On the Mat

In this final episode of our 8 Limbs of Yoga series, we arrive at the eighth and final limb: Samadhi. Often translated as complete absorption, Samadhi represents the culmination of the yogic path: the moment when the meditator, the object of meditation, and the act of meditation itself merge into pure consciousness. In this episode, we explore what Samadhi means across yogic traditions, the deeper...

Today you’re getting a two-for-one as we unpack Dharana and Dhyana, the sixth and seventh limbs of yoga. These two branches are are deeply intertwined, with one leading directly into the other. And together they form the foundation of what we commonly call meditation . We’ll explore why attention is becoming such a rare resource in the modern age, different meditation techniques from the Yoga Sutr...

In this episode, we explore Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga—and the one most often overlooked. Sometimes called the “forgotten limb,” Pratyahara sits at the exact center of the 8 Limbed Path, acting as the essential bridge between yoga’s outer practices (ethical living, asana, breath) and the inner journey of concentration, meditation, and beyond. We’ll break down the Sanskrit roots of the word...

What happens to prana once it enters the body?  In this episode, we explore the five Vayus   - the directional movements of life force energy that influence everything from digestion to emotional release. From the grounding energy of Apana to the expansive radiance of Vyana , we’ll discover how awareness of these inner winds can support balance, vitality, and harmony in all areas of life. Tune in...

In this episode, we turn our attention to the fourth limb of yoga: Prānāyāma . Commonly translated as “breathwork,” Prānāyāma extends far beyond the physical act of breathing; rather it is the conscious regulation of prana , the life force energy that sustains us.  Together, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind this ancient practice, its roots in the Yoga Sutras, and the five categories of pran...

Not all yoga is the same…and that’s a good thing. Because WE are not all the same.  Whether you're new to the practice, returning after time away, or simply curious about exploring something new, this episode of On the Mat is your guide to understanding the many forms of āsana, the physical limb of yoga. Leah breaks down the major styles of yoga practiced today, from Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtan...

What if surrender isn’t weakness, but freedom? In this final installment of our Yamas and Niyamas series, we we turn to Īśvara Praṇidhāna - devotion and surrender to the Divine. This principle asks us to soften our grip on life, to trust the flow, and to recognize the sacred in the everyday. Together we will explore the paradox of surrender as power, the illusion of control, and the freedom that c...

What does it really mean to “know yourself”? And how do we begin to peel back the many layers of identity, belief, and conditioning to rediscover our true essence? Through yogic philosophy, lived experience, and modern reflections, we’ll journey into the heart of the Self as we dive into the fourth Niyama, Svadhyaya In this episode, we’ll explore: The question “Who am I?” and how yoga approaches i...

In this episode of On the Mat , we step into the fire of Tapas , the third Niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Far from Spanish appetizers, Tapas translates as “to burn” - not like the destructive blaze of a wildfire. Instead, it’s the controlled heat that purifies, strengthens, and transforms us. We’ll explore how Tapas shows up in chosen practices like building new habits, as well as in life’s un...

In this episode of On the Mat , we explore Santosha , the second Niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, most often translated as contentment. Too often, we label emotions as “good” or “bad,” chasing joy while pushing away sadness, anger, or grief. But Santosha reminds us that true contentment isn’t about being happy all the time; it’s about finding peace in the full spectrum of the human experience. W...

In this special episode of On the Mat, we dive deeper into our exploration of Saucha (the yogic principle of purity) with a conversation around the practice of sobriety.  Today we are joined by our first ever guest on the podcast: Ariana Swartz, a certified health coach and yoga teacher (plus my 300hr YTT roommate!). Together we will look at the intersections of recovery and yoga, discovering how...

After our five-part journey through the Yamas, we now turn toward the Niyamas: the ethical observances of yoga We begin with Saucha , often translated as “cleanliness” or “purity.” But what does purity really mean? And how do we avoid letting it slip into an unhealthy pursuit of perfection? Drawing from yogic philosophy, modern practices, and my own lived experience with OCD, we’ll explore Saucha...

In this final installment of our journey through the Yamas, we explore Aparigraha - the practice of non-attachment. From letting go of control to releasing outdated beliefs, expectations, and outcomes, Aparigraha teaches us how to live with an open palm rather than a clenched fist. Leah shares personal reflections and yogic wisdom to help us understand why clinging creates suffering, how to embrac...

In a culture that glorifies more - more hustle, more likes, more stuff - Brahmacharya offers a sacred pause. In this episode of On the Mat , Leah unpacks the fourth Yama from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras , often translated as moderation or non-excess, but whose roots trace back to something much deeper: a way of living aligned with the Divine. Together, we’ll explore Brahmacharya as a practice of right...

When we hear the word “stealing,” we might think of taking something physical that doesn’t belong to us. But like the other Yamas, Asteya is much more than its surface translation. In this episode of On the Mat, we unpack the deeper meaning of non-stealing - from the subtle ways we take time, energy, ideas, or opportunities, to the even subtler ways we rob ourselves of presence, purpose, and possi...

Truth can be powerful…and complicated. In this episode of On the Mat , Leah explores Satya , the second of the Yamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras . Building on the foundation of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya invites us to live with honesty, integrity, and clarity in our thoughts, words, and actions - but never at the expense of compassion . We’ll explore how truth is shaped by perspective, how it c...

Before handstands, before breathwork, before any of it, yoga begins with how we live. In this episode of On the Mat , Leah introduces the foundational ethics of the yoga practice: the Yamas and Niyamas , as taught in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras . You'll hear the mythic origin story of the sage Patanjali, explore what it really means to live in alignment with yogic values, and dive deep into the fi...

Yoga isn’t just about touching your toes - it’s a rich, multidimensional practice with deep roots and even deeper purpose. In this episode of On the Mat , Leah peels back the layers of the practice to explore its deeper meaning beyond the mat. From the root of the word “yoga” to the concept of union and the Eight-Limbed path, you'll learn why yoga is so much more than stretching. We’ll also dive i...

In this opening episode of On the Mat , Leah shares the story of how yoga first found her, how the practice evolved from movement to a way of life, and what ultimately led her to become a teacher. You'll hear about the inspiration behind this podcast, what to expect in future episodes, and how this space can support you in deepening your own relationship with yoga, on and off the mat. Whether...

Welcome to  On the Mat , a podcast for yoga practitioners who are ready to take their practice beyond the studio and into the heart of everyday life. Hosted by yoga teacher Leah Oren, each episode explores the deeper layers of yoga philosophy and spirituality, inviting you to live your practice with more intention, awareness, and grace. Whether you're just beginning your yogic journey or are a...