Mona Anand, a co-owner of ISHTA Yoga, and I took teacher training together, but we both intended it to help us learn more about yoga. We both think of teacher training as training to be a yogi — to understand more deeply what it means to have and draw on this powerful practice. In today's episode, we discuss training in general, and highlight aspects of upcoming 200 and 300 hour trainings. Whether you have no intention to ever teach yoga, or already took teacher training, I hope you will find our observations interesting and useful. Details of ISHTA trainings can be found at ISHTAYoga.com , where you can have the opportunity to learn more about yoga with Mona, myself — and Wendy Newton. The 300-hr (Art of Touch Module) starts May 9; the 200-hr starts July 14. Free info sessions with Mona are April 24 and May 2. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! And thank you for all who do 🙏🏻 Namaste! P.S. We had some headphone glitches in the recording process, so please pardon the slightly garbled audio.…

Thoughts about our chaotic time, and how the philosophical symbol of the "granthis," or knots can help us move from fear and anger toward clarity and perspective. I mention the ISHTA Meditation Training that will be led by Alan Finger, Sarah Finger, and myself March 25-28. I mention a book on better communications between liberals and conservatives: Bridging Our Political Divide, by Kenneth Barish. I also want to recommend Life After Doom, by Brian McLaren, whom I interviewed in a recent podcast.…

Today's episode is a meditation that begins with a talk about an aspect of sattva, the balanced action that is difficult to grasp in a world of constant motion. I share some ideas from quantum physics and from author Byron Katie to serve as analogs to what are doing we when we're not so wrapped up in our stories. You can join Peter in person or online for classes at ISHTA Yoga . You can find out more of what Peter's doing at linktr.ee Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Namaste🙏🏻…

In today's episode, we go to ISHTA Yoga for meditation class. The meditation is based around three mudras and taps into what Tantra yoga calls dahar akasha, or the cave of the heart wherein Universal Consciousness abides as our whole Self. You can take class in person or online with Peter at ISHTA Yoga . Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com. Namaste🙏🏻…

In this episode, I talk with Brian McLaren, an old friend and well-respected spiritual voice about his new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. I was so moved by his book that I asked Brian to discuss it for listeners of Peter's Podcast. The book doesn't focus on gloom and doom, though Brian provides a clear context of where we stand as a planet. Rather, it discusses how we can respond and adapt given the likelihood that our lives will be affected by climate change scenarios ranging from significant changes in the way we value material goods all the way to the collapse of society. The book's advice reminded me of a practice of seeing with clarity and acting from wisdom, so it seemed a great match for the podcast. I hope you agree. More about Brian and his book are at brianmclaren.net Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon Join me and Wendy Newton this February in Key Largo for a winter warm-weather retreat! Details at peterferko.com…

In this episode, Wendy and I talk about the Four Keys and the Yamas/Niyamas, two oft-quoted and oft-misunderstood parts of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which Wendy worked on with Alan Finger to create a Tantric interpretation. These will be the topics of our retreat to Key Largo this February. More info about the retreat is at peterferko.com/retreat/ You can get more info by writing me at peterspodcast108@gmail.com. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Thank you! Namaste.…

Best wishes to you and your family. Some thoughts on Indigenous Peoples' Day and Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for the chance to talk with you about real yoga, actual happiness, and deep living. Wendy and I are planning a retreat in the Florida Keys in February. Keep posted for more details. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon ! Thank you Namaste!…

I share some thoughts for those with feelings of having lost the election. I refer to the book Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy by Georg Feuerstein. More on the Stages of Grief at https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief Namaste.

Today's podcast is a yoga nidra practice, which is a meditation done lying down. Yoga nidra is very helpful at helping you relax or fall asleep. The meditation is about 20 minutes long and can be done on a yoga mat, on a couch or in bed. If you need to get up after the practice, you might want to set an alarm so you don't fall asleep for too long! Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . You can find out more about Peter on linktr.ee/peterferko Namaste!…

In this episode, I chat a bit about how the Bhagavad Gita, which I consider a kind of human being instruction manual, gives guidance about the qualities of someone who is more "divine" vs. someone more "demonic." Since our political situation has become one where the opposite sides are so at odds, I thought Chapter 16 of the Gita could provide a little insight. And make your plan to vote this November! If you have an interest in the Gita, I would recommend starting with the translation and commentary by Eknath Easwaren. I'm teaching two workshops this fall. One at ISHTA Yoga on Meditation for beginners or people who have trouble trying to meditate. The other at Ascend in Cold Spring is about gaining a richer yoga practice to use in challenging times. For details, see https://ishtayoga.com/workshops and https://www.ascendcenter.com/special-events/richer-practice-richer-life-with-peter-ferko-yogiraj Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Thank you!…

Tantra Philosophy gave us a definition of reality that considers everything as a path to learning that we are just right as we are, that there is nothing better. Today's pod is a meditation class. Listen to the intro or join in the meditation practice! You can take class with Peter at ISHTA Yoga in person or online. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Namaste!…

Barack Obama has his music list; I have mine. Here are 21 songs that have been in heavy rotation this past Spring and summer. Hope you find something to enjoy. If you'd like to listen to the full songs, you can find the playlists on Tidal and on Spotify . Namaste!

