686. The Truth About Yoga, Healing, and Reinventing Yourself - With James Rafael

In this episode, I sit down with James Rafael, a yoga teacher and movement expert with a fascinating story. We explore his journey from addiction to recovery and how yoga became a tool for healing and transformation. The conversation also delves into queer identity, the role of aesthetics in the yoga world, and the ongoing debate about depth versus surface appeal. Along the way, we challenge assumptions about what it means to be a teacher, a student, and a person navigating the modern wellness landscape. This is an honest and thought-provoking discussion for anyone interested in yoga, personal growth, or the deeper connections between movement and identity. Read more about James here: jamesrafael.com ------------------------------------------------------ James Rafael is a movement and meditation teacher who emphasises inclusivity, kindness, and freedom through discipline. His formal practice and teaching over the last two decades draws from diverse practices including yoga, somatics, mindfulness, Daoism, Buddhism and qigong. He is especially interested in practice as a way to navigate addiction, shame, and the queer experience.  ------------------------------------------------------ Check out our YouTube channel for more coaching tips and our Podcast channel for full episode videos Uplevel your coaching with a free copy of Mark's latest eBook, The Top 12 Embodiment Coaching Techniques  Join Mark for those juicy in-person workshops and events Fancy some free coaching demo sessions with Mark?  Connect with Mark Walsh on Instagram 

Om Podcasten

A twice-weekly conversational offering for coaches, embodiment teachers and anyone who sees the body as more than a hunk of meat. Embodiment Unlimited hosts Mark Walsh, Karin Van Maan and Christina Dohr interview leaders and innovators from embodied disciplines. Mindfulness, trauma therapy, martial arts, meditation, somatics, yoga, and movement practices generally, are all discussed, with educators, academics and experts from around the world. The flavour is usually light-hearted and practical. www.embodimentunlimited.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfgLCTiNzVpIeL_j7Icxh8w https://www.instagram.com/warkmalsh/ Certificate of Embodiment Coaching course : https://embodimentunlimited.com/cec/