The Yoga Hour

Be Still and Cultivate Courage Jun 30, 2022

How can being still help us to build our inner resources in times of change? Octavia Raheem, yoga teacher and author of Pause, Rest, Be, shares how yoga can support us in gaining strength and courage through practicing stillness in an ever-changing world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kriya Yoga Jun 09, 2022

What is authentic Kriya Yoga? What does it involve? How do we find the path with the right teacher for us? Join Yogacharya O’Brian, author and Kriya Yoga teacher, as she addresses questions often asked about Kriya Yoga.

Find Happiness and New Freedom at Work Jun 02, 2022

How can we transform our work lives and create the dream job? Join Bill Burnett, co-author of Designing Your New Work Life, as he offers real steps and a road map to transform our job and improve work experience, helping us reframe problems and move into action.

Yoga Revolution – A Path Forward May 19, 2022

How can we make real change in the world toward a more just, humane and democratic future? Join Jivana Heyman as he shares how yoga is truly revolutionary — creating an inner revolution in our heart and mind, as well as an outer revolution in the form of service and social justice.

The Unity of the World’s Religions May 13, 2022

What is the unifying thread that runs through all of the world’s major religions? Rev. Paul John Roach, Unity minister, author, and host of the podcast World Spirituality discusses that beneath the surface of differences there is a golden thread of deeper mystical understanding that is common to all religions.

Being Ready to Stay or to Go May 05, 2022

How do we discern when we are ready to make a change or not—to do the right thing? Dr. David Richo, psychotherapist, teacher and writer, discusses practices that support us in listening to and trusting our inner wisdom. We will then have the confidence to follow through with our decisions.

New Science, Ancient Wisdom and Highest Happiness Apr 21, 2022

Join Dr. Rick Hanson, author of the books Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain, as he shares how modern science and ancient wisdom show us how to cultivate inner peace and happiness in today’s increasingly complex world.

Ayurvedic Strategies for Immunity and Stress-Relief Apr 14, 2022

How can we use Ayurveda’s ancient principles to keep our immunity strong? Internationally renowned spiritual teacher and Vedic master, Acharya Shunya, discusses strategies to create a healthy lifestyle, ensure our immunity is at its best and keep our stress levels low.

Yoga, Consciousness, and Climate Change Apr 07, 2022

Vedic wisdom declares: Take care of nature, and nature will take care of you. How do we take care of nature in a time of climate emergency? Yogacharya O’Brian outlines steps that begin to change the climate of our heart and our mind so yoga, consciousness, and climate change meet.

Spiritual Wisdom in Great Literature Mar 31, 2022

Can the literature we love convey the awakening we seek? Join Dean Sluyter, award-winning author and teacher, on a journey for discovering dharmic pathways in Western literature. Find out how inspiration and spiritual insight can be found anywhere, at any time, in any situation.

Embrace Grief—Find Healing Mar 24, 2022

How can we heal from the individual and collective grief we experience from the suffering on this planet? Author and teacher Michelle Cassandra Johnson shares spiritual tools that support us in experiencing our grief. We can take action with an open heart in heartbreaking times.

The Science of Yoga Mar 17, 2022

How does science quantify yoga’s impact on human physiology? Eddie Stern, yoga practitioner and teacher, shares how Western science is beginning to explain how the practices of yoga can override habitual responses to the world to move us into deeper states of expanded awareness.

Change Your Destiny: Part Two Mar 10, 2022

Is it possible to change your destiny? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian, founder of The Yoga Hour, for the second part of this series as she explores the wisdom of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, revealing how the tools of yoga possess the key to transform your life trajectory.

Change Your Destiny: Part 1 Feb 17, 2022

Is it possible to change your destiny? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian, spiritual leader, writer, and poet, as she explores the wisdom of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, revealing how the tools of yoga possess the keys to transform your life trajectory.

Spiritual Evolution—Spiritual Revolution Feb 03, 2022

How are the ancient sciences of yoga and Ayurveda sparking a global spiritual evolution? Mas Vidal, author and teacher, discusses how these timeless wisdom practices provide a methodology for healing ourselves, healing the world, and inspiring a future we can all work towards.

The Rhythm of Life: Thriving with Yoga and Ayurveda Jan 20, 2022

How can we feel rejuvenated, energized, and more at ease in our day? Cate Stillman, teacher of yoga and Ayurveda, shares daily habits that can decrease stress, cultivate peace of mind, and bring radiant longevity to our lives.

Deepen Your Spiritual Practice Through the Dharma of Poetry Jan 13, 2022

How can poetry open up new ways of thinking, feeling, and being in the world? Author, teacher, and poet John Brehm shares how we can enter a poem, allowing its power to be a gateway to experience a deeper sense of wonder and mystery.

Meditations on the Five Elements Jan 06, 2022

We live in landscapes, and landscapes live in us. Christopher Chapple, author and professor of Indic studies, shares how the classical teachings of the East reveal the interconnection between humans and nature and how we can participate in the healing of the earth.

Sacred Music—Divine Connection Dec 16, 2021

How does sacred music deepen our connection to the Divine? David Rhodes, musician and songwriter, shares how sacred chants and music can quiet our minds, bringing us to a deeper connection with the Divine. David will be sharing music from his new CD, Door of My Heart.

A Year of Divine Pilgrimage Dec 09, 2021

What is a divine pilgrimage? Are you ready to make a pilgrimage to your divine self? On the 40th anniversary of the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, Yogacharya O’Brian discusses the importance and role of spiritual pilgrimage using the examples from Autobiography of a Yogi.

The Legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda Dec 02, 2021

Countless people have been inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda’s book Autobiography of a Yogi. Philip Goldberg, author of The Life of Yogananda, shares insights on the legacy of this great spiritual teacher as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publishing this seminal book.

Mantra: Diving Deep Into Meditation Nov 18, 2021

How does the use of mantra support spiritual awakening? Stella Wuttke, Ph.D., and Marty Wuttke, Kriya Yoga teachers, share how mantra is used to develop a more profound meditation practice and how its vibrational power supports healing of the mind and body and deepens spiritual awareness.

Harness Your Healing Energy with Yoga Nov 11, 2021

Are you ready to amplify the benefits of your hatha yoga practice? Lauren Walker, certified yoga teacher and energy medicine practitioner, shares practices that help you to access your underlying healing potential.

Connect with the Deeper Wisdom of Yoga Oct 21, 2021

Are you ready to deepen and enliven your yoga practice beyond the mat? Pamela Seelig, yoga practitioner, teacher, and author of Threads of Yoga, shares how the profound spiritual philosophy and enriching practices of yoga can enhance our daily lives.

Living Your Spiritual Practice Oct 14, 2021

What is it to live this human life in a spiritual way? Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Zen teacher, author, and poet, shares stories and reflections that offer insights and teaching helping us to define what is really spiritual practice and what supports us in living our best life.

Sri Yukteswar, The Incarnation of Wisdom Oct 07, 2021

Paramahansa Yogananda recognized Sri Yukteswar as his guru the moment he saw him. Sri Yukteswar was humble, learned, and a tough but loving spiritual teacher. Yogacharya O’Brian shares how we can learn, even in modern times, from the wise teachings of this great Kriya Yoga master.

Lessons from Lahiri Mahasaya, the Bliss-Filled Father of Kriya Yoga Sep 30, 2021

Yogacharya O’Brian returns to The Yoga Hour to celebrate the life and teachings of Lahiri Mahasaya who revealed where the practical and mystical aspects of our life meet in harmonious accord. Discover how where you are right now is most auspicious for spiritual awakening.

Sanskrit: The Language of Yoga Sep 23, 2021

What do those Sanskrit words used in yoga class really mean? Author, Sanskrit teacher, and Ashtanga yoga teacher Zoë Slatoff examines the beauty of commonly used Sanskrit words and explains how understanding and using Sanskrit can deepen our yoga practice.

Finding the Path to Inner Bravery Sep 16, 2021

How do we find the inner courage to face ourselves, others, and the unknown? Poet and spiritual leader Mark Nepo, author of Finding Inner Courage, reflects on how the power of honest inquiry in times of loss and uncertainty can ignite deep reflection and motivate action.

The Ancient Science of Yoga: Unity and Liberation for All Aug 26, 2021

In this time of increased awareness of racial disharmony, how does the study of yoga’s ancient roots invite us into greater empathy? Author and teacher Susanna Barkataki discusses how embracing yoga’s roots supports greater inclusivity and connection with each other and the world.

Healing from Anxiety Aug 19, 2021

How can we find inner peace and lessen our anxiety even in times of chaos? Guest Hala Khouri, therapist and yoga teacher, discusses practical strategies to understand our body’s signals so we can release stress and find healing.

Stop Reacting and Reclaim Your Power Aug 12, 2021

How can understanding our triggers help us find peace and lasting emotional well-being? Psychotherapist David Richo, Ph.D., author of Triggers, discusses how we can look deeply at the roots of what provokes us so we can develop the resources to stay calm under pressure and to heal.

Live a Life of Oneness Jul 22, 2021

What does it mean practically to live a life committed to Oneness? Jeremy David Engels, author of The Ethics of Oneness: Emerson, Whitman, and the Bhagavad Gita, explores this question as an antidote to our current climate of separation.

Yoga for Cancer: Healing, Thriving, and Surviving Jul 15, 2021

How can yoga practice address the specific physical and emotional needs of cancer patients and survivors? Tari Prinster, founder of yoga4cancer, discusses the science and benefits of yoga for cancer patients and survivors and the tools to create a safe home yoga practice.

Living in Peace: The Secret of a Happy Life Jul 08, 2021

Feeling out of sorts with life’s challenges? Paramahansa Yogananda taught that living with inner peace is the secret to a happy life. Join Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi as they share Yogananda’s tools, stories, and right attitudes to help connect with your source of peace within.

The Yoga of Consciousness: Moving Beyond Body and Mind Jun 24, 2021

How does our consciousness, identity, and prana differ in different states of consciousness? Dr. David Frawley discusses how observing and contemplating our daily movement from waking, dreaming, and deep sleep can lead to boundless wisdom and enduring bliss.

Transforming Ourselves and the World Through Selfless Service Jun 10, 2021

How does a heart of service respond to the difficulties of our times? How do we overcome fear and awaken the compassion that is innate within us? Nipun Mehta, founder of ServiceSpace.org, discusses how small acts of service can transform us and transform the world.

Curbing Chronic Inflammation with Yoga and Meditation Jun 03, 2021

Medical science has increasingly illustrated the role chronic inflammation plays in the development of disease. Yoga therapist Baxter Bell, M.D., discusses how yogic practices, breath techniques, and meditation can curb inflammation and support us in living a healthier life.

Calm Your Mind and Restore Your Energy May 27, 2021

How do the tools of yoga help us to move beyond trauma? Joanne Spence, certified yoga therapist and author of Trauma-Informed Yoga, discusses using the ancient wisdom of yoga along with modern neuroscience to reduce stress and calm the nervous system.

Kriya Yoga Living May 20, 2021

Discover how the practices of Kriya yoga awaken the heart and reveal innate divine qualities such as self-restraint, generosity, humility, and perseverance on the spiritual path. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian as she discusses the key to living a joy-filled life.

Yoga, Belonging, and Resilience May 13, 2021

How can the inherent wholeness and belonging of yoga help us to bounce back when we meet the challenges of life? Yoga therapist Amy Wheeler, Ph.D., discusses how through yoga, we can develop resiliency while having compassion for ourselves and for others.

Questions That Spark Transformation Apr 29, 2021

How can the right questions redefine the trajectory of your life? Spiritual teacher and author of Spark Change: 108 Provocative Questions for Spiritual Evolution, Jennie Lee discusses how we can deepen awareness of our innermost needs, allowing us to initiate powerful shifts in our lives.

Embody Your Meditation Practice Apr 22, 2021

What role does our sitting posture play in the depth of our meditation? Will Johnson, teacher and author of The Posture of Meditation: A Practical Manual for Meditators of All Traditions, shares the importance of our body’s role in our path of spiritual transformation.

Wisdom from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra: Part Two Apr 01, 2021

Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian as they explore Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Both practical and profound, yoga’s quintessential guide for the spiritual life shows us how to find peace and live with purpose.

Transforming America’s Racial Karma Mar 25, 2021

How can we participate in breaking the cycle of America’s racial trauma? Larry Ward, Ph.D., student of Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh and author of America’s Racial Karma, discusses how we can bring clear intention and compassionate action to the path of racial healing.

Wisdom from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra: Part One Mar 18, 2021

Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian as they explore Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Both practical and profound, yoga’s quintessential guide for the spiritual life shows us how to find peace and live with purpose.

The Essence of Kriya Yoga Mar 04, 2021

What is required to experience self-realization? Ryan Kurczak, author of The Essence of Complete Kriya Yoga Practice, discusses the impact and guidance of Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and one of the great modern Kriya Yoga gurus.

Unconditional Gratitude: Finding Resilience and Well-Being Feb 25, 2021

Is it possible to be grateful in challenging times? Our well-being depends on it, but how do we achieve it? Kristi Nelson, author of Wake Up Grateful, shares how, through gratitude, we can live more fully and find well-being without having to wait for something to change.

Claim Your Inner Joy and Freedom, Part 2 Feb 11, 2021

How do the ancient teachings of the Vedas support us in claiming our birthright as powerful, spiritual beings? Vedic master Acharya Shunya, author of the book Sovereign Self, continues her discussion about how these teachings help us recognize our inner worth and wholeness.

Timeless Stories of Spiritual Awakening Jan 28, 2021

How can stories from revered spiritual teachers nourish and guide us on our path to spiritual awakening? Sean Murphy, author of One Bird, One Stone, shares insights and stories from modern Zen teachers that will support the spiritual journey of anyone from any spiritual tradition.

Claim Your Inner Joy and Freedom Jan 14, 2021

How do the ancient teachings of the Vedas support us in claiming our birthright as powerful, spiritual beings? Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Vedic master Acharya Shunya, author of Sovereign Self, discuss how these teachings help us recognize our inner worth and wholeness.

Courageous Living: Yoga’s Tools for Releasing Anxiety and Fear Jan 07, 2021

How do fear, worry, and anxiety hold us back from living our best life? Beth Spindler, author of Yoga Therapy for Fear, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how simple yoga methods can result in relief from symptoms of fear, depression, anxiety, and rage.

A Meditator’s Guide to Advent Dec 17, 2020

Explore the spiritual riches of the Christmas season with Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Yogacharya O’Brian through contemplation and meditation on its inner meaning.

Embrace Wonder: Live a Happier, Healthier, and More Connected Life Dec 10, 2020

Awe-inspiring moments are all around us. Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her guest Jonah Paquette, Psy.D., as they discuss how we can tap into the powerful benefits of awe and bring wonder into our everyday lives.

Ayurvedic Self-Care for Natural Healing Dec 03, 2020

Ayurveda teaches us how daily and seasonal rhythms affect our bodies, allowing us to stay resilient and healthy. Guest Kate O’Donnell, author of The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care, teaches how to adjust our self-care routines in a caring and nurturing way.

The Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita in a Modern World Nov 19, 2020

How can the ancient teachings of the Bhagavad Gita be relevant in our modern, fast-paced world? Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and authors Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor as they discuss how this sacred text provides deep insight to meet life’s inevitable challenges.

Together We Can: Spiritual Communities Face Climate Change Nov 12, 2020

How can people of faith address the problems of global climate change? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Kusumita Pedersen, Ph.D., member of the Climate Action Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, as they discuss the power of faith communities in this crisis.

Kriya Yoga and Planetary Evolution: Ancient Teachings in a Modern Era Oct 29, 2020

Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and The Yoga Hour founder Yogacharya O’Brian as they explore Kriya Yoga’s role in planetary evolution. How did this ancient science of self-realization inspire The Yoga Hour? What does it offer us for this time of change and challenge?

Responding to Racism with the Spiritual Practices of Yoga Oct 15, 2020

How do the spiritual teachings of yoga support our response to racial injustice in ourselves and in the world around us? Rev. Kamala Itzel Hayward and Dr. Laurel Trujillo discuss how we can retain our inner peace while being a presence for justice and compassion in the world.

Emotional Resilience in Difficult Times Oct 08, 2020

How can we stay grounded, emotionally connected, and empowered in times of turmoil? Ralph De La Rosa, author of Don’t Tell Me to Relax, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss tools that help us understand our emotions, deepen our resilience, and cope with contentious times.

Paramahansa Yogananda’s Early Life and Influences Sep 24, 2020

Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Ron Lindahn—senior Kriya teacher, disciple of Roy Eugene Davis, and producer and director of the documentary Yogananda and the Kriya Yoga Masters—as they discuss the Indian culture and the teachers that guided and influenced Yogananda’s early years.

The Legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda Sep 10, 2020

100 years after Paramahansa Yogananda arrived in the U.S., the teachings that he brought remain inspiring and uplifting. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi, spiritual directors of the Ananda communities, as they discuss the modern-day legacy of Yogananda.

Celebrating Paramahansa Yogananda Sep 03, 2020

This month is the 100th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s arrival in the U.S. Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Philip Goldberg, author of The Life of Yogananda, as they discuss the life and legacy of this great spiritual teacher.

Racism, Spiritual Practice, and Compassionate Right Action Aug 27, 2020

In this time of heightened awareness about racism, what is our role? Join Rev. Priya Friday-Pabros, a Black woman and senior Kriya Yoga teacher, and Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how spiritual practice supports us in discerning what is ours to do.

Increase Immunity and Health with Ayurveda Aug 13, 2020

What does the science of Ayurveda teach us about immunity and the current global health crisis? Join Cynthia Copple, director of Lotus Holistic Health Institute, and Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss Ayurvedic wisdom on the nature of pandemics and how we can live a healthy life.

Experience the Wholeness of Life Aug 06, 2020

How can all of our life experiences, both good and difficult, connect us with our inherent wholeness? Guest Mark Nepo joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how life’s challenges wear away the coverings of the soul and allow the light of who we are to pour forth into the world.

Get Outside to Lift Your Mood Jul 30, 2020

Why does it feel so good to be in nature? What benefits does it bring? Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative.

Thrive and Master Your Life Jul 23, 2020

How can the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda help us to master our lives? Join Cate Stillman, author of Master of You, and host Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how the five elements can help us master our home, body, ambition, time, and integrity.

Cultivate Calm, Clarity, and Courage in Crazy Times Jul 09, 2020

How can we skillfully navigate our lives in a world that is challenging? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Philip Goldberg, author of Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times, as they discuss how we can increase our resiliency, wisdom, and courage during difficult times.

Gratitude for Teachers Jun 25, 2020

Is it necessary to have a spiritual teacher? Rev. Sundari Jensen, senior Kriya Yoga teacher at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss the gifts our spiritual teachers bring to help us grow and reach our full potential.

One Thing That Makes All the Difference Jun 11, 2020

What is it to have faith? Can it help in times of challenge and change? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how faith can support us in maintaining our equilibrium and bouncing back from difficulties.

Be Your Healthiest Self: Discovering Your Body’s Intelligence Jun 04, 2020

How can we live a life of optimum health and lifelong healing? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Rachel Abrams, M.D., integrative medicine physician and author of BodyWise, as they discuss how getting in touch with our body’s innate wisdom supports our physical and emotional well-being.

Thrive: Health and Abundant Well-Being Through Yoga and Ayurveda May 28, 2020

We can experience well-being, vitality, and abiding happiness. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Acharya Shunya, a world-renowned Vedic scholar and Ayurvedic teacher, as they discuss how the practices of yoga and Ayurveda can support true health and an awakened consciousness.

Step Into the Stream: Kriya Yoga Teachers and Teachings for Today’s World May 14, 2020

An esteemed lineage of teachers made the transformative teachings of kriya yoga available to us today. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Giovanni Formisano, a kriya yoga teacher from Italy, as they discuss the gifts these teachers brought to help us with today’s challenges.

