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Learn to Listen to Your Body Through Yoga for Greater Awareness

Do you find yourself pushing through discomfort or feeling disconnected from what your body needs? In this foundational Dharma talk, Yoga Instructor Amanda Kramer explores how yoga can become a practice of listening to the body with greater self-compassion and awareness. Learn how the breath, nervous system, physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions can provide guidance, helping you meet yourself where you are each day and approach your practice with greater compassion.

Disclaimer: If you are recovering from an injury, pregnant, postnatal, nursing or elderly, or have recurring or chronic pain, or any circumstance, consult your doctor for approval concerning your voluntary participation. Instructions provided on the Gaia Goddess Lifestyle platform and elsewhere are in no way intended as a substitute for medical advice. Participation is done at your own risk.

The Inner Practice of Yoga

Yoga includes an inner dimension that invites you to explore how you relate to yourself and your experiences. At the heart of this practice is ahimsa, or non-violence, which encourages you to approach yourself without forcing or judging. By making self-compassion a foundation of your practice, you can create space to recognize when it may be time to adjust, pause, or challenge yourself in a way that supports your growth.

What You’ll Learn

How yoga can help you listen to and understand your body
The meaning of ahimsa and its connection to self-compassion
How to notice when you may be pushing yourself too hard
How the breath can help you become more aware of physical and emotional sensations
How regulated and dysregulated breathing can provide insight into the nervous system
How to become the “watcher” rather than simply the “doer”
How to meet your body where it is through different seasons of life

Developing a Deeper Awareness of Self

Listening to your body can create a more compassionate and mindful relationship with yourself. By observing the breath, physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions, you can develop greater awareness of what is working for you and when it may be time to change your approach.

Encourages greater self-compassion
Supports body awareness and mindful movement
Helps you recognize when you may be pushing yourself too hard
Develops greater awareness of the breath and nervous system
Encourages a more compassionate approach to challenges and discomfort
Supports a greater connection between physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions
Helps you become more aware of what your body needs each day
Encourages greater presence both on and off the mat

View the Video Transcript

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About Amanda

Amanda is a certified yoga and pilates instructor, blending her multi-disciplinary approach to health and wellness over 20 years in her field and personal practice. Her interest in the healing arts began early and continues today with an ever expanding curiosity and enthusiasm. She loves how every interaction undoubtedly shows the magic of miracles ever present when we turn our awareness inward and trust in the divine presence of our femininity. Through her teaching, Amanda encourages students to listen to their bodies, honor where they are each day, and approach their practice with greater awareness and self-compassion.

You can connect with Amanda on her website or Instagram @amandamaeyoga.

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