Heart Space Podcast

Hi everyone, this is our final episode for the season, and a closing chapter for Heart Space. Thank you, for your support in making this a fruitful and nourishing journey.  We're thrilled to be sharing with you a conversation we had with Julia. Speaking about the topic of Art and how it heals and transforms an individual and the community.  The episode unfolds as follows: Julia's reflections on 'What is Art' Her growing interest in embodiment and the intersection with art Art from the heart vs. art from the mind How to invite a felt sense and embodiment into the way we receive & create art Julia's thoughts on creativity and what stops us from embracing a creative life Sharing about a creativity recovery program based on the book "The Artist's Way" The role of art in our wellbeing Creativity as a journey back to aliveness Julia's favorite natural sanctuaries in Singapore Reflections on the suppression of creative potential What does it mean for Julia to live a heart-centered life [ About Julia ] Julia Vasko is an Art Curator, Embodiment Facilitator, and Somatic Therapist. Her work intersects in the creation of safe spaces for expression and connection: where stories are told, where emotions are felt, and where transformation and healing happen.  She believes that Art has an important role in our healing as individuals and as a collective. It is through Art that we can experience repair and cultivate connection, and it is in creativity that we can access our inherent life force and imagine new ways forward. As such, she curates and advocates for programmes with Art that heal, inspire, and transform. [ Connect with Julia] Follow her on Instagram @jvasko25 - Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Trigger warning: This episode contains potentially triggering material regarding personal accounts of alcohol misuse and suicide.  Today we are welcoming our next guest, Laura Yates.   Enjoy this enriching, profound, and emotional episode as we chat with Laura about her mental health journey and the path toward joy. We were deeply moved by her openness, vulnerability, and honesty. Laura shares insights into her role as a mental health activist and an ambassador of joy, explaining how these roles interweave seamlessly into all of her offerings, creating a unique form of soul medicine. A day following this episode, Laura conducted her final Secret Sunrise session as an owner, stepping back from a project she has passionately nurtured for the past three years. The episode unfolds as follows: Laura reflects on her decision to step back from ownership of Secret Sunrise Singapore The profound significance of a hummingbird in Laura's life Laura's personal mental health journey Spirituality as a constant thread weaving through Laura’s life Understanding the essence of being a mental health activist What is the essence of joy How to infuse joy into our daily lives Exploring the therapeutic properties of Cacao Laura’s insights on leading a business from the heart Laura’s favorite natural sanctuaries in Singapore What does it mean to live a heart-centered life A glimpse into Laura’s current offerings [ About Laura ] Laura Yates is the founder of The Hummingbird Life, serving as a Cacao Ceremonialist and organising women’s gatherings in Singapore. With two decades of expertise as a somatic dance facilitator, Sacred Space holder, yoga teacher, and meditation practitioner, she describes herself as an Ambassador of Joy and Mental Health Activist.  She is also the founder of Secret Sunrise Singapore, holding events of music, movement, and connection across the island. Her diverse array of skills, knowledge, and gifts cross-pollinate the world to help others bloom and grow - just like a hummingbird, her spirit animal.  In her work with clients, Laura aids individuals in gaining perspective, feeling supported, empowered, connected, and finding the courage to overcome obstacles. [ Connect with Laura ] Website: www.the-hummingbird-life.com Instagram: @thehummingbirdlife From our hearts to yours, Anna and Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