Join Wendy Newton for a preview of her course on the Yoga Sutras. Next up Vibhutti Pada. This fascinating part of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describes what comes from your practice, or to use one translation: the gifts of yoga! Course details at ISHTA Yoga Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon ! Thank you.…

I discuss yoga training, lineage, and sound healing and meditation with teacher Lindsay Monal. Lindsay Monal is an ISHTA Yoga Graduate, Reiki Master, and Sound Meditation Facilitator. She regularly offers classes and teacher trainings in North Jersey and New York City, and hosts international yoga and meditation retreats a few times each year. Lindsay has spoken at the United Nations, performed sound at Harvard University, and led immersive wellness experiences for Google, Audible, and Athleta,. You can find out more about Lindsay's work on Instagram or on her website, smilingsavasana.com Online Trainings & In Person Trainings in Hoboken: https://yogarenew.com/ Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon…

Sometimes we get fancy with meditation techniques, but today we keep it simple with a practice of breath awareness. Give a listen, and then take the practice for a spin when you feel the need to shift gears, calm down, or get focused before doing something important. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Namaste!…

A quick thought on pausing the news cycle for our own mental well-being...

In today's episode, you can join Peter at ISHTA Yoga for an introductory talk about mantra, or stay tuned for the full meditation practice. You can join Peter in person or online at ISHTA Yoga . Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon ! Namaste

In today's episode, Wendy Newton and I trade ideas for overcoming overwhelm! See this episode on video on YouTube/@peterspodcast . You can take classes, workshops and trainings with Peter and Wendy. See https://linktr.ee/peterferko for links to ISHTA Yoga and other events. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Thank you! Namaste.…

ISHTA Yogiraj Wendy Newton talks about her upcoming course and shares some insights on the Yoga Sutras. More info on the course at ISHTAYoga.com Namaste!

I share a few tips on how to approach asana, and how to do a powerful, simple vinyasa: the Sun Breath. This episode of Peter's Podcast is also a video. Check it out on YouTube/@peterspodcast Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Thank you! Namaste

Today we head to meditation class for Shakti Chalani, a beautiful practice that traditionally uses the image of a snake to represent kundalini shakti — the movement from the earthbound to the transcendent perspective. Alan Finger taught us a form of this alternative, which uses a sprouting flower. I think it's a perfect image for Spring. Enjoy the 10-minute introductory dharma talk and the meditation, too, when you have a chance. You can join me live, in person or online, at ISHTA Yoga . Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com Namaste, and happy Spring!…

Join me in class for a meditation on the cycles of life.

We're off to class for a talk and a meditation on the granthis, with a nod to Tay Tay.

Wendy and I share some insights from our New Year's special class on drishti and perspective. I mention a podcast episode and quote Dr. Mark Leary. The podcast is Finding Mastery 12/27/2023 . Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Thank you! You can take class and workshops with Peter. Find the full list of links here . You can find Wendy at ISHTA Yoga and Ascend Center in Cold Spring.…

Peter talks Ayurveda, the Indian science of health, with Naomi Edwards. Naomi is a Holistic Health Practitioner who specializes in Ayurveda, Yoga and Plant Medicine. Her passion is to share the knowledge of these ancient practices and give people the education of preventative health in a joyful way. She is the founder of Hillabrant Holistics, an Ayurvedic wellness studio and apothecary. It is a place to heal and to be empowered to take ownership of your health and well being. Naomi Edwards is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, a 500 hour RYT Yoga and Meditation Teacher with many specialties, and a Certified Aromatherapist. Learn more at www.hillabrantholistics.com or on socials @hillabrantholistics This episode is also available as a video on YouTube Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com .…

Today we go to ISHTA Meditation class for a fusion meditation of kriya yoga and gratitude practice. Enjoy! There is 18 minutes of silence in the middle, followed by a practice of mantra and mudra to bring inspiration from your meditation back into living. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving. Namaste Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . Take the upcoming meditation training with Alan Finger, Sarah Finger, and Peter; or take a class online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.…

Wendy Newton and I discuss the practical importance of subtle body, spiritual practices in addition to taking care of business out in the physical world. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . You can take class online and in-person with Peter (and Wendy!) at ISHTA Yoga . Know a video gamer you wish would take care of their wellness, including yoga and meditation? Check out FITGMR . Namaste.…

Today, we go to meditation class at ISHTA Yoga for a meditation that helps make sense of our turbulent world. You can listen to the intro or join in the meditation. There are 20 minutes of silence in the meditation itself. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon . May there be peace on earth. Namaste…

Greetings from Romania! In today's episode, I talk about the why, how, and tips about our favorite topic of real yoga: meditation. I'm talking to gamers who are competing 150 miles from the Ukrainian border. With 120 countries represented here, the only war they are focused on is happening onscreen, and it's wonderful to watch so many nationalities together. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon ! Talk to you soon. Namaste.…

In this episode, I interview Mona Sobhani, PhD, the author of Proof of Spiritual Phenomena: A Neuroscientist's Discovery of the Ineffable Mysteries of the Universe. (available at https://monasobhaniphd.com/book/ ) We discuss Dr. Sobhani's survey of the abundant research on divination, reincarnation, and other topics typically called "spiritual." We also talk about the capabilities and limitations of neuroscience to describe and explain mental phenomena. Dr. Sobhani speaks about her own journey from a mainstream science background to a wider framework while still holding to her scientific skepticism. The video version of this episode of Peter's Podcast is on YouTube/@peterspodcast . Please support Peter's Podcast at https://patreon.com/peterspodcast You can take class with Peter at https://ishtayoga.com #yoga #meditation #neuroscience…