In this conversation, Paula Wild, the development director at Balanced Rock, shares insights about the organization's mission to inspire health and wellbeing through deep connections to nature and spirit. Paula discusses her journey in yoga, the importance of the five elements in yoga practice, and how they can be integrated into teaching. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of nature and the significance of community in healing and self-discovery. In this conversation, Paula and Heidi explore the five elements in yoga, discussing how each element influences practice and teaching. They delve into the significance of breath, fire, air, space, and their transformative powers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding personal connections to these elements and how they can enhance the teaching experience. The conversation also highlights the challenges of navigating space and silence in yoga practice, and the need for self-awareness and empowerment among yoga instructors.

Takeaways:

• Balanced Rock is dedicated to health and wellbeing through nature.

• Paula's journey in yoga began after a personal loss.

• The Work That Reconnects emphasizes honoring our pain.

• The five elements are accessible themes for yoga practice.

• Earth represents grounding and stability in yoga.

• Water embodies fluidity and emotional connection.

• Fire symbolizes transformation and change.

• Teaching the elements can enhance the yoga experience.

• Nature serves as a powerful teacher for self-discovery.

• Community plays a vital role in healing and growth. Breathing techniques like pranayama are connected to core strength.

• The fire element is essential for transformation and letting go.

• Air represents joyfulness and creativity in practice.

• Space is about emptiness and simply being.

• Practicing outdoors can enhance the yoga experience.

• Self-awareness is crucial for managing feelings in yoga.

• The five elements can guide personal and teaching choices.

• Teaching should align with personal energy and preferences.

• Empowering instructors to theme classes enhances the experience.

• Connection to nature enriches the practice. 

Follow Theme Weavers Yoga on Instagram at instagram.com/theme_weavers 

Check out our course, Theme Weavers Academy at https://www.heidikassneryoga.com/theme-weavers-academy 

Check out Heidi’s new book, Energize Your Life: a chakra workbook for personal transformation at https://www.heidikassneryoga.com/chakrabook 

If you’re new to the podcast, check out Season 1 Episode 2 for details and background on the structure of how and why to weave themes through your yoga classes. https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ri5Ypq8kERb 

As heard in this episode:

To contact Paula and Balanced Rock:

paula@balancedrock.org

Balanced Rock Website: https://www.balancedrock.org/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/balancedrockorg/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedRock

WildYoga Teacher Training: https://www.balancedrock.org/300hr-wytt

Keywords: Balanced Rock, Paula Wild, yoga, nature, wellness, five elements, yoga philosophy, healing, community, transformation, yoga, five elements, breath, fire, air, space, transformation, teaching, yoga philosophy, self-discovery