This episode is a special one ❤️ It is our honour to have our teacher, Prasad Rangnekar, on the podcast. Today, Prasad helps us to understand the role of householders, how to develop sincere studentship in Yoga, and the importance of a spiritual practice. This conversation is packed with so much wisdom and ah-ha moments, that we highly recommend you take ample time to marinate and contemplate his words. In sequence and time stamp: 04:05 Role of householders 09:33 The goal of Yoga & the four aims of human life (Purusharthas) 14:11 Path of a seeker 22:50 From Yogic FOMO to finding clarity 29:57 How to generate integrity in our path of seeking 36:05 How to develop studentship in Yoga 41:55 What is Sadhana? 48:50 How to approach Sadhana 57:26 Will Sadhana ever be refined or changed? 01:00:01 Simplifying life with Sadhana 01:02:08 How Sadhana stabilises our minds 01:08:22 Prasad’s perspective of Heart-Centered Living 01:11:30 Prasad’s 2024 teaching plans and how to connect with him About Prasad Rangnekar Prasad Rangnekar, E-RYT500, is a Yoga Educator based in India who teaches in over 15 countries for the past 28 years. He has been a student practitioner of Yoga for the last 38 years, studying both, in traditional lineages, as well as academically, with a Master’s degree in Philosophy.  He is the Founder-Director of Yogaprasad Institute and conducts Yoga and Meditation Teacher Trainings, mentorship sessions, retreats, and workshops to spread the wisdom of traditional Yoga in its traditional form. Being a transformation guide using Yogic methods he is regularly invited to speak at Indian Embassies, The European Commission, Yoga conventions, Schools, Corporate bodies, and Charity organizations. He has established multiple close-knit student communities and self-help groups globally and is engaged in various social initiatives, primarily through his ‘Women Yogis of India’ seminars that raise funds for women-focused charities. He also runs a free student resource YouTube channel that has over 350 videos with hundreds of hours of content. Connect with Prasad Website: www.prasadrangnekar.com Youtube: Yogaprasad Institute Instagram: yogaprasad_institute Podcast: Yogaprasad Podcast Thank you for listening! If you resonate with our heart-centered vision, here's how you can connect with us. Upcoming Event: Join us for a 2-day Yogic Meditation Immersion on 24th Feb and 2nd Mar, click through to learn more. Free Meditation Guide: Join our newsletter for a free meditation guide on reclaiming rest. Connect With Us: Write to us on social media and tell us your favourite part of the show. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or share it with a friend. From our hearts to yours, Anna & Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In her book, Tapestry: A collection of stories that shaped me, Leigh recounts her second trip to Mumbai, sharing her love affair with this city that stole her heart on her second visit, and still is one of her favourite places to date. The novel Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts was a huge inspiration for this writing. Enjoy. Connect with Leigh @sarongskirts @meghalaya.shala @livingyogawithleigh Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Leigh's love for Hindi sparked this short poem. One day, on her way to her Bollywood dance class, she passed a group of young Indian girls speaking in Hindi which made her feel an inexplicable sense of longing and envy. There is something so beautiful about this language that she wanted to be a part of, yet she couldn't understand it at that time. This poem is from her book, Tapestry: A collection of stories that shaped me. Enjoy. Connect with Leigh @sarongskirts @meghalaya.shala @livingyogawithleigh Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

ONLINE GATHERING We warmly invite you to join us for our first online gathering of the year— Radical Pause: A Winter's Journey To Reconnect With Self. 27 Jan, Saturday 4PM - 5:30PM SGT Zoom Radical Pause is an invitation to synchronise with the cyclical rhythms of nature, enabling you to embody the essence and profound teachings of Winter. Throughout this online gathering, we'll carve out space for mindful movements, meditation, letting-go ritual, winter journaling, and sharing circle. Get Tickets -------- In this episode, we welcome our second guest, Leigh Khoo. [ About Leigh ] Leigh found yoga 16 years ago in a tiny studio in Chinatown. As much as she enjoyed the dance-like flow of postures, it was the meditation practice after the asana sessions that really drew her in. Leigh has been teaching since 2013, and over the years, learned to understand and, more importantly, respect anatomical differences. Because of that, she believes in creating safe spaces that empower practitioners to step into their intuitive wisdom and practise according to their inner alignment. Leigh's classes are embodied, intuitive and poetic, and a reflection of her life on and off the mat. She sees life to be the greatest teacher, with every moment serving as an opportunity to connect to our highest self and to live with intention, compassion and integrity. Leigh now spends her days teaching Yoga, running retreats, and managing her latest venture, Meghalaya Shala. A cosy shala in Singapore, that brings light to the teachings of Yoga in ways that are accessible, holistic and empowering. -- Enjoy this divine episode where we chat about what it means to be living yoga, the deeper questions asked to find inner alignment, the feeling of being divinely guided, and a very special recitation from Leigh's book, 'Tapestry'. In sequence: Leigh's journey into yoga Leigh's mentors and teachers When did she receive Ayurveda in her life The relationship between Yoga and Ayurveda Her role as a yoga teacher akin to motherhood Curating 'Living Yoga with Leigh' retreats Surrendering to the Divine The birth of Meghalaya Shala Leigh recites excerpts from her book, ‘Tapestry’ What does it mean to live a heart-centered life Connect with Leigh @sarongskirts @meghalaya.shala @livingyogawithleigh Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

