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

What’s really keeping you stuck—fear of regret or fear of change?

In this powerful episode, the emotional journey of letting go reaches its final stage. It explores the tension between attachment and freedom, and regret versus relief—those final moments of decision when you’re standing at a crossroads.

Attachment feels safe because it’s familiar, even when it’s no longer helping us grow. Freedom feels light and open but can be scary because it invites change and uncertainty. When we let go—whether of a role, a relationship, or a routine—we often fear regret. But what usually follows is a sense of relief, clarity, and renewed energy.

This episode combines insights from neuroscience and yoga philosophy, especially Aparigraha (non-attachment) and Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to something greater), offering real tools to navigate the fear of change. You’ll be invited to reflect on what you’re clinging to, and what you might gain by letting it go—even if it’s uncomfortable at first.

Let this episode be the gentle push you need to move toward more space, more ease, and more self-trust.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:20 Attachment vs. Freedom

00:05:29 Nervous System and Change

00:08:43 Yogic Lens: Aparigraha

00:10:47 Letting Go as a Life Practice

00:14:24 Living in the Present

00:18:53 Fear of Regret vs. Relief

00:23:36 Svadhyaya & Self-Study

00:25:06 Ishvarapranidhana: Trust in the Unknown

00:26:26 Practice and Mantra

00:28:00 Conscious Decision Making

00:29:48 Closing Reflections

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📌 Mentions & Resources

• Previous Episode Mentioned:

• • Part 1: Pushing Forward or Letting Go: Hope vs Grief

  • Part 2: When Pride Gets in the Way
    

• Yogic Philosophy Concepts:

• • Aparigraha – non-attachment

  • Ishvarapranidhana – surrender/trust in the higher self

  • Svadhyaya – self-study
    

• Breath + Mantra Practice (timestamp ~26:36):

• • Inhale: “I trust myself.”

  • Exhale: “I release what no longer serves me.”
    

• Suggested Reflection Prompts:

• • What am I clinging to, and what is it costing me?

  • If I had permission to choose freedom, what would that look like?

  • What’s keeping me stuck—fear of regret or fear of change
    

• 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: attachment, freedom, letting go, non-attachment, yoga philosophy, emotional growth, regret, surrender, trust, neuroscience, nervous system, self-reflection, svadhyaya, aparigraha, ishvarapranidhana

What if your pride is holding you back from growing into who you're meant to become?

This episode explores the emotional tug-of-war between pride and humility—and how these internal forces show up when we’re faced with tough decisions, like whether to keep pushing forward or finally let go.

Pride can give us confidence, but it can also isolate us, especially when it turns into fear of failure or needing to “look strong.” Humility, on the other hand, isn’t about weakness—it’s about being honest with ourselves, even when it’s uncomfortable.

We also dive into identity vs. disorientation—what happens when we let go of a role or relationship that once defined us. It can feel like losing a part of who we are, but it’s often the first step toward finding clarity and creating something new.

With reflections from yoga philosophy and neuroscience, this episode invites you to slow down, get real with yourself, and ask the hard questions—so you can meet the version of you that’s ready to emerge.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:33 Pride vs. Humility

00:05:52 Neuroscience and Pride

00:07:02 Yogic Lens: Aparigraha and Ishvarapranidhana

00:08:07 Reflection Practice

00:08:51 Identity vs. Disorientation

00:10:13 Ego Death and Freedom

00:10:52 Self-Inquiry and Svadhyaya

00:14:15 Mantra: I Am Becoming

00:14:24 Integration and Reflection

00:16:23 Preview of Next Episode

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📌 Mentions & Resources

• Previous Episode Mentioned:

• • Part 1: Pushing Forward or Letting Go: Hope vs Grief

  • Ep# 155: Cultivating True Confidence: Building Pride and Self-Acceptance
    

• Future Episode Mentioned:

• • Part 3: Attachment vs. Freedom & Regret vs. Relief
    

• Yogic Philosophy Concepts:

• • Aparigraha (non-attachment)

  • Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to the divine)

  • Svadhyaya (self-study)
    

• Book Mentions:

• • Live the Life of Empowerment by Kefah Bates

  • Buddha - His Life and Teachings
    

• 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: pride, humility, identity, ego, emotional growth, self-inquiry, svadhyaya, yoga philosophy, surrender, letting go, transformation, nervous system, integrity, self-awareness

Ever feel torn between holding on and letting go? This episode explores two emotional pairs that show up during life’s toughest decisions: hope vs. grief and determination vs. surrender. These moments often arise in relationships, jobs, or personal goals—when you're not sure if pushing forward is strength or if letting go is the wiser path.

