Using Yoga to Rest, Recover, and Thrive: A Conversation with Erin Taylor
Erin Taylor
•
51m
In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, host Avi Gordon engages in a thoughtful conversation with Erin Taylor, a multifaceted yoga practitioner, coach, author, and creator who works with athletes, writes books, develops apps, and runs a Substack newsletter. Erin shares her motivation for her diverse endeavors, emphasizing balance as both her personal practice and a guiding principle for supporting others. She discusses her journey from a driven, goal-oriented mindset as a collegiate athlete to embracing a practice of presence and acceptance, where balance is a dynamic state of flow rather than a fixed goal.
Erin highlights practical strategies for cultivating balance, such as morning quiet time, writing down ideas to clear mental clutter, and integrating short, accessible yoga practices into daily life. She also addresses common barriers to practice, like the misconception that yoga requires long sessions or formal classes, and advocates for small, intentional moments of movement and rest. When discussing her work with athletes, Erin emphasizes the critical need for rest and recovery to counter the intense "push-through" mentality, noting how restorative practices enhance performance and prevent burnout. The conversation touches on the importance of openness, acceptance, and honesty in fostering balance.