Seven Soul Qualities to Draw Upon May 07, 2020

The soul has profound strengths that we can draw upon, including love, courage, and creativity. Join Yogacharya O’Brian as she discusses the seven soul qualities that we can access to build our inner peace, fearlessness, and resilience.

The Keys to Experiencing Absolute Consciousness Apr 30, 2020

What are the keys to living a more meaningful life? Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and neurotherapist and yogacharya A. Martin Wuttke as they discuss how the connection of our mind, brain, and consciousness influence each other and how that understanding can change the way we live.

Creative Imagination: A Vision of Hope for Our Troubled Times Apr 23, 2020

How can our imagination be a spiritual practice? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and author and Zen priest Norman Fischer as they discuss how the development of our creative imagination is a necessity for thriving in troubled times.

Yoga, Compassion, and Resilience Apr 16, 2020

Yoga helps us build compassion and resilience, two important qualities for our rapidly changing times. Yogacharya O’Brian joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss yoga practices that allow us to draw deeply from our inner strengths to meet any challenge.

Breathe, Learn, Connect Apr 02, 2020

Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and her guest, Anastasia Shevchenko, as they discuss how the practices of yoga, including meditation, pranayama, asana, and study, connect us to the Truth within and deepen our relationships with others and the world around us.

Meditation and Prayer in Difficult Times Mar 26, 2020

How can we deepen our connection to God and to the world even in difficult times? Join cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Rev. Charles Taylor, senior minister at the Universal Truth Center in Miami Gardens, Florida, as they discuss how prayer and meditation can help us draw on our inner peace and strength.

Making the Changes We Need to Fight the Coronavirus Mar 19, 2020

How can we successfully change our behavior to fight the coronavirus? BJ Fogg, Ph.D., behavioral scientist and author of Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how we can make the changes we need to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community during this pandemic.

Live a Calm, Confident, and Courageous Life Mar 05, 2020

How can we break through the old patterns of stress, worry, and fear to find a new perception of our true self? Join cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her guest, psychotherapist and yoga teacher, Rev. Connie L. Habash as they discuss how overcoming anxiety can allow us to flourish.

Living a Vibrant Life: Aging Gracefully in the Third Stage of Life Feb 27, 2020

Join Carrie Demers, M.D., and cohost Laurel Trujillo, M.D., as they discuss facts and tips from modern research and the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda that support us in aging with vibrancy and grace.

The Healing Science of Yoga: What Is It and How Does It Work? Feb 13, 2020

How does yoga work? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and yoga teacher, lecturer, and author Eddie Stern as they discuss—from both a yogic and scientific perspective—how the practices of yoga can transform our brain function, our bodies, our emotions, and our experience of life.

Exploring Shiva: Encountering Ultimate Reality Feb 06, 2020

Does the Divine have form, or is the Divine beyond all form? How do we realize the truth of God? Vedic scholar Swamini Svatmavidyananda joins Yogacharya O’Brian to explore the nature of our relationship with God and the role that ritual can play to uncover the deepest truth of our being.

Personal Transformation Through Self-Compassion Jan 30, 2020

Clinical psychologist Dr. Radhule Weininger joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss the healing power of self-compassion. Learn simple practices that allow us to respond skillfully to our own suffering and that of the world.

Inviting the Silence: A Doorway to the Power of Kindness Jan 16, 2020

Teacher and author Gunilla Norris joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they explore how the daily practice of silence nurtures a deeper awareness of kindness as a path to self-realization.

Yoga Is for Every Body, Mind, and Spirit Jan 09, 2020

Jivana Heyman, author of Accessible Yoga, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how yoga’s physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits really are for every body, mind, and spirit, regardless of age or physical ability.

Let’s Stress Less! Dec 19, 2019

At this busy time of year, how can mindfulness help us to reduce stress? Gina Biegel, author of Be Mindful and Stress Less, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss simple actions we can take to cultivate ease, decrease anxiety, and improve our self-care.

Yoga’s Wisdom for Living in Today’s World Dec 12, 2019

How can the ancient teachings of yoga radically enlighten every aspect of our daily lives? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and teacher Stephen Cope, author of The Wisdom of Yoga, as they discuss how we can be fully human as well as spiritually mature in this modern world.

Knowledge in Different Levels of Consciousness Dec 05, 2019

The spiritual path is rich with paradox. Take, for example, the assertion that we are already enlightened and the instruction that spiritual practice is necessary. Is it possible to contain seemingly contradictory viewpoints within a larger context? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and her guest Rick Archer, host of Buddha at the Gas Pump, as they discuss these and other spiritual questions.

Cultivate Kindness: Connect Deeply Nov 21, 2019

How can we live a kinder, more loving life? Join Robyn Spizman, author of Loving Out Loud: The Power of a Kind Word, and cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss practical ways that we can be joyful, stay positive, and set a little love in motion.

Fulfill Your Highest Potential Nov 14, 2019

We can all know why we are here, how to fulfill our divine destiny, and how to experience lasting happiness. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how we can awaken to our divine potential and live our lives in the highest way.

Being a Yogi in the Modern World Oct 31, 2019

How can we live our lives in the highest way? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and her guest Yogi Cameron as they discuss the universal spiritual laws taught in the ancient wisdom of Yoga. Living by these principles, we can create lives of abundant wholeness, purpose, and wisdom.

Inner Nurturing for Healthier Eating Oct 17, 2019

How can self-nurturing help us to improve our diets and our health? Julie Simon, author of When Food Is Comfort, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss the benefits of applying loving kindness to ourselves, improve our stress response, and bring more mindfulness to our eating.

Developing Our Spiritual Intelligence Oct 10, 2019

Our spiritual intelligence is a part of Universal Intelligence, guiding and supporting our lives in all ways. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Kabir Helminski as they discuss deepening our relationship with the Infinite, purifying our consciousness, and trusting in the unfolding of life.

The Spiritual Practice of Listening Sep 19, 2019

Kay Lindahl, the author of The Sacred Art of Listening, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how practicing deep listening to ourselves, to our Source, and to each other can be the key to healthy relationships and spiritual transformation.

Prosper and Keep Your Soul Sep 12, 2019

How do we prosper without losing our soul? Yogacharya O'Brian joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how spirituality and earthly success can complement each other, leading to the realization of the higher self. We can then each become jewels of abundance.

The Gift of Gratitude Sep 05, 2019

A grateful heart is a magnet that draws to us what is harmonious and good. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and her guest May McCarthy, author of The Gratitude Formula, as they discuss how the practice of gratitude can support us in achieving success in all aspects of our life.

Yoga and Ayurveda: A Sacred Relationship Aug 29, 2019

How do the ancient sciences of yoga and Ayurveda intersect? Join cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her guest Mas Vidal, author and yoga and Ayurvedic teacher, as they discuss how these traditions can be integrated into our lives for balanced living and spiritual evolution.

Bouncing Back: Strengthening Our Vital Skill of Resilience Aug 15, 2019

Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her special guest Linda Graham, MFT, as they discuss tools and techniques that cultivate our essential skill of resilience, allowing us to bounce back from difficulties and even disaster in our lives.

Balance: Less Chaos, More Wholeness Aug 01, 2019

How can we experience more balance in our busy lives? How can we live the life we desire? Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her guest Yvonne Talley, author of Breaking up with Busy, as they discuss tools and techniques to manage our busy lives in a more balanced way.

What the Body Can Teach Us Jul 25, 2019

Increasing our embodied awareness builds our responsiveness and resiliency. Susan Bauer, author of The Embodied Teen, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about how we can each enliven our sense of self and establish lifelong habits for well-being.

Meditation, Prayer, and Presence Jul 11, 2019

Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Rev. Neusom Holmes from Unity of the Triangle in Raleigh, North Carolina, as they explore how the practices of meditation and prayer complement one another and meet at the summit of divine presence.

Parenthood as a Path to Spiritual Awakening Jun 20, 2019

How are the messy moments of being a parent grounds for spiritual awakening? Join cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her special guest Anne Cushman, author of The Mama Sutra, as they discuss how the joys and sorrows of parenthood are not separate from the spiritual path, but are the path itself.

Mindfulness for Peaceful Hearts and Minds Jun 13, 2019

How can the practice of mindfulness help us to meet the challenges of our changing lives and world? Mark Coleman, author of From Suffering to Peace, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how deepening our ability to be mindfully present increases our resilience, clarity, and peace.

Living With and Moving Beyond Chronic Pain Jun 06, 2019

How can those who live with chronic pain find a pathway to health and well-being? Special guest Sarah Ann Shockley, author of The Pain Companion, discusses how pain sufferers can live with more ease and grace and, ultimately, relieve and release the pain.

Live a Soul-Guided Life May 30, 2019

Yoga helps us discern what we truly want and need at any given time in our life. Join hosts Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Yogacharya O’Brian as they discuss how we can create an atmosphere within and around us that encourages us to be awake, listen to our soul guidance, and prosper.

Yoga and Oneness May 23, 2019

How can the chakras help us experience and express the oneness that is the goal of yoga? Nischala Joy Devi, author of The Namaste Effect, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss the role of the chakras in opening our hearts to universal love and compassion.

The Power of Yoga for Stress Relief May 16, 2019

Yoga decreases stress, which improves our health, increases our energy, and makes us more resilient. Laurie Hyland Robertson, editor of Yoga Therapy Today, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss yoga’s proven power to reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and improve well-being.

Prosperity and the Spiritual Life May 02, 2019

Live a prosperous life of purpose and fulfillment. Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Rev. Charles Taylor, senior minister of the Universal Truth Center in Miami Gardens, Florida, as they discuss how everything we need to live a truly fulfilled life is already in our possession.

Serving Others in the Digital Age: Karma Yoga and Social Media Apr 25, 2019

Social media opens new opportunities to serve others. Nipun Mehta, founder and chief inspiration officer of ServiceSpace, joins Laurel Trujillo to discuss how we can each perform small acts with great love to create positive ripples in the world.

Yoga and Balance: Healing From the Inside Out Apr 11, 2019

Yoga keeps us healthy, promotes resilience, and increases the body’s natural healing ability. Yoga therapist and teacher Amy Wheeler, Ph.D., joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how yoga practices balance the body and help us to heal from the inside out.

Awake, Aware, and With Intention: The Life of Roy Eugene Davis Apr 04, 2019

Yogacharya O’Brian reflects on the remarkable life of Roy Eugene Davis, her teacher for 40 years. We dedicate this program to Roy's memory with deep appreciation for his more than six decades of teaching Kriya yoga.

Spiritual Insights for Abundant Living Mar 28, 2019

How do we live our lives from our deepest spiritual insight? Craig Bullock (Isha Das), founder and spiritual director of the Assisi Institute, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how meditation, prayer, and forgiveness are the keys to abundant living.

Spiritual Lessons From Paramahansa Yogananda: Experiences of a Devoted Disciple, Part 2 Mar 14, 2019

Spiritual teacher and author Roy Eugene Davis, one of the last living direct disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda, has been sharing the teachings of Kriya yoga for more than 65 years. Tune in as he shares stories and teachings of this great sage.

Spiritual Lessons From Paramahansa Yogananda: Experiences of a Devoted Disciple, Part 1 Mar 07, 2019

Spiritual teacher and author Roy Eugene Davis, one of the last living direct disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda, has been sharing the teachings of Kriya yoga for more than 65 years. Tune in as he shares stories and teachings of this great sage.

The Spiritual Friend: Spiritual Direction in Many Traditions Feb 21, 2019

A spiritual friend, soul companion, counselor, guru, or spiritual director is an essential component of the spiritual path. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Molares, the executive director of Spiritual Directors International, as they talk about the role of the spiritual friend and its increasing relevance today.

Self-Love, Self-Care, and Loving Relationships Feb 14, 2019

Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar and Dr. Manisha Kshirsagar on Valentine’s Day for a look at what Ayurveda and yoga tell us about the vital connection between self-care and loving relationships.

Five Ways Yoga Can Help Overcome Chronic Pain Feb 07, 2019

We can all relate to pain—it’s the main reason people go to a doctor. Yoga offers us some simple and time-tested ways to help. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Swami Sivashankariananda, director of the San Francisco Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, as they explore how we can teach the body a new response.

Step Into the Stream of Wisdom! Jan 17, 2019

As “drops in the river of time,” can we find happiness and fulfillment in the midst of constant change? Listen as Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of The Tao of Solomon, and Yogacharya O’Brian talk about what can’t be put into words! This discussion is sure to be enjoyable, challenging, and insightful.

Living the Four Aims: Paramahansa Yogananda’s Inspired Life Jan 10, 2019

In the life and legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda, we can see an inspired life that includes the four Vedic goals of life—to live with higher purpose, prosper, enjoy life, and realize liberation. What can we learn from Yogananda’s life about those goals and how to achieve them? Join spiritual friends Yogacharya O’Brian and Philip Goldberg, author of The Life of Yogananda, as they explore how to live fully and well.

Wake up to Joy Jan 03, 2019

We all want to be happy and for our happiness to last. Spiritual realization puts us in touch with the soul’s bliss. Yogacharya O’Brian discusses the innate joy that is part of our soul nature, how to experience it more often, and more fully. Tune in and wake up to joy!

Transform Your Life With Yoga Dec 13, 2018

Yoga is truly transformative—not just physically transforming our bodies—but touching all areas of our life. Special guest Anastasia Shevchenko, creator of the upcoming 2019 Berlin Yoga Conference in Germany, discusses how the practices of yoga transform us in body, mind, and spirit.

Imagine Enlightenment Dec 06, 2018

Can we imagine a world in which all people are spiritually awake? Is enlightenment possible for us, or only for saints and sages? Yogacharya O’Brian returns to discuss how we can restore our innate wholeness and work in the world but not leave our souls behind.

Our Wealth of Spiritual Resources Nov 29, 2018

We each have a wealth of spiritual resources we can access to meet our needs. They are our sure antidote to despair or discouragement. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how we can thrive even through times of adversity and despair.

From Worn out to Dreaming Nov 15, 2018

What if you could reboot your health, tap in to your creative self, reclaim your wild nature, lead from your heart—and still feel well-rested? Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Karen Brody, author of Daring to Rest, as they discuss how yoga can help us rediscover the power of rest.

True Wealth Nov 08, 2018

Discover the basic spiritual law of wealth and how our ability to thrive is connected to our awakening. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian returns to discuss how we can understand prosperity as a spiritual goal, not for its own sake, but for the sake of the soul.

The Prosperity Imperative: Learn to Thrive and Serve Nov 01, 2018

How can we be conscious partners in a world awakening to its highest potential? Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion about how we can live a prosperous, abundant life without losing our souls along the way.

Living a Heart-Centered Life Oct 25, 2018

What happens when you fully commit yourself to love? Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Scott Stabile, author of Big Love: The Power of Living With a Wide-Open Heart, as they discuss living a heart-centered life during the good as well as the challenging times of our life.

Fall in Love With Your Practice Oct 11, 2018

In order to keep our meditation practice steady and strong we need to find ways to fall in love with it over and over again. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss the many ways we can stay inspired and devoted.

Swami Vivekananda: Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Message of Religious Harmony Oct 04, 2018

Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and her special guest Swami Prasannatmananda as they discuss the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, one of the first Indian gurus to make an impact in the West. His timeless message of religious harmony provides an antidote to religious intolerance.

Meditation and Science: Miracles Proved Sep 20, 2018

What are the proven benefits of meditation? Shanti Rubenstone, M.D., joins cohost Laurel Trujillo, M.D., to discuss the scientific evidence suggesting meditation improves cardiac health, slows aging of the brain, and reduces pain.

Connect: How to Love and Serve the One in All Sep 06, 2018

Yogacharya O'Brian and Swami Nirvananda Saraswati, a monk whose music builds schools for children in need, talk about how to let your heart lead you into serving and making a difference.

Open Your Heart, Change Your Life Aug 30, 2018

Join host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Frank Ostaseski, the author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully, for a conversation on how maintaining an ever-present consciousness of our mortality can bring us closer to our truest selves. How do we embrace the uncertainty of life and still live with joy, peace, and acceptance?

Stay Healthy by Aligning With Nature’s Cycles Aug 23, 2018

Ayurvedic specialist Dr. Vivek Shanbhag notes that natural cycles, such as the seasons and cycles of the moon, affect our health and consciousness. Shanbhag joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion on how to improve our health and expand our consciousness by aligning with the cycles of nature.

What Are You Hungry For? Healing Our Relationship With Food Aug 09, 2018

Sarahjoy Marsh, author of Hunger, Hope, and Healing, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss yogic practices that can transform our relationship with food from suffering to compassion and hopefulness. How can yoga help us to heal our relationship with food, eating, and body image?

Yoga for Grief Relief Aug 02, 2018

Antonio Sausy, author of Yoga for Grief Relief, joins cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how yoga practices support us in times of grief and loss, and provide an opportunity for self-transformation. Yoga can help us move through grief to rediscover our wholeness.

Optimize Your Health Jul 26, 2018

How do we recognize when we are out of balance and make corrections to restore optimal health? Yoga therapist and professor Amy Wheeler, Ph.D., joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how we can use self-care practices to reclaim our balance and well-being.

Living Yoga, Living Wholeness Jul 12, 2018

Kriya yoga is described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as self-discipline, self-inquiry, and surrender to God. Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Paula Whang-Ramos as they discuss how these teachings can bring us back to wholeness—a life filled with peace, joy, and deep contentment.

Be Resilient: Connect With Your Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness Jun 21, 2018

How can we feel less stressed and stay calm and centered in the face of adversity? Join Dr. Laurel Trujillo and her special guest Dr. Rick Hanson, author of Resilient, as they explore clear, practical steps to get in touch with our inner strengths of grit, gratitude, and compassion.

Moving Toward Peace Jun 14, 2018

How can we navigate life’s challenging times and find our way to peace? Dean Sluyter, author of Fear Less: Living Beyond Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Addiction, joins cohost Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss simple meditative practices to ease body, mind, and soul.

Awaken Your Heart Jun 07, 2018

To awaken our heart is to embody the divine love and joy that is part of our soul nature. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian, director of The Yoga Hour, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to share poetry and practices that open our hearts and deepen our ability for love and compassion.

The Radiance in All Things May 24, 2018

Life calls us to see more deeply, into the extraordinary that lies within the ordinary. Spiritual teacher, author, and poet Mark Nepo joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation drawing on his recent book, Things That Join the Sea and the Sky.

Yoga’s Promise of Wholeness May 17, 2018

Yoga states that we are all whole at our deepest level, despite conditions that make us seem to be incomplete. Yoga teacher, motivational speaker, and paraplegic Matthew Sanford joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss yoga's hopeful promise of wholeness.

Paramahansa Yogananda: A Spiritual Teacher for the Ages May 03, 2018

Paramahansa Yogananda is described as a spiritual master for the ages, revered by millions of people all over the world. Philip Goldberg, author of the new biography The Life of Yogananda, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to discuss the fascinating life of this extraordinary leader.

Finding The Power Within Apr 26, 2018

How do we begin to dissolve wounds and secure lasting peace? Join regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and James O’Dea, author of Soul Awakening Practice: Prayer Contemplation and Action, as they discuss how we can establish a consciousness of unity and connection. Tune in and be inspired by a new prayer for soul awakening.

Heal Your Body, Strengthen Your Mind, Free Your Spirit Apr 12, 2018

What are some simple Ayurvedic practices that can enhance your body, mind, and spirit? How can we bring the wisdom of the world’s oldest healing system into our everyday lives? Ananta Ripa Ajmera, author of The Ayurveda Way, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss simple steps for better sleep, less stress, optimal digestion, and more. Tune in and begin to transform your life!

