Prison Cells to Nordic Retreats: An Unconventional Path of Yoga
sWe associate aggression and harm with boxing. When we think of yoga we associate peace and harmony. So it might seem counterintuitive that boxing shares some profound similarities with the more popular practice of yoga asana.
Both disciplines demand an unwavering focus, a mastery of breath, and a deep connection to the present moment. This unexpected intersection provides a valuable lens through which we understand the transformative power of presence — something our guest today, knows a little something about!
Alex Medin, a remarkable yoga practitioner and Certified Ashtanga teacher, has dedicated his life to bringing the healing power of yoga to those who need it most!
Alex's extraordinary journey from boxer to Sanskrit scholar, ballet dancer to Certified Ashtanga yoga teacher, to becoming a lifeline for inmates and addicts, and founder of Nøsen Yoga Retreat in Norway, will leave you in awe of yoga's power to heal and transform.
The Art of Presence. What Boxing and Yoga have in common.
In the intensity of a boxing match, a single lapse in concentration can be costly. The best boxers train their minds as rigorously as their bodies. They learn to find a state of calm awareness amidst chaos. Distracted by a missed punch, fear, or a cheering crowd, a boxer becomes vulnerable. To be fully present is to see the opponent's moves clearly, to anticipate, and to respond with calculated strategy.
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, yoga is define yoga as "the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind (ch.1 vs.2). While yoga asanas (the physical postures) might seem like the primary focus, the true objective is to calm the mental chatter and cultivate an unwavering presence. Not so different than with boxing, the practitioner learns to anchor their attention through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, on the here and now.
3 benefits of cultivating more moments of Presence in your life:
Stress Reduction: When lost in worry about the past or anxiety about the future, our stress response kicks in. Presence brings us back to the only moment we can truly control – NOW.
Improved Decision-Making: Whether in the boxing ring or on the yoga mat, rash decisions made in a reactive state can have consequences. Training presence helps develop clarity and discernment.
Emotional Regulation: Presence allows us to witness our emotions without being hijacked by them. We develop the space to respond rather than react.
3 ways to bring more Presence into your life:
Mindful Movement: Boxing, yoga, tai-chi, swimming, or any sport that demands focus can build this skill. Notice your body and focus on your breath fully as you move.
Breathwork: Techniques like alternate nostril breathing, lengthening your exhale to be twice the length of your inhale, or box breathing can calm the nervous system and bring your attention back into embodied awareness.
Short Meditations: Even 5 minutes of sitting quietly, focusing on your breath or chanting a mantra can train your mind to find stillness.
In this episode, you'll gain insights into:
Using yoga to heal trauma and find inner peace
Alex's pioneering work teaching yoga in prisons
The remarkable story behind building the Nøsen Yoga Retreat Center in Norway
What exactly does boxing, ballet, and yoga have in common?
How the Bhagavad Gita shaped Alex's life mission
Opportunity Awaits…
Whether you're seeking relief from stress, a deeper connection to yourself, or simply a chance to reset and recharge, the retreat I'm offering in Norway, at Alex's Nøsen Yoga Mountain Lodge is an invitation to step into a whole new chapter.
Spaces are limited.
So, if you're feeling a call to take this transformative journey with me, don't hesitate!
Unlayering: Using Yoga as a tool for Spiritual Wellness to Increase Energy + Fulfilment
We'll be focused on tending to our 5 levels of being through:
🧘♀️ gentle openings of the body using yoga asana
🌀 mindfulness practices + meditation
💖 somatic work to heal the emotional body
🌅 nourishing energy through pranayama
🙏 letting go of old patterns to release + upgrade
Move your practice beyond your asana practice. Join us inside the Finding Harmony Community to deepen your understanding of yoga and continue these important conversations!
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Join a Workshop or Retreat
✨ May 24 - 28, 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal
✨ May 30 - June 3, 2024 - Nosen Retreat Center, Norway
✨ June 26-30, 2024 - Munich, Germany
✨ July 1 -10, 2024 - Alacati, Turkey
If you or someone you love needs support with addiction. Find helpful suggestions here.
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Learn more about Alex Medin + Visit Nosen Retreat Center: Learn more about Alex's work and the many different programs offered at Nosen Retreat Center, Norway
Discover the “Gangster Yoga” and "Back in the Ring" Projects 👉 Learn more about how you can support these missions.
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The Finding Harmony Podcast is hosted and produced by Harmony Slater and co-hosted by Russell Case.
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