for her.
To think about and help her getback on the path of teaching
that made her come alive.
(04:59):
It's important for her to definewhat excites her.
What experiences did she enjoyas a student?
And what types of experiencesdoes she want to cultivate for
her students?
As I go through each question,you too can rediscover your true
passions by exploring yourinterests and bracing curiosity
(05:22):
And reflecting on what trulyexcites and motivates you.
And you can also help defineyour life's purpose.
This episode is perfect.
If you're feeling stuck orneeding a fresh sense of
direction.
And trust me, I've been theretoo.
Okay.
The next is episode 20 somaticyoga principles.
(05:44):
How to incorporate them in youryoga classes.
Somatic yoga has really comeinto the mainstream lately, but
it's been around for quite sometime.
I was introduced to somatic yogaabout six or seven years ago
when I was in an advancedteacher training.
I realized I was alreadyteaching some of the principles
(06:05):
of somatics.
But was eager to incorporatemore.
This episode explores theessence of somatic yoga,
emphasizing mindfulness, bodyawareness, and the connection
between movement and sensation.
In it, I provide insights intohow to integrate these
principles into your teaching,to create a more intuitive and
(06:28):
transformative experience foryour students.
Some of the tips includefostering slow deliberate
movements and encouragingself-awareness to deepen the
mind body connection.
Sematic yoga also helps youregulate your nervous system by
calming down an overactivenervous system.
And by activating the relaxationresponse.
(06:52):
Through slow deliberatemovements and deep breathing.
You activate the parasympatheticnervous system and help reduce
the levels of stress hormones,and promote a sense of calm.
This episode is ideal for you.
If you're looking to enrich yourclasses with some somatic
practices.
You can sequence your life away,but when you begin to add in
(07:16):
different modalities into yourclasses, They become
interesting.
Educational.
And layered.
The next episode is probably myfavorite it's episode 21,
teaching yoga and how it affectsfamily dynamics.
(07:36):
And the reason why is because Iinvited my oldest daughter to be
a guest.
Because I wanted her to talkabout how our family dynamics
changed from her perspective.
One of my greatest joys in lifeis being a mother.
So I don't take that rolelightly.
I think as parents and asmothers specifically, it can be
(07:58):
difficult to balance.
parenthood.
Career.
Relationships and self care.
Each as important as the other,but often we're conditioned to
place ourselves and ourdecisions.
Last on the list.
I've learned to be adamant aboutwhat I want from my life as
well.
(08:19):
In this episode, we talked aboutthe shift in our family
dynamics, because if you don'tknow, I used to work in
education.
So my work schedule aligned withschool schedules, but when I
switched to teaching yoga, Allof that changed.
My classes were at night.
And on the weekends.
And it was not easy.
(08:40):
I'm not going to lie.
So anyway, I invited her to comeshare her experience and we
discuss the challenges.
The growth.
And the lessons that we learnedduring this life changing
transition for our family.
And together we shared ourpersonal experiences and
reflected on how switchingcareers.
(09:01):
Influenced family roles.
Perspectives and ourcommunication.
This episode is a must.
Listen, if you're navigatingcareer shifts while balancing
family life.
One thing I know for sure is noone talks about family dynamics
and how teaching yoga can have adrastic effect on your personal
(09:25):
life and relationships.
Okay.
Episode number 27, the hypersexualization of yoga.
In this.
thought provoking episode, Itackle the sensitive and complex
topic of yoga's.
Hyper-sexualization thediscussion delves into how
(09:46):
cultural shifts.
Uh, social media and mediaportrayal have shaped
perceptions of yoga.
If you're on social media, youknow how Asana and flexibility
often overshadow it's deeper.
Spiritual and holistic roots.
I explore the impact of thistrend on students, current new
(10:09):
and interested students.
Teachers and the yoga communityat large, and I offer insights
on how to reclaim yoga'sauthentic essence, a powerful
episode for you.
If you're seeking to engage inmeaningful dialogue about
preserving the integrity.
Of this ancient practice.
(10:31):
And finally rounding out the topfive is episode number 46.
What is functional freeze?
I have a few episodes onunderstanding your nervous
system and this episode unpacksthe concept of functional
freeze.
It's a survival response whereyou may appear functional, but
(10:52):
are internally stuck in a stateof immobilization or overwhelm.