The Power of Intention Apr 05, 2018

Discover the benefits of setting a spiritual intention. Setting a resolution to express a particular soul quality such as love, peace, or compassion invites the support of divine grace into our lives and paves the way for transformation. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian, spiritual teacher, author, and founder and director of The Yoga Hour, joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to examine the power of setting a spiritual intention. Listen in to begin to bring this dynamic practice into your life.

Embracing the Unknown Mar 22, 2018

How do we develop the courage and faith to welcome the unknown? Are there practices that can help us to face uncertainty with grace? Estelle Frankel, author of The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how walking into the heart of mystery can be a starting point for adventure, creativity, and transformation. Tune in to begin transforming fear and resistance into curiosity and open-mindedness.

Increase Your Mental Clarity With Ayurveda Mar 15, 2018

What is something that we do several times a day that affects our mental clarity, energy, and peace of mind? It’s eating! Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems in the world for maintaining and improving health, helps us understand the relationship between the qualities of the foods we eat and our physical and mental health. Kate O’Donnell, author of the new book Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to explore the impact that the food we eat has on our mental balance and peace of mind. Listen in to begin to use foods to manage your mood!

Decide to Be Enlightened in This Lifetime Mar 08, 2018

What does it mean to be spiritually enlightened? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and her spiritual teacher, Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and internationally known spiritual teacher and author, as they discuss how to become spiritually enlightened in this lifetime. There are six practical things we can all do that support our intention to awaken fully. Tune in and learn about, or be reminded of, these essentials for self-realization.

The Right Time to Change Your Life Feb 22, 2018

How can changing your schedule change your life? Does when you eat matter as much as what you eat? Scientists have discovered that our bodies’ activities vary significantly between day and night, coordinated by the “clock genes” present in every cell. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, Ayurvedic physician and author of Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about how changing our schedule can help us to lose weight, get more benefits from exercise, and improve our sleep. Listen in, it’s the right time!

Meditate for Good Feb 08, 2018

How does meditation support our health, well-being, and spiritual growth? How can we create a meditation routine that is easy and rewarding? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian as she discusses, with guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo, the powerful, life-changing benefits of meditation. Whether you are an experienced meditator or are interested in beginning a meditation practice, tune in and find out how meditation can transform your relationships and your health. Learn about the most important benefit—self- and God-realization. Why not do it now?

Nurturing Your Child’s Spirituality Jan 25, 2018

How do we help our children recognize and grow into the rich spiritual life that is their birthright? Join Rev. Elena Kanti Fritchle and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they explore the importance of nurturing our children’s spirituality.

Aging With Strength and Grace Dec 07, 2017

How can yoga help us to age with strength and grace? Baxter Bell, M.D., coauthor of Yoga for Healthy Aging: A Guide to Lifelong Well-Being, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about the power of yoga to benefit both young and old alike.

Creating Meaningful Connections That Support Our Well-Being Nov 30, 2017

How can we create and nurture meaningful, mutually supportive, and conscious relationships? How can we communicate in a compassionate and genuine manner to broaden our humanity and transform our lives? Join Yoga Hour guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Michael J. Gelb, author of The Art of Connection, as they discuss simple but profound practices that cultivate deeper relationships and allow us and those around us to flourish in a deeper, more creative way.

The Transforming Power of Deep Human Connection Nov 16, 2017

How do our deepest relationships in life shape who we are? What is the nature and potential of our friendships? Stephen Cope, senior scholar in residence of the renowned Kripalu Center, psychotherapist, and author of many best-selling books, joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how the magic connections of special relationships are powerful keys to who we have become and who we will become. Tune in and discover how these deep connections have transforming power for our lives.

Living the Dharmic Life: Living a Life That Is Worthy of You Nov 09, 2017

What does it mean to live a dharmic life? How can we live by the soul’s radical inclination to fulfill its potential? This week, Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian shares with guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo how the teachings and practices of Kriya yoga support us in living our lives with purpose and meaning. Dharmic living is joyous learning by surrendered doing. There is no other way.

Discover Eternal Joy and Ultimate Freedom Oct 26, 2017

How can we access joy that lasts, independent of our life circumstances? What is true freedom, and how can we attain it? Pantajali’s Yoga Sutras has long been recognized as a guide to help us discover the eternal joy and ultimate freedom that is the birthright of every human being. The Sutras teach us how to create and live the life we dream of, and assure us that we are destined to discover our pure being and experience lasting joy. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, author of a new translation and commentary The Practice of the Yoga Sutra: Sadhana Pada, joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how to apply the living wisdom of the Yoga Sutra in our practice to achieve lasting fulfillment and ultimate freedom. Tune in and find out how!

Energize Your Practice Oct 19, 2017

How can we experience rapid, authentic spiritual growth? How can we keep our practice steady and strong? Whether we are new to the spiritual path or are rededicating ourselves to a practice of many years duration, Kriya yoga offers practical spiritual principles, lifestyle guidelines, and meditation techniques that allow us to live a life that is of value to ourselves, to others around us, to the environment, and to the world. Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Roy Eugene Davis, direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, as they discuss how energizing and deepening your spiritual practice allows you to live the life you were meant to live.

How to Live With Higher Purpose Oct 05, 2017

What is our higher purpose? Why are we really here? Living with higher purpose means living in harmony with the universal aim of spiritual realization. When we live mindfully, with awareness of our essential nature and connection to all of life, we are living in the highest way. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion of Self-realization, which is our higher purpose, and the practices that help us to live a life of harmony and peace every day. We are here to awaken, so tune in and find out more!

Kindle the Fire Within Sep 21, 2017

How do we live a more spiritually conscious life? What practices can help us to kindle our inner fire? We all have a yearning to live in the highest way, yet we may have difficulty enacting a steady spiritual practice. Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Gunilla Norris, author of Match: Bringing Heart and Will Into Alignment, as they explore how to live more authentically, embody our truth, and experience wholeness. Tune in and learn how to create a practice that will support your kindling the fire of yoga within.

Four Goals for Spiritually Conscious Living: Purpose, Abundance, Pleasure, and Freedom Sep 14, 2017

What goals are essential for spiritually conscious living? The Vedas say there are four: finding our life’s purpose; securing abundant resources to make our life’s work successful; enjoying the life we are given; and attaining freedom, or liberation. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion of the importance of knowing these four goals of life, and the steps to achieving them. Tune in to illuminate your life journey!

Awaken to the Fire of Love Within Aug 24, 2017

What is that call to awaken to the fire of love within us? How do we respond to that call? Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Anne Hillman, author of Awakening the Energies of Love: Discovering Fire for the Second Time, as they discuss how following this calling is an exhilarating, daring journey of adventure—a journey that is our soul’s destiny to take.

Freedom From Fear: Using Yoga Meditation to Heal Trauma Aug 17, 2017

How can we heal from trauma and free ourselves from fear? Integrative Restoration, or iRest, is a form of Yoga Nidra Meditation that has been proven effective in helping people overcome post-traumatic stress disorder; reduce anxiety, insomnia, and depression; and maintain a lasting emotional and mental balance. Richard Miller, Ph.D., author of The iRest Program for Healing PTSD, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about the power of yoga meditation to help us heal from trauma and live a life of freedom. Tune in and find out how!

Getting in the Driver’s Seat: Manage Your Mood With Yoga Aug 10, 2017

How can yoga help us manage our mood? What is the natural path to emotional well-being? The timeless mind-body teachings of yoga provide many practices that have been shown to improve our mood and emotions. On today's show, join Amy Weintraub, author of Yoga for Depression: A Compassionate Guide to Relieve Suffering Through Yoga, and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss how yoga puts us in the driver’s seat and shows us how to heal ourselves. Listen in and learn tools that support us in living a life that is free from the suffering of anxiety and depression.

Put Out the Fire With Ayurveda and Yoga Jul 27, 2017

How do the practices of Yoga and Ayurveda support our health and wellness? One answer can be found in scientific studies on inflammation. Inflammation plays a role in the development of many diseases, and studies show that Yoga and Ayurveda both have anti-inflammatory effects. Diana Lurie, Ph.D, Professor of Neuropharmacology at the University of Montana and editor in chief of The Ayurveda Journal of Health, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss the healing mechanisms of Yoga and Ayurveda. Tune in and find out how these two ancient sciences can prevent and heal disease in our modern world.

Awakening to Our Inner Stillness: The Healing Power of Music Jul 20, 2017

How does music heal the wounds of our hearts? Listening to music can touch us at a deep level and reveal the peace within us. Join award-winning composer Gary Malkin and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discover what music might bring to your contemplative practice. Tune in and learn how the power of sound can heal your heart’s weariness from the stresses of our world.

Find Inner Peace and Share It Jul 13, 2017

How do we bring the inner peace we find in meditation into the wider world? What actions can we take that make a difference? Join Philip Hellmich, director of peace at the Shift Network, and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo, as they discuss the balance between cultivating our inner life and activating a path of service in the world. Tune in and be inspired to act for peace in your everyday life.

Live Your Authentic Life Jun 22, 2017

What are the truly essential aspects of living? How do we recognize and invest in them? How can we expand our self-definition to include both being and doing? Join Toinette Lippe, author of Caught in the Act: Reflections on Being, Knowing, and Doing, and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss the search for an authentic life. Tune in for a discussion of the humility and courage that allows us to live fully and not get “caught in the act”!

Vedic Counseling: Universal Wisdom for Health and Happiness Jun 15, 2017

How can the wisdom of the Vedas help us bring greater consciousness, creativity, and happiness to our lives today? Yoga, Ayurveda, and Jyotish (Vedic astrology) are all sciences that arise from the Vedas. Vedic counseling brings together these approaches to help us live a life of health, happiness, and spiritual growth. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, Ayurvedic physician, author of The Hot Belly Diet, and coauthor of The Art and Science of Vedic Counseling, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about discovering the universal truths within the Vedas. Tune in to find out how the wisdom of the Vedas can support us in our modern world.

Removing the Obstacles: Unclutter Your Mind and Your Life Jun 01, 2017

How much impact does our environment have on our spiritual practice? Do you find it difficult to let go of the things that clutter your space, impede your efficiency, and bog down your joy? Find out how easy it can be to clear a space in your life for more peace, more love, and joy. Start by joining Yogacharya O’Brian and Andrew Mellen, organizational expert, public speaker, and No. 1 best-selling author of Unstuff Your Life! as they explore these questions and shine a light on a simple way to get and stay organized.

Awakening Shakti: The Flow of Divine Grace May 18, 2017

How can we enliven the transformational power within us to energize our life and help us progress on our spiritual path? Shakti, the energy of the Mother Goddess, is the force that manifests the universe and drives our spiritual awakening. Yogini Shambhavi, codirector of the American Institute of Vedic Sudies and author of two books on the Mother Goddess, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation about awakening the universal Shakti power within us. Tune in to kindle the grace of the Goddess within your own heart.

Discovering Our Deepest Truth: The Way Under the Way May 11, 2017

How do we find our way through life's challenges to discover our inner strength and deep resilience? What allows us to touch the heart of what really matters? Mark Nepo, New York Times best-selling author and poet, brings his healing story, insight, and presence to the Yoga Hour in a profound conversation with Yogacharya O'Brian about the way under the way—how to enter our experience in a way that is transformative.

Love’s Unifying Power May 04, 2017

How is humankind’s consciousness evolving toward global integration and interconnectedness? What evidence is there at the mystic heart of the world’s spiritual traditions that beneath the illusion of separateness humanity is one family? How can the practice of yoga in it’s broadest sense help us move toward the unifying power of love? Join regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Robert Atkinson, author of The Story of Our Time: From Duality to Interconnectedness to Oneness, as they discuss the story of the spiritual evolution of humankind, and the unity that is our ultimate destination. Tune in to hear more about humanity’s shift in consciousness that is already underway.

The Wisdom of Ayurveda: A Complete Prescription for Optimizing Your Health Apr 27, 2017

How can we experience optimal health? How can we be proactive about our health in a way that is in harmony with the rhythms of nature? Why are the teachings of yoga and Ayurveda called “sister sciences”? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Acharya Shunya as they discuss how the lifestyle practices of Ayurveda—the knowledge of life—and the practices of Kriya Yoga work together to manifest a state of health and well-being that is vibrant with ease, energy, and flow. Find out how you can feel like a billion dollars!

Radical Hope Through Literacy of the Heart Apr 20, 2017

The times we live in require us to develop a literacy of the heart—a deeper quality of listening, discerning, and connecting heart to heart and soul to soul. Literature itself, both poetry and prose, plays a timeless role in awakening our hearts to deeper truths we may otherwise miss. Khaled Hosseini, physician and author of the best-selling novels The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and The Mountains Echoed, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation about how reading, writing, and listening can bring forth profound questions, surprising graces, and the palpable presence of radical hope.

Building Harmony: The Role of Interspirituality Apr 13, 2017

How does interspiritual study and connection help us bring forth the harmony that is needed so badly today in our lives and in our world? What contribution might the practice of yoga make to this emerging interspiritual paradigm? Rami Shapiro, editor of the new World Wisdom Bible, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo in a discussion about how the wisdom at the core of all faith traditions help us to recognize our essential oneness, and to move toward solutions that honor this truth. Tune in and be inspired!

Writing As a Tool for Spiritual Transformation Mar 23, 2017

Can writing support us in discovering the deep connection to our authentic self? Since self-realization is the revelation of our authentic self—that which we already are—how can we unburden ourselves of pointless baggage on this journey of spiritual awakening? Mark Matousek is an award-winning author, teacher, mentor, and speaker whose work is devoted to self-inquiry and the transformational power of writing. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Mark Matousek as they reflect on the path of transformational writing as a tool for spiritual liberation. Tune in and find out how this powerful tool can work in your life.

Speaking Truth: The Healing Power of Poetry Mar 09, 2017

Poetry speaks truth, and speaking truth heals. Whether we write poetry for ourselves or to share with others, the process of creating poetry allows us to examine and express our own unique life. We can see who we are more clearly and bring meaning to all of our experiences: our joy, our sorrow, our fears, and our hopes. John Fox, author of Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for an exploration of poetry writing as a way to heal body, mind, and spirit. Tune in and explore the power, beauty, and healing potential of poetry.

Quicken Your Spiritual Awakening! Mar 02, 2017

Is it possible to quicken our spiritual awakening? What practices can help us to progress along our spiritual path? Ever since human beings began to use mental abilities thousands of years ago, their innate urge to be spiritually awake impelled them to want to know their relationship with the Infinite. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and her guru Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and internationally known spiritual teacher and author, as they discuss practices and actions that will support us in becoming spiritually awake more quickly. Tune in and find out how!

The Power of the Word: Gifts of Writing and Contemplation Feb 16, 2017

One of the ways to stay spiritually centered is to contemplate inspirational writing that connects us to what is true, what is most important, and uplifting. Throughout the ages, poetry and other forms of literature have offered insight, solace, and a challenge to live a spiritually conscious life. Join writers and poets Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Parthenia Hicks as they discuss how the study of spiritual writing helps us to connect to our highest goals and aspirations. Tune in and find out how!

Contemplative Life and Compassionate Service Feb 09, 2017

In this time of upheaval and change in the world, how do the lives and writings of the mystics offer us a way for healing and unity? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and author and spiritual teacher Mirabai Starr as they share poetry, insights, and experiences that connect the contemplative life with a life of compassionate engagement. Learn what the mystics can teach us about being the light of love in the world.

Glimpse the Face of the Beloved Feb 02, 2017

How can we move from the everyday world to the timeless experience of divine union? Mystical poetry can build a bridge from ordinary life to the eternal presence of love at the heart of the universe, from our inner life to the realization of a life beyond our own. Regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo is joined by Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian, founder and host of the Yoga Hour, and author of a new book of poetry, The Moon Reminded Me, for a conversation about poetry, healing, and mysticism. Experience how poetry can open a portal that allows us to glimpse the face of the Beloved for which our hearts yearn.

Create a Life of Purpose Jan 26, 2017

We all have a deep, soul calling to live a life that has meaning and purpose. How do we discern that call and respond to it? How can we overcome fears and obstacles to realizing our purpose in life? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian in a conversation with her special guest Rod Stryker, a longtime teacher of yoga philosophy and the author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom. Find out how, by connecting with our dharma, we can live by the power of the soul, in alignment with the power of the universe.

Yoga’s Path to Living With Higher Purpose Jan 19, 2017

What does it mean to live in the highest way? How can the practices of yoga help us to live in harmony with our own self as well as others? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and her special guest Edwin Bryant, author of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation and Commentary as they discuss how insights and practices from the Yoga Sutras can help us live our higher purpose. It is not difficult to live a spiritually conscious, fulfilled life in today’s complex world. Tune in and find out how!

A New Year and a New You Jan 12, 2017

As we begin a new year, how can we bring our lives into harmony with our higher true self? What does yoga have to teach about living a balanced life and reaching our full potential? Authors and Vedic educators Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) and Yogini Shambhavi join regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how Vedic wisdom can guide us in regaining optimal health, pursuing spiritual awakening, and living a life of balance and fulfillment. The conversation will draw from the book The Art and Science of Vedic Counseling, which was coauthored by Dr. Frawley and Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar. Tune in for practical tips to get the new year off to a great start!

Let the Goddesses Be Your Guide Dec 15, 2016

As women’s and men’s roles are changing in our society and in our world, what can the Hindu goddesses teach us? How do they model divine qualities and support us in understanding our own dharma? The Hindu goddesses are representations of feminine psychology and spirituality, and can show us how to understand spiritual law and live with divine purpose. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and her special guest Dr. Rita Sherma, director of the Center for Dharma Studies at the Graduate Theological Union and coeditor of Woman and Goddess in Hinduism: Reinterpretations and Re-envisionings, as they discuss how the mythology of the Hindu goddesses can help us revitalize our own role in the world.

Craft Your Glorious Life Dec 01, 2016

How do we find our true purpose—our path in the world that allows us to bring forth all our strengths? How do we discover and pursue the calling of our innermost self? Stephen Cope, author of The Great Work of Your Life, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to discuss how we find our svadharma, that true calling of our soul longing for expression. By drawing encouragement from the stories of others who have realized their life’s purpose, this conversation is sure to inspire you on your journey.

Dharma: Don’t Leave Home Without It Nov 17, 2016

The goal of purposeful living is not new—every religious, spiritual, or even secular tradition has their version of it. With the influx of yoga philosophy and practice and Vedic wisdom in the West, along came “dharma,” a new way to look at how we live. Discover how dharma holds the key to right action and harmonious relationship with others in this timely conversation with Philip Goldberg, author of American Veda, and Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian.

Divine Love and Transformation Nov 10, 2016

What forms the common core at the center of all faith traditions? Why is discovering this common core so important today in our divided world? In yogic philosophy, divine love, joy, and bliss are our birthright. William Keepin, Ph.D., author of Belonging to God: Spirituality, Science, and a Universal Path of Divine Love, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to explore this divine love that is found within the mystical paths of all faiths, and its transformative potential. Tune in and be inspired!

Higher Awareness and the Political Process Nov 03, 2016

How can we change politics so that it contributes to healing and to positive transformation in our society—in our world? How can we move beyond “left” and “right” thinking to a more “transpartisan” approach of social reform and national reconciliation? Join Stephen Dinan, author of “Sacred America-Sacred World: Fulfilling Our Mission in Service to All” and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo as they discuss the possibilities for a revitalized America and the vision of a healed and peaceful world. Tune in and discover how you can contribute to this bold vision. It’s the perfect time!

Answers to 10 Questions Every Devotee Wants to Know Oct 20, 2016

How can I find happiness? Is it possible to quiet the mind? Whether we are just starting along the path of spiritual awakening or have been on the path for some time, we often have questions about our spiritual journey and about how spiritual teachings relate to issues in our lives. Imagine sitting down to listen to a conversation between two spiritual leaders who are longtime disciples in the spiritual tradition of Paramahansa Yogananda. You can! Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian from the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment and special guest Nayaswami Asha, spiritual director of Ananda Palo Alto and author of Ask Asha, as they discuss questions that arise on the path of self-realization.

