Unlocking the Mental Benefits of Yoga: A Scientific Perspective with Jean Bryne
We have a treat for you to start of this new year!
Join us as we sit down with our dear friend and distinguished guest, Jean Bryne, to discuss the depths of yoga's impact on mental health. With her extensive background in both traditional practice and modern scientific research, Jean offers a rare and insightful perspective on the mental benefits of yoga, explored through a scientific lens.
We’re diving into the intricate blend of examining yoga's traditional roots along with discovering it’s application within modern science. This conversation is not just for those interested in beginning a spiritual journey or enhancing their health and wellness, but maybe more importantly, it’s for the seasoned practitioners seeking deeper understanding about HOW and WHY yoga actually works!
The Evolving Journey of Yoga
We start by learning about Jean Byrne's personal experience and what took her from practicing Ashtanga in the heart of Mysore, India, to studying the relevance of yoga from a scientific perspective. When speaking about “traditional” practice, we question whether we can ever touch the roots of what it means to be traditional, as Jean remarked, “Yoga has been in a constant state of change.”
Yoga and the #MeToo Movement
Our conversation took a critical turn as we addressed the impact of the #MeToo movement within the global Ashtanga yoga community. Jean’s insights into this shift underscore the importance of evolving yoga practices to be more inclusive and sensitive to societal changes. As well as the importance of taking a horizontal approach to community verses a vertical or hierarchical one.
Scientific Intersection of Yoga
Jean’s work at the intersection of yoga and science offers a fresh perspective. She detailed her involvement in clinical trials and research, which expands yoga’s scope beyond individual practice and how these somatic interventions play an important role in addressing broader global health concerns. Jean’s insight, "Integrating science with traditional yoga practices opens new frontiers in understanding mental health," was one of the highlights of our conversation.
Beyond the Mat: Yoga in Modern Healthcare
Jean's pioneering role in integrating yoga into healthcare highlights its therapeutic potential. This is very exciting! As it’s a cutting edge area of study that’s opening up new possibilities for yoga’s application in various health settings.
Navigating Life’s Challenges through Yoga
A central theme of our discussion was adapting yoga practice to life’s changes. Jean’s statement, "As the body ages, it's a downward slide," speaks to the necessity of tailoring our personal practice to meet the changing needs of our body and in response to different seasons of life.
This episode is packed with such enlightening perspectives, making it a must-listen for those seeking new depths in their spiritual practice, along with some seriously motivating statistic and facts to keep you committed to your practice throughout the year!
What changes would you like to see in the yoga community to make it more inclusive and responsive to current societal needs?
Let us know in the comments below or on Spotify.
Jean Byrne holds a rich academic background with qualifications including B.A. Hons, Grad Dip Ed, Dip Childbirth Education, Grad Dip Psych, BSc Hons (Psych), and PhD. Her journey into yoga began at 19, deeply intertwined with her studies in world religions and philosophy. Jean's academic and personal endeavors led her to extensive study in India, including time with the Jois family in Mysore. Her teaching spans Ashtanga Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Intuitive Flow, and Vinyasa classes. As a Research Fellow at Curtin University and co-owner of The Yoga Space, Mindful Birth, and Wisdom Yoga Institute, Jean's work focuses on mind-body interventions, education, and program design. Her contributions include leading clinical trials on psychedelics for pain, yoga interventions for autistic children, and studies comparing yoga with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Jean's expertise is reflected in her co-editor role for the book "Yoga in the Modern World: Contemporary Perspectives" and her numerous publications in yoga magazines and peer-reviewed journals.
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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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