The times that we're in now haveunfortunately landed more
people.
In a state of functional freeze.
It's a response of the autonomicnervous system that happens when
you perceive a threat, but feelpowerless to act.
(11:15):
Unlike the fight or flightresponse, which prompts action.
Uh, functional freeze andmobilizes your body causing a
sense of paralysis or stuckness.
You might feel disconnected fromyour surroundings.
I have a reduced ability to makedecisions or feel numb.
Both emotionally and physically.
(11:37):
This response can be triggeredby overwhelming stress or
trauma.
And while it's intended to beprotective, it can become
problematic in non-threateningsituations, which can lead to
chronic issues in coping andfunctioning in daily life.
In this episode, I explainedwhat happens in functional
freeze, common causes that makeyou find yourself in the state.
(12:02):
Ways to work through it, somemisconceptions about it.
And if there are ways to addressit in your yoga classes, This
episode is perfect.
If you're interested in mentalhealth or trauma informed
practices.
All right.
I'll link all of these episodesin the show notes below.
(12:23):
And again, I just want to thankyou for being here in 2024.
I cannot wait to lean into allof the topics that we will
discuss in 2025.
As always you can send me a textand share your ideas on topics
for the show or any questionsthat you have that you'd love to
(12:45):
hear my answers and my adviceon.
And I would just love to sayhappy new year, Happy 2025.
Go out and celebrate.
I hope that if you haven'tlistened to these episodes, you
give them a listen.
I might be a little biased whenI say that I've loved each and
(13:05):
every episode.
This has been the most fun andrewarding business decision that
I've made.
And you are a huge part of that.
Like I mentioned before, I'veadded a link in the show notes
for you to send me a quick textmessage about your thoughts on
this episode or any topics you'dlike me to consider for 2025.
(13:27):
I will know your phone number.
It's just a neat addition to theplatform that I use.
That allows for this new andsuper easy way for you to
communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
don't delete that code.
That's how your message will getto me.
And I would love to know yourthoughts on this topic.
(13:47):
If you can't tell already, Ilove diving into these
conversations because there areso many important discussions to
be had in the teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding and sustainable
And if you've loved thisepisode, Let me know, subscribe
(14:11):
to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
share it with another yogateacher.
Who you think would love to bein on these conversations?
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listened
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
And I would love to hear aboutit.
(14:33):
Don't forget to download theebook sequencing for different
injuries.
The link is in the show notes.
I promise you, it will help youform a foundation.
For teaching students withinjuries and it'll be a great
resource for you to return toagain and again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
(14:54):
I've got more exciting teachingscoming in 2025.
So I want to tell you all aboutthem.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love you to
join it so we can always stayconnected.
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
We are almost at the end of the year, what happened to
2024?
For me, it felt like it flew by,but I have had some really
wonderful moments this year.
Honestly, it was a fantasticyear for me.
And guess what?
Today is my youngest daughter'sbirthday.
(00:20):
I can't believe I have an 18year old.
I mean, talk about time flying.
How has your year, wait beforeyou answer that, I want you to
think about all the positives,the good times, the affirmations
that came to light.
I am a huge believer in yourthoughts, creating your reality.
So which path in the fork on theroad are you going to take?
(00:43):
Will you dwell on what didn'thappen or didn't go your way.
Or will you highlight the good?
I want the good.
So take a moment maybe after youlistened to this episode and
think about the good smile aboutthe positives and feel the
goodness in your heart.
And what about the negatives?
(01:03):
Well, we can learn from thosetoo.
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you ifyou're a yoga teacher, you're
(01:24):
looking for support, you love tobe in conversation, and you're a
lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou My life as a yoga teacher,
the lessons I've learned, myprocess for building my
business, and helpful ideas,tools, strategies, and systems I
(01:45):
use and you can use so that yourbusiness thrives.
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
(02:09):
some laughs along the way.
Now, let's do this together.
Well, welcome back to the high caste.
I feel so grateful for you beinghere and listening to these
episodes that I publish for you.
You know, you are a big reasonwhy I started this podcast.
(02:30):
And last year, this time I wasin the final planning stages of
putting it.
Out into the world.
And here we are a whole yearlater.
I have to say, I have lovedcovering different topics from
yoga's roots and history to tipson building your business.
