Hidden Mythology Behind Yoga Poses Most Teachers Never Learn | Crystal Rainbow Borrelli

“Knowledge is really important. Knowledge brings forth this awakening as well.” What does it actually mean to bring the roots of yoga to your practice? To bring inspiration? To bring prayer? Mantra? Pranayama? Knowledge? In this episode of a Curious Yogi, I sit down with Crystal Rainbow Borrelli - author, oracle deck creator, and third-generation yogi. We dive into how to honor the ancient wisdom, respect tradition and understanding tools like sacred mantras can completely reshape your time both on the mat and in your life. Key TakeawaysYoga is a way of relating to lifeMantra becomes more meaningful when it’s mythology and history is understoodOwn your voice! Essential for yoga teachersYoga's Spiritual Heart: Insights on practicing in yogas heartland of India.The mythical story behind the warrior posesStudying the roots of yoga, with respect for tradition, helps preserve it’s depthTo experience the world as a yogi is to hold both the human and the spacious Yoga supports nervous-system regulation by creating a pause before reactionYoga Teacher Trainings in the west, things to consider and how to choose the right trainingsRaised off-grid on a remote island on the West Coast, Crystal Rainbow Borrelli is a yogi, international retreat leader, and teacher trainer for 200-hour and 300-hour programs worldwide. She is the author of Within the Divine Realm, a guide to the mythical stories and sacred mantras of yoga's gods and goddesses, and creator of the Sacred Realms Oracle Deck. Crystal's Online Classes, Book & Oracle Deck: crystalrainbowborrelli.comConnect with Crystal: @crystalrainbowyogaI loved this conversation! Crystal is such a power house and she truly shares from her heart. This conversation is sure to give you inspiration for how to practice your postures, sing your mantras and approach your yoga practice. In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast! Join a Curious Yogi Community Membership for monthly live satsang or Yog Sadhana Practice Membership for All Access to my live classes💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  💭Join me on Retreat in India, Scandinavia or Sri Lanka Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

Are you treating your yoga practice as a checklist item, or as a splendid return to your essence?In this episode, I’m talking to you straight about what it means to bridge the gap between modern postural yoga and the ancient spiritual depths. Hello, yogasana sadhana. We dive into the reality of spiritual burnout, escaping the rigid "box" of mainstream studio culture, and how to treat your physical practice as a doorway to the divine rather than the final destination.Here’s what I share:The Seed vs. The Branch: Recognizing that while modern postural yoga is a beautiful physical doorway, it is just a single branch of a deeply rooted, magical treeOvercoming Burnout: My journey of "hitting the wall" while teaching within profit-driven spaces, and how returning to sadhana saved my mental health and my yogaFinding the Middle Ground: Exploring vivek (discernment) and vairagya (dispassion) to find the non-judgmental middle path in a highly commercialized yoga worldAncient Wisdom for Modern Seekers: Words from Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita to anchor ourselves in THE STATE of YogaDitching the Spiritual High Horse: Maturing into spiritual study means expanding our compassion, not looking down on those who are on the mat just for mobilityLinks Mentioned:The Curious Yogi Online Practice Community: Join My Momence Community Here (Migrating soon from Patreon—download the Momence app to track your practice, book 90-minute classes, and join our monthly Satsangs!)Listen to Stewart’s Latest Episode (There’s two!): On What Yoga is NOT Listen to Nikki’s Episode from Season 1: On Finding The MiddleYoga is not a mechanical checklist; it is an act of remembering the light, clarity, and love that is already sitting quietly with you.How do you maintain and relate to your sadhana? I’d love to hear how you are riding these waves.In oneness,BobbiThanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast on Momence and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like India Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

