Anecdotal Anatomy

Once upon a time, in bucolic Bucks County, PA, two yoga educators put their hearts and minds together to tell the epic tales our bodies tell. Their mission was simple, to reveal the stories our bodies hold and tell in service of linking the individual to the collective. It began with the idea of teaching anatomy by attributing character traits and storylines to our systems, bones, muscles, tendons...

You know you’ve changed when what once made you mad now makes you laugh. ( Tony Gaskins) That sounds like wisdom. Perspective often yields to wisdom which is why we assume it comes with age. In this, our penultimate episode, we revisit Vijnanamayakosha - the wisdom sheath, which includes intellect and intuition. While this is not a new topic for discussion, but it is spoken about and explored in a...

This episode looks at play through the lens of Manomayakosha, the mental/emotional sheath (see Koshas, Season 1). Slipping into a playful mindset is beneficial in many ways. Enhances creativity Reduces stress Improves problem-solving skills Increases resilience Strengthens social bonds Boosts self-confidence Elevates mood Enhances cognitive function Helps with emotional regulation Increases optimi...

Here we are at episode 85, only three more to follow before we wrap up these conversations. We are sad to announce that the CAMP experience we lovingly curated was ultimately canceled (so please do not see this as an invitation to come to CAMP this summer, rather an invitation to see the magic in your life and add a dash of play to your daily doings). These final show notes will reflect the casual...

On today's episode, we announced that our final podcast will be E88. We still have a few more things to discuss in our weekly casual conversation, but we also feel it coming to its natural conclusion. Anecdotal Anatomy (the podcast) will be now be Anecdotal Anatomy in Action (seasonal signature programs - mostly live, some virtual). Our next program is CAMP (8/4 &5), a place for women to gathe...

This week, Theresa & Sherry explore the transformational journey that happens when we connect through creativity, community and communication. This journey is different for each traveler. Focusing on their on live programs and events, this episode is the first in the acronym breakdown of CAMP, an immersive adult camp coming up in August. The C in CAMP is for Creativity, Community, Communicatio...

This episode on acknowledging and honoring our teachers was poetically recorded on Guru Purinima (a Hindu, Buddhist celebration of teachers - it honors the day the first guru was born - click link for more information). This personal episode has the hosts reaching back for memories of primary and secondary teachers, as well as their own identification as teachers. Both agree that their students of...

Aging is a gift, unique to each person's unfolding. This week, we talk about aging in an empowering way and without judgement. We talk about cultivating vitality rather than chasing youth. Vitality feels like youth in the body's ability to be agile and strong, while operating from the aggregated wisdom of each era. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Feeling the Shift at 25 00:03:18 -...

Join Anecdotal Anatomy for an episode that explores the art of magic and play. Discover the power of imagination, the benefits of a playful mindset, and the secrets of real magic, while ditching any notion of “magical thinking,” in service of something deeper. The Importance of Play  Play doesn't just signify frolicking about without any tasks at hand, but it's a gateway that unlocks the shee...

This episode is the second in our two-part series on slowing down. Last week we talked about the ART of slowing down, today is more about the ANATOMY of slowing down (parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve). We have dedicated this month to slowing down, including these two episodes, a free 90-minute DYE (Discover Your Excellence: The Art of Slowing Down) and a two-day retreat designed arou...

This is a conversations we should revisit periodically, especially since we can get caught up the "race" before noticing we are rushing. This episode is all about the importance, benefit, and practice of slowing down. The hosts are so passionate about this topic, they are offering two events that are all about finding that sweet spot between doing and being. Discover Your Excellence - The Art of S...

This episode was inspired by the language of Yoga in the West. Words matter! We hoped it would bring up the humor we share on the mat. Since spontaneity is the cornerstone of casual conversations, we often find ourselves traveling in unexpected directions. FYI: We will be hosting a FREE 90-minute DYE - Discover Your Excellence on the Art of Slowing Down on Saturday, 6/17/23 from 11am - 12:30pm via...

