Podcast
Yoga Solutions Episode 19:
Mind-Body Harmony Yoga and the Koshas for Mental Health
with Meera Dhawan
Mind-Body Harmony Yoga and the Koshas for Mental Health with Meera Dhawan
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I’m thrilled to welcome Meera Dhawan, a powerful voice in the yoga and mental health space. As the founder of True to Yoga, Meera bridges ancient yogic wisdom with modern mental health practices, offering trauma-informed teachings rooted in pranayama, the koshas, and deep yogic philosophy.
We dive into the Panchakosha model—the five layers of being—and how it offers a path to greater mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony. Meera opens up about her personal journey as an immigrant, the challenges of reclaiming her cultural heritage, and how yoga became a transformative anchor in her life. This episode is all about connecting to the depth of yoga and honouring its roots while making its practices relevant for today.
What You'll Learn from This Episode:
[00:04:03] Navigating the Intersection of Cultural Identity and Yoga Practices
[00:13:42] The Hidden Depths of the Panchakosha Model and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
[00:20:21] Anandamaya Kosha: Finding Joy, Bliss, and Inner Harmony
[00:26:42] The Importance of Customising Pranayama for Different Mental Health Needs
Quotes to Remember:
“Yoga is not just for the body; it’s a practice for the mind and spirit—a framework to live in harmony with ourselves and the world.”
“Our beliefs shape our emotions, and our emotions influence our energy and physical body. It’s all interconnected through the koshas.”
Listen to the Full Episode:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
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Meet the Voice Behind this Podcast Episode
Get to Know Our Dynamic Hosts
Experts in Yoga, Social Change, Health and Wellness
Meera Dhawan
Yoga Lifestyle Educator
Meera is a Trauma-Informed Yoga Educator (500 RYT) and therapist in training dedicated to integrating Eastern wisdom with modern healing. First exposed to Pranayama through her grandmother, Meera emphasizes healing through authenticity, openly sharing her experiences as a first-generation immigrant and overcoming mental health challenges and trauma. Her journey of blending ancient wisdom with modern therapy informs her client's work, offering personalized and empathetic support. From her engineering career at NASA to her current role as a solo entrepreneur, Meera leverages her unique background to guide clients in using Yoga as a powerful healing modality.
Susanna Barkataki
Host, Yoga Solutions Podcast & Founder, Yoke Yoga
Susanna Barkataki (she/her) has been called “a trailblazing yoga leader and visionary for our times.” An Indian teacher building bridges in the West, she is known for her work in decolonizing and embracing the roots of yoga. She is the tech founder of Yoke Yoga, a free yoga app of micro practices for more peace in seconds. Bringing yoga socially to all people to help solve everyday problems at YokeYoga.com
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