Then anatomy info to episodes,mapping out your nervous system
(02:52):
and injury information.
And it feels like I've justtouched on the tip of the
iceberg.
A few of my favorite episodeshave been answering your
questions because honestly,Where do we go to get answers?
There aren't a lot of places.
So I've loved reading yourquestions and helping to enrich
(03:14):
your teaching by giving youideas to work through some of
the issues you've struggledwith.
And this special end of the yearepisode, I want to highlight the
top five most downloaded andlistened episodes just in case
you miss them.
Or you want to go back and havea listen again.
(03:35):
I'll add all of their links inthe show notes, so you can
easily jump to them.
Alright, here we go.
One of my first episodescontinues to get downloads.
Each and every week and that'sepisode number four, how to
find.
Your passion.
And this episode, I walked youthrough a conversation that I
(03:58):
have with a yoga teacher who wasstruggling to continue teaching
yoga.
Her exact words were.
I really don't enjoy what I'mdoing every day.
I feel like I'm on a hamsterwheel and I'm just going along
with the program whose program?
I don't know.
I don't even know if it's mine.
(04:18):
I just feel like it just.
Is, and I want to change that.
I want to be teaching what Ilove and I know everything I'm
doing is making me feel excited.
Denise is the name that I usedfor this teacher, because at the
time of recording, I hadn'tgotten permission to use her
actual name.
(04:39):
But the conversation waspowerful.
And I think that that's why thisepisode is one of the most
listened to.
When you listen to this episode,you'll hear that I had a number
of questions for her.
To think about and help her getback on the path of teaching
that made her come alive.
(04:59):
It's important for her to definewhat excites her.
What experiences did she enjoyas a student?
And what types of experiencesdoes she want to cultivate for
her students?
As I go through each question,you too can rediscover your true
passions by exploring yourinterests and bracing curiosity
(05:22):
And reflecting on what trulyexcites and motivates you.
And you can also help defineyour life's purpose.
This episode is perfect.
If you're feeling stuck orneeding a fresh sense of
direction.
And trust me, I've been theretoo.
Okay.
The next is episode 20 somaticyoga principles.
(05:44):
How to incorporate them in youryoga classes.
Somatic yoga has really comeinto the mainstream lately, but
it's been around for quite sometime.
I was introduced to somatic yogaabout six or seven years ago
when I was in an advancedteacher training.
I realized I was alreadyteaching some of the principles
(06:05):
of somatics.
But was eager to incorporatemore.
This episode explores theessence of somatic yoga,
emphasizing mindfulness, bodyawareness, and the connection
between movement and sensation.
In it, I provide insights intohow to integrate these
principles into your teaching,to create a more intuitive and
(06:28):
transformative experience foryour students.
Some of the tips includefostering slow deliberate
movements and encouragingself-awareness to deepen the
mind body connection.
Sematic yoga also helps youregulate your nervous system by
calming down an overactivenervous system.
And by activating the relaxationresponse.
(06:52):
Through slow deliberatemovements and deep breathing.
You activate the parasympatheticnervous system and help reduce
the levels of stress hormones,and promote a sense of calm.
This episode is ideal for you.
If you're looking to enrich yourclasses with some somatic
practices.
You can sequence your life away,but when you begin to add in
(07:16):
different modalities into yourclasses, They become
interesting.
Educational.
And layered.
The next episode is probably myfavorite it's episode 21,
teaching yoga and how it affectsfamily dynamics.
(07:36):
And the reason why is because Iinvited my oldest daughter to be
a guest.
Because I wanted her to talkabout how our family dynamics
changed from her perspective.
One of my greatest joys in lifeis being a mother.
So I don't take that rolelightly.
I think as parents and asmothers specifically, it can be
(07:58):
difficult to balance.
parenthood.
Career.
Relationships and self care.
Each as important as the other,but often we're conditioned to
place ourselves and ourdecisions.
Last on the list.
I've learned to be adamant aboutwhat I want from my life as
well.
(08:19):
In this episode, we talked aboutthe shift in our family
dynamics, because if you don'tknow, I used to work in
education.
So my work schedule aligned withschool schedules, but when I
switched to teaching yoga, Allof that changed.
My classes were at night.
And on the weekends.
And it was not easy.
