Have you ever thought about relaxation being a prerequisite to rest? Jillian Pransky does, and she says that relaxation is a prerequisite to listening. As we discuss here, it’s a process, and one that, thanks to science, we can now name and describe in detail. I would suggest that Jillian is part of a new cadre of experienced teachers exploring the art and practice of restorative yoga, which, yes, has its roots in Iyengar Yoga, but which is evolving beyond this original offering through such interdisciplinary health-span studies as the ones Jillian has been engaged in.

Jillian's teaching is most influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist nun Pema Chӧdrӧn. We go deeply into her experience as the yoga teacher for Chӧdrӧn's years of retreats at Omega Institute, when she "rewired her brain" to teach the way she does now. Like many, Jillian grew up ambitious, athletic, and professionally successful, and what she has found through years of practice is a sweet spot of nervous system and body-based regulation that comes from aligning the somatic layers of the body—these in the South Asian philosophy and practice are the physical, mental, emotional, breath, and bliss layers, or the koshas.

I can't recommend her Deep Listening enough, and I remain astonished that she was even able to use it as a title because isn’t that what all yoga practice is? I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Send feedback!