#214 The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence

Podcast notes The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence One of the most frustrating instructions I ever received in a meditation class was deceptively simple: Close your eyes and quiet the mind. I remember thinking, if I could do that, I wouldn’t be here learning how to meditate. Like so many others, I was searching for peace amidst the chaos of my own thoughts. Fortunately, I stumbled upon an ancient method that didn’t demand silence from the start. It welcomed me exactly as I was. And over the years, daily meditation has become a cornerstone of my spiritual path, a way not to escape my thoughts but to learn how to be with them, honestly and gently.  Many people believe they can’t meditate because their minds are too restless. But that’s precisely why meditation works. You don’t need to be naturally calm to benefit from the practice, in fact, it’s often those with the most inner turbulence who stand to gain the most. The very effort to sit, to observe, to try, even if imperfectly, is itself transformative. Every sincere attempt to concentrate, even for a moment, changes the texture of our awareness. Presence deepens. Stillness peeks through. In this way, meditation becomes a necessary companion to the physical discipline of yoga āsana. While āsana strengthens and opens the body, meditation refines the mind. Both are limbs of the same eightfold path and thrive in relationship to each other. If you’re immersed in a strong physical practice, I invite you to explore the quiet power of sitting. If you already sit, but haven’t stepped onto a mat, consider how movement might deepen your awareness. It’s in the meeting of stillness and motion, of breath and body, that yoga reveals its deepest gifts. There is a turning that happens in every sincere moment of meditation: a turning inward, a turning away from distraction, and when we’re ready, a turning toward truth. Seeing the Dhamma in Impermanence The Buddha’s path is experiential, not theoretical. In the Saṃyutta Nikāya (SN 22.45), he says:  “Yo aniccaṃ passati, so dhammaṃ passati. Yo dhammaṃ passati, so aniccaṃ passati.” “One who sees impermanence sees the Dhamma. One who sees the Dhamma sees impermanence.” To walk the path is to see clearly—moment by moment—that all things arise and pass. This insight is not depressing, but liberating. It opens the heart to compassion, to presence, and to the letting go that leads to peace. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

What does it really mean to practice yoga not just once in a while, but again and again, across years, through resistance, joy, boredom, and transformation? In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of abhyāsa, the Sanskrit word often translated as “practice,” but whose roots reveal something far more enduring: the committed, intentional act of returning. They weave this with the concept of bhāvanā, the inner cultivation of the heart and mind, drawn from early Buddhist teachings. Through stories from the Ashtanga method and personal reflections on the power of repetition, Kino and Tim share how practice is not about performance or perfection, but about shaping who we become through presence. This episode is an invitation to see practice not as a means to an end, but as the path itself. The pose is not the point. Returning is the point. Cultivating presence, breath by breath, day by day, becomes the living path of yoga. When we stop running and return to the moment, we remember, this is the place we never truly left. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Registration is now open for Yogaversity! Join us for a transformative 12-month yoga education program. Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn’t matter what shapes your body can or can’t make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us and it weaves us into a community of fellow seekers. One of yoga’s subtle gifts is clear seeing, not just of the body but of the mind and heart. Its promise is not mere physical skill, but an inner transformation that dissolves confusion and reveals freedom. At the start of every Ashtanga practice, we chant an invocation. It’s not just ritual, it’s a reminder of why we practice and what we’re really here to transform. Key Line: Saṃsāra Halāhala Mohaśāntyai “For the pacification of the delusion (Moha) that is the poison (Halāhala) of Saṃsāra.” Quick Word-by-Word Meaning Saṃsāra (संसार): From sam- (together) + √sṛ (to flow) - the endless cycle of birth and death. Literally “the continuous flowing together.” Halāhala (हलाहल): Deadly poison - like the mythic poison Śiva contained in his blue throat. Symbolizes the toxic nature of worldly entanglement. Moha (मोह): Delusion - the ignorance that clouds clear seeing. Sāntyai (शान्त्यै): “For pacification” - calming the poison of confusion. Why It Matters This ancient line reminds us: the real work of yoga is inner alchemy. The Guru and the practice help neutralize the poison of confusion so we can see clearly and live freely. When we chant, we remember: the obstacles aren’t just outside, they live inside us as fear, attachment, and illusion. The path of yoga transforms poison into nectar, chaos into calm, confusion into clarity. Listen in as we explore more hidden meanings behind this beloved chant and how it can deepen your practice. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for my upcoming Live series in October on Omstars, Embodied Strength and get one year of Omstars+ membership free! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training. Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey quickly took him to India to study with Sharath Jois. He reflects on practicing in Mysore, balancing academic research with daily sadhana, and what it means to approach yoga with both a beginner’s heart and a scholar’s mind. The conversation dives into Wade’s personal evolution, from golf and weightlifting to yoga, from serious injury and reconstructive surgery to rehabilitation and “prehab” strategies that sustain long term practice. Together, Kino and Wade discuss the sometimes controversial topic of cross training, highlighting how mobility, strength, and yoga can complement each other for healthier movement and more sustainable teaching. Listeners will gain practical insights on the difference between flexibility and mobility, the physical demands of assisting in Mysore style classes, and how weight training can protect hypermobile bodies while deepening the yoga journey. Whether you are an Ashtanga student, a yoga teacher navigating injuries, or a practitioner curious about integrating gym training with yoga, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for building a supported practice. Highlights from the episode Wade’s first encounter with Ashtanga Yoga and his early teachers Stories from his first trips to Mysore and practicing with Sharath Jois Recovering from major knee surgery through physical therapy and yoga The difference between flexibility and mobility How gym training can support safe assists and prevent injury Strategies for bridging yoga, strength training, and long term practice Practice with Kino and Wade on Omstars.com Practice LIVE with me on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7 day trial at omstars.com September special - sign up for my upcoming October live series Embodied Strength, and get one year free of Omstars+! Stay connected with us on social: @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga @wadeoakley Join Wade on Omstars for his upcoming Ashtanga Prehab Masterclass October 24th. Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings, and Mysore seasons. Learn more at kinoyoga.com