In this episode, Theresa & Sherry have a casual conversation that dives into the heart of their mission, which is to connect the individual to the collective through our shared stories . It's not so much "connecting" as it is "reminding" people of our natural state of interdependence. Following is the time-stamped synopsis of the show so you can refer back if you wish. 00:02:13 - Connective Ti...

Something new for the show notes. Here is a timecode breakdown of the discussion, so if you find a note of interest, you can return fairly easily: Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction The hosts introduce the podcast and its mission to explore the stories that the body holds and tells. They discuss the importance of connecting the individual to the collective through stories...

The Art of Plan B: Learning to Surrender and Go with the Flow In other words, The Rare Occurrence of the Expected! This episode unlocks the power of Plan B. When you look at it, Plan B is about creative solutions and problem solving, sometimes on the spot. It requires cultivation and willingness to surrender to things as they are. Globally, we all experienced the unexpected events of COVID, that f...

In this podcast, we've cycled through myriad models and maps in the spirit of self-inquiry, all in service of seeing the threads of connection.  In this episode, we explore the life that's lived between Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Sivasana (Corpse Pose), as a reflection of the work we do on the mat and the life we live off the mat.  We touch on the mythological symbolism behind Tadasana...

In this episode, we explore the concepts of Yin and Yang energies and practices. Essentially, they are complementary, opposing forces that exist in all aspects of life, including the human body, nature, and the universe.  Understanding these energies and practices can help us achieve balance and harmony in our lives. The conversation flows much like the energies being discussed. Yin represent...

This episode explores the Koshas through various practices and possible outcomes. Listeners journey into the layers of being, through the lens of practice, to better understand and connect more fully with self. Motivations for practice are different for each person. What called you to practice? What is your dominant layer (it will change regularly)?  Are you interested in deepening self-study...

This final kosha in our Kosha Countdown to Earth Day conversation is so subtle, experience rather than words bring most powerful for understanding. Included among the words that illuminate the concept of bliss are unity, cosmic consciousness, non-duality, santosha (contentment), joy, and acceptance of things as they are. Practices can lead us toward bliss, but bliss is not something to attain or t...

Kosha Countdown to Earth Day! (Vijnanamayakosha) The highest form of wisdom is kindness (Source: The Talmud) What is it about wisdom that can be so elusive? What is wisdom, where does come from, and do we all have access to this well? Perhaps wisdom lives in the changing seasons, hydrating rains and regenerating earth. Perhaps it lies dormant within us until awakened by an active volcano erupting....

In the five episode series,  Kosha Countdown to Earth Day , today is Manomayakosha, the thinking, feeling, sensing, earth body.  It’s poetic that both hosts arrived, ready to record, after not having enough sleep and feeling a bit off in the mind. Since these are casual conversations and perfection is not the aspiration, they showed up as they were, playing with language and memory as as...

Kosha Countdown to Earth Day continues with a look at our relationship to the Earth through the lens of Pranamayakosha (the vital energy body). This conversation invites the living soil of Annamayakosha (Earth Body) into the realm of its energetic neighbor. In Yoga, Prana (life-force or vitality) rides the breath and is strengthened, expressed, and examined through pranayama (directed breathing ex...

The next five episodes comprise the Anecdotal Anatomy 's Kosha Countdown to Earth Day ! Like the seasons in an eternal cycle of creation, preservation, destruction and pause, this is a returning to Anecdotal Anatomy ’s roots, just in time for Spring & Earth Day! These conversations contain the seed of Season One, when the Koshas (layers of our being) were the main topics. It felt poetic to lea...

Fresh from the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference in Las Vegas, Theresa & Sherry share a bit of what they gleaned and observed, during this episode.  The hosts agree that while it did not deliver in terms of expectations, it absolutely provided the necessary landscape for clarity.  Instead of panels of successful podcasters eager to share their industry wisdom, hacks, and lessons...

We’re in Las Vegas at a podcast convention and are dropping in to say hello in lieu of an episode. We appreciate you so much and are excited to continue this podcasting journey with new content and a fresh outlook, when we return. See you next time!