(08:40):
I'm not going to lie.
So anyway, I invited her to comeshare her experience and we
discuss the challenges.
The growth.
And the lessons that we learnedduring this life changing
transition for our family.
And together we shared ourpersonal experiences and
reflected on how switchingcareers.
(09:01):
Influenced family roles.
Perspectives and ourcommunication.
This episode is a must.
Listen, if you're navigatingcareer shifts while balancing
family life.
One thing I know for sure is noone talks about family dynamics
and how teaching yoga can have adrastic effect on your personal
(09:25):
life and relationships.
Okay.
Episode number 27, the hypersexualization of yoga.
In this.
thought provoking episode, Itackle the sensitive and complex
topic of yoga's.
Hyper-sexualization thediscussion delves into how
(09:46):
cultural shifts.
Uh, social media and mediaportrayal have shaped
perceptions of yoga.
If you're on social media, youknow how Asana and flexibility
often overshadow it's deeper.
Spiritual and holistic roots.
I explore the impact of thistrend on students, current new
(10:09):
and interested students.
Teachers and the yoga communityat large, and I offer insights
on how to reclaim yoga'sauthentic essence, a powerful
episode for you.
If you're seeking to engage inmeaningful dialogue about
preserving the integrity.
Of this ancient practice.
(10:31):
And finally rounding out the topfive is episode number 46.
What is functional freeze?
I have a few episodes onunderstanding your nervous
system and this episode unpacksthe concept of functional
freeze.
It's a survival response whereyou may appear functional, but
(10:52):
are internally stuck in a stateof immobilization or overwhelm.
The times that we're in now haveunfortunately landed more
people.
In a state of functional freeze.
It's a response of the autonomicnervous system that happens when
you perceive a threat, but feelpowerless to act.
(11:15):
Unlike the fight or flightresponse, which prompts action.
Uh, functional freeze andmobilizes your body causing a
sense of paralysis or stuckness.
You might feel disconnected fromyour surroundings.
I have a reduced ability to makedecisions or feel numb.
Both emotionally and physically.
(11:37):
This response can be triggeredby overwhelming stress or
trauma.
And while it's intended to beprotective, it can become
problematic in non-threateningsituations, which can lead to
chronic issues in coping andfunctioning in daily life.
In this episode, I explainedwhat happens in functional
freeze, common causes that makeyou find yourself in the state.
(12:02):
Ways to work through it, somemisconceptions about it.
And if there are ways to addressit in your yoga classes, This
episode is perfect.
If you're interested in mentalhealth or trauma informed
practices.
All right.
I'll link all of these episodesin the show notes below.
(12:23):
And again, I just want to thankyou for being here in 2024.
I cannot wait to lean into allof the topics that we will
discuss in 2025.
As always you can send me a textand share your ideas on topics
for the show or any questionsthat you have that you'd love to
(12:45):
hear my answers and my adviceon.
And I would just love to sayhappy new year, Happy 2025.
Go out and celebrate.
I hope that if you haven'tlistened to these episodes, you
give them a listen.
I might be a little biased whenI say that I've loved each and
(13:05):
every episode.
This has been the most fun andrewarding business decision that
I've made.
And you are a huge part of that.
Like I mentioned before, I'veadded a link in the show notes
for you to send me a quick textmessage about your thoughts on
this episode or any topics you'dlike me to consider for 2025.
(13:27):
I will know your phone number.
It's just a neat addition to theplatform that I use.
That allows for this new andsuper easy way for you to
communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
don't delete that code.
That's how your message will getto me.
And I would love to know yourthoughts on this topic.
(13:47):
If you can't tell already, Ilove diving into these
conversations because there areso many important discussions to
be had in the teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding and sustainable
And if you've loved thisepisode, Let me know, subscribe
(14:11):
to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
share it with another yogateacher.
Who you think would love to bein on these conversations?
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listened
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
And I would love to hear aboutit.
(14:33):
Don't forget to download theebook sequencing for different
injuries.
The link is in the show notes.
I promise you, it will help youform a foundation.
For teaching students withinjuries and it'll be a great
resource for you to return toagain and again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
(14:54):
I've got more exciting teachingscoming in 2025.
So I want to tell you all aboutthem.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love you to
join it so we can always stayconnected.
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
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