Ashley! This is exciting! I've been investigating source texts for some time now with this same goal in mind! How can the mythological reference for the poses inform our embodiment of them? I've been focusing on the Rāmāyana for some time now - starting with Valmiki's epic, and then immersing myself in some epic retelling of this epic! Have you read Menon's novelized version? I'm in the midst of a reread at the moment... I love his version! BTW Happy Diwali! (Rāma's joyous return to Ayodhya...!)

I love this Kate M! There is so much richness in these epic tales. I haven’t read Menon’s novelized version, but thanks to you, I just ordered it! As my father would say, “don’t tempt me with a good time!”😂 I’m now a couple days late, but I hope you had a lovely Diwali💕✨

It's brilliant. I was having difficulty putting it down and I had already read it once! He also wrote the Blue God which is quite brilliant - about Krishna. The way he frames the narrative is genius!

Something that I am trying to figure out is how to approach integrating the mythology into my teaching as a cultural "outsider"... Not having grown up with these stories and the many variations thereof, I decided I should explore the source texts... I want to honour the Hindu matrix of the practice... but there is always the worry of "cultural appropriation", although the reaction from Hindu practitioners in my classes has never been negative. I do worry about "getting it wrong" sometimes.

Kate M thank you for bringing up such an important conversation here. My approach is similar; lots of study and seeking out more Indian and South Asian yoga teachers to learn from. I also try to be clear that I am by no means an expert, but I do my best to share from an open heart and an informed place with an attitude of humility. Try as we may, I think with all things in life, we will, unfortunately, "get it wrong" sometimes and in those moments may our practice help us to listen, learn and grow from those experiences so that we may be better moving forward❤️ And yes, it is totally okay to ask me lots of questions and offer lengthy comments! I'm excited to learn from you as well!

Thank you, Ashley R ! So much to explore here!