Live Your Highest Life Today! Oct 13, 2016

Practicing yoga in all of its forms—hatha yoga, meditation, contemplation, or selfless service—turns up the inner light of awareness. We start to see a new way to live. Rolf Gates, author of Meditations From the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian to discuss how the yamas and niyamas can help us to bring our spiritual practice off the mat and into every aspect of our lives. Tune in to discover how the practice of yoga encourages living a joyful, fulfilling life that leaves the world a better place.

Awake in the World: Self-Realization and Fulfilled Living Oct 06, 2016

Yoga and Vedanta offer us the keys to the kingdom—the way to realize our essential self and live in the highest way. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Swamini Svatmavidyananda, an accomplished scholar of Vedanta, as they discuss: Why does the yearning to spiritually awaken arise? Where does it come from and how do we find our way? Why is spiritual discipline necessary if we already are what we are searching for? Discover how spiritual practice is the discipline of joy upon joy. Find out how we can live a life of disciplined, purposeful living through the practices of yoga and Vedanta.

The Transforming Stillness of Meditation Sep 29, 2016

How do we cultivate a calm, peaceful, and spiritually awake life? How do we access the wisdom that is within us? Dr. Edward Viljoen, senior minister of the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, California, and author of The Power of Meditation, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian to discuss how meditation can joyfully transform our lives and contribute to harmony in the world. Tune in and discover where stillness, power, and joy meet through the practice of meditation.

The Doorway to Inner Freedom Sep 22, 2016

Would you like to access the same sense of well-being, clarity, inner freedom, and loving connection realized by the world's meditation masters? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian as she talks with Loch Kelly, founder of the Open-Hearted Awareness Institute and author of Shift Into Freedom: The Science and Practice of Open-Hearted Awareness, as they discuss how we can tap in to this inner freedom. Tune in to learn how we can intentionally and immediately connect to peace of mind any time of our day.

Self-Care in Every Season With Ayurveda Sep 15, 2016

How does the change of seasons affect our health and well-being? How can we incorporate simple, home-cooked meals into our lives so that we can start living a healthier, more nourishing lifestyle right away? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and special guest Kate O’Donnell, author of The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Eating and Living Well, as they discuss: How to make easy, scrumptious meals to nourish your body Lifestyle advice to live consciously in each season Self-care practices that help our bodies adapt as the seasons change It is simple and it is possible!

Is Optimal Health Possible for You? Sep 08, 2016

What factors are essential for optimizing our health? What connections are there between our digestive health and other symptoms such as headache and fatigue? Dr. Trupti Gokani, an award-winning neurologist and author of the book The Mysterious Mind: How to Use Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science to Heal Your Headaches and Reclaim Your Health, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to explore how Ayurveda and conventional medicine can work together to help us discover and address the underlying causes of our “dis-ease” instead of just treating our symptoms. Tune in to learn how digestion holds the key to living a balanced, “at ease,” optimally healthy and vibrant life.

Yoga for Radiant Health: Where Ancient Science Meets Modern Medicine Aug 25, 2016

How can the practices of yoga help us to have radiant health? Arising from the inherently therapeutic practices of the ancient system of yoga, Yoga Therapy is now a field for active research and treatment. The blossoming field of Yoga Therapy uses yoga’s tools to help clients maintain wellness, prevent chronic disease, and improve the course of numerous illnesses. Larry Payne, author of Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion of Yoga Therapy’s vast potential. Tune in and find out more about how yoga can help to heal body, mind, and spirit.

Aging With Vitality and Grace Aug 18, 2016

How can we remain vital and healthy as we grow older? The ancient system of Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, has a deep understanding of our body’s natural aging process. We can utilize the medical science of Ayurveda to age naturally, remaining robust and vigorous throughout our entire life. Cynthia Copple, author of Know Your Blueprint: The Ayurvedic Secret to Restoring Your Vitality and Passion in 30 Days, joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion about Ayurvedic practices that help us stay healthy, energetic, and passionate as we age. Tune in and find out how!

Rediscovering Wholeness: Yoga’s Tools for Recovery From Trauma Aug 04, 2016

After we face physical or emotional trauma, how can we reconnect with the wholeness that is present at the soul level? How does yoga help us to heal? Yogic practices have been proven to alleviate both pain and suffering, and to allow us to find increased joy and serenity in our lives. Mary NurrieStearns, author of Yoga for Emotional Trauma, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about how yoga can help us rediscover the healing and wholeness that is within us. Tune in and learn steps you can take to live more joyfully in the present moment.

Yoga’s Powerful Tools for Rejuvenation and Healing Jul 28, 2016

How can yoga help us to heal our hearts and our bodies? What scientific evidence is there that yoga is an effective tool for the treatment of chronic disease? Stress contributes to the development of many of today’s chronic diseases, and yoga is a masterful system for healing the effects of chronic stress. Yoga expert Nischala Joy Devi, who helped develop the stress management portion of the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease and cofounded the Commonweal Cancer Help Program, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo in a conversation about how yoga can help restore our health and vitality. Tune in and find out more about yoga’s tools for rediscovering our wholeness.

Conscious Companionship: How to Be a Compassionate Presence Jul 21, 2016

What does it mean to be a conscious companion? Being with someone who is suffering a loss, is ill, or dying can be an intense, intimate experience. How does our relationship with our own body, mind, and spirit affect our ability to be present for others? How do we take care of ourselves so we can be that compassionate presence? Frank Ostaseski, founder of the Metta Institute and cofounder of Zen Hospice Project, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo to explore how we can wholeheartedly accompany others on their journeys.

Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart Jul 14, 2016

There is a power for good within each one of us. It is the same power that runs the universe. When we nurture awareness of that power and learn to cooperate with it, we can accomplish our worthy goals. Join regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Dr. James Doty, author of Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart. A clinical professor of neurosurgery at Stanford and founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, Dr. Doty brings a scientific viewpoint as well insights from his journey of awakening to discover what this power is, how we can access it for our own success, and for the good of the world.

Walking With Paramahansa Yogananda: The Pilgrim’s Journey Jun 23, 2016

Paramahansa Yogananda’s faith, devotion, and persistence to know God propelled him to be one of the leading spiritual teachers of all time. His travels throughout India and meetings with saints and sages continue to inspire seekers today. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Ron Lindahn, both devoted students of Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, and hear stories of Ron's pilgrimage to places where Yogananda and his spiritual teachers walked. Learn little-known stories of Yogananda that will inspire your own inner pilgrimage of self-discovery.

Living a Yoga Life Jun 16, 2016

What does it mean to live a life of yoga? Simply put: yoga offers us the opportunity to live fully—joyfully, consciously, and purposefully. Swami Sitaramananda, head of the Sivananda Centers on the West Coast of the United States and in Asia, and Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian will explore the joys and challenges of living a yoga life—offering gems of inspiration and practical wisdom from their decades of practice.

The Transformative Power of Self-Compassion May 19, 2016

How does the practice of self-compassion transform our lives and positively affect our world? Can we learn to give ourselves the same caring support we would give to a friend? When we are critical of ourselves we may seek to blame others for our shortcomings or try to hide those aspects of our personalities that we don’t like. With self-compassion, we can open our hearts and look kindly on all aspects of our personality. This ability to see clearly and with kindness enables us to choose a different way that leads to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life, and more peaceful interactions in the world. Dr. Kristin Neff, author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to explore how the practice of self-compassion can lead to healing for us and for our world.

Enjoy Food, Enjoy Health, Enjoy Life! May 12, 2016

In our modern fast-paced, fast-food culture, it’s easy to forget how to enjoy food in a healthy way that nourishes all aspects of our being. What can we learn from the yoga tradition about cooking and eating that will help us shift into a more satisfying relationship with food? Regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo is joined by Diksha McCord, author of The Healing Kitchen: Vegetarian Cooking With Higher Awareness, for a conversation about how healthy eating habits honor your body temple and help to expand your consciousness.

Living Our Spirituality May 05, 2016

What happens when we move spirituality from the periphery to the center of our life? When our practice is not an isolated time of meditation, but part of everything that we do? Pravrajika Vrajaprana, author of Vedanta: A Simple Introduction, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a conversation about how we can move from compartmentalized spiritual practice to living in divine awareness all the time, regardless of our activities. Tune in and learn what steps you can take to live your spirituality every day!

Living Joyously and Without Reservation Apr 28, 2016

How can we live joyously, even in challenging times? Can we trust in the transformative potential of all of our experiences? Mark Nepo, teacher, poet, and author of the book Inside the Miracle: Enduring Suffering, Approaching Wholeness, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation about finding the light that is always present, even when we can’t see it. Listen in as they share poetry and inspiration that opens the heart and heals the spirit.

Realizing Happiness Through Yoga Apr 14, 2016

Would you like more happiness in your life? What tools does yoga offer that could help in this pursuit? Yogic practices illuminate the stillness within us that cannot be threatened by outer circumstance. When we nurture our connection with this inner stillness, we rediscover our innate joyfulness. Sam Chase, author of Yoga and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Guide to Finding Joy in Unexpected Places, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a discussion of the opportunities yoga provides to realize more happiness in our lives. Tune in and find out how!

Life as a Pilgrimage of Divine Remembrance Apr 07, 2016

What is the role of pilgrimages in understanding ourselves and our lives more fully? These journeys can call us to travel far from our homes, or occur within, as we travel deeper into our own hearts. We return with a renewed appreciation of our true Self. Rev. Charles P. Gibbs, Episcopal priest and author of the book Light Reading: Poems From a Pilgrim Journey, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian to share poetry and reflections of life as a pilgrimage of divine remembrance. Listen in and join the journey that celebrates the beauty of the human heart.

The Search for Freedom: Yoga, Recovery, and Self-Realization Mar 31, 2016

What does yoga offer those seeking freedom from debilitating habits and addictions? Is yoga philosophy and practice compatible with the 12-step program of recovery? Durga Leela, founder of Yoga of Recovery, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a discussion about liberation—including both its practical and ultimate dimensions. We can all reach beyond our habits and limitations for a life brimming with health, vitality, and freedom. Tune in and find out how.

Inner, Outer, and Lasting Beauty Mar 24, 2016

What is truly beautiful? How can we each enhance our beauty by being more true to who we really are? The beauty of all creation is a manifestation of the Divine. Ayurveda and yoga offer many practices that help us get in touch with our own inner beauty and enhance it on all levels. Tune in for a conversation between our regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Dr. Manisha Kshirsagar, an Ayurvedic physician, yoga teacher, and esthetician whose specialties include skin care and natural beauty treatments. Learn how yoga and Ayurveda can help us express more of our inner beauty to the outer world. We can all experience lasting beauty that is more than skin deep!

Ayurveda for Radiant Health and Spiritual Awakening Mar 03, 2016

Yoga and Ayurveda, sister sciences arising from the Vedas, each offer an entire way of life. Their practices enhance health in a holistic fashion, affecting body, mind, and spirit. Tune in as Acharya Shunya Pratichi Mathur joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a discussion of the potential for radiant health and spiritual awakening offered by these ancient systems. Simple, profound, practical—three key words that describe what we can learn about how to live optimally with yoga and Ayurveda.

Awakening Through Kriya Yoga: In the Presence of Paramahansa Yogananda Feb 18, 2016

What was it like to study with the great yoga master Paramahansa Yogananda? Roy Eugene Davis, one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s last living direct disciples, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an inspiring conversation about his years with his guru. Learn what Yogananda emphasized as essential for spiritual awakening, how he advised his disciples, and some of the ways he inspired others to live in the highest way. Discover why the Kriya Yoga taught by Yoganandaji is a path of Self- and God-realization especially relevant to truth seekers today.

Calm and Focused: How Meditation Changes Your Brain Feb 11, 2016

Decades ago, Paramahansa Yogananda taught that the practice of meditation made positive changes in the brain as well as the mind. Now science can show what this meditation master knew from his own experience before there were instruments to measure such changes. Neuroscience research today has shown many differences in the brains of long-term meditators. How does meditation change our brain structure and function? What do these changes mean? Anyone who practices meditation is soon aware of the benefits of increased calm, peacefulness, and improved ability to focus. Tune in as Martin Wuttke, Neurofeedback practitioner and researcher, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and find out more about how these beneficial changes can change our life for good.

The Times of Your Life: Exploring Vedic Astrology Dec 17, 2015

Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, helps us comprehend how the macrocosm of the universe impacts the microcosm of our individual lives. Jyotish gives us a map of our lives and allows us to understand the tools we have been given. How can we use this knowledge for personal growth and greater spiritual awareness? Tune in for a conversation between Vedic Astrologer Komilla Sutton and Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian. Discover how Jyotish can help you in your life today.

One Truth Known by Many Names: The Interspiritual Imperative of Yoga and Vedanta Dec 10, 2015

What do yoga and Vedanta have to teach us about honoring all spiritual traditions and the roles diverse religions can play in building peace in our world? Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda both modeled an interspiritual approach. How have the seeds they planted helped to build the Interspiritual movement that is growing today? What practices do yoga and Vedanta offer that allow us to find the common ground at the mystical core of all religions? Swami Mahayogananda, from the Vedanta Society of Southern California, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to explore the interspiritual imperative of yoga and Vedanta. Tune in to discover how yoga and Vedanta are building bridges that contribute to our awakening world.

Healthy Holidays: Flourishing Festivity Dec 03, 2015

Would you like to stay healthy during the busy winter holiday season? Are there tips to keep our inner light shining while we shop and travel? Both Ayurveda and yoga include practices that help us maintain our health and balance, despite seasonal changes and regardless of the activities we need to perform. Tune in for a conversation with Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, naturopathic physician and Ayurvedic practitioner, and Dr. Laurel Trujillo, regular guest host, about flourishing throughout the holiday season and into the new year. Learn to thrive with festivity!

Discover Happiness on Your Spiritual Journey Nov 19, 2015

What is it that makes us truly happy? How do we find happiness that lasts? The traditions of Taoism and yoga each describe life as a spiritual journey, full of meaning and undertaken with specific purpose. Along the way we discover peace, joy, well-being, and lasting happiness. Derek Lin, author of The Tao of Happiness: Stories From Chuang Tzu for Your Spiritual Journey, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation that draws from the insights and practices of yoga and Taoism to guide us on our journey. Tune in and explore how you can experience lasting happiness along the way.

The Yoga Sutra and You: A Look at What Patanjali Offers Us Today Nov 12, 2015

Where did Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras come from? How are they being used today? What is their potential in the future? Students of yoga now encounter Patanjali's Yoga Sutras in a variety of contexts, including yoga teacher training programs, university classes, yoga studios, meditation centers, and bookshops. There are many translations of these sutras, as well as commentaries; some from long ago, and some written recently. How can we respect tradition while applying this ancient wisdom to our lives today? Edwin Bryant, Ph.D., professor of Hinduism at Rutgers University and author of a new translation and commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation about the sutras’ relevance in today’s world. Tune in to discover how this classic text can help you on your quest to meditate more skillfully and live a spiritually conscious life.

Good Sense, Good Science, and Good Practices for Health and Well-Being Nov 05, 2015

Have you ever wondered if some of the practices recommended for a yogic and Ayurvedic way of life make practical sense or agree with science? Should you have ice in your water or not? Does it really matter? What does science actually say about eating food that is frozen, microwaved, or processed with chemical additives? Diana Lurie, Ph.D., professor of neuropharmacology at the University of Montana, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about scientific studies related to Ayurveda’s food guidelines. Tune in and discover the science behind healthy eating!

Sublime Attitudes That Work for All Oct 29, 2015

How can we get along better with other people? How should we treat ourselves? What practices will improve our relationship with all of creation? How can we cultivate attitudes that will ultimately lead to a more satisfying life? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Tim Olmsted, president of the Pema Chodron Foundation, as they explore four sublime attitudes found in the wisdom traditions of Buddhism and yoga: friendliness, compassion, gladness, and equanimity. Learn how you can put these practices to work in your own life for more happiness and less suffering for all.

Three Steps Into the Temple of Bliss Oct 22, 2015

Superconscious meditation is meditation that frees us from suffering and allows us to experience the natural bliss of our own soul. The secret to success in superconscious meditation is found in the last three limbs of yoga’s eight-limbed path. Those interior limbs, concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and oneness (samadhi), help us to experience and realize the superconsciousness that is natural to us all. Tune in to the conversation between Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Stephen Sturgess, author of Raja and Kriya Yoga, and learn how you can enter into your own temple of bliss.

The Language of the Gods: What Sanskrit Can Offer Us Today Oct 15, 2015

Sanskrit, the original language of yoga, is frequently encountered today by students of yoga philosophy, meditation, asana, and pranayama. Indira and Shanta Bulkin, founders of the East West Sanskrit Institute, join Yogacharya O’Brian in a conversation about the many benefits of studying Sanskrit. · Learn about Sanskrit as the “science of vibration” · Find out how chanting Sanskrit can calm the mind and facilitate meditation · Discover how to pronounce commonly mispronounced Sanskrit words in yoga and Ayurveda Tune in and find out what the study of Sanskrit can bring to your yoga and meditation practice!

Ageless Wisdom, Lifelong Yoga Practice Oct 08, 2015

What does yoga offer us through all of our life stages? Yoga’s highest goal is ageless: self-realization, realizing our essential spiritual nature. Regardless of our age, physical ability, or level of flexibility, yoga has so much to offer us! Tune in as Lilias Folan, pioneering yoga teacher and author of Lilias! Yoga: Your Guide to Enhancing Body, Mind, and Spirit in Midlife and Beyond, joins regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about how yoga gets better with age, and aging is better with yoga.

Mudra for Healing, Rejuvenation, and Transformation Oct 01, 2015

Is there a simple tool that can help us improve our health, strengthen our energy, and deepen our spiritual practice? The ancient science of mudra, including hand gestures, offers us a rich opportunity to bring our body, mind, and spirit into harmony. Based on the theory of five elements, the hands contain a map of the body and mind. Because the hands are a microcosm that reflect the macrocosm of creation and its Source, the practice of mudras can help us balance, harmonize, and heal. Tune in as Indu Arora, author of Mudra: The Sacred Secret, joins Dr. Laurel Trujillo, regular guest host of The Yoga Hour, for a conversation about mudra and what this ancient practice offers us today.

Natural and Effortless: Meditation for Everyone Sep 17, 2015

Meditating can be as natural as water flowing downhill or a leaf gently floating to the ground. Are you being held back from a regular meditation practice because you think meditation is too difficult or requires too much discipline? Tune in for a conversation between regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Dean Sluyter, author of Natural Meditation: A Guide to Effortless Meditative Practice, and learn how simple meditation can be. • Find out how anyone can settle naturally into meditation, where there is no “trying,” just being • Explore several natural meditation techniques and see which ones suit you best • Discover practical tips for adapting meditation to your daily life • Learn how to access the peace that lies at the depth of your being, regardless or external circumstances

Experience Prosperity by Balancing Your Environment Sep 10, 2015

What makes a room or a building feel uplifting? Is there anything we can do to make our environment more supportive? The ancient science of Vastu Shastra shows us how to align our buildings with the forces of nature to reduce stress in our bodies, and increase our contentment and abundance. It’s yoga for your home and office! Tune in as Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian speaks with Robin and Michael Mastro, leaders in Vastu Shastra, the sacred Vedic science of architectural alignment. Learn economical tips you can put into place for a stress-free, prosperous life.

