Ep #107: A life of Gratitude with Vijeth Kumar

In this week’s episode, Michael sits with special guest Vijeth Kumar who talks about his journey growing up in India, finding his guru, his life as a yoga therapist, the importance of yoga in the modern day, and unconditional love and gratitude.  Vijeth talks about his traditional upbringing in Mysore India where practicing yoga daily was part of the routine. He met his guru BNS Iyengar at 14 years old.  He talks about the importance of teachers and gurus. And how the practice of yoga is a gradual journey of being graced by your guru towards awakening. He mentions that service is the donation for the guru.  Vijeth talks about the importance of authenticity and a loving heart as you teach yoga, whether or not you follow the tradition. He describes being a yogi as being one with nature and allowing healing to happen. He says patience is necessary for any mindfulness practice.  Vijeth also discusses unconditional life — something that could sound simple in theory but takes a great amount of work and surrender. He talks about always giving thanks for the present moment, and for all that is.  00:00 Introduction  03:08 About Vijeth 05:25 Yoga Therapy Journey 06:17 Moving to Bali 09:41 Seeking Guidance and Guru Journey 20:32 Embodying Yoga  22:17 To Be a Yogi 26:15 Being Balanced Through Yoga 29:07 How We’ve Pictured our Lives to Be and Desire 33:00 Doubling up on Love in Life 36:08 Cultivating Love 37:20 Defaulting to Gratitude 39:08 Closing Remarks  Tags: Gratitude, Love, Spirituality, Guru, Awakening, Yoga Instagram: vijethyoga