Yoga and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
It’s American Thanksgiving this Thursday and we have so much to be grateful for. This conversation with Samantha Lucas reminds us all just how much we tend to take for granted every day and how an entire life can be forever altered within mere seconds.
From polyglot to major (major league) baseball fan to motorcycle enthusiast, Samantha Lucas has a plethora of interests that have taken her on adventures across the globe. Her Ashtanga yoga practice though, never became more valuable than when she was laying in a hospital bed, face to face with a questionable future of whether she would ever be able to physically practice again.
In the summer of 2016 Samantha suffered a catastrophic accident, losing her right leg below the knee. Nonetheless, Samantha has continued to practice and teach Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, finding strength and balance throughout the trauma and recovery. Depression was something that she had always struggled with; and yet, we heard the voice of someone who was completely focused on the process of recovery. A process that informs how she continues to seek improvement in her practice to this day.
Her philosophy is that this practice is for everyone and through daily, consistent practice, everyone can grow and find strength no matter what challenges one might face. She believes that yoga is experiential and one can only grow through taking action.
Truly focusing on the process of 'work without attachment to success or failure' is what Krishna advises Arjuna to attune his mind to when he becomes paralyzed with despair seeing the battle before him. Samantha’s personal approach to Ashtanga yoga as a vital practice with this same vision is an inspiration for all of us to keep facing our own struggles, no matter what obstacles we face. Something Samantha refers to as “inspiration porn.” We think you will be delighted listening to this incredibly upbeat Lady, who has a world of experience and hard-earned wisdom to share.
Samantha Lucas has been practicing yoga for 20 years and Mysore style Ashtanga for over 10. She considers herself so blessed to have stumbled upon such amazing teachers. Learning the initial half primary from Paul Dallaghan on Koh Samui, Thailand. Then soon following those months with her first trip to Mysore, India to study with the late Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, his daughter Saraswati Jois and grandson now Paramaguru Sharath Jois. Since her first trip in 2008 Samantha has returned yearly to continue her studies at KPJAYI. At home in the US, Samantha has also studied with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and has had regular weekly practice with Eddie Stern. After 5 years of daily practice and repeated trips to Mysore Samantha was given the distinction of Authorization to teach from KPJAYI.
The Finding Harmony Podcast is hosted, edited and produced by Harmony Slater and co-hosted by Russell Case.
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Opening and closing music compliments of my dear friend teaching Ashtanga yoga in Eindhoven, Nick Evans, with his band “dawnSong” from the album “for Morgan.” Listen to the entire album on Spotify - Simply Click Here.
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