Invitation to Authenticity: The Way of Mindful Education Sep 03, 2015

What is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our children? What if there were a very simple process that would help kids have enhanced well-being, higher test scores, and reduced impulsivity? What are we waiting for? Let’s dive right in and explore the wonderful new field of mindful education with Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and special guest Daniel Rechtschaffen, author of The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students. • What are the qualities of a mindful teacher? • How can mindfulness be used to cultivate greater compassion? • How can we learn to focus our attention and relax at the same time? Tune in for the answers to these questions and many more as we learn simple awareness practices for self-care for all ages.

The Yoga of Sacred Conversation Aug 27, 2015

Yoga means "union, coming together, connecting with the sacred nature of life." Each heartfelt conversation opens the door to experiencing and expressing our authentic self as we allow others the same opportunity to reveal their own truth. When we join together in sacred conversation, transformation becomes possible for individual lives, for our community, and for the world. Regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo is joined by special guest Cecile Andrews, community educator and author of Living Room Revolution, for a conversation about coming together to create a new culture of caring and collaboration. Learn practical tips and concrete strategies for creating a joyful community through the ancient art of conversation. Discover how conscious communication can help us to enrich our own lives at the same time as making the world a better place.

Karma Yoga: Serving the One in All Aug 20, 2015

Swami Sri Yukteswar cautioned students that self-realization is not selfish realization. The awakened life naturally unfolds as selfless service. Through her own trauma-informed yoga workshops for service providers and the nonprofit organization Off the Mat, Into the World, Hala Khouri inspires and encourages others to be conscious leaders of change. If you have wondered how your yoga practice can support making a positive difference in the lives of others, tune in for a conversation between Hala Khouri and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo, and be inspired to express your yoga as service in the world. Learn why, if you want to heal the world, you have to start with healing yourself.

Live the Eternal Way and Awaken to Your Full Potential Aug 06, 2015

Within each of us lies a vast inheritance: our connection to unlimited joy, unshakable peace, lasting happiness, and abundant creativity. The Eternal Way refers to a set of principles that can show us who we are and how to live a life in harmony with our essential spiritual nature in a sacred world. Through the tools of yoga we can go beyond studying our inner potential to experiencing it directly. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a conversation about finding your true purpose and prospering in all areas of your life. Tune in and learn about the steps you can take to live well and awaken to your full potential.

Stronger and Wiser: The Yoga of Blossoming Through Adversity Jul 30, 2015

What life skills does yoga help us develop that allow us to not only survive life’s challenging times, but to grow stronger and wiser? Mark Matousek’s book When You’re Falling, Dive: Lessons in the Art of Living presents many examples of how people use viriditas, the power of drawing passion, beauty, and wisdom from the unlikeliest places, to face difficult times. Mark will join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation about how yoga and viriditas can help us to get back up when we fall and plumb adversity for its transformative potential.

Yoga’s Four Paths: Ways of the Heart, Hands, Mind, and Technique Jul 23, 2015

Although yoga philosophy teaches that there is only one Supreme Consciousness as the source and substance of all that is, there are many different ways to realize this oneness. Classical yoga includes four major paths to suit the varied temperaments of students: Bhakti Yoga, the path of the heart, or devotion; Karma Yoga, the way of selflessly using our hands in service to the Divine in others; Jnana Yoga, which uses the mind to go beyond the mind; and Raja Yoga, which uses meditation and other techniques to directly experience the Divine. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and her special guest Swami Sitaramananda, Acharya of the U.S. West Coast Sivananda centers and of the Sivananda mission in Asia, for a conversation about the four paths of yoga, and find the path that is right for you!

Meditation, Wisdom, and the New Story Jul 16, 2015

In deep meditation we perceive peace and joy through allowing our attention and awareness to rest in the expanded consciousness of our essential nature. We feel connected to all of life. This change in our consciousness opens a space where wisdom develops. From this perspective we can create a new story that honors our essential wholeness. When we share this new story with others, we can reach a tipping point and change the current narrative about our world from a meaningless, material place to a world that works for everyone. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and her special guest Michael Nagler in a discussion about how the roots of daily spiritual practice can flower into improving our lives and the lives of others. Discover how you can live a life that is truly fulfilling by serving the sacred in all.

Embrace Your Openhearted Life: The Way of Compassion Jul 09, 2015

Compassionate living requires wisdom and courage. Kindness toward oneself, other people, and all of life is a natural way of having both at the same time. They must be cultivated as we heal old wounds and become more skillful at offering our help to bring about healing in the world. Yogacharya O’Brian is joined by Ven. Thubten Chodron, an American-born Buddhist nun, the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey and the coauthor of An Openhearted Life, for a conversation about the way of compassion. What is compassion? How do we become more skillful at expressing compassion? What are the benefits of embracing an openhearted life? Listen and be inspired to live with your heart wide open.

Stepping Into the Stream: Discipleship on the Path of Yoga and Vedanta Jun 11, 2015

The guru-disciple relationship as a vehicle to pass on both the knowledge and spiritual consciousness of a lineage of awakened masters is revered in both the traditions of yoga and Vedanta. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Pravrajika Brahmaprana, a nun of the Vedanta Society of Southern California and currently the resident minister of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas, in a conversation about discipleship. Who is the real Guru? What are the advantages of a lineage? Tune in and find out more about the way of discipleship.

Yoga’s Path of Strength, Resilience, and Peace of Mind Jun 04, 2015

Yoga offers exceptional tools for building resilience and healing from trauma. Scientific study has proven the effectiveness of yoga in engaging the relaxation response, sharpening the mind, improving recovery time, and promoting psychological well-being. Beryl Bender Birch has used the yogic tools of postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to help first responders and survivors of 9/11, as well as helping military servicemen and women to find their way as warriors, heal from injury, and adapt to a peaceful life at home. Join regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and author and yoga teacher Beryl Bender Birch in a conversation about how we all can gain strength, resilience, and peace of mind though yoga.

Self-Discovery Through Yoga May 28, 2015

Self-discovery lies at the heart of yoga practice. The Sanskrit word yoga means "oneness, union, or unity"—the bringing together of our attention and awareness with our essential spiritual nature, or returning to our original wholeness. Yoga’s central practices of self-study, self-discipline, and self-surrender all rest on continuous self-discovery. Yoga is a process of finding out more and more deeply who we are, and then living from that realization. Join regular guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo, with special guests Anil Surpur, president of Yoga Bharati and Ashwini Surpur, director of Yoga Education at Yoga Bharati, in a conversation exploring self-discovery through yoga at all levels of our being: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Keeping Yoga in Yoga Therapy May 14, 2015

The word yoga means union, oneness, or unity. The purpose of the many practices of yoga is to help us realize our true spiritual nature, to unite our attention and awareness with our own essence of being. Yoga therapy uses yogic techniques to improve health holistically, in body, mind, and spirit. How can yoga therapy remain true to the original purpose of yoga while meeting individuals where they are? When and how might yoga therapy be used? Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and special guest John Kepner, executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, in a conversation that draws from the roots of yoga and yoga therapy.

The Heart of Yoga: How to Improve Your Cardiac Health May 07, 2015

Heart health has many facets: physical, emotional, and spiritual. The practice of yoga is ideally suited to improve cardiac health on all levels: body, mind, and spirit. Many studies have documented improvements in heart disease and prevention through yoga. Retired vascular surgeon, Ayurvedic practitioner, and yoga therapy teacher, Dr. Dilip Sarkar’s journey in integrative medicine began with his own heart attack and bypass surgery in 2001. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian in a conversation with Dr. Sarkar about the ways yoga can contribute to heart health and vitality.

Yoga Is for Everyone! Apr 30, 2015

As a complete path of self-realization, yoga offers a wide variety of practices that can be adapted to individual circumstances, including one’s body type and stage of life. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Matra Raj, certified yoga therapist, and discover how practices from the yoga tradition can contribute to your vitality and enhance your ability to experience excellence in all aspects of your life. • Learn how regular people with busy schedules can experience enhanced health and well-being through asana, the physical postures of yoga • Explore the benefits of non-asana practices, including mudra—powerful gestures rejuvenating the nervous system and restoring hormonal balance • Gain insight into the many benefits—physical, emotional, and spiritual—that come from a well-balanced yoga program • Let go of limiting beliefs about what yoga is—and about what is possible for you!

Breathe Easy With Pranayama Apr 23, 2015

Breathing is essential to life, and unique in that breathing can either happen unconsciously or be controlled deliberately. Pranayama, or conscious breath regulation, is one of the eight limbs of yoga described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the primary text of classical yoga. Amy Wheeler, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology at California State University at San Bernardino, yoga therapist, and yoga teacher-trainer, joins The Yoga Hour’s cohost, Dr. Laurel Trujillo, for a conversation about pranayama. • Find out about the proven health benefits of pranayama • Learn how pranayama can help you adjust your moods • Explore the effects of pranayama to calm and steady the mind • Tune in and begin to breathe easier!

Yoga and Freedom: The Prison Yoga Project Apr 16, 2015

The practice of yoga frees us. Physical poses help release patterns of tension, while meditation and present-moment awareness help free us from the prison of our minds. These benefits apply to everyone, even those in the most trying circumstances. James Fox, author of Prison Yoga Project: A Path for Healing and Recovery, has been teaching yoga twice a week at San Quentin Prison for the past 13 years. James has also trained more than 800 yoga teachers, with many of these currently teaching in more than 75 jails, prisons, and/or recovery centers. James Fox joins the Yoga Hour’s cohost, Laurel Trujillo, M.D., in a conversation about the many ways yoga contributes to our freedom.

Stress Less With Yoga and Meditation Apr 09, 2015

The ancient system of yoga is ideally designed to counteract the effects of stress in our fast-paced lives. While medical research has linked chronic stress to negative health consequences and even many diseases, research has also documented the improvements available through the use of yoga and meditation. These ancient approaches not only reduce tension, they can also help us adjust our emotions and attitudes so we experience more relaxation. Carrie Demers, M.D., director of the Himalayan Institute Total Health Center, joins Yoga Hour cohost, Dr. Laurel Trujillo, for a discussion of the many tools within yoga and meditation helping us reduce stress and live with more peace and joy.

The Role of Poetry on the Spiritual Path Apr 02, 2015

Poetry has long had a spiritual aspect. It helps us to be more deeply aware right where we are, contemplate our experiences, and return to what matters most. It has the ability to touch our hearts and speak directly to our souls. Through words, poetry can move us beyond words and thoughts to the indescribable essence of being. In the vast reaches of yoga philosophy and practice, poetry is most often seen as a part of Bhakti Yoga—a devotional path, which uses our love for God as a means to realize our own divinity. However, it can also instigate the sudden awareness signifying Jnana Yoga, the way of wisdom. Poet, storyteller, and teacher Mark Nepo joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a poetry reading and conversation focusing on how poetry can move us from our heads to our hearts and allow us to access deeper truths about ourselves and life.

The Dynamic Balance of Ayurveda and Yoga Mar 26, 2015

Change is a constant element in life. Learn about essential tools that allow us to live in peace, harmony, and joy despite the ever-changing world. In yoga, balance extends beyond the physical skill we build doing postures to our mind, emotions, and spiritual life. Through Ayurveda, diet and lifestyle practices help us to harmonize our innate constitution so we experience optimum well-being. Felicia Tomasko, editor in chief of LA Yoga Magazine, joins Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian for a conversation about the unique tools and perspectives yoga and Ayurveda provide to help balance our lives.

The Secret to Success Mar 19, 2015

Each person longs to satisfy an inherent desire for happiness, both in the outer world and on the inner journey of self-knowledge and transformation. The ancient tradition of yoga provides a practical and comprehensive science for realizing life’s ultimate aims. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian in a conversation with master yoga teacher Rod Stryker, author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom. Discover ways to live a fulfilled life with lasting happiness and inner healing, your best life imaginable.

Enjoy Your Life: Lessons From Ayurveda and Yoga Mar 12, 2015

Among the many benefits of Ayurveda and yoga is increased enjoyment of life. Expanding from our awareness that all of life is connected, we develop an increased appreciation of the bounty of life from moment to moment. Join Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian and Gwen Nagano, president of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, for a conversation about what Ayurveda and yoga teach us about the importance of enjoying life. Discover the practical steps you can take right away to experience greater well-being and abundant joy every day.

Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Power of Community Feb 19, 2015

Join guest cohost Laurel Trujillo and Devi Mueller of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association for a look at the role of community in yoga and Ayurveda. Even though yoga and Ayurveda offer inward-turning practices, they also recognize that the community has an important role to play in supporting our own health, healing, and well-being. As we experience our own wholeness, our communities grow stronger, more resilient, and better able to support others in expressing their own divine potential. • Learn how Ayurveda views the power of the community in creating optimal health. • Explore the impact the yoga principles of Harmlessness and Nonstealing have when expanded into caring for our community and environment. • Be part of the excitement around the emerging Ayurveda and yoga communities!

Yoga and the Vedas: The Eternal and Universal Tradition of Self-Awareness Feb 05, 2015

The yoga tradition presents a remarkable system of spiritual and healing knowledge that can help us reach our highest potential in all aspects of our being. Whether it is practices of bodily postures, breath, mantra, or meditation—or a deep knowledge of the cosmos of energy, mind, or consciousness—the scope of yoga is as vast, detailed, and profound as the universe itself. Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and special guests Pandit Vamadeva Shastri and Yogini Shambhavi Chopra, from the American Institute of Vedic Studies, to learn more about the yoga tradition and its ancient roots in the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in India. The conversation will draw inspiration from Vamadeva’s most recent book Vedic Yoga: The Path of the Rishi.

Take Refuge in the Truth of Loving Awareness Dec 18, 2014

Discover how to enter the gateways of truth, love, and awareness—and find peace and freedom in your own awakened heart. When confronted with challenges, the conditioned mind tends to react with anger, self-judgment, and addictive behaviors—false refuges that do not provide lasting relief. We have another choice. At any moment we can come home to the true refuge of our own radiant awareness that is the presence of peace and love. Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and special guest Tara Brach, author of True Refuge and founder of the Insight Meditation Community in Washington, D.C., for a look at some practical ways to find our inner sanctuary in the midst of life’s challenges.

Joyously Living the Journey of Spiritual Practice Dec 04, 2014

Sustained spiritual practice builds our ability to live a life where the spiritual and the ordinary converge, bringing increased joy. Join Les Kaye, Abbot of the Kannon Do Zen Meditation Center in Mountain View, California, and author of Joyously Through the Days: Living the Journey of Spiritual Practice, in a conversation with The Yoga Hour’s regular guest host, Dr. Laurel Trujillo. • Explore ways spiritual practice can help you overcome life obstacles such as anger and stagnation. • Hear about how spiritual practice enhances awareness, patience, and generosity. • Learn how meditation brings balance, clarity, and increased understanding to the complexities of life. • Understand how you can increase your ability to respond creatively to the uncertainties of life.

Living From the Inside Out: The Way of Improvisation Nov 20, 2014

A successful life involves both planning and improvising. Patricia Ryan Madson, author of Improv Wisdom, joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for a look at how the maxims of improvisation provide us with an antidote to the overly scripted, planned life. The wisdom of improv provides a natural way to live skillfully and soulfully—and it has nothing to do with wit, glibness, or comic ability! The way of improv is about being awake, not entirely self-focused, and moved by a desire to do something useful and give something back. Applied to your own life, the principles of improvisation can help you to: • Experience life brimming with spontaneity, even in the context of a plan. • Meet real-life challenges more skillfully and with a sense of humor. • Shake loose rigid patterns of thinking and doing. • Have fun living in harmony with yourself and others.

Navigating Paradoxes on the Spiritual Path Nov 13, 2014

The spiritual path contains some inescapable paradoxes. For example, one teaching says you are already enlightened; then we find there is still a long way to go. Discovering how to navigate paradoxes on the spiritual path is part of the journey. Listen in as Philip Goldberg joins Yogacharya O’Brian to discuss spiritual paradoxes and how to navigate them: · Learn tips about how to access your intuition for guidance · Discover a balanced approach to using your intellect as a navigation tool · Explore the benefits of having a daily meditation practice · Find out the importance of living with nonattachment to end results

Healthy Living Through the Bhagavad Gita Nov 06, 2014

We all want to live life well, in a way that is deeply satisfying. How do we do that? In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, the seeking soul, asks for and receives the highest advice for living a healthy, happy life—advice that is completely relevant for us today. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Swami Bodhananda Saraswati for an enlightening conversation about five principles for healthy living described in the Gita. Perhaps you wonder ... How do I stop worrying? What is the best way to deal with problems? How can I avoid unnecessary suffering? How can I tap in to the Self that is a reservoir of infinite energy? Listen in to this Yoga Hour discussion—and start living in a healthy and practical way that supports your highest potential.

Expanding the Circle of Caring: Compassion in Yoga and Ayurveda Oct 09, 2014

Yogacharya O’Brian and Acharya Shunya Pratichi Mathur, founder of Vedika Global, explore the nature of compassion, how yoga and Ayurveda support the evolution of compassion, and what compassion looks like in action. Learn how yoga and Ayurveda are inherently compassionate as they provide ways to alleviate suffering. Open your heart to being peace in our world as we consider these questions: · What is compassion and why is it important? · What are some practical ways to show compassion for oneself? · What are healthy ways to cultivate compassion as a virtue? · How is compassion based on understanding Truth?

Becoming Who You Were Born to Be Oct 02, 2014

Poet, teacher, and storyteller Mark Nepo joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a conversation about how the soul works in the world, and how by engaging our soul in the world, we are shaped by the endless practice of becoming the person we were born to be. To bring who we are out, and to let the world in, is a brave and endless practice that clarifies and solidifies the gifts we are born with. • Explore the paradoxical nature of spiritual practice • Consider practical ways to deal with feelings and fears • Embrace the endless practice of making friends with being alive

Rekindle Your Life: Stoke Your Digestive Fire Sep 25, 2014

How good do you want to feel? How well do you want to be? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar for an enlivening discussion about Ayurvedic principles for a healthy diet and clear mind. Learn how a spiritually conscious approach to eating can support radiant health and your ideal weight for the long run. · Rekindle your metabolism and keep your digestive engine burning brightly · Feel lighter, more energetic, able to accomplish more throughout the day · Experience fewer cravings and improve your mood and overall attitude · Establish a new relationship, not only with food and eating, but also with yourself!

Spiritual Practice in the Kriya Yoga Tradition: Insights From Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (Part 2) Sep 18, 2014

Intentional living supports our complete well-being and spiritual fulfillment. Find out why self-discipline, study of higher realities, and surrender of the illusional sense of self are essential for spiritual progress and realization. Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and author of The Science of Self-Realization, a commentary on the Yoga Sutra, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for this second conversation in a two-part series on spiritual practice for enlightened living.

Spiritual Practice in the Kriya Yoga Tradition: Insights From Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (Part 1) Sep 11, 2014

Learn about superconscious states—what they are, why they are important, the various ways they can be realized, and how to overcome obstacles that may impede your progress in meditation. Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and author of The Science of Self-Realization, a commentary on the Yoga Sutra, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a two-part series on spiritual practice for enlightened living.

Regain Balance in Your Life by Overcoming Stress Sep 04, 2014

Our stress response helps our bodies to respond to perceived threats. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can result in an imbalance in our bodies and affect our well-being. Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo in a conversation with Dr. Claudia Welch to discuss ways to regain balance in your life. Dr. Welch has training in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and wrote the book Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life: Achieving Optimal Health and Wellness Through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Western Science. · Explore the importance of balance in getting and staying healthy · Learn practices that you can put into place now to rebuild your energy and health · Discover what foods you should and shouldn't eat when under stress · Find out the importance of meditation and spiritual practice for regaining balance

Yoga Therapy: Yoga as Powerful Medicine for the Body, Mind, and Spirit Aug 21, 2014

Yoga philosophy teaches that our essential nature is whole, and within us all is the healing potential needed to bring our body, mind, and spirit into balance, which reflects as total well-being. This holistic approach of yoga has scientifically proven beneficial effects, which are detailed in the book Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Dr. Timothy McCall, a general internist and longtime yoga practitioner. Join guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo and Dr. McCall as they discuss yoga therapy: • Find out how science says yoga can help you get and stay healthy. • Learn about yoga’s holistic approach to healing and living well. • Explore the relationship of stress on health and healing, and yoga’s proven benefits as a stress reliever. • Discover how yoga is being used therapeutically for common illnesses such as anxiety and hypertension. Join us as we explore yoga’s many proven benefits and therapeutic uses.