In this rare and heartfelt conversation, Kino MacGregor sits down with Sri Shubha, daughter of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya, to share stories and insights from the man often called the father of modern yoga. Sri Shubha offers a deeply personal glimpse into her upbringing in a household where yoga was not just a practice, but a way of life. She reflects on her father’s presence, rituals, and teaching style, along with the subtle ways his guidance shifted between students. She also honors her mother’s quiet but profound contributions to yoga, revealing how both parents shaped her own path as a teacher. Together, they explore how yoga was introduced to her, why it remains an essential part of her life, and how she prepares for each class she teaches. Sri Shubha shares what she hopes students carry beyond the mat, what matters most when guiding a practitioner, and the balance between breath, alignment, and presence. Listeners will also get a preview of her upcoming live sessions on Omstars, including the sacred text she will be covering and the wisdom students can expect to gain. Whether you are a dedicated practitioner, a yoga teacher, or simply curious about Krishnamacharya’s enduring influence, this episode offers an intimate and inspiring portrait of a living lineage. Highlights from the Episode Early memories of Krishnamacharya at home and in practice The rituals and rhythms of the Krishnamacharya household How his teaching adapted to the needs of different students The influence of her mother’s yoga practice and teachings What Sri Shubha considers before stepping into a classroom The qualities she values most in guiding students Insights into the sacred text she will teach in her Omstars live series Links & Resources Learn more about Sri Shubha’s upcoming Omstars live sessions at: www.omstars.com

This bonus episode is a gateway into The Spiritual Hustle, an honest, practical, and soul-centered approach to building a yoga or wellness business. The conversation traces the roots of practice, the call to teach, and the leap of faith it takes to create an online presence that stays true to authentic voice. You’ll hear about: • The real challenges (and gifts) of shifting from student to teacher • How to overcome fear and show up authentically online • The power of collaboration and how The Spiritual Hustle was born • What makes this program different from other yoga biz trainings, blending real-world tools with ethical, heart-led guidance For yoga teachers, practitioners, and soul-led entrepreneurs ready to grow with heart and purpose, this conversation offers inspiration and guidance. Because you don’t have to hustle alone, we’re in this together. Join Kino MacGregor and Bruce Barkus this September for The Spiritual Hustle, a 3-week live course designed to help yoga teachers, practitioners, and wellness entrepreneurs grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity. Enrollment is open now, secure your spot for September 3–24, only on Omstars.

