Marla Meenakshi Joy, Owner and Director of Downward Dog Yoga Centre, spent years in the Himalayas studying Meditation, Sanskrit and Yoga Philosophy. She's been studying meditation and the philosophy of the Vedas since 1988. She began teaching in 1999 in Teacher Training programs across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia, as a teacher of Philosophy and Sanskrit, Chanting and Meditation, Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga, and Restorative Yoga. Wait, there's more! She's also a celebrated song-stress and leads Kirtan with her band SWAHA. What a pleasure it was to have a conversation with this soul that's been steeping in the wisdom of yoga, continuing to expand her growth year after year. What's really interesting is hearing what the yoga scene was like 30 years ago. In this episode, Marla shares her yoga journey from being a young 19 year old who went off to the Himalayas and finally found "home" in her yoga practice to the influential teacher/yoga studio owner/songstress that she is today. We catch tidbits of her wisdom along the way as we take dips into understanding ashtanga vinyasa yoga, the Vedas, Kirtan and more. Amongst the tools she shares are mantras to help clear the way, remove fear and reconnect to your true nature. Resources: Books recommended by Marla: Yoga Mala by Pattahbi Jois Knowledge on Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Understand the cleansing process in the body as a result of practicing this type of yoga Thomas Ashley-Farrand's Books to learn more about mantras Marla's mantra recommendations: To Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Use this to clear the way for your day: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" To Durga, the protectress goddess. Use this to help remove fear: "Om dum durgayei namaha" An abstract mantra that's not associated with any deity or any form. A universal mantra – the mantra of the breath. It repeats itself on every inhalation and exhalation naturally. Use this one to be reminded of your true nature and reality: "So Hum" Translated, it means "all that there is, is me or I am all that there is" Inhale: SO Exhale: HUM Read More

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