Wisdom of the Yoga Sutra: Radiant Living Is Your Birthright! Aug 14, 2014

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is the primary text of classical yoga. Written more than 2,000 years ago, it offers timeless teachings of Truth—the truth of our inner divinity and innate luminosity. Yogacharya O’Brian is joined by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait for an enlightening conversation about the wisdom of the Yoga Sutra: how to be free here and now, and experience our everlasting self-luminous joy. This episode will focus on “Samadhi Pada,” the first chapter of the Sutra, which explains the goal of yoga and the essentials of spiritual practice. *What is the nature of the mind, and how can we use it wisely? *How can we eliminate acquired and self-defeating tendencies? *How can we live life to our fullest potential? Listen and learn how you can benefit from the time-honored answers contained in the Yoga Sutra.

Health, Harmony, and Awakening Through Ayurveda Aug 07, 2014

Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences with Vedic roots in ancient India. Yoga recognizes that our body/mind is our vehicle for awakening, and Ayurveda instructs us in the proper maintenance of that vehicle. When we live in harmony with nature, we thrive on all levels. Ayurvedic practitioner Vishnu Dass joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for an exploration of how Ayurveda can support our complete well-being, paving the way for natural, radiant health and removing unnecessary obstacles from our own awakening process. *What is the spiritual and holistic foundation of Ayurveda? *What is the Ayurvedic approach to health? *How does an Ayurvedic lifestyle help to heal the world? Join us as we explore these questions and dive deeply into Ayurveda as an art of daily living and a science of self-understanding.

Refresh Your Mind With Pratyahara Jul 24, 2014

Are you suffering from sensory overload? Do you yearn for more inner peace? Tune in and learn how pratyahara can help. Pratyahara, often translated as "withdrawal of the senses," is that and much more. Pandit Vamadeva Shastri and Yogini Shambhavi of the American Institute of Vedic Studies join Yogacharya O’Brian to share insights and practices from pratyahara, the fifth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga. · Discover how you can use pratyahara to take better control of your life and open up to your own inner being. · Find out why some great yogis consider this neglected limb of yoga to be the most important limb of all. · Learn techniques for nourishing and protecting the mind, including mantra.   Less stress and more joy are ours as we make conscious choices to direct our mind and our senses in ways that support our peace, clarity, and complete well-being.

Bringing Home the Practice: Yoga for Total Well-Being Jul 17, 2014

“Yoga is a wonderful tool for everybody: young or old; healthy or sick; man, woman, or child. Whether you begin with the aim of becoming spiritually enlightened or just stretching your legs is not important. The point is to begin and see where the journey takes you.” Tara Fraser, author of Total Yoga: A Step-by-Step Guide to Yoga at Home for Everybody, joins guest host Dr. Laurel Trujillo for an exploration of how you can establish, expand, and deepen a consistent home-based yoga practice. If you are new to yoga, learn how to get started. If you are an experienced practitioner, discover how a home practice can deepen and extend your yoga sadhana. Encourage, inspire, and challenge yourself to enjoy your yoga practice. Your complete well-being awaits you!

Redefine Yourself! Jun 19, 2014

There is an abiding sense of peace that only comes to us when are being who we know we came here to be. When we live in the moment from that deep inner knowing, we experience healing and wholeness in all aspects of our life. Join Yogacharya O’Brian and Dennis Merritt Jones for a discussion about the joy and freedom that come from using each moment as a portal to remember the truth of our own being. Discover ... • challenges you face in becoming who you were born to be • practices that will support you in expressing who you truly are • benefits that come with a lifelong practice of Self-awareness Learn to recognize your redefining moments—and use them as a springboard to live your authentic and satisfying life.

Cultivate Contentment and Change Your Brain Jun 12, 2014

Join Yogacharya O’Brian and special guest neuropsychologist Rick Hanson for a conversation about practical ways to cultivate contentment that result in hardwiring happiness in our brains. • Learn about developments in neuroscience that show how repetitive thoughts and emotions create new brain structure. • Build a new practice to cultivate contentment in a way that can change your brain. • Discover a practical technique that will help you “take in the good.” When we develop a practice of “taking in the good,” the negativity bias of our brains can be overcome as we increase our contentment, calm, and self-confidence.

How Attitude Makes All the Difference May 29, 2014

One of the greatest tools of spiritual yoga is attitude—choosing the thoughts and beliefs that will support one’s highest consciousness and unshakable happiness. Yogacharya O’Brian and Nayaswami Gyandev McCord explore universal teachings from the ancient Yoga tradition about attitude. Learn tips and techniques for cultivating an attitude that can help you to: · Reap greater benefits from all aspects of your yoga practice. · Prepare for success in every endeavor. · Enjoy a greater sense of relaxation, expansion, and freedom. Choose an attitude in each moment that will open the door to experiencing the joy of your own divine essence of being.

Neuro-Spirituality: Train Your Brain for Awakening May 22, 2014

When the brain is healed, the mind heals; when the mind heals, emotions heal, and when emotions heal, the body heals. Then the soul can express to it's full potential. Marty Wuttke, pioneer and expert in neurofeedback therapy, joins Yogacharya for an enlightening exploration of: · What modern science tells us about optimal brain functioning. · How spiritual practices work to heal the mind/body/emotions. · What becomes possible when we become fully present. Heal, enlighten, and change your brain for awakening to the Infinite Oneness expressing as all that is.

Live Fully and Live Well May 15, 2014

Max Strom joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a conversation about how we can live more fully, with greater appreciation and happiness. Discover practical guidelines to: • Increase your self-awareness. • Embrace a daily regime that heals and empowers you. • Eliminate distractions from meaningful living. • Experience a deeper level of well-being. When you take charge of your own healing and revitalization, you also contribute to the empowerment of others and the healing of our world. You already have all the apps you need—and they are inside of you!

Kick the Clutter Habit and Organize Your Life for Good! Apr 17, 2014

Is the stuff piling up around you keeping you from what is important? Andrew Mellen, organizational expert and author of Unstuff Your Life, joins Yogacharya for a look at how we can learn to: · Think rationally about our material possessions · Live effectively with our stuff in ways that enhance our well-being · Break old habits that drain our energy · Do less and accomplish more Practicing discernment regarding material possessions and how we relate to them is part of spiritual growth. When we arrange conditions in our environment to invite our inner light to shine forth, we foster healing in our own life and in the lives of others.

Say Good-Bye to Fear: Courageous Living Through Yoga and Vedanta Apr 10, 2014

Join Yogacharya and guest Pravrajika Brahmaprana for a conversation about the light from yoga and Vedanta that brings healing from fear and inspires a life of courage. • Let go of limiting worries, concerns, doubts, and fears that are based on the small ego-self. • Find out how to do your best and let go of the rest. • Discover the support that is available through Self-knowledge, skillful work, and the heart of devotion. • Cast off your burdens and step forward with Self-confidence. Your divine Self can face any challenge and thrive fully in the present moment. This is the promise of yoga and Vedanta.

The End of Life: Grief as a Doorway to Healing Apr 03, 2014

Grief is like an ocean wave that sweeps over the ego, taking everything away with it. If we let go into it with awareness, without trying to resist or control life, it can take us into the depths of our being, where what remains, the true Self, is revealed. The time of transition from this earthly existence can give rise to enormous grief, and it can also be a source of great healing. Yogacharya O'Brian welcomes special guests Rev. Shanti McCartney and Rev. Ronda Macchello for a conversation about: * Spiritual teachings from the yoga tradition about the end of life * The grieving process as a response to the experience of loss * How grief can open a doorway to blessing, healing, and transformation Tune in, receive inspiration and support for your journey through grief to healing.

Radiant Like the Moon: Light Up Your Life With Yoga Mar 20, 2014

There is a perceptible radiance we can see and experience when encountering someone who shines brightly with the light of Spirit. While this same light is within everyone, its radiance is only revealed as its vehicles of the body and mind are receptive to it. This special one-hour session with Yogacharya will explore how we can “lighten up”—both literally and figuratively. · Are you look for ways to relieve stress and experience greater peace and well-being? · Have you wondered if it is possible to live a balanced life in the fast pace of today’s world? Yogacharya will offer three key spiritual practices for letting go of stress, finding balance, and letting our inner light shine through the body and mind.

The Dark Night of the Soul and the Spiritual Awakening Process Mar 13, 2014

There are many twists and turns on the mystical path of spiritual awakening. It’s great when we feel that we are making progress, but there can also be dark times when we despair how far we have yet to go. · What can we learn from St. John of the Cross, the sixteenth century Christian mystic about this dark night? Mirabai Starr’s translation of his spiritual classic, Dark Night of the Soul, makes that wisdom accessible, profoundly meaningful, and helpful for us today. · If you have ever felt the nearness of divine delight only to later find yourself in the desert of difficulty, seemingly without support, you’ll rejoice to discover the encouragement and insight that yoga practice provides. Yogacharya O’Brian and Mirabai Starr explore what that dark night truly is and how we can find solace and support in the midst of it.

Yoga Therapy for Holistic Healing: Take Charge of Your Wellness Every Day Mar 06, 2014

If you think yoga therapy means twisting yourself into a pretzel, you will be surprised to learn that it is nothing like that! Listen to Yogacharya O’Brian and John Kepner, executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and learn: · What yoga therapy is · How your day-to-day activities are influenced by conditioning · What research is showing about the effectiveness of yoga therapy · How you can make lifestyle changes for increased wellness Take charge of your wellness now. Refine and improve how you feel every day!

The Healing Balm of Timeless Teachings: Oneness, Radiance, Love Feb 27, 2014

Spiritual healing begins with wholeness, realizing that we are not separate from Source. Yogacharya O’Brian and special guest Phil Bolsta, author of Through God’s Eyes, share inspiration from universal teachings that shine the light of Truth on the path of awakening to our own beauty and perfection. Let the healing begin!

Eight Success Principles for Fulfilling All of Life’s Purposes Feb 13, 2014

From inspiration to persistence, there are eight keys for successfully fulfilling our purpose in life that we can learn and apply. Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and world teacher of spiritual principles, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share with us how it is possible to be successful in all aspects of our lives, especially when we remember the higher purposes for which we were born into this world.

Mindful Leadership: Calm, Clear, Centered, and Guided From Within Feb 06, 2014

Feeling overwhelmed by your “to-do” list? Whether you lead a business, a nonprofit, a class, or a family, the principles and practices of meditation and self-awareness can help you to pause, focus, and do what is most important to do in the moment. Yogacharya O’Brian and guest Janice Marturano, founder and executive director of the Institute for Mindful Leadership and the author of Finding the Space to Lead, discuss how you can be the inspired and effective leader you want to be!

Acting and Leading With Wisdom: Practical Principles That Work and Inspire Dec 12, 2013

Are you ready to evolve from smart to wise? Learn how to cultivate wise action for successful leadership by applying time-tested principles to your work today. Prasad Kaipa, Silicon Valley-based CEO, advisor, coach, and coauthor of From Smart to Wise, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to discuss spiritually-grounded principles for acting and leading with wisdom.

Discover Your Dharma and Do It on Purpose! Inspiration From the Gita and Great Lives Dec 05, 2013

Each one of us has an individual dharma to fulfill, our own true calling. What challenges do we face in discovering that purpose for our life, and how can we overcome those challenges in order to enjoy “lit up living”? Join Yogacharya O’Brian and special guest Stephen Cope, director of the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living and author of The Great Work of Your Life, for answers gleaned from the Bhagavad Gita and the lives of people who have faced the challenges and embraced the opportunities of living their dharma.

The Yoga of Mentoring: The Greatest Gift of Leadership Nov 14, 2013

What difference can yoga and the presence and positive examples of caring adults make in the life of a young person? It can make all the difference. Tune in for an hour of inspiration as Mary Lynn Fitton, founder and program director of The Art of Yoga Project, shares with Yogacharya O’Brian a model for using the tools of yoga to turn around the lives of at-risk girls and help them prepare for a positive future. One of the first places we can, and must, consider offering the tools of leadership that yoga provides is with the young people in our midst.

Courage, Service, and Surrender: Everyday Wisdom for Today’s Leaders From the Bhagavad Gita Nov 07, 2013

Swami Bodhananda Saraswati, spiritual director of the Sambodh Society and author of The Gita and Management, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an in-depth exploration of the keys to reaching our fullest potential as leaders. Whoever we are, whatever we do, wherever we are, we all have the same divine potential to serve, and through selfless service, to lead.

Use Your Internal Compass: Become an Unstoppable Navigator of Your Own Highest Potential Oct 31, 2013

Effective leadership requires a fine-tuned ability to follow our own inner wisdom with clarity, ease, and flexibility. Megan McDonough, CEO of Wholebeing Institute, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an inspiring conversation about life at its best with insights into how we discover our innate ability to thrive and be successful in all we do.

Yamas: The Yogic Keys to Enlightened Leadership Oct 24, 2013

Rev. Lakshmi Barsel, Ph.D., teacher of Integral Yoga in the tradition of Sri Swami Satchidananda, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for this exploration of how the universal spiritual disciplines of the yamas—harmlessness, truthfulness, nonstealing, right use of vital force, and nonacquiring (or nonattachment)—provide an unshakable foundation for enlightened leadership. In this Centennial Year honoring Sri Swami Satchidananda, we will look at how his life and work exemplified the virtues of the yamas and contributed to his influence as a spiritual leader.

Two Birds in a Tree: The Essential Role of Being in Leadership Oct 17, 2013

Ram Nidumolu, Ph.D., author of the new book Two Birds in a Tree: Timeless Indian Wisdom for Business Leaders, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an insightful look at the possibility for business leaders to approach their work holistically—with awareness of the interconnection of all life—and emerge to lead the way in this time of planetary transformation. Drawing from the riches of the Upanishads, this conversation invites us to look for a higher sense of self in the midst of our work environments and offers a road map for bringing awareness of the higher Self into leadership.

New Pathways and Possibilities: Break Through to Your Best Self Now Oct 10, 2013

Authenticity is the key to accessing our greatest power to lead fulfilling lives. To live, and lead, authentically requires us to break through limiting views of ourselves, others, and our relationship with the Infinite. Our innate sense that more is possible—more wisdom, more love, more peace, courage, or joy—arises from the power already within us. Yogacharya O’Brian welcomes Baron Baptiste, international yoga teacher and best-selling author, to explore the topic of personal development and life transformation.

Keep Growing! Three Essential Practices for Effective Leadership Sep 26, 2013

Leadership, by its very nature, requires us to stretch beyond our perceived limits, to continually be willing to grow as we support the growth and development of others. Three core practices from the path of Kriya Yoga provide us with the tools we need to develop as effective and inspired leaders. In this Yoga Hour program, Yogacharya O’Brian offers insight and instruction for keeping your cool when situations heat up, staying inspired over time, and truly enjoying what you do.

Dare to Dream Big: Leadership by Example Sep 19, 2013

Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of the book Leadership by Example: The 10 Key Principles of All Great Leaders, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an exploration of 10 core principles for effective leadership. Having the willingness and courage to fulfill our potential sets us on the road to leadership and lifts up the potential of our unique contribution to make a difference in the world.

Awakening Shakti: How to Discover, Participate in, and Benefit From Divine Feminine Energy and Power Jun 13, 2013

Sally Kempton, teacher of meditation and spiritual philosophy and author of the new book Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an exploration of our relationship to the divine feminine, including some very practical insights and guidance for activating the currents of Shakti in every aspect of our lives.

Rasayana: Elixirs of Rejuvenation for Women’s Wellness Jun 06, 2013

Acharya Pratichi Mathur, founder and director of Vedika Global, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an inspiring exploration of the timeless wisdom, lifestyle practices, and spiritual contemplations that are particularly supportive of women’s wellness. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive system for a woman’s well-being through all the seasons and stages of life. Additionally, it offers women Rasayanas, which are special rejuvenating elixirs. By partaking in certain divinely-charged Rasayanas, women of all ages can reclaim balance, beauty, and sexual power.

: Nectar of Immortality: Soma, the Eternal Universal Energy of Peace, Bliss, and Delight May 16, 2013

Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley) brings his depth of knowledge in the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Vedas to this conversation with Yogacharya O’Brian about Soma—the power of rejuvenation and immortality. The secret of Soma holds profound implications for the body, mind, and spirit and our ability to transform our lives through spiritual awakening and rejuvenation.

To Make Big Changes, Start With Just One Thing May 09, 2013

Rick Hanson, Ph.D., neuropsychologist and author of Buddha's Brain, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an uplifting and inspiring look at how the small steps we can take with a daily practice can change the brain, reduce stress, and bring greater resilience and happiness. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Complete Well-Being: Holistic Understanding and Practice of Yoga May 02, 2013

Yogashree N.V. Raghuram, Spiritual Founder and Chairman of Yoga Bharati, brings his wealth of experience and knowledge to this conversation with Yogacharya O’Brian about the dynamic meeting of yoga’s ancient wisdom with modern research for health, healing, and total well-being.

Three Timeless Practices for the Highest Happiness Apr 25, 2013

What is it we all really want? The sages who have explored this question offer the same answer: We want eternal happiness. Is it even possible? Swami Atmavidyananda Giri, vice president of the Kriya Yoga Institute, joins Yogacharya O'Brian for a look at the three universal practices of Kriya Yoga that can provide a pathway to the highest happiness.

The Yoga of Fulfilled Living: Spirituality, Purpose, Delight, and Prosperity Apr 18, 2013

Rod Stryker, author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom, joins Yogacharya O'Brian to explore how yoga can be about living the supreme life. For those who are willing to take yoga's promise to heart, open to their own divine potential, chart their course, and engage fully in the practice, life in this world is simply auspicious.

The Way of Divine Love Apr 11, 2013

Yogacharya O'Brian welcomes Prem Prakash, Codirector of the Green Mountain School of Yoga in Vermont and author of The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion, for an engaging and important conversation about the role of devotion on the spiritual path. Be prepared to learn some surprising things about love as a path and a practice by exploring the wisdom found in the Bhakti Sutras of Narada.

Living With Ease in a Crazy World: How to Cultivate Compassion and Resilience Apr 04, 2013

Poet and Zen Buddhist priest Zoketsu Norman Fischer joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a practical and inspiring conversation on practices for training the mind—drawn from the Tibetan Buddhist teachings of Lojong, then viewed through the lenses of Zen and Yoga! Pithy and sage instruction such as, “This time, get it right!” can provide an opening for greater awareness and joy in the moment.

Arriving Late on Time: Poetry and Awareness Mar 28, 2013

Poet and Zen Buddhist priest, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an experiential exploration of the power of poetry to open our hearts and minds. As an art form, poetry can use words to take us where words cannot go. A conversation and some poems to reflect on writing as art, as encounter, as spiritual practice, as a way to connect, and a way to separate.

Art and Spiritual Practice: Meditation in Space and Time Mar 14, 2013

Yoga has been called the "art of living." Art and spiritual practice can both bring deeper attention, awareness, inspiration, and creative energy to our lives. The juncture where the two meet—spiritual practice and art—can provide a profound opening to greater insight. Artist, professor, and yoga practitioner Junco Sato Pollack, whose textile works are on permanent display at the Museum of Art and Design in New York, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an exploration of the connection between art and spiritual practice.