“So you’re an explorer of life, what a great exploration. What a great journey to embark on, to examine now. Now what? Now, what will life bring to me today?”Discover the timeless wisdom of meditation and self-inquiry through the teachings and personal journey of Chaytan Atma – who hasn’t missed a day of meditation in 50 years! This conversation delves into the nature of the unchanging self, the practice of non-doership, and the pursuit of balance amidst life's fluctuations.In this episode:The significance of curiosity (Jigyasu) and lifelong seeking in spiritual practiceThe transformative power of daily meditation for over 50 yearsUnderstanding the space of pure consciousness and awareness in meditationThe concept of Yog Chit Vritti Nirodha and its true meaningThe relationship between self-realization and ongoing practiceHow to live in the world from the space of stillness and balanceThe difference between understanding and direct experience of the SelfPractical insights on maintaining non-doership in action-filled lifeThe role of balance and evenness (Yog) in navigating life's ups and downsThe importance of continued curiosity and watching in spiritual growthI loved this deep dialogue with a wise, delightful and generous master! A totally open space for questions and discussions about the direct experience and the importance of continual practice and curiosity in realizing the Self. I promise this will serve as inspiration to explore your own inner space with patience and surrender.In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like India, Sri Lanka & Norway  Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

"Our souls have neither a birth nor death. Our soul's journey is infinite. But the human experience that we're having in this moment is limited."Today, we dive deep into the intersection of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern health science with famed celebrity Ayurvedic nutritionist and gut health coach, Dimple Jangda.In this episode, you will gain actionable, practical knowledge on how lifestyle, diet, and uncovering the root source of healing are directly connected to our spiritual search for happiness and wholeness. We explore both the practical and spiritual sides of how to best care for ourselves to prepare for spiritual transformation, as well as day-to-day health. What We Discuss:Ayurveda as a foundation for spiritual lifeThe Ayurvedic circadian rhythm, daily routines & surrendering to natureUnderstanding Plant-Based Diets & the impact on long-term health.Navigating Women’s hormonal healthThe Power of Self-Healing & tapping into ancient wisdom from within.Actions You Can Start Today:Follow the Ayurvedic energy clock for your daily routines.Nature on your Plate: Adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet.Center Yourself: Incorporate daily meditation and gratitude practices.Make Conscious Choices: Learn how to choose ethically sourced ghee and best plant-based dairy alternatives.Support Your Gut: Practice daily detox and digestion routines.Connect with Dimple:Website: Prana By DimpleIG: @dimplejangdaofficial @pranabydimple @gutstorywithdimpleYoutube: @GutstorywithDimpleJangdaAs a long-time vegan, I took so much inspiration from the myriad of reasons why a seeker is better off choosing a plant-based lifestyle, and I learned about so many health benefits I wasn’t even aware of.I promise this episode will give you plenty of food for thought on your own health and spiritual journey.In oneness,BobbiThanks for listening!💭 Support the Podcast: Head over to our Patreon Page to support the show and join our monthly satsangs.💭 Leave a Review: If you liked this episode, please leave a review! It really, really helps the show reach more people.💭 Share Your Takeaway: Tag me and share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel.💭 Join Me on Retreat: Yog Sadhana in Scandinavia, India, Sri Lanka. Learn more HERE.💭 Let’s Connect: If you’d like to chat about the show, inquire about being a guest, or practice together, let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

“The dance will bring you to the surrender. It might not always be surrendered, but with more acceptance and more surrender, definitely more peace.”Such a joy to share this conversation with Dana Flynn, a teacher’s teacher with more than 3 decades of practice and just total delight. Dana generously shares her raw energy, her lived experience and journey of waking up. This conversation delves into her personal path from a spirited party girl to a dedicated yogi, touching on themes of surrender, the power of inner exploration, and how yoga is a living, breathing experience both on and off the mat.We discuss SO much! Surrender, sobriety, making the teachings alive through the subtle practice, including everything in our sadhana and how life (or God) brings us what we need for this visit earth side. I’m so honored to share this intimate conversation, it is so inspiring.In this episode:The Evolution: Dana shares her path from owning a bar and being a party girl to discovering the deeper purpose of yoga.Surrender & Discipline: The significance of meeting her teacher in India and her spiritual growth.Beyond Asanas: How physical practices like asanas and pranayama open doors to subtle and spiritual experiences.The Polarities: Exploring the outer forms of the yoga journey versus the inner essence.Awakening: The importance of relationships and ongoing curiosity.Navigating Loss: Meeting life's challenges, grief, and loss through yoga and presence. And acceptance!The Mystery: The dance of longings, fleeting moments of clarity, and embracing existence.Connect with Dana here:Dana Flynn's SubstackLight on Lotus Yoga (LA studio)IG @danatrixieflynnThis episode reminds us that yoga is a continuous dance of surrender, longing, discovery, transformation. An inner journey that unfolds in every moment. Dana invites joy and courage into our world.I sincerely hope this is the first of more conversations with Dana, wow! Thank you for being here and please leave a review and let us know what inspired you!In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like Norway, India & Sri Lanka Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨

