Fascia: The Hidden Web of Connection in Our Bodies
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Fascia: The Hidden Web of Connection in Our Bodies

Fascia is one of the most fascinating and often overlooked aspects of the human body. This connective tissue acts like a web, surrounding and integrating our muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. Its presence is everywhere, forming an interconnected system that supports, protects, and allows smooth movement.

In many ways, fascia embodies the yogic principle of union—bringing everything in the body into a cohesive whole.

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Ustrasana: Camel Pose for Gratitude and Contentment
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Ustrasana: Camel Pose for Gratitude and Contentment

This Thanksgiving week, let’s take a moment to reflect on gratitude—both on and off the mat. One of my favorite heart-opening poses, Ustrasana (Camel Pose), can help us embody this energy of gratitude and contentment in a beautiful and vulnerable way. By opening the heart, we are not only inviting ourselves to give, but also to receive the gifts around us.

In this post, we’ll explore the physical and emotional aspects of Ustrasana, as well as the yogic concept of Santosha—a practice of contentment and acceptance. Santosha reminds us to appreciate all that we have and to embrace the present moment. By practicing both Ustrasana and Santosha together, we can cultivate a deep sense of gratitude in our lives.

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Unlocking Authenticity in Yoga Marketing
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Unlocking Authenticity in Yoga Marketing

Yoga and marketing can often feel like uneasy partners. For many yoga teachers, the idea of promoting themselves or their services can feel awkward or even “yucky.” But in our modern world, yoga isn’t just a spiritual practice—it’s also a business. Most of us are householders, balancing the practice of yoga with the practical need to earn a living. We’re not living in ashrams where food and shelter are provided; we need to navigate a capitalist system while staying true to our values.

Marketing as a yoga teacher can be tricky because it often feels like bragging. We live in a culture where promoting yourself, especially for those who identify as women, can be uncomfortable. Society has conditioned us to be humble, to not call attention to ourselves, and for many, this can manifest as fear of using our voices. Combine that with the deep-rooted yogic values that emphasize service over monetary gain, and it’s no wonder marketing feels at odds with the teachings of yoga.

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Exploring the History of Yoga: From Ancient Roots to Modern Practice
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Exploring the History of Yoga: From Ancient Roots to Modern Practice

Yoga, a practice that has evolved over thousands of years, offers so much more than the physical postures we often associate it with today. It began as a deeply spiritual and philosophical practice, grounded in rituals, meditation, and communion with the divine. To truly appreciate and honor this ancient discipline, it’s essential to explore its history and reflect on how we can carry these teachings into our modern yoga practices.

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The Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Holistic Path to Liberation
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

The Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Holistic Path to Liberation

Yoga is often seen as just a physical practice—asana (postures) and pranayama (breathwork). But in reality, yoga offers a profound path to mental, emotional, and spiritual liberation. In this post, I’ll provide an overview of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, one of the foundational texts of modern yoga. Understanding these limbs is essential to deepening your yoga practice, both on and off the mat.

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The Power and Complexity of Hands-On Assists in Yoga
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

The Power and Complexity of Hands-On Assists in Yoga

Hands-on assists have long been a common tool in yoga teaching, helping students refine their alignment, deepen their practice, and create greater body awareness. But like many teaching techniques, there’s more complexity than meets the eye. When used with care and consent, assists can enhance a student’s experience, but if done improperly or without clear communication, they can lead to discomfort, emotional triggers, or even harm. This post explores the power of hands-on assists, their potential drawbacks, and the importance of trauma-informed teaching.

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Ayurvedic Rituals for Autumn
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Ayurvedic Rituals for Autumn

As autumn settles in, there’s something undeniably special about this season—especially here in Kansas City, where it’s everyone’s favorite time of year. With cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and the smell of pumpkin spice in the air, it’s easy to get excited. But as the weather changes, it’s important to adjust our self-care routines too.

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Are You Ready to Become a Yoga Teacher?
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Are You Ready to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Deciding to become a yoga teacher is a transformative journey, filled with personal growth and reflection. It’s not just about learning how to guide others through poses, but about deepening your own practice and understanding of yoga’s true essence. Before taking the leap, it’s important to reflect on a few key factors that will help guide you along the way.

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Deepen Your Practice with Yoga and Travel
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Deepen Your Practice with Yoga and Travel

Hello, dear friend! In this post, I want to explore the magic that happens when we combine yoga and travel. While you can practice yoga anywhere—even in your own room—there’s something special about stepping out of your routine and embarking on a journey that deepens your connection to both your practice and the world around you.

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Deepen Your Practice Through Civic Engagement
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Deepen Your Practice Through Civic Engagement

As modern yogis, many of us don’t live in caves, devoting every waking moment to meditation or asana. We’re part of the larger society—balancing family, work, and our spiritual practice. This means that yoga isn’t just confined to the mat but extends into every facet of our lives, including civic duties like voting. Engaging in the world around us is a form of yoga, and today I’d like to explore how yoga and voting intersect.

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Five Tips to Elevate Your Downward Facing Dog
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

Five Tips to Elevate Your Downward Facing Dog

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) is a foundational pose in yoga, especially in vinyasa-style practices, but despite its frequent appearance, it’s often misunderstood. Some view it as a resting pose, but there’s more complexity to it than that. While it can become restful with time and practice, it’s an active posture requiring engagement, alignment, and intention. Below are five tips to help you elevate your downward-facing dog, creating a more supported, aligned, and easeful practice.

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5 Tips to Start (or Restart) Your Yoga Practice
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

5 Tips to Start (or Restart) Your Yoga Practice

Yoga can be a wonderful journey whether you’re just starting out, looking to restart your practice, or hoping to spice things up. No matter where you are on your yoga path, these five tips will help you create a spark in your practice and reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit.

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What is Yoga, Anyway? A Deep Dive into the True Meaning of Yoga
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

What is Yoga, Anyway? A Deep Dive into the True Meaning of Yoga

Yoga is a practice that nearly everyone has encountered in some way, from kids practicing along with YouTube videos to older adults stretching in retirement communities. But while many of us have experienced a form of yoga, how well do we truly understand what it is?

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My Yoga Journey: From Healing to Teaching
Lauren Leduc Lauren Leduc

My Yoga Journey: From Healing to Teaching

Yoga has been a cornerstone of my life for years, but I didn’t always know it would play such a big role in my journey. In fact, when I first encountered yoga, I had no idea it would become a lifelong passion and my career. I’d like to share a bit about how I went from casually practicing yoga to owning a yoga studio and teaching others to become instructors through my own Yoga Teacher Training program.

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