The discussion reflects on how hope can be uplifting but may also be a mask for fear of grief, while grief, though heavy, often brings relief and clarity. We also learn that determination can turn into denial, and surrender isn't weakness, but an act of deep self-awareness. Drawing from yoga philosophy and neuroscience, the episode encourages tuning into your breath, intuition, and honesty to make these decisions—not from fear, but from presence.

With relatable examples and powerful metaphors, like losing and finding an earbud, this episode helps you reflect on your own life moments. If you’ve ever asked, “Should I keep going or let go?”—this is one you don’t want to miss.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:11 Hope vs. Grief

00:04:17 Surrender and Yoga Philosophy

00:05:23 Neuroscience of Hope and Grief

00:06:20 Reflection Prompts

00:07:06 Emotional Nuances of Letting Go

00:08:52 Real-Life Example: Lost Earbud

00:11:29 Determination vs. Surrender

00:13:09 The Role of Intuition

00:13:45 Yoga Lens: Tapas and Balance

00:15:52 Asana Practice as a Metaphor

00:17:06 Breath and Somatic Awareness

00:18:45 Surrender is Temporary

00:20:51 Reflection Practice

00:21:48 Preview of Next Episode

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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: hope, grief, determination, surrender, emotional duality, yoga philosophy, tapas, ishvarapranidhana, letting go, resilience, burnout, intuition, presence, life transitions, neuroscience, dopamine, limbic system

Difficult conversations can feel overwhelming, triggering anxiety, defensiveness, or avoidance. Why does this happen? This episode explores the biology behind conflict, explaining how the brain and nervous system react to confrontation. When emotions take over, we often react impulsively rather than responding with clarity and confidence.

The discussion breaks down why we avoid tough conversations, how childhood conditioning shapes our reactions, and why our nervous system triggers stress responses in moments of disagreement. Through a yogic perspective, key principles like Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness) offer guidance on handling conversations with compassion and clarity.

Practical strategies include grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and learning how to pause before reacting. The episode also covers real-life scenarios—like setting boundaries with a friend or addressing workplace conflicts—to illustrate how we can navigate difficult conversations while maintaining emotional balance.

If you’ve ever struggled with tough discussions, this episode provides clear, actionable steps to approach them with confidence and calm.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:00 Why Difficult Conversations Feel So Emotionally Intense

00:05:00 The Brain’s Fight-or-Flight Response in Conflict

00:08:00 Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations

00:12:00 The Impact of Childhood Conditioning on Communication

00:15:00 A Yogic Perspective: Ahimsa & Satya in Conflict

00:18:00 Practical Strategies to Stay Calm and Respond Thoughtfully

00:22:00 The Power of Breathwork in Tough Conversations

00:25:00 Real-Life Examples: Setting Boundaries & Workplace Conflicts

00:28:00 Final Reflections on Emotional Awareness and Growth

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

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

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Other Mentions:

Ep# 112: The Nervous System and The Polyvagal Theory

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Tags: difficult conversations, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, communication skills, setting boundaries, self-regulation, nervous system, stress response, mindfulness, yoga philosophy, ego vs. authenticity, self-growth, vulnerability, active listening, handling disagreements

Why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong? Why does vulnerability feel so uncomfortable? This episode explores the deep connection between ego, pride, shame, and the fear of being seen. Michael shares insights on why people struggle to admit mistakes, how societal norms shape our behaviors, and how the nervous system reacts to feelings of embarrassment or defensiveness.

From a yogic perspective, concepts like Aparigraha (non-attachment), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrendering the ego) offer tools to help navigate these emotions. The episode also dives into neuroscience, explaining how the brain’s fear response can hijack our ability to stay open and present. By understanding these mechanisms, we can learn to shift our mindset, embrace humility, and create more meaningful connections.

If you've ever struggled with admitting fault, felt the need to "save face," or wanted to break free from the fear of being wrong, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for personal growth and self-acceptance.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:00 Why We Struggle to Admit When We’re Wrong

00:06:00 The Role of Ego and Pride in Defensiveness

00:10:00 How Shame and Embarrassment Affect Us

00:14:00 The Nervous System’s Response to Vulnerability

00:18:00 Why We Fear Being Seen and Making Mistakes

00:22:00 The Hidden Costs of Always Being Right

00:27:00 Yogic Perspectives on Letting Go of Ego

00:31:00 Practical Tools for Embracing Humility and Growth

00:35:00 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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

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

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Other Mentions:

Ep# 112: The Nervous System and The Polyvagal Theory

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Tags: ego, vulnerability, pride, shame, embarrassment, fear of being wrong, authenticity, yoga philosophy, neuroscience, nervous system, self-acceptance, self-growth, personal development, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, admitting mistakes, humility, self-reflection, letting go