“Sadhana is my life, basically. Whether it's studying or not studying or meditating or not meditating, but the intent is to maintain a sense of that Highest Awareness at all times.”Discover the profound journey and wisdom of friend and life-time meditator Ravi. Ravi is a 70 year old yogi who has dedicated 50 years to living and embodying the Highest Awareness under the guidance (and Grace) of his teacher, his guide, his ideal, his guru, Swami Shyam. In this episode, Ravi shares timeless insights on meditation, the nature of the Knower, and how sadhana transforms everyday life. In this path of self-realization and living that highest awareness, it’s conversations like these that keep me going. .Here’s some key takeaways:Ravi’s early spiritual questioning, venturing to northern India in the 70’s to meet his Guru Swami Shyam The importance of sadhana as a life-long, all-encompassing practice (50 years in!)A deeper understanding of the Highest Awareness and the role of meditationPractical insights on attending to the space between thoughts and the power of the Knower in meditationHow to navigate doubts, ego, and illusion on the spiritual pathThe legacy of Swamiji and the simplicity of true liberationAdvice to younger seekers and the importance of trust and dedicationVisit Swami Shyams Library of english books and scriptures HEREI really loved this satsang discussion, it gave me so much inspiration! It’s such a trip to hear stories of Western seekers making the trek to India in the 70’s. I feel in my soul I’m from that era. But these conversations strike me as important for us to adapt our sadhana and the timeless Knowledge for today’s world and keep our attention, always, on the highest. Remember, the journey is lifelong and continuous. Every moment offers an opportunity to recognize the Knower within. And, in Ravi’s words “The rest as they say is history—a far more enlightening one than I ever studied at University—the history of the Eternal Reality, Me!”In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  💭Join me on Retreat in faraway places like India, Sri Lanka & Scandinavia Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨

Season 5 of A Curious Yogi is here.I’m so happy to begin this season with a solo episode exploring an essential teaching from my teacher, Swamiji, who encouraged everyone to learn and memorize these seven verses from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, verses 19–25). He described them as containing the essence of the entire scripture.In this episode, I share some of Swamiji’s reflections and commentary, attempt to sing the Sanskrit verses myself (eek), and explore ways we can read, contemplate, and meditate on this timeless text as modern seekers.Some key themes from the conversation:The Gita is not simply a literal story about war or battle, but an exploration of the inner conflict between the individual self and the wisdom of the Higher Self.Gita means “song” — these teachings were meant to be sung, recited, and absorbed deeply.The teachings point us toward deathlessness: the reminder that we are not merely the body or identity we take ourselves to be.Perspective matters deeply — reading the Gita through Krishna’s consciousness offers something very different from reading solely through Arjuna’s confusion.If this episode gives you even a small glimpse into the depth and beauty of the Gita, I’d love for you to join me this June for an 18-week reading, study, and meditation group: 18 chapters in 18 weeks.All sessions will be recorded, so there’s no pressure to attend live every time. And Patreon members receive 50% off the full offering.More than anything, I’m excited to explore this mystical and practical scripture intentionally with the curious yogi sangha.In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  💭Join me for Yog Sadhana Retreats in epic landscapes like Northern India, Norway, Sri Lanka and more!  Doors Now Open💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