In this warm and inspiring episode, Kino MacGregor welcomes her dear friend and legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher David Swenson for a conversation about his new book, Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow. David shares what sparked the idea for the book — a collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom from decades of living yoga on and off the mat. He offers an inside look at the writing journey: the surprises, the challenges of editing, and why he chose the self-publishing route to keep his voice true and unfiltered. David shares a few anecdotes straight out of the book! Kino and David also laugh and reflect on life’s simple pleasures — teaching students around the world, staying connected to loved ones, and tending to the fruit trees that thrive under David’s careful eye on his Hawaiian land. This episode is a reminder that yoga is more than poses — it’s a way of living with courage, humor, and a willingness to swim against the current when your heart says so. Tune in for: Why Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow is a book for every yogi and seeker Practical tips on writing and self-publishing Teaching stories and life lessons from decades of practice Honest reflections on staying rooted in what matters A glimpse into David’s island life, fruit trees included! Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

Join Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Wade Oakley and Chandana Bhowmick as they discuss what devotion means for each of them. Finding the fuel of devotion in their practice is more sustainable than the fuel of ambition. Hear how they each found the student’s heart of love in their relationship with their teachers and how they carry the flame of the practice forward today. In the yogic path, we often associate devotion with sweetness—offering flowers, singing mantras, lighting candles. But true devotion is forged in longing. Longing is love stretched out across time. It is the ache that refuses to settle for surface answers. It is the pull of the soul toward something it remembers but has not yet fully touched. This longing—this burning yearning—is not a problem. It is a sign of awakening. Many of us come to yoga not because life is perfect, but because it hurts. We come to the mat with broken hearts, old questions, unseen grief. And often, we feel that unless we are calm or wise, we cannot be truly devotional. Longing is already devotion. When you show up to practice with no guarantees, that is devotion.  When you breathe through uncertainty and stay anyway, that is devotion.  When your practice becomes the place where you cry, or break, or ask life’s hardest questions—that is holy. It is not the polish of your practice that sanctifies it. It is the depth of your yearning. As students, let your questions live inside you. Don’t rush to fix them. Let them ripen you. Ask not only “What can I master?” but “What do I truly seek?” As teachers, honor the longing in your students. Know that behind every posture, there is a heart that is yearning—not just to stretch—but to understand. Teach not just to instruct—but to witness, to serve that fire. We are not here to douse that fire. We are here to tend it. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

In a world filled with conflict, injustice, and harm, how do we respond as yogis? In this episode, Kino explores the powerful yogic concept of *kṣānti*—forbearance, patience, and compassionate endurance—through scriptural sources including the Bhagavad Gītā, the Bodhicaryāvatāra, and the Yoga Sutras. We talk about how yogic activism is possible—and necessary. With examples from Arjuna’s awakening on the battlefield, the lives of the Buddha, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr., we look at how spiritual practice and social action go hand in hand. You’ll learn the difference between ego-driven anger and compassionate anger, how to check your motives, and why nonviolent resistance is rooted in yogic ethics. Topics include: - The meaning of *kṣānti* and *titikṣā* in Sanskrit - How Arjuna learned to fight with clarity, not hatred - Personal vs. collective dharma - Why checking our motive is a yogic act - Yogic guidelines for right action in a world on fire Takeaway: We can speak up for justice, stand with others in trouble, and act from love—not reactivity. True *kṣānti* is not passivity. It is spiritual courage. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here!  Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

