Do you ever feel like perfectionism is holding you back? This episode dives deep into the emotional, psychological, and even neurological impact of perfectionism—why we crave flawlessness, how it affects our well-being, and ways to break free from its grip. The discussion covers the three main types of perfectionism, the role of fear and self-doubt, and how the brain reinforces these patterns.

The speakers share powerful strategies for shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as part of learning rather than failures. They introduce practices like breath work, journaling, and trust-building exercises to help reframe perfectionist tendencies. The episode also explores the connection between perfectionism and control, offering insights on surrendering to life’s natural flow for greater peace and creativity.

If you struggle with self-criticism, anxiety, or the fear of making mistakes, this conversation offers practical tools to help you embrace imperfection and find joy in the process. Listen in to discover how letting go of perfectionism can bring more freedom, growth, and ease into your life.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Overcoming the Burden of Perfectionism

00:03:19 - Overcoming the Trap of Perfectionism

00:07:45 - The Dopamine Trap of Perfectionism

00:11:18 - Overcoming Perfectionism and Procrastination

00:13:18 - Embracing Mistakes for Growth

00:16:55 - Balancing Logic and Emotion for Wise Decisions

00:19:35 - Embrace Imperfect Action

00:21:46 - Trust the Process, Embrace Uncertainty

00:23:52 - Breathwork and Letting Go of Control

00:25:19 - Embracing Mistakes and Celebrating Progress in Yoga and Life

00:28:14 - Embracing Imperfection: The Path to Freedom

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Grief is one of the most profound human experiences, yet many struggle to fully process and embrace it. In this episode, the speaker shares their personal journey of losing a close friend and the deep emotional impact that followed. They explore the universal nature of grief, whether it stems from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or personal transformation. The discussion dives into both the emotional and neurological effects of grief, explaining how it alters brain function, heightens emotions, and affects hormone levels, leading to sadness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like broken heart syndrome.

Drawing from yogic philosophy and neuroscience, the speaker highlights the importance of not suppressing grief but allowing oneself to fully experience it. They reflect on their own loss of a pet, which triggered unresolved emotions, emphasizing how unprocessed grief can resurface in unexpected ways. The conversation also touches on how different cultures approach mourning and the role of rituals, social support, and personal practices like journaling and breathwork in the healing process. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to move toward acceptance by creating space for grief rather than resisting it, fostering emotional resilience and deeper self-awareness.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Navigating Grief and Loss

00:02:58 - Confronting Unexpected Loss and Grief

00:05:25 - Understanding the Stages of Grief

00:06:21 - The Stages of Grief and the Brain

00:09:30 - Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Grief and Loss

00:14:24 - Grieving the Loss of My Dog with Friends

00:17:49 - The Importance of Grief Rituals

00:20:23 - Techniques for Nervous System Reset and Grief Acceptance

00:23:03 - Navigating Grief: Allowing the Process

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Tags:

grief, loss, healing, emotional resilience, mental health, grief process, mourning, neuroscience of grief, emotional healing, self-awareness, acceptance, mindfulness, trauma recovery, letting go, grief support

Managing expectations can deeply impact our emotions and well-being. In this episode, Michael explores how unmet expectations—whether in relationships, work, or daily life—can lead to frustration, disappointment, or even physical stress. He explains how the brain's predictive nature forms expectations and how a mismatch between expectations and reality triggers emotional responses, including a dopamine crash and elevated cortisol levels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adjusting unrealistic expectations, and cultivating flexibility to navigate life's surprises more gracefully.

Drawing on personal experiences, Michael shares insights about navigating cultural differences, highlighting how expectations shaped by upbringing can clash with different ways of life, leading to resentment or disappointment. However, by managing expectations and anticipating uncertainties, they found a way to embrace outcomes with less emotional turmoil. Practical strategies include reframing disappointment as a learning opportunity, practicing gratitude, and focusing on what can be controlled.

This episode underscores the importance of balancing hope with realism, letting go of control, and fostering contentment to handle unmet expectations with resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that adjusting our mindset can help us find peace and connection, even when reality doesn’t align with our plans.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Reflecting on Expectations in Yoga

00:02:10 - Navigating Unmet Expectations

00:04:00 - Understanding the Impact of Expectations

00:11:32 - Emotional Impact of Unmet Expectations

00:14:11 - Navigating Emotions: From Braces to Unmet Expectations

00:19:04 - Navigating Expectations, Shame, and Regret

00:21:24 - Guilt, Expectations, and Surprise

00:23:39 - Contentment, Expectations, and Gratitude

00:26:43 - Reframing Unmet Expectations as Learning Opportunities

00:29:42 - Navigating Expectations with Resilience

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Tags:

expectations, managing expectations, emotional resilience, stress management, disappointment, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, coping strategies, personal growth, mindfulness, gratitude, acceptance, flexibility, emotional well-being, overcoming challenges, mindset shifts, resilience building, navigating disappointment, emotional balance, cultural differences

