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Jan. 9, 2024

Unlocking the Mental Benefits of Yoga: A Scientific Perspective

Unlocking the Mental Benefits of Yoga: A Scientific Perspective
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Finding Harmony Podcast
Unlocking the Mental Benefits of Yoga: A Scientific Perspective
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Join Harmony Slater & Russell Case as they discuss the depths of yoga's impact on mental health with distinguished guest, Jean Byrne. With her extensive background in both traditional yoga practices and modern scientific research, Jean offers a rare and insightful perspective on the mental benefits of yoga, explored through a scientific lens.

Key Topics:

  • Journey from Ashtanga to Mind-Body Wellness: Jean shares her journey from practicing Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore, India, to her current focus on mind-body interventions for mental health.

  • Impact of the #MeToo Movement in Yoga: How the #MeToo movement affected the yoga community and personal practices.

  • Blending Yoga, Science, and Philosophy: Insights into Jean's work in merging Eastern philosophy with scientific methodologies.

  • Innovative Yoga Research and Clinical Trials: Jean talks about her role in pioneering clinical trials using yoga for various mental health and physical conditions.

  • Yoga as a Tool for Personal and Global Health: Exploring the broader implications of yoga in contemporary healthcare.

  • Personal Transformation through Yoga: The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of consistent yoga practice for mental, physical, and spiritual growth.

Chapters:

00:47 Introducing the Guest: Dr. Jean Brine

03:55 Personal Experiences and Yoga Journey

06:44 Balancing Yoga Practice with Life

07:37 The Impact of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health

10:57 The Role of Yoga in Language Acquisition

14:06 The Transition from Psychedelics to Yoga

24:03 The Challenges of Perimenopause and Yoga

26:57 The Influence of Ashtanga Yoga

33:59 Designing Yoga Sequences for Mental Health

41:13 The Role of Spiritual Traditions and Teachers

41:54 The Power Dynamics in Teaching

44:57 The Importance of Student Autonomy

46:50 The Importance of Agreements in Yoga

47:09 Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships in Yoga

50:56 The Importance of Yoga in Mental Health

01:05:48 The Role of Yoga in Stress Management

01:07:41 The Role of Yoga in Personal Growth

01:11:03 The Importance of Intention in Yoga Practice

Guest Bio: 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.

 

Key Quotes :

  • Harmony Slater: "Yoga is not just about asanas; it's a transformative journey for both mind and body.

  • Jean Byrne: "The more experience you get as a teacher, the easier it is for you to know what you're about and not need to rely on students for your self-esteem, for your professional identity."

Connect with Jean:

Work with Harmony:

Connect with Russell

Jean Byrne Profile Photo

Jean Byrne

PhD, Researcher, Yoga Teacher, Co-owner of The Yoga Space

Jean began practising yoga at the age of 19 while completing a Bachelor of Arts in World Religions and Philosophy. Her study of world religions led to an interest in yoga and meditation and she spent many years intensively studying yoga and meditation in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia. For many years she practiced Iyengar Yoga and was part of a dedicated Zen group. Her academic and personal journey into Eastern philosophy and practice led her to Mysore, India. Her teaching encompasses Restorative Yoga, Intuitive Flow and Vinyasa classes. Jean is dedicated to sharing the transformative power of Yoga and loves working with students and carefully and safely watching the way in which both mind, body and spirit open and unfold through practicing steadily.

Jean has lectured in Eastern philosophy at various Australian universities and has a PhD in Eastern Philosophy & Feminist Theory. She is a qualified primary school teacher, Childbirth Educator, a Yoga Alliance E-RYT500 and Registered Pre Natal Yoga Specialist Teacher, and a senior member of Yoga Australia (YA). Jean is also a certified Yoga Therapist. Jean co ordinates the YA Teacher Training course at the Yoga Space and works with trainees over the year both in class and workshops to facilitate their pathway into becoming a loving, competent and kind yoga teacher. For her this can only happen with time, and thus the Yoga Space Hatha Vinyasa Teacher Training is run over 12 months (minimum). Jean is co-editor of the book, Yoga in the Modern World: Contemporary Perspectives (Routledge 2008). She writes f… Read More