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Time to go behind the scenes of what it's like to be a Yoga Teacher, we talk about the things you need to do to overcome the fear of Teaching Yoga.We go far deeper into these subjects inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeThe nervousness and anxiety associated with teaching a Yoga class is natural. You're never going to feel ready. You just have to jump in.Writing your sequence of what you're going to teach helps you prepare and be confident for a class or presentation.Using the "treasure map" approach or breaking down your poses help you overcome the anxiety of memorising your sequence. If you miss something, it's okay!Before walking into a class, get yourself grounded and calm, take a deep breath and switch your mindset to "teacher" mode.Be prepared for s

In this episode, we shift from the discussions about Yogic philosophies to Carla's pregnancy update (she was at 36 weeks when we recorded this episode).This is what we spoke about during the episodeCarla's been doing all the prep work like hypnobirthing, meditations and affirmations to feel calm and positive about the birth.Carla's having a dream pregnancy where she hasn't had any issues like sciatica or pelvic pain, aside from a little bit of back pain. Overall, it's been amazing!We're very grateful we have a lean business structure and a small team for flexibility.Healthy movement methods that release those feel-good endorphins including Pilates, yoga, and walking. If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.Always merrymaking,Emma + CarlaP.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact

This episode is Part 10 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Ishvara Pranidhana is the fifth Niyama and it translates to surrender.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeNischala Joy Devi translates Ishvara Pranidhana as wholehearted dedication. Through wholehearted dedication, we become intoxicated with the divine.What does Ishvara Pranidhana look like in our modern world? Ishvara Pranidhana is looked at as one of the most important Niyamas. If we are to practise this, everything else just falls into place.If you are looking for a fast track to enlightenment and bliss, combine Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana. These are described as Kriya Yoga or yoga in action.The whole reas

This episode is Part 9 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Svadhyaya is the fourth Niyama and it's the practice of self-study and study of the divine.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeNischala Joy Devi translates Svadhyaya as the sacred study of the divine through scripture, nature and introspection. If we do that, this will guide us to the supreme self.Svadhyaya invites us to look within and at the external, and realise that it's all connected.It invites us to the questions "who am I?", "why am I here?", and "how do I wanna live my life?".Always be willing for your concept of reality to change as your consciousness brightens. We have to be willing to let go of the old to welcome in

This episode is Part 8 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Tapas is the third Niyama and it traditionally translates to discipline.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeSometimes the word "discipline" comes with negative connotations, so we like to add in "devotional discipline". Even when we're practising discipline, we need an element of love, compassion and forgiveness.Tapas is required if you would like to welcome any kind of change.Things are not always pleasant, but we have to move through those obstacles in order to keep going forward.In regards to MerryBody, Tapas is not just about being disciplined, but it's about how we do the things that we're being disciplined with.Tapas isn'

This episode is Part 7 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Santosha is the second Niyama and it translates to contentment and acceptance.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you! Exciting!This is what we spoke about during the episodePersonally and professionally, Santosha is the backbone of everything we do here at MerryBody. It was a life-changing practice for us, particularly for our body image.When you practise acceptance, suddenly, you feel free and able to experience joy just the way that you are. Then, you become more harmonious.Societal pressures affect our self-esteem and Santosha acts as a shield against them. And the more that you practice it, the more easily it comes.Nischala Joy Devi translates Santosha as

This episode is Part 6 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Nischala Joy Devi translates the Niyamas as an evolution toward harmony. If you practice the 5 Niyamas, you will move toward a more harmonious you. Saucha is the first Niyama which is translated as detoxification and cleanliness.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you! Exciting!This is what we spoke about during the episodePatanjali reminds us to go a little bit deeper, Suacha is not just about taking a shower. Pumping of the Big 6 (Stop Chasing Pain on Instagram) is a wonderful way of practising Saucha or detoxification when starting your day and it only takes about 30 seconds. Tap under your collarbone, behind your ears, shoulders, stomach, groin, and b

This episode is Part 5 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Aparigraha is the 5th Yama which translates to detachment or the idea of non-hoarding, not keeping things or grasping on to things. Let's look a little bit deeper and think bigger about this idea of detachment.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeOur buying and consuming habits have gone too far for our planet.The practice of detachment allows us to enjoy the journey and become more present. The journey is the goal, not the destination.Nischala Joy Devi translates Aparigraha as acknowledging abundance. Take a moment to feel gratitude for the great blessings that surround you.This practice of Detachment turned ou