A WINTER GIFT: Meditation Guide  for Reclaiming Rest Dear friends, thank you for being an integral part of the Heart Space journey! To express our appreciation, we are delighted to present you with a special gift—a Meditation Guide for Reclaiming Rest. This free resource is our way of offering tranquility and connection as we wrap up the year. Get your gift by signing up for our newsletter 🌿 -------- As we reflect on the past months, 2023 has been a transformative year for Heart Space. It has brought us clarity and insight, shaping our direction for the upcoming year. In this episode, we invite you to join us in a conversation about Heart Space and the exciting developments we have in store for 2024. Meditation and cultivating a personal practice will take center stage in our offerings for the coming year. In this episode, we lay the groundwork for understanding meditation and delve into essential concepts that can guide you on this enriching journey. Drawing from our recent "Meditation for Beginners: Observing Peace from Within" workshop, we briefly share the principles of Prathyahara, Abhyasa, and Vairagya, in this short episode. In this episode, we cover: The word that encapsulates the essence of this year for us. Memorable moments from 2023 at Heart Space. Our exciting plans and offerings for the upcoming year. The significance of meditation and its transformative impact on daily life. Three crucial concepts to contemplate as you embark on your meditation journey. A special gift from us:  Guided Meditation for Reclaiming Rest. We encourage you to share this podcast with those who resonate with our mission and message.  Stay tuned for our next episode, featuring our second guest! Signing out for the year, Anna and Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

IN-PERSON EVENT For Beginners: Observing Peace From Within 🫧 November 18 Abhyasa (Practice as a path) Get tickets 🫧 December 2 Vairagya (Detachment of result) Get tickets 10:30AM - 11:30AM At Meghalaya Shala This is a meditation group practice to understand the purpose and technique of meditation (or seated contemplation practice) as a path of Yoga (self-realisation). The one-hour session includes sharing of yogic philosophy, pranayama (breath regulation practices), and a sit-down contemplation practice of So Hum Meditation. With gentle guidance from your facilitators (Anna and Candice), a group practice can provide a safe space for exploration, support, and accountability. If you’re new to meditation or have been trying to keep up with your practice but lack consistency, this group practice is dedicated to creating a strong foundation for your growth. -------- In this episode, we have our first guest, Parnella Rayappan. [ About Parnella ] Parnella fell into Mother Ayurveda's lap in 2018 when she randomly decided to sign up for an Ayurveda foundations course to celebrate getting her first corporate bonus. That first class was the beginning of her unwavering studentship and exploration of Ayurveda and Yoga as sciences of life, beauty, love and nature.  Studying these sister sciences have revealed the immense interconnectedness that keeps inspiring her. She feels like an estatic child running through a vast open field of knowledge and timeless beauty. Each realization and lesson feels like a golden key unlocking and simplifying the complexities of life and the universe.  As an Ayurveda Practitioner, she provides therapeutic services to patients from all walks of life and facilitates Ayurveda & Yoga Therapy foundation classes at Union Yoga Ayurveda to curious students.  At home, she's the proud dog mother of Faye, a 14 year old vivacious and sassy Singapore Special whom she claims to be more into Ayurveda than her 😂 Parnella truly believes that Ayurveda and Yoga are for everyone. Whatever your species, race, occupation, age - there is something for everyone because Ayurveda and Yoga are really gifts to the World from the Universe. -- Enjoy this rich episode where we chat about Ayurveda, Yoga, burnout, rest and Parnella's favourite Ayurvedic treatment ;) From our hearts to yours, Anna and Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

UPCOMING EVENT! For Beginners: Observing Peace From Within 🫧 Series 1 | November 4 Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses) 🫧 Series 2 | November 18 Abhyasa (Practice as a path) 🫧 Series 3 | December 2 Vairagya (Detachment of result) 10:30AM - 11:30AM At Meghalaya Shala This is a three-part group practice to understand the purpose and technique of meditation (or seated contemplation practice) as a path of Yoga (self-realisation). The one-hour session includes sharing of yogic philosophy, pranayama (breath regulation practices), and a sit-down contemplation practice of So Hum Meditation. With gentle guidance from your facilitators (Anna and Candice), a group practice can provide a safe space for exploration, support, and accountability. If you’re new to meditation or have been trying to keep up with your practice but lack consistency, this group practice is dedicated to creating a strong foundation for your growth. Participants are encouraged to sign up for the full series to allow ample time for the practice to develop and mature. No prior experience is required. Simply arrive with an open mind to receive the practice, and be mindful that the practice requires continual effort to observe results. It is recommended that participants carve out 10 to 20 minutes daily to continue the practice of So Hum Meditation after attending a group class. 🫧 Option to join a single class or full series. Get tickets -------- Welcome back to Heart Space Podcast! In this episode, we share about the upcoming podcast season, new offerings and how are we feeling navigating through it all. If you’re new here, welcome! If you’re a regular listener, we missed you and we’re happy you’re here with us today.  Don't forget to share this podcast with someone who might resonate with our mission and message. See you next episode for our first guest feature! From our hearts to yours, Anna and Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' & 'Castles in the Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In the final episode of the season, join us as we delve into the profound topic of self-love, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. In today's modern world, the true meaning of love is often misunderstood, leading many to believe that caring for oneself is a selfish act. Our conversation aims to demystify the concept of self-love and offers a heart-led approach to building a stronger relationship with ourselves while also caring for the world around us. In this episode, we share: How self-compassion and self-acceptance serve as the foundational blocks of self-love. How self-love expands our ability to love others and hold more emotions. How we can nourish and care for ourselves effectively. Ayurvedic approach to self-care. Benefits of daily Abhyanga, as explained in the ancient text Ashtanga Hrdayam. How self-love manifests in our behavior. Common self-sabotaging patterns that can hinder our journey toward self-love. Our personal experiences and lessons in developing a greater sense of love for oneself. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this episode. And if you wish, share this podcast with someone who might be interested. Chat again soon! Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode, we're inviting some playfulness and spontaneity into our conversation. The element of play offers room for creativity to flow, to make mistakes, to bring joy and humour into the mix. Evidently, we had so much fun delving into this episode that the conversation lasts for an hour! We hope you will enjoy this fun episode where we kept the momentum light, casual and with a little more pauses and giggles in between.  In this episode, we will share: The nature of creation is play. As told by Quantum physics and the Hindu Philosophy of Lila (Divine Play) How to invite play/playfulness into our lives? What is holding us back from being playful? Healing the inner child with play How and why the need to ingest playfulness while we live Ayurvedically Anna and Candice's approach to play Tips to cultivate playfulness As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this episode. And if you wish, share this podcast with someone who might be interested. Chat again soon! Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