Season 4 comes to a close with reflection on the biggest themes, teachings, and truths that wove through this season of a Curious Yogi Podcast.This closing episode is not a “best of,” but a look back at some of the timeless wisdom shared by this season’s guests. Through conversations on sadhana, meditation, tradition, fear, service, openness, devotion, and the deeper heart of yoga, one thread keeps returning: yoga is a path of remembering.Remembering what practice is for. Remembering how to meet the mind. Remembering how to stay present in the paradox of being human. Remembering how to listen, how to serve, and how to remain open. And most deeply, most essentially, emembering who we truly are.This finale highlights reflections and insights inspired by conversations with Jyoti, Nicki, Katharine, Deep, Vijay, Rodrigo, Sheila, Philippe, Reema, Abhaya, Hirdaya, and Zach — and closes Season 4 with reverence, gratitude, and a reminder that while truth may be shared, the path is lived in a deeply personal way.If this season has supported your practice, inspired your sadhana, or offered you good company along the way, you’re warmly invited to join the Patreon community. On Patreon, you can stay connected between seasons, support the podcast, and join our monthly satsangs for deeper practice, reflection, and community.Season 5 returns in May.Until then, thanks for listening! In oneness, Bobbi 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel 💭Join me on Retreat in India or Scandinavia! Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨

“Practicing yoga is not really something separate from me. It is happening all the time.” In this episode of a Curious Yogi Podcast, yoga teacher Myra Khanna shares her journey from Kathak dancer and scuba diving instructor to dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher. Drawing from studies with Bharath Shetty, Vinay Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Deepika Mehta, Mark Robberds, Eddie Stern, and ongoing training with Yoga Education College, Myra reflects on her evolution from a physically driven Ashtanga practice to a more holistic exploration of pranayama, meditation, and nervous system regulation.The conversation explores the commercialization of yoga, misconceptions about yoga in India, female health awareness in asana practice, and the parallels between diving and meditative practice. Myra also shares how traditional strength disciplines like mudgar swinging, dandas, and baithaks inform her approach to resilience and sustainability in practice.Here are some key takeaways; ➖ Transition from purely physical to a more holistic practice.➖ Emphasize the importance of listening to one's body and nervous system.➖ Commercialization of yoga impacts its true essence.➖ Teaching should accommodate students' individual needs and journeys.➖ Diving parallels the meditative aspects of yoga.➖ Myra’s passion for education on female health in yoga after becoming unwell. Connect with Myra: IG @myrakhann02 I really enjoyed this conversation as an invitation to reconsider yoga as a living, evolving process — one rooted in curiosity, community, and embodied awareness. I know you will also dear listeners. In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel 💭Join me on Retreat in India or Scandinavia! Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨

"Women are not small men – we are cyclical beings." In this episode, the delightful Sheila Arnell shares her journey through yoga, emphasizing the importance of understanding women's health and the menstrual cycle in practice. She discusses her transition from a physically focused practice to a more spiritual and holistic approach, highlighting the significance of listening to the body and respecting its natural rhythms. Sheila also addresses the challenges women face in yoga, the need for inclusivity, and the importance of creating a supportive community. Epic highlights!: ➖Injuries and Their Impact on Practice➖Understanding Women's Health in Yoga➖The Feminine Perspective in Yoga➖The Need for Inclusive Yoga Education➖Embracing Limitless Growth in Practice➖Finding Balance with Lagom (my favourite Swedish word!)Find Shelia HERE: Inre Skolan: LINK IG: @sheilaarnellI took so much value from this conversation, lots to think about in my life and physical practice as a mighty and cyclical woman. I know you will, too. In oneness, Bobbi Thanks for listening! 💭Support the podcast Patreon Page and join monthly satsangs 💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel 💭Join me on Retreat in India or Scandinavia! Get on the waitlist HERE💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together - Let’s connect! 🙏♥️✨