What if stress, overwhelm, and the pressure to “push through” are signals—not signs of weakness, but invitations to slow down?
In this powerful episode, Ethan Brown shares his personal experience with burnout and anxiety, including the moment that made him step away from teaching yoga and return to healing.
Ethan talks candidly about the illusion of perfection, especially for yoga teachers, and the fear of being seen as “not spiritual enough” when experiencing mental health struggles. He opens up about seeking help, the role of therapy, and how honoring his nervous system became the most spiritual act of all.
This conversation unpacks the dangers of spiritual bypassing, the power of nervous system awareness, and how rest and boundaries are critical for long-term resilience. It’s a raw and affirming listen for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to perform, to always be okay, or to be someone they’re not.
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:45 Ethan's burnout journey
00:09:20 Anxiety and identity
00:14:58 Breaking the pattern of perfection
00:20:16 The moment he paused teaching
00:26:50 Nervous system & embodiment
00:33:22 Yoga teachers and shame
00:39:45 Rest as resistance
00:46:30 The return to authenticity
00:52:05 Tools for coming home
00:58:30 Closing reflections
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📌 Mentions
Ethan Brown’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethpraylove/
Ethan’s Substack: https://substack.com/@ethprayreflections?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/
Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/
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Tags: yoga and mental health, burnout recovery, nervous system healing, spiritual bypassing, anxiety and embodiment, yoga teacher journey, authenticity, emotional regulation, rest and resilience, trauma-informed yoga
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