Do you speak to yourself the way you speak to a friend?

In this episode, you'll be invited to gently explore the way you treat yourself—especially during moments of failure, doubt, or pressure. It’s a powerful reminder that self-compassion is not weakness; it’s wisdom in action.

The conversation centers around the contrast between self-criticism and self-kindness, especially for teachers, facilitators, or anyone in a leadership role. You’ll learn how the voice of the inner critic often disguises itself as motivation, but usually leads to burnout, disconnection, or shame. Instead, the episode highlights self-kindness as a skill—a grounded, conscious act that fuels resilience and real presence.

From a yogic lens, this is the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Svadhyaya (self-study). From a neuroscience view, it’s about regulating your nervous system to create safety and clarity. And from a practical level, it’s about building a relationship with yourself that is rooted in respect, care, and steady truth.

This episode will leave you reflecting on how you lead, love, and live—from within.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:44 Self-Criticism vs Self-Kindness

00:04:16 Ahimsa and the Inner Voice

00:06:48 Inner Punishment vs Inner Presence

00:08:58 Leadership Through Self-Compassion

00:11:07 Svadhyaya and Regulating the Nervous System

00:13:35 Presence Over Perfection

00:16:07 Leading from Self-Kindness

00:18:44 Breath and Mantra Practice

00:21:04 Reflective Prompts and Closing

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📌 Mentions & Resources

Yogic Concepts:

• Ahimsa (non-violence)

• Svadhyaya (self-study)
  

Reflective Prompts (shared in episode):

• When I notice self-criticism arise, what could I say instead?

• What small act of kindness could I offer myself today?

• How does self-compassion strengthen my ability to hold space for others?

• When have I extended compassion to others—and how can I offer that to myself?

• What parts of me are asking for understanding, not judgment?

• I choose presence over perfection—what does that feel like in my body?

• Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

  
  

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Tags: self-compassion, leadership, yoga philosophy, ahimsa, svadhyaya, personal growth, nervous system, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, authenticity, presence

What if you didn’t have to earn belonging—because it was already inside you?

This episode explores the difference between seeking approval and trusting your own worth. So many of us shrink ourselves, wear masks, or change who we are just to feel accepted. But belonging isn’t something we gain from others—it’s something we remember within ourselves.

The conversation dives into the idea that molding yourself to please others can feel safe in the moment, but over time it pulls you further from your truth. Drawing from yogic philosophy (Asmita, Satya, and Santosha) and neuroscience, the episode shows how authenticity and self-compassion lead to stronger relationships, inner peace, and true resilience.

Through journal prompts, gentle breathing practices, and reflective mantras, you’ll be guided back to the part of you that knows: I am already enough. I belong to myself. This episode is for anyone who’s tired of performing and ready to live in integrity with who they truly are.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:42 Seeking Approval vs. Inner Worth

00:08:16 Yoga Lens: Asmita and Atman

00:10:53 Scientific View: Self-Compassion & Belonging

00:13:39 Reflective Prompts: What Are You Hiding?

00:16:44 Performing vs. Integrity

00:22:08 Neuroscience of Authenticity

00:25:50 Belonging Lives Within

00:28:11 Final Reflection Prompts

00:29:45 Closing Mantras & Breathwork

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📌 Mentions & Resources

• Previous Episode: Inner Critic vs. True Self (recommended for context)
  

• Yogic Concepts:
  

• • Asmita (false identity)

  • Atman (soul, true self)

  • Satya (truthfulness)

  • Santosha (contentment)
    

• Reflective Prompts (shared in episode):
  

• • Where have I mistaken external approval for true belonging?

  • What parts of myself have I hidden to be accepted?

  • What would it feel like to let them be seen?

  • What does my body feel like when I’m rooted in my truth?

  • What small act can I take today to honor my belonging from within?

• Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

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Tags: belonging, self-worth, integrity, asmita, satya, santosha, self-compassion, authenticity, inner critic, approval seeking, yoga philosophy, personal growth, nervous system, emotional health, true self

Have you ever heard a voice inside you whisper, “You’re not good enough”?

This episode is a gentle and powerful reminder that your inner critic is not who you really are. It explores how that harsh inner voice—the one that tells you you’re not ready, smart enough, or worthy—can sound convincing, but it isn’t the truth of your being. That voice comes from fear and old patterns, not from your deepest self.

Using both yoga philosophy and neuroscience, the episode explains the idea of Asmita (false identity), which is when we mistake our thoughts, labels, or past mistakes for who we are. But underneath the noise is your true self—calm, compassionate, and clear. The path forward isn’t to silence the critic completely, but to stop letting it run your life.

With reflection prompts, breath practices, and mantras, you’ll learn how to shift your focus from fear to inner wisdom. This episode is an invitation to come home to yourself—one small breath at a time.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:06 The Inner Critic Speaks

00:04:54 The Idea of Asmita

00:05:47 Fear and the Brain

00:07:00 You Are Not Your Thoughts

00:10:55 False Identity vs. Inner Wisdom

00:13:18 New Neural Pathways

00:16:04 Breath + Mantra Practice

00:18:48 Reflective Journaling Prompts

00:22:51 Key Takeaways

00:25:34 Closing Mantras

00:27:50 Final Reflections

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Concepts from Yogic Philosophy:

• Asmita (false identity)

• Purusha (pure consciousness)

• Atman (soul)
  

Referenced Book or Movie:

• Inside Out (Pixar film about emotions)
  

Reflective Prompts Shared in the Episode:

• “What roles or thoughts am I mistaking for my true self?”

• “Where has my inner wisdom already guided me?”

• “When does my inner critic speak the loudest?”

• “What evidence do I have that I am growing—even with fear present?”

• “If I trusted my true self 5% more, what small choice might I make?”
  

• Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

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Tags: inner critic, self-worth, yoga philosophy, asmita, self-doubt, identity, imposter syndrome, true self, self-compassion, self-awareness, personal growth, inner wisdom, breathwork, mindset, confidence

📌 Mentions & Resources