Yoga as a Global Movement: What Yoga Can Offer the World Today Feb 28, 2013

Millions of people today are practicing some form of yoga. Along with the individual health and spiritual benefits from yoga practice, we are also seeing some new developments for applying the principles and practices of yoga on a global scale. Dr. Christopher Chapple is a leading voice today on yoga and ecology and the potential that exists for this ancient practice to inspire the practice of modern-day yogis to participate in planetary healing. Join Yogacharya O'Brian and Dr. Chapple to learn more about this inspiring development.

Intentional Living Through Kriya Yoga, Part 2 Feb 21, 2013

Teachers of the path of Kriya Yoga brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda proclaim that it is possible by wholesome living, development of intellectual and intuitive abilities, meditation practice, and divine grace to experience rapid spiritual growth that results in illumination of consciousness in a few years. Paramahansa Yogananda’s direct disciple, Roy Eugene Davis, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share insights and practices from this path of intentional living for spiritual awakening.

Intentional Living Through Kriya Yoga, Part 1 Feb 14, 2013

Teachers of the path of Kriya Yoga brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda proclaim that it is possible by wholesome living, development of intellectual and intuitive abilities, meditation practice, and divine grace to experience rapid spiritual growth that results in illumination of consciousness in a few years. Paramahansa Yogananda’s direct disciple, Roy Eugene Davis, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share insights and practices from this path of intentional living for spiritual awakening.

The Path of Light: The Universal Nature and Appeal of Kriya Yoga for Seekers of Spiritual Truth Today Feb 07, 2013

Kriya Yoga, brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, has taken firm root in many countries around the world today. A universal path that welcomes people from all backgrounds who are interested in Self-realization, Kriya Yoga’s practical, nondenominational, and scientific approach to spiritual development account for its wide appeal. Yogacharya O’Brian is joined today by Harald and Marlies Reiske, the founders and directors of Kriya Yoga Center Germany who will share their experiences of living the practice of Kriya Yoga and teaching it to students in Germany.

Ayurveda: Principles and Practice for Spiritual Growth Jan 31, 2013

Generally understood as a path to healing and wellness, Ayurveda, which means “life knowledge,” is actually a comprehensive approach to well-being that includes our spiritual development. Cynthia Ambika Copple, dean of Mt. Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share some of the essential principles and practices of Ayurveda that support spiritual growth. Learn what you can do that will quicken your spiritual awakening.

Divine Alchemy: How Yoga and America Are Changing Each Other Jan 24, 2013

The arrival of Yoga in America, especially through the influence of Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda, profoundly impacted the way we experience religion and spirituality in the West. Once considered a mysterious and esoteric practice suitable to only a few, yoga and meditation are now embraced by millions every day for everything from stress relief to a path of enlightenment. Phil Goldberg, author of the book America Veda, which includes extensive research on this subject, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to take a fascinating look at how practices in the West are also influencing the way yoga is taught and experienced. Discover some fascinating and important questions about tradition that are arising as a result of these changes.

The Divine Song: How Divine Love Is Expressed Through Devotion and Service Jan 17, 2013

Swami Nirvanananda brings the path of bhakti yoga, the way of devotion, and karma yoga, the way of selfless service together. In this conversation with Yogacharya O’Brian, learn how universal love and oneness with Spirit can be the guiding principles for our lives today. This segment will include some original chant music with Swamiji.

Universality, Harmony, and Peace: The Vision of Swami Vivekananda Jan 10, 2013

On January 12, 2013, people all over the world will begin a yearlong celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Prasannatmananda from the Vedanta Society in Berkeley will join Yogacharya O’Brian for an inspired glimpse into the person of Swami Vivekananda and the principles he taught. Swami Vivekananda’s speech and spiritual presence at the first World Parliament of Religions in 1893 is credited with opening the door to interreligious dialogue and interest in Vedanta in the West. Still today, his voice and spirit ring out around the world!

Yoga and Intentional Living: Insights for Living With Purpose, Skill, and Clarity Dec 13, 2012

The spiritual path of Yoga has been described as simply a way of intentional living—to be awake in the world, live with purpose, skill, and meaning. Author and meditation teacher Phillip Moffitt joins Rev. O’Brian for an uplifting and informative look at how we can all live more skillfully and what that makes possible.

Everyone an Ambassador for Peace: How a Shift in Consciousness Is Changing Our World for Good and We Can Be Part of It Nov 29, 2012

James O’Dea, former director of Amnesty International’s Washington, D.C., office and faculty member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, joins Rev. O’Brian for a breakthrough conversation about the transformation of global consciousness that is changing hearts and minds and bringing the potential for real peace to our doorsteps. Discover how it all begins with choosing peace for yourself and for everyone else. O’Dea writes: "Choose peace as a compass for your inner life and for every relationship in the world, and you will get the biggest wake-up call of your life."

One With the One: Superconscious Meditation for Spiritual Realization and Enlightened Living Nov 15, 2012

Swami Atmavidyananda from the Kriya Yoga Institute joins Rev. O’Brian for an in-depth exploration of the practice of Samadhi, or Superconscious Meditation. Samadhi is the culmination of Patanjali’s Eight Limbed Path and the beginning of a life of liberation and unconditional joy. It is for every person who would walk the path of enlightened living.

Meditation: The Royal Path of Awakening Nov 08, 2012

Meditation connects us with our inner power—it is a gateway to joy, peace and spiritual realization. Swami Bodhananda Sarasvati, spiritual director of the Sambodh Society, joins Rev. O'Brian for an inspiring and instructive conversation about this essential spiritual practice. Discover why it is so important and how you can begin, or enhance, your practice right away.

Learn to Let Go and Live Fully: The Practice of Nonattachment Nov 01, 2012

Dr. Kusumita Pedersen, professor of Religious Studies, returns to The Yoga Hour for an in-depth conversation with Rev. O’Brian about nonattachment, one of the essential practices of the spiritual life. Aparigraha, often translated as nonattachment, also means nonpossession, nongrasping and nondesiring. How is it possible to find such freedom in a culture that stimulates desire and greed at every turn? Discovering the answer to that question holds a key to our highest happiness.

Self-Discipline, Willpower and Positive Change Oct 25, 2012

Who doesn’t want more self-discipline or willpower? Kelly McGonigal, author of The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of Itshares research from her Stanford University course, “The Science of Willpower,” as she and Rev. O’Brian consider what factors are really involved with our ability to manage stress and make positive changes.

Enough Is Enough! How to Unclutter Your Life and Find Time for What Really Matters Oct 18, 2012

The yoga practice of asteya, or nonstealing, gets right to the heart of the clutter problem that is pervasive to many people in the developed world today. Andrew Mellen, professional organizer and author of the book Unstuff Your Life!: Kick the Clutter Habit and Completely Organize Your Life for Good, joins Rev. O’Brian for a look at how to bring order to our lives and free up our time and energy in practical ways—a quick course on how to avoid accumulating more than we need, use or appreciate.

The Practice of Satya: Realizing the Power of Thoughts, Words and Deeds That Are Anchored in Truth Oct 11, 2012

Judith Lasater, Yoga teacher and author of many books on yoga and co-author of What We Say Matters: Practicing Nonviolent Communication, brings a wealth of insight and practical guidance to this conversation with Rev. O’Brian about the power of satya, or truthfulness. Truthfulness is practiced on many levels, from understanding our viewpoints as relative truth to developing the willingness to live in harmony with universal Truth.

Gratitude: The Key for Loving Your Life Oct 04, 2012

A grateful heart and mind transforms everything in our lives. Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., distinguished cultural anthropologist, author and educator, joins Rev. O’Brian for a timely and inspiring exploration of how to make gratitude a foundation for our lives and what becomes possible when we do. Discover how this simple focus can bring profound benefits.

Ahimsa 101: Insights and Practices for Nonviolent Living Today Sep 27, 2012

The inspiring legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez have shown us the power of nonviolence to bring forth positive change. Michael Nagler and Stephanie Van Hook from the Metta Center for Nonviolence Education join Rev. O’Brian to explore how each of us can begin right away to harness this power for a better life and a peaceful world.

What Dialogue Can Do: A Nonviolent Way to Bring People Together and Build a Culture of Peace Sep 20, 2012

Rev. Dr. Bill Lesher, Emeritus Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, joins The Yoga Hour to share his decades of experience working to build a culture of peace and nonviolence. From the early days of marching with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his more recent global work with religious leaders, Dr. Lesher offers a wealth of insight and inspiration about the important role of our religious and spiritual traditions in creating a nonviolent future. Bob Weeks, a member of the board of directors of Carry the Vision, will also join the program to discuss how we can create communities of nonviolence that light up the world.

Divine Duality and Divine Wholeness: Reconciling Men and Women, Masculine and Feminine, in Our Awakening World Sep 13, 2012

Balance in our lives—harmony within ourselves, with one another, and with our world—requires that we understand and honor both masculine and feminine qualities. Cynthia Brix and Will Keepin, authors of Divine Duality: The Power of Reconciliation Between Women and Men, join Rev. O’Brian for an important and inspiring conversation about our role in facilitating the essential harmony, balance, respect, and healing that is emerging in our world today.

Self-Inquiry for Joyful Living Every Day Sep 06, 2012

The traditions of Taoism and Yoga both offer insights and practices for cultivating a joyful life. Join Taoist author and teacher Derek Lin and Rev. O’Brian as they explore practical ways to discover peace, joy, happiness and well-being in every moment.

Deciding to Be Free: The Mystery and Delight of Surrender Aug 16, 2012

Surrender of the illusion that we are separate from the Source of all, and that the ego is in control of our lives, is essential to the experience of real freedom. Surrender is a spiritual practice found in every mystical tradition and a cornerstone to 12-Step recovery programs as well. Rabbi Rami Shapiro and Rev. O’Brian explore the nature of surrender as a practice and offer some surprising insights needed to enter the way of surrender.

Divine Fitness: The Path of Optimal Health, Peace of Mind and Joyful Living Jul 19, 2012

Dr. Marc Halpern, teacher of Ayurvedic medicine, joins Rev. O’Brian for a look at how to unlock our healing potential through self-awareness and conscious living. Discover how the sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga come together to provide a comprehensive map for optimal well-being—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Breath: The Key to Consciousness, Vitality and Liberation Jul 12, 2012

Join Rev. O’Brian and Richard Rosen, yoga teacher and pranayama expert, for an insightful exploration of how yogic breathing practices can break up ineffective breathing patterns, return you to your authentic breath and open the door to expanded energy and awareness. Richard Rosen is the director of Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, California, and the author of The Yoga of Breath: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pranayama, Pranayama Beyond the Fundamentals: An In-Depth Guide to Yogic Breathing With Instructional CD, and Original Yoga: Rediscovering Traditional Practices of Hatha Yoga.

Meditation, Science and Your Brain: Insights From Neuroscience That Can Change Your Life Jul 05, 2012

Visionary and world-renowned neuroscientist Richard Davidson joins Rev. O’Brian for this fascinating and illuminating conversation about the mind, the brain and our emotional nature that will change the way you see yourself and inspire your ability to make positive changes. A pioneer in researching the effects of meditation, Dr. Davidson was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. He has co-authored a new book with Sharon Begley entitled, The Emotional Life of Your Brain: How Its Unique Patterns Affect the Way You Think, Feel, and Live—and How You Can Change Them.

Stable and Conducive to Bliss: Insights Into Asana Jun 28, 2012

Asana, the posture or seat that prepares us for meditation, is an intentional meeting place for the body, mind and essential Self. Meta Chaya Hirschl, author of Vital Yoga: A Sourcebook for Students and Teachers, joins Rev. O’Brian for a deep look at how yoga philosophy and practice can help us transcend fear and experience bliss.

Patience, Contentment and the Key to Unconditional Happiness and Peace Jun 21, 2012

Allan Lokos, founder of The Community Meditation Center in New York and author of the book Patience: The Art of Peaceful Living, joins Rev. O’Brian for an insightful conversation about the powerful role patience plays in our lives every day. Is it possible that many mistakes we have made, or unkind words we have spoken, could have been avoided if we had been more patient? What does being patient require of us? What does it make possible?

The Way of Spiritually Conscious Living Jun 14, 2012

Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, offers spiritual insights and practical tools from the tradition of Kriya Yoga to facilitate spiritually conscious living every day. Rev. O’Brian welcomes her spiritual teacher back to The Yoga Hour with this conversation that explores the pure simplicity of spiritual enlightenment and its accessibility for spiritual seekers today.

Ashtanga: Patanjali’s Step-by-Step Guide for Spiritual Realization and Fulfilled Living Jun 07, 2012

Ashtanga Yoga, or the Eight-Limbed Path, offers eight essential steps for spiritual realization and fulfilled living. This path is identified in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the classic text for meditation and spiritual practice. Author and Yoga Philosophy teacher Nicolai Bachman joins Rev. O’Brian for a profound and practical look at how living these steps each day can positively transform our lives. Discover how these steps work from the inside out and the outside in to purify our hearts, minds, bodies, and our relationships in order to awaken our deepest wisdom.

A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth and the Soul May 31, 2012

John Philip Newell, minister with the Church of Scotland and author of more than 15 books, brings his passion for peace among the religions to this conversation about the importance of harmony within us as well as between us. Join Rev. Newell and Rev. O’Brian to explore the meeting place of Yoga and Celtic spirituality, especially as these traditions honor the Earth and help us find healing in our lives today. Capture the vision of our essential oneness and be part of the new harmony coming into planetary awareness.

Yoga, Ecology and the Divine Feminine May 10, 2012

Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspired look at how the eternal powers of Spirit and Nature, Purusa and Prakriti, are both within us. An unprecedented level of fulfillment awaits our realization of our innate potential. Discover how a deeper understanding of yoga, ecology and the Divine Feminine can open the door to this fulfillment.

Green Yoga: Ancient Practices and Contemporary Activism Come Together May 03, 2012

Dr. Laura Cornell , founder of the Green Yoga Association, joins Rev. O’Brian for an important conversation about how our spiritual practices can directly, and profoundly, enhance our ecological awareness. Discover how the traditional paths of yoga philosophy and practice provide vital elements for “green living” and explore some innovative, contemporary avenues that combine the ancient wisdom of yoga with today’s need for ecological living.

Deep Green: Spiritually Inspired Activism and Caring for the Earth Apr 26, 2012

Conscious care for the earth is rooted in the profound spiritual awareness of our oneness with all creation. Dr. Barbara Fields, executive director of the Association for Global New Thought, joins Rev. O’Brian to explore how the spiritual roots of New Thought, yoga and deep ecology offer a foundation for environmental awareness, ethics and sustainable change. Learn about the Season for the Earth program and how communities around the world are bringing their philosophies and spiritual practices together with environmental action.

In Praise of Mother Earth Apr 19, 2012

Often overlooked by those seeking enlightenment, our relationship with the earth is critical to our spiritual awakening, well-being and the well-being of all. How can our spiritual practice help us recognize our connection to the earth? Dr. Christopher Key Chapple, co-author of the new book In Praise of Mother Earth: The Prithivi Sukta of the Atharva Veda, joins Rev. O’Brian for a timely conversation about what the ancient Vedic teachings can offer us for healing ourselves and our world.

The Core of Yoga: Essential Ideas for Spiritually Conscious Living From the Yoga Sutra, Part One Apr 05, 2012

Sanskrit teacher Nicolai Bachman, author of the new guide to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, The Path of the Yoga Sutras: A Practical Guide to the Core of Yoga, joins Rev. O’Brian for this exploration of several key concepts of Yoga Philosophy and Practice that bring yoga’s deepest wisdom into our everyday lives. This conversation will illumine the Sanskrit terms for these essential ideas and yield a richer harvest of meaning than a simple English translation can provide.

Awaken Love and Compassion Through Discovering the Atman, the True Self Mar 29, 2012

Love and compassion are the natural endowments of the soul. When we are freed from the narrow confines of self-interest and discover our oneness with all that is, we find a source of happiness and satisfaction that previously escaped us. The Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom for living in love and infusing our action with compassion. Join Dr. Anantanand Rambachan, author of Gitamrtam: The Essential Teachings of the Bhagavadgita, and Rev. O’Brian for this insightful exploration of the true nature of the Self.

Selfless Action, Wisdom and Divine Love: Kriya Yoga and the Gita Mar 22, 2012

The Bhagavad Gita offers a guide to Kriya Yoga—the integrated path that brings together action, devotion and wisdom. Swami Atmavidyananda from the Kriya Yoga Institute joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspiring conversation about Self-realization—what it is and how we can attain it in this lifetime.

Light Shining in the Darkness: Finding Solace and Enduring Support in the Bhagavad Gita Mar 15, 2012

Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspiring glimpse of the Bhagavad Gita’s power to offer inspiration and support. Gandhiji said, “When disappointment stares me in the face and all alone, I see not one ray of light, I go back to the Bhagavad Gita. I find a verse here and there, and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedies …” Discover how the Gita’s timeless wisdom can help us meet life’s challenges and discover its inherent joy.

Let Your Light Shine: Encouraging Words for Living Your Divine Purpose Mar 08, 2012

Dr. Jay Kumar, professor of Hinduism, Yoga philosophy, Sanskrit language, and cognitive studies at Chapman University and at LMU, joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspiring conversation about the inherent divine order in the universe that supports us all in reaching our potential. Learn more about living in the highest way from the ancient wisdom found in the Bhagavad Gita that is especially appropriate for our time.

Inside the Soul: The Battle We Must Fight Every Day and the Key to Victory Mar 01, 2012

Have you ever asked, Why do I continue to do things that I know aren’t useful, as if compelled to do them? If, like most people, you have asked that question, you’ll find this soulful exploration of the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Michael Nagler, founder of the Metta Center for Nonviolence Education, and Rev. O’Brian to be a breath of fresh air. The dynamics of the inner battle to fully express our divine nature, so skillfully portrayed in the Bhagavad Gita, offer us the key to changing our minds, changing our behavior, changing our lives and our world.

Living the Divine Song: The Bhagavad Gita as a How-to-Live Handbook Feb 23, 2012

Nothing is more practical than spiritual realization and nothing transforms our lives for the better in such a complete way. Br. Prabodh Chaitanya, resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission in San Jose, joins Rev. O’Brian for a look at what the Bhagavad Gita can tell us about conscious, fulfilled living every day. When viewed as a manual for achieving success in life, we find that the Gita explains our nature, our purpose in life, and offers us the means for achieving our goals.

Both, And: The Inclusive Worldview of the Bhagavad Gita Feb 16, 2012

Is God transcendent or immanent, beyond or within the world? What is the key to spiritual realization—a focus on Absolute Reality or Manifest Divinity? Which is better: active works or silent meditation? Wisdom or devotion? Join Dr. Christopher Key Chapple and Rev. O’Brian to discover how the Bhagavad Gita advances, and holds, teachings that at times seem contradictory but point to a holistic worldview that is liberating by its very nature. Dr. Chapple is professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University and the editor of the comprehensive Winthrop Sargeant translation of the Bhagavad Gita.

The Inner Meaning of the Bhagavad Gita Feb 09, 2012

Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, returns to the Yoga Hour for an insightful conversation with Ellen Grace O'Brian about the timeless wisdom found in The Bhagavad Gita. When explored as an allegory, where characters and events symbolize every person’s spiritual journey of awakening from self-conscious involvement with physical and psychological circumstances to realization of our essential nature, the Gita becomes a treasured guidebook to authentic spiritual growth and fulfilled living.

Brain, Mind and Breakthrough: How to Maximize Your Potential for Success Feb 02, 2012

Understanding how our brain functions and how to effectively use our mind helps us let go of thinking patterns and habitual behaviors that impede our ability to prosper and succeed. This knowledge supports our ability to implement the positive changes we desire. Martin Wuttke, founder and clinical director of Neurotherapy Centers International, joins Rev. O’Brian for this timely and inspiring look at our potential through the lens of mind and brain function.