Stress and overwhelm are part of life, but how we approach them can make all the difference. This episode explores the transformative role of acceptance in managing these emotions. Stress is a natural response to challenges, but when it becomes chronic, it can harm both physical and mental health. Overwhelm, on the other hand, often leads to feelings of paralysis and being stuck. The discussion highlights how resisting reality can amplify these feelings, draining energy and making problem-solving harder. Acceptance, however, allows us to pause, acknowledge the present moment, and move forward with clarity and resilience.

The episode also shares practical tools like journaling, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques to calm the nervous system and regain perspective. Setting boundaries, asking for help, and letting go of perfectionism are essential strategies for cultivating resilience. The speakers draw inspiration from Michael J. Fox's approach to acceptance, emphasizing that it is not resignation but understanding and finding a way forward. With self-compassion and mindful practices, listeners are encouraged to embrace stress as part of the human experience and transform overwhelm into growth. This thoughtful conversation provides actionable steps for navigating life’s challenges with grace and strength.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Accepting the River of Life

00:01:56 - Navigating Stress, Overwhelm, and Acceptance

00:04:16 - Understanding Stress and Its Impact

00:06:12 - Stress, Overwhelm, and the Brain

00:08:14 - Navigating Stress and Overwhelm: A Bodily Experience

00:11:16 - Acceptance: The Path Through Overwhelm

00:14:06 - Accepting What You Cannot Change

00:16:45 - Taming Overwhelm Through Lists and Breathing

00:18:12 - Grounding Techniques and Acceptance Practices

00:20:52 - Emotional Writing Reduces Stress and Promotes Problem-Solving

00:23:07 - Embracing Imperfection and Asking for Support

00:25:16 - Reflecting on Short Episodes

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Ping, a yoga teacher from Thailand, shares her transformative journey from growing up in chaotic Bangkok to finding healing and authenticity through yoga, psychedelics, and personal growth. After moving to Canada in her 20s, Ping began a profound exploration of altered states of consciousness, including experiences with psilocybin and DMT, which helped her confront themes of death and rebirth. These experiences shifted her perspective on life, inspiring her to embrace the present moment and seek deeper connections.

Ping’s healing path also led her to explore trauma therapy, yoga, and community support, integrating practices like Internal Family Systems and shadow work. Through ego deaths and awakenings, she released old narratives and embraced her true self. A pivotal experience in Bali helped her heal wounds of self-worth and strengthened her commitment to building compassionate spaces for others.

Ping reflects on the impermanence of emotions, navigating the highs and lows of life with acceptance. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the flow of life, practicing mindfulness, and finding a supportive community. Her story highlights the power of integrating yoga, psychedelics, and self-awareness as tools for deep healing and transformation.

Listener Note: This episode includes discussions on sensitive topics such as trauma, death and suicide, and psychedelic experiences. Some content may be uncomfortable for certain listeners, so please take care of your emotional well-being while listening.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Reviewing the Podcast to Spread Yoga

00:02:28 - From Thailand to Yoga: Ping's Journey

00:05:19 - Discovering the World and Finding Belonging

00:09:13 - From Mojave to Portland: A Road Trip Journey

00:11:26 - Exploring Death and the Other Realm Through Psychedelics

00:29:52 - Facing Childhood Trauma Through Eye-Gazing

00:32:40 - Embracing the Shadow Self

00:37:07 - From Skeptic to Mystic: An Awakening Journey

00:45:07 - The Duality of Life: Embracing Contrasts for Growth

00:49:14 - Embracing the Journey: Healing Through Presence and Flow

00:53:31 - Exploring Psychedelics Safely with Guidance

00:56:44 - Embracing Surrender: The Path to Fulfillment

00:59:20 - Embracing Different Perspectives and Self-Acceptance

Ping’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ping.presence/

Discover the profound connection between breath, energy, and consciousness in this insightful discussion with Akshay Bhatt, a practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda. The conversation explores the transformative practice of pranayama, or breath control, as a gateway to understanding the mind and body on a deeper level. Akshay explains how the practice of elongating the breath, retaining exhalations, and techniques like Brahmari (humming) can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and unlock profound states of awareness.

The speakers delve into the ancient teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Raja Yoga, revealing how breathwork aligns with the pranic body, the subtle energy field that governs vitality and balance. Akshay also shares practical tips for integrating pranayama into daily routines, emphasizing its role in managing emotions, improving focus, and preparing for meditation.

