Yoga Inspiration

#212 Understanding the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Invocation: Etymology, Meaning & Inner Alchemy

The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn’t matter what shapes your body can or can’t make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us and it weaves us into a community of fellow seekers. One of yoga’s subtle gifts is clear seeing, not just of the body but of the mind and heart. Its promise is not mere physical skill, but an inner transformation that dissolves confusion and reveals freedom. At the start of every Ashtanga practice, we chant an invocation. It’s not just ritual, it’s a reminder of why we practice and what we’re really here to transform. Key Line: Saṃsāra Halāhala Mohaśāntyai “For the pacification of the delusion (Moha) that is the poison (Halāhala) of Saṃsāra.” Quick Word-by-Word Meaning Saṃsāra (संसार): From sam- (together) + √sṛ (to flow) - the endless cycle of birth and death. Literally “the continuous flowing together.” Halāhala (हलाहल): Deadly poison - like the mythic poison Śiva contained in his blue throat. Symbolizes the toxic nature of worldly entanglement. Moha (मोह): Delusion - the ignorance that clouds clear seeing. Sāntyai (शान्त्यै): “For pacification” - calming the poison of confusion. Why It Matters This ancient line reminds us: the real work of yoga is inner alchemy. The Guru and the practice help neutralize the poison of confusion so we can see clearly and live freely. When we chant, we remember: the obstacles aren’t just outside, they live inside us as fear, attachment, and illusion. The path of yoga transforms poison into nectar, chaos into calm, confusion into clarity. Listen in as we explore more hidden meanings behind this beloved chant and how it can deepen your practice. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for my upcoming Live series in October on Omstars, Embodied Strength and get one year of Omstars+ membership free! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.

#211 A Supported Practice: Finding Balance Between Yoga and Strength Training with Kino MacGregor and Wade Oakley

In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training. Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey quickly took him to India to study with Sharath Jois. He reflects on practicing in Mysore, balancing academic research with daily sadhana, and what it means to approach yoga with both a beginner’s heart and a scholar’s mind. The conversation dives into Wade’s personal evolution, from golf and weightlifting to yoga, from serious injury and reconstructive surgery to rehabilitation and “prehab” strategies that sustain long term practice. Together, Kino and Wade discuss the sometimes controversial topic of cross training, highlighting how mobility, strength, and yoga can complement each other for healthier movement and more sustainable teaching. Listeners will gain practical insights on the difference between flexibility and mobility, the physical demands of assisting in Mysore style classes, and how weight training can protect hypermobile bodies while deepening the yoga journey. Whether you are an Ashtanga student, a yoga teacher navigating injuries, or a practitioner curious about integrating gym training with yoga, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for building a supported practice. Highlights from the episode Wade’s first encounter with Ashtanga Yoga and his early teachers Stories from his first trips to Mysore and practicing with Sharath Jois Recovering from major knee surgery through physical therapy and yoga The difference between flexibility and mobility How gym training can support safe assists and prevent injury Strategies for bridging yoga, strength training, and long term practice Practice with Kino and Wade on Omstars.com Practice LIVE with me on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7 day trial at omstars.com September special - sign up for my upcoming October live series Embodied Strength, and get one year free of Omstars+! Stay connected with us on social: @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga @wadeoakley Join Wade on Omstars for his upcoming Ashtanga Prehab Masterclass October 24th. Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings, and Mysore seasons. Learn more at kinoyoga.com

#210 Living Legacy: Sri Shubha on Krishnamacharya, Yoga, and Teaching from the Heart

In this rare and heartfelt conversation, Kino MacGregor sits down with Sri Shubha, daughter of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya, to share stories and insights from the man often called the father of modern yoga. Sri Shubha offers a deeply personal glimpse into her upbringing in a household where yoga was not just a practice, but a way of life. She reflects on her father’s presence, rituals, and teaching style, along with the subtle ways his guidance shifted between students. She also honors her mother’s quiet but profound contributions to yoga, revealing how both parents shaped her own path as a teacher. Together, they explore how yoga was introduced to her, why it remains an essential part of her life, and how she prepares for each class she teaches. Sri Shubha shares what she hopes students carry beyond the mat, what matters most when guiding a practitioner, and the balance between breath, alignment, and presence. Listeners will also get a preview of her upcoming live sessions on Omstars, including the sacred text she will be covering and the wisdom students can expect to gain. Whether you are a dedicated practitioner, a yoga teacher, or simply curious about Krishnamacharya’s enduring influence, this episode offers an intimate and inspiring portrait of a living lineage. Highlights from the Episode Early memories of Krishnamacharya at home and in practice The rituals and rhythms of the Krishnamacharya household How his teaching adapted to the needs of different students The influence of her mother’s yoga practice and teachings What Sri Shubha considers before stepping into a classroom The qualities she values most in guiding students Insights into the sacred text she will teach in her Omstars live series Links & Resources Learn more about Sri Shubha’s upcoming Omstars live sessions at: www.omstars.com

Bonus Episode: The Spiritual Hustle: Build Your Authentic Yoga Business Without Losing Your Soul

This bonus episode is a gateway into The Spiritual Hustle, an honest, practical, and soul-centered approach to building a yoga or wellness business. The conversation traces the roots of practice, the call to teach, and the leap of faith it takes to create an online presence that stays true to authentic voice. You’ll hear about: • The real challenges (and gifts) of shifting from student to teacher • How to overcome fear and show up authentically online • The power of collaboration and how The Spiritual Hustle was born • What makes this program different from other yoga biz trainings, blending real-world tools with ethical, heart-led guidance For yoga teachers, practitioners, and soul-led entrepreneurs ready to grow with heart and purpose, this conversation offers inspiration and guidance. Because you don’t have to hustle alone, we’re in this together. Join Kino MacGregor and Bruce Barkus this September for The Spiritual Hustle, a 3-week live course designed to help yoga teachers, practitioners, and wellness entrepreneurs grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity. Enrollment is open now, secure your spot for September 3–24, only on Omstars.

#209 Roots & Branches: Writing, Teaching, and Living Yoga with David Swenson

In this warm and inspiring episode, Kino MacGregor welcomes her dear friend and legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher David Swenson for a conversation about his new book, Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow. David shares what sparked the idea for the book — a collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom from decades of living yoga on and off the mat. He offers an inside look at the writing journey: the surprises, the challenges of editing, and why he chose the self-publishing route to keep his voice true and unfiltered. David shares a few anecdotes straight out of the book! Kino and David also laugh and reflect on life’s simple pleasures — teaching students around the world, staying connected to loved ones, and tending to the fruit trees that thrive under David’s careful eye on his Hawaiian land. This episode is a reminder that yoga is more than poses — it’s a way of living with courage, humor, and a willingness to swim against the current when your heart says so. Tune in for: Why Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow is a book for every yogi and seeker Practical tips on writing and self-publishing Teaching stories and life lessons from decades of practice Honest reflections on staying rooted in what matters A glimpse into David’s island life, fruit trees included! Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.