Why We Think It's Important to Keep Practicing Ashtanga Yoga and Why We Hope You Keep Practicing Too   Dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice is a powerful journey worth pursuing, even decades after your first class. Reflecting on more than 25 years of practice, we've discovered profound reasons to stay committed, which we captured in a recent series on why we are still practicing Ashtanga Yoga.   Ashtanga Yoga is a lifelong commitment. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga for over 25 years has taught us patience, humility, and dedication. It’s not just about achieving the poses but about continual inner transformation. Each practice is a conversation between breath, body, and mind, an honest reflection, and an act of devotion to the lineage. Yoga is a sacred thread that connects us deeply, beyond the physical practice.   Yes, the practice is intense. It asks everything of you and sometimes more than you’re ready to give. It is understandable why people question it. Injury and struggle are real. But maybe the story of Ashtanga Yoga begins when the struggle shows up, not when it’s avoided.   Discipline doesn’t mean dogma. Ashtanga Yoga can help us learn the difference between discipline and rigidity. There’s room for softness inside structure. There’s compassion inside tradition. It’s not about forcing your body, it’s about meeting yourself over and over again and being willing to adapt and evolve.   The practice is a mirror, not a performance. The practice has never been about what the body looks like. It’s about the inner mirror it holds up every single day; thoughts, ego, avoidance, learning, resilience, loss, and sometimes, quiet strength and joy.   Injury can teach us how to listen, not quit. Injury sometimes comes both in practice and in teaching. But injury doesn't mean the practice failed. It means we need to learn biomechanics, breath, patience, humility. Ashtanga can also teach us how to heal.   To practice Ashtanga Yoga means embracing a lineage, a timeless tradition passed down from teacher to student.  Continuing this practice is our way of honoring their legacy and ensuring the teachings live on authentically and respectfully. Lineage is not just a hierarchy, but a sacred thread. It connects teacher to student, breath to breath. It holds memory, presence, devotion. When the teacher is gone, the practice becomes the prayer that keeps them alive.   One significant reason to continue is the incredible community. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga fosters deep relationships built on shared experience, empathy, and understanding. Each practitioner is part of a global family that supports and uplifts one another through the trials and triumphs of daily practice.   What Keeps Us Here: The breath that expands The sweat that purifies The silence that clarifies The posture that humbles The surrender that opens the heart It’s not about flexibility or form, it’s about returning home. Every session on the mat is a reminder of my inner strength and resilience. Ashtanga Yoga cultivates mental fortitude and personal empowerment, teaching me to meet challenges with grace and equanimity. It’s not about conquering the practice but embracing the journey. We are still practicing because this path continues to transform us, not into someone "better," but into someone more honest, more grounded, and more alive. For us, this is not a trend. It’s a life path. We hope you join us, as friends and colleagues, on the path so we can walk together.   Lastly, if you’ve left the practice, we honor your reasons. There’s no one right way. But if you ever want to return, know that this breath, this mat, this practice is still here, waiting, quiet, ready, without judgment. Yoga Sutras as a Guide for Continued Practice Our teachers often referenced the Yoga Sutras as guidance for encouragement to keep practicing. We share three of the key Sutras that they shared with us to help stay on the path of practice. Three key Yoga Sutras offer powerful encouragement to persist and deepen our Ashtanga practice:   Yoga Sutra 1.14:   sa tu dīrgha-kāla-nairantarya-satkārāsevito dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ   Translation: Practice becomes firmly grounded when continued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincere devotion.    This Sutra reminds us that persistence and consistency, practiced with genuine respect, lay the foundation for true mastery and personal growth.   Yoga Sutra 2.43:   kāyendriya-siddhir aśuddhi-kṣayāt tapasaḥ   Translation: Through disciplined practice (tapas), impurities diminish, leading to mastery over body and senses.   Ashtanga Yoga is a practice of purification. The discipline required each day refines our body, senses, and ultimately our spirit, granting us clarity and vitality.    Yoga Sutra 2.44:   svādhyāyād iṣṭa-devatā-samprayogaḥ   Translation: Through self-study (svādhyāya), one attains union with the chosen deity or guiding principle.   Continuous self-inquiry, central to Ashtanga, fosters deeper connection to one's inner wisdom and guiding truths, enriching our spiritual journey. The Journey Forward   Our encouragement to every student—whether you're just starting or have practiced for decades—is to keep showing up on the mat. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the growth, and remember that each step forward is a step toward greater clarity, strength, and spiritual awakening.   We practice because it continually transforms us, grounding our lives in meaning, tradition, and profound connection. We invite you to explore your own reasons, keep practicing, and remain inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras.   Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here!  Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.