The discussion touches on the nuances of energy-based practices, such as Reiki and Pranic Healing, which help expand and balance prana (life force energy). Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how conscious breathing not only supports physical health but also cultivates emotional resilience, spiritual awareness, and an enhanced sense of inner peace. This episode invites you to transform your daily habits through the power of breath.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Exploring Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Yoga

00:03:58 - Hatha Yoga: The Foundation for Raja Yoga

00:10:23 - Sensing the Subtle Energy Between Palms

00:15:16 - Pranic Healing and the Heart's Centrality

00:19:48 - The Power of Subtle Body Expansion

00:23:04 - The Power of Prana: Exploring the Pranic Body and Breath Practices

00:29:16 - Breath Holding and Oxygen Advantage

00:35:20 - Pranayama and Meditation Techniques for Relaxation

00:42:09 - Chakra Chanting and Meditation

00:43:16 - Chakra Activation through Mantra and Breath

00:45:43 - Observing Chakra Energies and the Mind

00:49:13 - Integrating Pranayama into Daily Life

00:52:21 - The Power of Breath in Meditation

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

Emotions like anger, frustration, and rage are part of the human experience, but how can we navigate them in a healthy way? In this episode, the guest dives deep into understanding these intense emotions, sharing practical tools to process them constructively and avoid their negative impacts on the body and mind.

The discussion explores how emotions like annoyance and anger trigger physical responses, such as increased cortisol levels and heightened stress. The guest explains how unresolved feelings, like resentment, can build over time and lead to physical tension and disrupted energy flow, particularly in organs like the liver and heart, as seen through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine. They highlight the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions in real time to prevent long-term emotional and physical strain.

Drawing inspiration from leaders like Nelson Mandela and insights from Brene Brown, the conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability and emotional awareness. Techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, and body awareness are recommended to calm the nervous system and build emotional resilience. Through personal stories, including challenging travel experiences, the guest illustrates how self-awareness and self-compassion can transform emotional turmoil into personal growth. Listeners will walk away with tools to navigate their emotions and build deeper empathy and connection with themselves and others.

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Science of Anger and Frustration

00:03:32 - Emotions, Physiology, and Traditional Medicine

00:07:22 - The Physiology of Anger and Rage

00:10:46 - Rage, Anger, and the Body's Response

00:13:52 - Unresolved Emotions and Their Impact

00:16:50 - Emotional Intelligence: Practical Techniques

00:20:44 - Techniques to Manage Anger and Frustration

00:29:50 - Emotional Trek and Flight Delays

00:32:02 - Navigating Airline Booking Mishaps

00:34:06 - Navigating Airport Frustration with Yoga-Inspired Calm

00:35:49 - Coping with Stress and Emotional Turmoil

00:37:53 - Navigating Emotional Challenges

This episode offers a deep dive into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, focusing on balance as the key to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Jocelyn Keoh, a Chinese medicine practitioner, shares profound insights into how elements like fire, metal, and water influence our well-being.

The discussion explores the fire element, associated with passion and warmth, and its connection to the heart and small intestine. Jocelyn explains how imbalances can manifest as overexcitement or depletion and offers practical advice to maintain equilibrium through rest, emotional expression, and mindful living. The conversation also touches on the role of digestion and how our mental state influences gut health. By being fully present while eating, we can optimize our body's natural rhythms and support the rest-and-digest response.

Other topics include the vital connection between the lungs and skin, the importance of kidney health for energy and detoxification, and the Taoist concept of "jing" or kidney essence, which fuels our vitality. Jocelyn emphasizes the need to care for our lower back, avoid rushing detox processes, and seek personalized guidance from trusted practitioners.

This episode inspires listeners to tune into their body's signals, embrace balance, and take small, mindful steps toward lasting well-being.

TAO’s Medicine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taomedicine/

Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Exploring the Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine

00:03:05 - The Heart: Governing Emotions and Sweat

00:07:45 - The Imbalance of Intensity

00:10:25 - The Balance of Body Fluids and Emotions

00:13:06 - Repressed Emotions and Chakra Imbalance

00:15:49 - Digestive Health: Balancing Mind and Body

00:21:35 - The Power of Presence and Mindfulness

00:25:48 - The Lungs and the Metal Element

00:29:24 - The Metal Element: Balancing Dominance and Vulnerability

00:33:24 - Breathing Through the Nose: Lungs and Emotions

00:36:11 - The Kidneys: The Foundation of Yin-Yang Balance

00:41:59 - Balancing Yin and Yang in Kidney Health

00:46:52 - Navigating Altitude Adjustments

00:47:46 - Personalized Approach to Wellbeing

00:49:23 - Consult a Health Professional Before Detoxing

00:51:19 - Upcoming Herbal Medicine Course