The Secret of Success: Let Spiritual Wisdom Guide Your Will to Experience a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity and Freedom Jan 26, 2012

Discover how we can work with our deepest intentions and use the power of resolve—sankalpa shakti—to meet challenges, overcome obstacles, and realize our potential. Rod Stryker, Yoga and meditation teacher, founder of Para Yoga and author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom, returns to The Yoga Hour for this inspiring conversation with Rev. O’Brian.

Work With Integrity: Spirituality in the Workplace Jan 19, 2012

Tom Zender, president emeritus of Unity and author of God Goes to Work, joins Rev. O’Brian for an insightful exploration of spirituality in the workplace. If you have ever wondered how to fully shine the light of your spiritual practice at work, don’t miss this in-depth conversation about work, integrity and spiritual transformation.

The Power of Our Word Jan 12, 2012

Conscious speech holds the key to prosperous and fulfilled living. CSA minister Ron Lindahn joins Rev. O’Brian for an insightful look at how we can align our thoughts, speech and actions with the power that runs the universe. Delve into the spiritual principles and practices related to conscious speech and discover the promise of fulfilled living today.

A Community of Compassion: Empowered Service in the World Dec 29, 2011

Pat Cane, the founder and director of Capacitar, a worldwide service network of empowerment and solidarity, joins Rev. O’Brian for a profound conversation about what makes life truly meaningful, satisfying and inspired. These two longtime friends share the heart of what inspires them to serve and offer insights about how we can all find the energy to do what we are called to do.

Thrive in Winter: Principles and Practices for Complete Well-Being Dec 15, 2011

Conscious living includes tuning into the changing of the seasons and learning how to cooperate with nature in ways that contribute to complete well-being. The ancient science of Ayurveda offers lifestyle routines for diet, exercise, rest and self-care appropriate to the seasons. Ayurvedic practitioner Vishnu Dass joins Rev. O’Brian for a timely conversation on how to thrive in winter.

Living the Questions: Befriending Uncertainty With an Open Heart Dec 08, 2011

Author and minister Dennis Merritt Jones joins Rev. O’Brian for insights into living with and in the great mystery of life. Discover how befriending uncertainty can enrich your experience every day and usher in a grace-filled ability to love, give and inspire others.

Someone Digging in the Ground: The Unseen Work of the Soul Dec 01, 2011

Shaikh Kabir Helminski and Camille Helminski, of the Sufi Mevlevi order, join Rev. O’Brian with inspiration from the poetry of Rumi as a way to explore the spiritual journey of winter—both literally and metaphorically. Discover how silence, patience, simplicity, surrender and devotion are pathways through the darkness to the inner Light.

With Gratitude, Join the One Heart of the World Nov 17, 2011

Zoketsu Norman Fisher, senior dharma teacher, poet, and spiritual director of the Everyday Zen foundation, joins Rev. O’Brian for a look into the heart of the world through gratitude. Gratitude is our antidote for imagining we are on our own. Even a little practice of it changes our world.

Surrender: How to Let Go and Live Fully Nov 10, 2011

The ability to surrender is an essential skill for joyful, fulfilled living. What is surrender, why should we practice it, and how can we really let go? Some confuse surrender with defeat; those who are awake know it is the sure way to win. Dr. Emmet Miller, medical doctor, author and pioneer in mind-body medicine joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspiring look at the power of letting go.

Svadhyaya: The Heart of Study Nov 03, 2011

Study, in the spiritual tradition of yoga, is more than reading books or gathering information. Although the study of scripture is important, the key to study is the practice of self-inquiry, applying and testing out in our own experience what we are exploring. Religious Studies professor and longtime practitioner of yoga Dr. Kusumita Pedersen returns to The Yoga Hour with Rev. O’Brian for an in-depth look and some surprising insights about the role of study on our spiritual journey.

Self-Discipline: The Key to Abiding Joy Oct 27, 2011

Self-discipline is the commitment we make and the actions we take to live a higher way by choosing that which pleases the soul and supports the expression of our innate divine qualities. The resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission in San Jose, California, Br. Prabodh Chaitanya, joins Rev. O’Brian for an exploration of what self-discipline really is, how we can accomplish it, and how it will help us fulfill our divine destiny.

Right Use of Energy: It’s an Inside Job Oct 20, 2011

The mystic poet Rumi reminds us to “work at least as hard on the inside as we do on the outside.” In the Yoga tradition, the spiritual practice of Brahmacharya literally means “to walk with God.” Sometimes considered to be only about our sexuality, the greater context is how we use our vital force, or life energy, in ways that are consistent with our spiritual goals. The Rev. Dr. Harry Morgan Moses, director of SpiritWorks Center for Spiritual Living and author of It’s So Easy When You Know How, joins Rev. O’Brian for insights into the inner way.

Contentment: The Key to Unconditional Happiness Oct 13, 2011

Rev. Masayo Tsuruta from Seicho-No-Ie, Truth of Life Movement, joins Rev. O’Brian for an insightful look at our potential for unconditional happiness through the practices of contentment and gratitude. How is it possible to walk through the challenges and sorrows of life and still know real happiness? Spiritual practice provides the key.

Ahimsa: The Power of Nonviolence to Light the World Oct 06, 2011

Michael Nagler, author of The Search for a Nonviolent Future: A Promise of Peace for Ourselves, Our Families, and Our World and founder of the Metta Center for Nonviolence Education, joins Rev. O’Brian for an empowering look at how the principles and practices of ahimsa, or nonviolence, can positively transform our lives today and bring us hope for the future. Discover why this spiritual practice is a foundation for all the others.

Patanjali’s Step-by-Step Approach to Spiritual Realization and Conscious Living Sep 29, 2011

The eight limbs of yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutra, the classic text by the sage Patanjali, offer profound insights that support spiritually conscious living in every area of our lives. Dr. Christopher Key Chapple, author of Yoga and the Luminous: Patanjali’s Spiritual Path to Freedom, joins Rev. O’Brian for an engaging exploration of spiritual realization in daily life. Discover how the inward journey of yoga practice can transform how we live.

Love, Discern, Serve, Meditate: Four Ways to Awaken Sep 22, 2011

While the goal of awakening is the same, the yoga tradition recognizes that spiritual seekers have different temperaments and thus require different approaches to spiritual realization. Br. Prabodh Chaitanya, resident of Acharya of Chinmaya Mission in San Jose, California, joins Rev. O’Brian for an exploration of how the traditions of Yoga and Vedanta go beyond a “one size fits all” approach and provide for the unique needs of seekers, while still maintaining a clear focus on the goal. Consider what your spiritual inclinations reveal about you and how your individual need for expression can be met on your path.

Our Relationship With the Infinite: Insights Into Higher Realities Sep 15, 2011

Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, joins Rev. O’Brian in an exploration of higher realities. Discover what we can know about our essence of being and our relationship with the Infinite that supports us to actualize our innate capacities and experience excellence in all areas of life.

Awaken Fully Now and Fulfill Your Divine Destiny Sep 08, 2011

Rev. O’Brian welcomes Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, who will share about the certain destiny of every person to awaken spiritually—how we can realize our true nature and live with purpose in harmony with the divine plan for our lives.

Purushartha: Four Essential Goals for Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential Sep 01, 2011

The science of yoga provides a philosophy and method for realizing our full potential, which includes achieving a life of meaning, prosperity, happiness and freedom. Recognizing our innate desire to prosper both materially and spiritually can help us find the balance, freedom and joy that conscious living brings. Join Rod Stryker, yoga and meditation teacher, and Rev. O’Brian for an insightful conversation about spiritual awakening and fulfilled living.

You Can Change Your Life: Insights From the Yoga Sutra for Purifying the Heart-Mind Aug 25, 2011

Nicolai Bachman, Sanskrit scholar and author of the book The Yoga Sutras: An Essential Guide to the Heart of Yoga Philosophy, joins Rev. O'Brian for a penetrating look into the nature of suffering and how it presents opportunities that orient us toward true freedom. Be prepared to embrace your highest good.

Mysticism in Yoga and New Thought Aug 04, 2011

Mysticism is a connecting link between Yoga and New Thought that provides a doorway to understand how the great sages declare the presence of harmony at the core of all religions. In this hour with Rev. Paul John Roach and Rev. O’Brian, two mystic poets, discover the practices of mysticism that allow us to enter the heart of God.

Spirituality, Vegetarianism and Well-Being Jul 28, 2011

While diet does not determine our degree of spiritual awareness, it plays a central role in our sadhana, or spiritual practice, by influencing our bodies, our minds and our relationship with life. Ven. Jian Hu, Abbot of the Chung Tai Zen Center in Sunnyvale, California, joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspiring look at how vegetarianism can make a profound difference, both individually and globally.

Embodied Virtue: Hatha Yoga Insights Into the Yamas and Niyamas Jul 21, 2011

The Buddha is quoted as saying, “the mind thinks but the body knows.” Yoga honors the way that wisdom is revealed in the body as well as the mind. Discover the power of consciously embodying spiritual principles on all levels of your being, including the physical, and experience the profound support available to you right where you are. Rev. O'Brian will be joined by Hatha Yoga instructor Carol Parvati Knight.

Ojas: The Key to Radiance and Vitality Jul 14, 2011

Ojas is the physical counterpart to subtle energy. As the pure essence of our bodies’ tissues, it supports and maintains the immune system and enhances our strength and vitality. It is an essential part of our experience of bliss and shines forth as radiance. Join Rev. O’Brian and Cynthia Copple, Ayurvedic practitioner and director of Lotus Holistic Health Institute, to learn how to increase ojas.

Meditation for the Love of It Jul 07, 2011

Whether you are new to meditation or have been meditating for years, you’ll find this conversation with Rev. O’Brian and spiritual teacher and author Sally Kempton to be a breath of fresh air that will infuse your practice with energy and inspiration. Drawing from Sally Kempton’s new book, Meditation for the Love of It: Enjoying Your Own Deepest Experience, these two spiritual teachers will mine the heart of meditation practice for the jewels of spiritually conscious living.

Yoga, Meditation and Complete Well-Being Jun 23, 2011

As defined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Yoga is superconscious meditation. This higher state of consciousness naturally occurs when the mental field is purified. Join Rev. Samuel Sasu and Rev. O’Brian, two long-time practitioners of Kriya Yoga meditation, as they explore the various levels of mind that relate to meditation. Discover how meditation provides the key to unlock the potential of these levels of mind to enhance our lives.

The Dawn of Yoga in the West and the Transformation of the Religious Landscape Jun 16, 2011

The book American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation: How Indian Spirituality Changed the West was named one of the top 10 religious books of 2010. Author Philip Goldberg returns to The Yoga Hour with Rev. O’Brian to take a look at the legacy of the 1960’s spiritual revolution—how the yogic teachings that arose in that period inspired a sea change in Western religious life. Don’t miss this insightful look at how yoga has not only inspired but transformed the way we experience religion and spirituality.

That You May Prosper, Part 4: Padmini Vidya, Vedic Knowledge for Increasing Abundance and Being a Bodhisattva in the World Jun 09, 2011

The Padmini Vidya is a little known yoga system for the creation of wealth, through understanding Shakti, the creative energy of consciousness. Join Rev. O’Brian and Dr. Sherri Silverman for some uplifting insights and practices you can engage in that will enhance your prosperity consciousness and help you cultivate a joyful experience of wealth.

That You May Prosper, Part 3: It’s Your Birthright Jun 02, 2011

Rev. Dr. Mary Tumpkin, president of the Universal Foundation for Better Living, joins Rev. O’Brian for a dynamic conversation exploring how the philosophies and practices of New Thought and yoga address prosperous living. Learn how thriving in all areas of life is part of your divine destiny.

That You May Prosper, Part 2: Seeing Money as Energy May 26, 2011

Spiritually conscious living includes success in all areas of life. Meet Easan Katir, longtime practitioner of yoga and wealth management consultant, as he and Rev. O’Brian explore the life goal of Artha, or wealth—what it means and how to accomplish it.

That You May Prosper, Part 1: Creative Use of the Mind May 19, 2011

Creative imagination is a law, like gravity, that does not require belief; it operates perfectly at all times whether we believe it or not. Learn how the philosophy of yoga views the mind as the key to prosperous living. Join Rev. O’Brian and Rev. Ron Lindahn to discover how you can use creative imagination to call forth your highest good.

Be Open to Wonder: Lessons From Ecclesiastes for Seekers of Truth, Part 2 May 12, 2011

The Book of Ecclesiastes offers profound insight for spiritually conscious living in the world, showing us how to embrace the seasons of life and live freely amid the pairs of opposites (birth-death, rich-poor, full-empty) without grasping or clinging. Join Rev. O'Brian and her guest, Rabbi Rami Shapiro, to hear more about Rabbi Rami's contemporary, enlightened translation and commentary on this classic Bible Scripture. His insightful and fresh translation makes you want to read this Scripture again for the first time.

A Guide to Joy: Lessons From Ecclesiastes for Seekers of Truth, Part 1 May 05, 2011

Rabbi Rami Shapiro joins Rev. O’Brian for a new and surprising look at the Book of Ecclesiastes. Discover how its timeless teachings offer a way to live wisely and well in the midst of constant change and uncertainty. Rabbi Shapiro’s new translation brings the text to life in a fresh and deeply profound way.

The Clear Jewel: The Yoga Sutra, Part 3 Apr 28, 2011

Understanding the nature of the mind holds the key to successful meditation practice and conscious living. Join Dr. Christopher Key Chapple and Rev. O’Brian for this dynamic dialogue about how to use the mind to support our highest achievements, fulfill our life purpose and reach its ultimate goal.

Living Liberation: The Yoga Sutra, Part Two Apr 21, 2011

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the foundational text for yoga philosophy and practice, offers a model for living fully and freely in this world. Discover its timeless wisdom as host Rev. Ellen is joined by Dr. Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University.

Gems of Wisdom: The Yoga Sutra, Part One Apr 14, 2011

Enter the stream of Yoga’s ancient wisdom with this three-part series on the Yoga Sutra. This first segment, Gems of Wisdom, offers insights and practices for ethical and spiritually awakened living with Sanskrit scholar, yoga philosophy instructor, and author Nicolai Bachman and Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian.

Mantra Yoga: The Power of the Word Apr 07, 2011

The science of Mantra Yoga takes us to the heart of matter through the creative energy of sound. Understanding and applying the power of the word through mantra is a yoga discipline that can bring healing, prosperity and spiritual transformation. Rev. O’Brian is joined by Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) and Yogini Shambhavi for this exploration of mantra as a key to awakening.

Be Occupied With What You Really Value Mar 31, 2011

The mystical path takes us out of the world as a place of mundane existence and brings us back to it as holy ground. Camille Helminski and Shaikh Kabir Helminski of the Mevlevi Order of Sufis bring their recent translations of Rumi to this conversation with Rev. O’Brian about what really matters in life.

Balance, Clarity and Well-Being Through Hatha Yoga Mar 24, 2011

The spiritual philosophy and wellness practices of the Hatha Yoga system can be utilized by anyone interested in better health, clarity and balanced living. Hatha Yoga instructors Julianne Rice and Victor Dubin join Rev. O’Brian for a practical and inspiring conversation about how to incorporate this ancient practice into our lives to experience greater well-being.

Retreat Into the Heart of Stillness Mar 17, 2011

A meditation retreat can deepen our meditation experience and open us to profound insight. Rev. O'Brian will be joined by the Venerable Jian Hu, Abbot of the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale, California, for this inspiring conversation about why retreats are so important for truth seekers and how we can prepare ourselves for what a retreat can offer us.

Paramahansa Yogananda As I Knew Him Mar 03, 2011

Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of the great yoga master Paramahansa Yogananda, joins Rev. O'Brian to share his experiences with Paramahansaji documented in his book, Paramahansa Yogananda as I Knew Him. Intimate reflections on the transformations possible in the life of a devotee of God offer powerful insights and inspiration for the path of enlightenment.

Solomon’s Sutras: Teachings for Cultivating a Wise and Understanding Heart Feb 24, 2011

Rabbi Rami Shapiro joins Rev. O'Brian in an exploration of the wisdom sayings of Solomon from the book of Proverbs. These sayings challenge, encourage and instruct us to live our deepest truth. Each essential teaching is a simple but profound guidepost that shines light upon the path of spiritually conscious living and reveals the way to live with purpose, insight and balance. Rabbi Shapiro's translation of Proverbs touches the heart of enlightened insight.

21st Century Discipleship: Dedication to Self- and God-Realization Feb 17, 2011

What is discipleship? How does it arise? What does it offer? What does it require? In this episode Rev. O'Brian is joined by Dr. Kusumita Pederson, professor of religious studies, in a profound conversation about the way of discipleship—the universal path of radical freedom walked by devotees, saints and mystics through the ages.

Door of the Heart: Discover the Practice of Kirtan Feb 10, 2011

Devotional chanting clears the mind and opens the heart for a direct experience of our essential nature. The divine names and sacred mantras sung in Kirtan emanate from the primal sound, the universal mantra “Om.” Join Rev. O'Brian, singer/songwriter Rev. Priya Friday-Pabros and Sujantra McKeever, yoga teacher, author and founder of Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Studio, for insights into the practice of Kirtan and the creative healing power of “Om.”

Superconscious Meditation: Portal to the Infinite Feb 03, 2011

Our minds are power tools. Spiritually conscious living requires understanding the dynamic function of mind and how to go beyond it to realize our essential true Self—the source of that power. On this episode Rev. O’Brian is joined by Swami Jaidev Bharati as two master teachers of meditation offer strategies and inspiration to support your practice.

Last Hour Yoga: Wisdom and Compassion During Grief, Loss and Transition Jan 27, 2011

The philosophy and practice of yoga provides a foundation for conscious living with profound insights for times of grief, loss and transition from the physical body. Dr. Ronda Macchello and Rev. Shanti Macartney join Rev. O'Brian for a profound conversation on the healing power of spiritual presence. Everybody must let go; it is one of life's inherent requirements. Find out how to do it consciously and to support others along the way.

Winter Self-Care Practices From Ayurveda and Yoga Jan 20, 2011

Yoga and its sister science Ayurveda offer a wealth of wisdom for staying spiritually centered and physically healthy in winter. Join Rev. O’Brian and special guest Espe Guardiola, director of BodyMind Transformations, for insights on complete well-being. Learn more about optimum performance from a holistic viewpoint including the nervous system and healthy brain function, with insights from the new field of Neurotherapy as well as the ancient practices of Ayurveda.

Living Seva: Yoga in the World Jan 06, 2011

The spiritual practice of yoga takes us out of the world to discover our essential Self and then brings us back into the world to serve the One in all. In this episode, discover the keys to Seva, or selfless service. Explore how to work with full integrity, free from the taint of attachment to results, with Rev. O’Brian and special guests Nipun Mehta, founder of Charity Focus, and Sriram Shamasunder, M.D.

The Great East-West Transmission: Yoga and American Life Dec 09, 2010

Join Rev. O’Brian and special guest Phil Goldberg, author of the new release American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation—How Indian Spirituality Changed the West, as they explore the important changes in culture and spirituality that have been fostered by the influence of yoga on the West.

Come Home to Harmony: Vastu Principles for a Truly Tranquil Home Environment Dec 02, 2010

The ancient Vedic tradition of Vastu offers spiritual insights and practical methods for creating beautiful, peaceful living spaces that nourish the soul life. Today Vastu sacred space design consultant Dr. Sherri Silverman joins Rev. O’Brian for an engaging conversation on the practical importance of beauty and how we can enhance our environment through awareness of the five elements. Sherri is also an artist and writer, studied with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, taught meditation and yoga for more than 30 years, and now works with Vastu clients nationally and internationally through her consulting business, Transcendence Design. (www.transcendencedesign.com)

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