This episode is Part 4 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we tip toe, take snack bites (whatever you want to call it) into the Yamas and Niyamas. Brahmacharya is the 4th Yama and is traditionally translated to celibacy, but there is so much more to discuss!We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to continue following that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeSexual energy is one of the most natural human states of energy celebrated. Anand Mehrotra says "thinking that Patanjali was asking us to be celibate is ridiculous".Brahmacharya is not just about celibacy but also about channeling your energy and being aware of where your energy is going.It is a state of consciousness where you start to experience things based on their fullest value. When you look at

This episode is Part 3 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we dip our toes into the Yamas and Niyamas. It's a snack bite-sized dive into philosophy (haha). Satya is the 3rd of the 5 Yamas, and is traditionally translated to non-stealing.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeAsteya is not just about non-stealing of physical possessions. Being late is stealing time. Distracting ourselves where there is no need for distraction is stealing from our own present moment.Nishala Joy Devi translates Asteya as abiding in generosity and honesty. When we are honest and generous, we experience abundance.Asteya tells us not to steal, but as it expands our hearts, it says give. Don't wait for someone to ask. Be alert and never miss an opportunity to give, give, give.Make sure to give to yourself first: compassion, love, acceptance, non-judgment, underst

This episode is Part 2 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we dip our toes into the Yamas and Niyamas. Satya is the 2nd of the 5 Yamas.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeSatya translates to truth and integrity. Our thoughts, words and actions gain the power to manifest.Many of us have spent so much of our lives trying to please other people that we have forgotten what our truth is and who we really are.If you allow a moment to get quiet and peaceful, often it's when the truth will speak to you. Do you actually listen? Do you live that truth out?The more you follow and live your truth and show up with integrity, the easier it becomes.There's a little bit of magic when you begin something new. And, you have to step outside your comfort zone to experience that.If you missed the first part of this series, listen to 410: Embracing Ahimsa | The F

This episode is Part 1 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we dip our toes into the Yogic philosophies, starting with the Yamas and Niyamas. You'll realise that Yoga is so much more than just a downward-facing dog. Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeYamas are the first limb of Yoga. Nishala Joy Devi, an amazing author and Yoga Teacher, translates the Yamas as practices that uncover our true nature.Yamas are often described as the "don'ts".Ahimsa, the first Yama, is often translated as non-violence. How can you show up with more love, with more kindness, not only for others, but also for yourself?Nishala Joy Devi translates Ahimsa as embracing, revenance, and love for all. We experience oneness. With love and kindness, we then experience a connection.Listen to our Chakra series: 353: Joy, Pleasure and the Sacral Chakra, 354: Confidence, self-esteem and the Solar Plexus Chakra, 355: Kindness, love, compassion and the Heart Chak

This is a special episode, we share our 108 Affirmation Meditation from the MerryBody App.Meditation welcomes mindfulness and focus, and this creates an ideal state for positive affirmation. Affirmations are positive statements that shift negative thoughts. You can use them to help reinforce your desired beliefs.Meditation and affirmations form a powerful duo for personal growth and wellbeing. Together, they amplify each other's effects, helping to rewire the brain for positivity and resilience. When combined, meditation calms the mind and cultivates focus, while affirmation welcomes self-confidence and motivation. Our MerryBody Members are loving this meditation, hear what some of them are saying about it.“I just completed the Feel Good Yoga class and finished off with the 108 affirmations, so good” - Jo “This morning my body still felt quite tired, normally I would have chosen a Yin class, but instead I pressed play on Nadi Shodhana pranayama and then the new meditation in the MB app, 108 affirmat

In this episode, we chat about positive affirmations and their power to shift your mindset. They are very much part of our business journey. When we started our business (11 years ago now) we had them pinned up on all of our walls everywhere.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWe came to a point where we stopped believing in the power of positive affirmations but listening to the Founders Podcast reminded us of the importance of positive affirmations and a positive mindset.Positive affirmations are essential in shifting mindsets, especially in a stress-laden environment like managing a business.It's important to look at our thoughts and the words that are on repeat in our mind.Positive affirmations are not just woo-woo or whimsical magical teachings. Carla shares her hypnobirthing journey, where positive affirmations are practised, to let go of the stress and anxiety of giving birth.Positive affirmations can help regulate our emotions. If we shift our thoughts, our thoughts create the feelings.

