Episode 11 - The misconceptions of modern yoga and how to practice for greater health and vitality with Simon Borg-Olivier.
Introduction to the episode.
We have a great episode to share with you today where Laura Poole is in conversation with Simon Borg-Olivier - a biologist, physiotherapist and yoga teacher. Simon has incredible knowledge of the human anatomy and physiology, and is a master at teaching the foundations of traditional yoga to a modern audience.
Simon co-runs a studio called Yoga Synergy that is based in Sydney and is also available online. He shares his wisdom through videos and posts with his online membership and through his Instagram @simonsynergy. He also hosts yoga teacher trainings and workshops around the world, where people come out feeling so inspired and like their whole vision of yoga has been revolutionised.
Before we jump into the episode, let’s take a second to define what it means when we say ‘yoga’ or ‘meditation’ in the West, as we may actually be using these terms incorrectly. A lot of the time, when we hear the word yoga, we think of body postures and breathwork done on a mat or in a studio environment. Whereas yoga, the true meaning is ‘the unity of individuality with universal consciousness’. Yoga is actually the state of unity, not the practice. And yet, because of the modern understanding or maybe we could say misunderstanding, we usually use the word yoga or meditation and mean the practice we’re doing. And that’s fine. But it’s always good to remember that there is the practice and then there is the state. And as you’ll hear in this episode, the practices to experience yoga are vast and many. So, if you haven’t been able to get into good daily yoga or meditation practice, or you do your practice because you know it’s good for you but you’re not really enjoying it, or maybe you’ve become injured in some way, then we would highly recommend you stay open, you explore and find a practice that really resonates with you, is sustainable for your lifestyle and that you really love.
What we talk about.
Simon’s personal journey into the world of yoga and meditation.
What real yoga is.
The difference between modern and traditional practice - the good the bad and ugly!
Static meditation vs. moving meditation.
How to live in your body in a relaxed way.
The signs to look for that are the expression of 'healthy exercise'.
Whether stretching is actually beneficial for us.
How get a cardio workout without stressing the heart.
Connect with Simon.
Connect with Simon on social media.
Get a feel for Simon’s work with 4 practice video sequences and accompanying PDF’s.
Join in person or online yoga (movement and breath work) classes in person or online at Simon’s studio Yoga Synergy.
Subscribe to Simon’s newsletter via his website for more information on what’s coming up, or check out some practice video’s on his website.