UPCOMING EVENT! We warmly invite you to join our next full moon virtual gathering, happening in June. EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN 4 JUNE, SUNDAY | 8PM - 9:30 PM SGT | ONLINE Full moons are symbolic of unity, manifestation, and completion. Each Full Moon Gathering will be centered on a theme inspired by the Vedic lunar constellations. Expect sharings of Ayurveda & Yoga Philosophy, moon-bathing guided meditation, and tools for self-inquiry. Get tickets -------- In this episode, we're inviting you to discuss the power of our minds. We will share: What is the mind and how did it form the ego? Identifying the physical body, the subtle mind, and Pure Consciousness What is the Ego?  What is the False Ego? Why do we want to release the False Ego? Our 3 tips on how to release the False Ego As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this episode. And if you wish, share this podcast with someone who might be interested. Chat again soon! From our hearts to yours, Anna & Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

UPCOMING EVENT! Friends in Singapore, we warmly invite you to join our gathering happening on April 29th, 4 - 7 PM. Details below. OCEAN OF THE HEART 29 APRIL, SATURDAY | 4 - 7 PM | ALTERED STATES This is an invitation to journey with us through the Ocean of the Heart. We will travel in waves to explore the vastness and depth of our hearts. Voyaging through body-led movement, dynamic stillness, and deep connection with the Self. And of course, we will celebrate life as a community with the indulgence of delicious treats and soulful conversations. Get tickets -------- In this episode, we're inviting you for a conversation about creating heart-centered intentions. We will share: The definition of Heart-centered Intentions The difference between intention and resolution When is the best time to set an intention A Yogic way of setting intention - Sankalpa The process of setting your heart-centered intention Our 3 tips on how you can approach intention setting We also mentioned this video in the podcast. Check it out :) As always, we'd love to know your thoughts and feedback on this episode. And if you wish, share this podcast with someone who might be interested. Chat again soon! From our hearts to yours, Anna & Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music: 'Solstice' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

So you've checked us out. Now it is time for our first date ;)  We don't aim to impress. We hope to simply connect with you, be our true selves, and chat about the motivation and intent of this podcast show. In this episode, we will share A short introduction about ourselves How did we meet and get here First impressions How did we decide on the name "Heart Space" The intention for this season's podcast And a round of light-hearted questions to wrap up Enjoy this casual episode! From our hearts to yours, Anna & Candice Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music by Scott Buckley - Solstice www.scottbuckley.com.au

Welcome to Heart Space Podcast! We're your hosts, Anna and Candice. This is a podcast dedicated to all things heart-centered. In each episode, we will open our Heart Space to share embodied experiences, simple tips, and thoughtful prompts, for you to live a heart-centered life.  If you’re curious about the wisdom of our hearts, if you’re ready to embrace deep transformation, this podcast is for you.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast, so you don’t miss any episodes. From our hearts to yours, Anna and Candice. Website: ourheart.space Instagram: @ourheart.space Facebook: @heartspacesocial Music by Scott Buckley - Solstice www.scottbuckley.com.au