Right now we have over 600 Yoga, Pilates, Yin, Barre and meditation MerryBody classes inside our App. One of our amazing Yoga teacher trainees asked us about the inspiration and decisions that go into the creation of these classes. Thanks for the question Sharon, this was such a fun conversation. This is what we spoke about during the episodeHow we first designed our first in-person Yoga and Pilates classes compared to now. We began filming 4 classes a day, now we are filming 10. You have to start somewhere, reflect, learn and then make it better.When you are organised and have a system, it creates the perfect environment for creativity to thrive.If you haven't tried our classes, sign up to our FREE Pilates class called Daily Dose Pilates or try our FREE Yoga class called Desk Worker Upper Yoga.If you're interested in joining the 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training, sign up for the waitlist.If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an

In this episode, we chat about everyday anxious thought loopholes that so many of us experience, and how we can better manage these.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhat is the mind-body connection and how does it impact our physical and mental health?Your thoughts impact your feelings, and how you feel impact the actions you take.Exercise and movement release feel good hormones. If you are sedentary, it can lead to lower feelings and depression.Strengthen your mind-body connection and don't wait for the anxious thought to come. Do the breathwork, hit play on the yoga class and meditate.Meditation increases self-awareness and helps in managing your thoughts and reactions.Check in with the tools you're using for managing anxiety and hold on to the ones that work for you.Keep practising meditation despite initial discomfort and feel the benefits.How do you move through your anxious thoughts?If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com

Listen to this episode for a quick burst of motivation to open up your study books (or program). As we start week 1 of our 2024 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training. We chat about learning as adults and the challenges that come with it. And how do we approach learning and make sure we enjoy it? And get it done!This is what we spoke about during the episodeLearning is so accessible nowadays, it's easier to sign up for a course, but also easier to fail and not do it.It's balancing discipline, structure, flexibility, and joy in the learning process.When you learn something new, it's going to take time.Don't just focus on getting the results and forget the whole point of the learning.As we get older, it's really easy to just stop learning and just think that we know enough.What lights you up and what makes you feel excited? Learn about that!Some things can get in the way and derail our plans, so it's important to embrace flexibility and self-compassion.Release expectations and detach yourself from how the journey shou

It's been a crazy start to the year! We've been super inconsistent with the podcast, but here we are! In this episode, we chat about Carla's pregnancy and how we're preparing to balance nurturing a growing business and the arrival of a new life.This is what we spoke about during the episodeCarla is 22 weeks pregnant and well over the halfway mark. She has had no morning sickness and feels amazing!Emma thought the baby grew inside the placenta, inside the womb. Yes. Serious. Carla's baby bump has popped but she's struggled most with her boobs growing bigger. Her self-acceptance practice (from MerryBody) is so strong and this is helping her a lot. We are feeling confident (yet realistic) about balancing baby and business. We are officially starting our second cohort of the MerryBody Teacher Training on the 17th of March. We already have 27 cohort trainees. We are so excited!If you haven't signed up yet, now is the perfect time to join. It's going to be 16 weeks of potential life-transforming

It's time for part 2! Emma shares more of her Roman adventure! This episode is more about the places to visit in this wonderful city, and we're not just talking about the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Think, majestic medieval towns that are just a short drive from Rome. If you're a foodie, go back to Part 1 of this episode where we talked all about food in Rome.If you prefer to read, check out this epic blog post with lots of advice on what to do and where to eat in Rome!This is what we spoke about during the episodeTivoli is a small town on the mountain tops and a just a 40-minute drive away from Rome. Throughout history, noble people went to Tivoli for their summers to escape the Roman heat in summer. The Villa d'Este is an ancient Renaissance site with beautiful interiors and mind-blowing gardens.Caprarola is a small town in Lazio region, where Rome is also a part of. The Palazzo Farnese is a Renaissance mansion in Caprarola known for its pentagonal design and amazing frescoes or plaster wall pain

Hear Emma talk about her recent 6 week experience in Rome, Italy. This episode is all about food, from how to eat healthily in Italy to how to avoid tourist traps. Check out this page for all the extra links and more details. Daje!Also, my 6 weeks in Rome did not improve my Italian or pronunciation. Scusa! Piano piano. I also skipped so many things, I got overwhelmed! Ahhh well!This is what we spoke about during the episodeDon't go stressing about putting on weight in Italy. Time is too precious and there's too much fun and deliciousness to experience! Besides, in my opinion, the Italian typical diet is probably far healthier than the standard Australian or American diet. I talk about why I believe this. There's a huge focus on really fresh produce. There's a love and passion for food in general.If you're usually gluten-free (but not highly allergic or celiac) I invite you to consider trying the gluten in Italy. Eat the pasta and the pizza, and just see how you feel. Carla asks: How did you overcome