Carrying Ashtanga Yoga Forward: Navigating Grief, Legacy, and Lineage

Finding Harmony Podcast

Content provided by Harmony Slater. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Harmony Slater or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

19d ago 1:44:40

MP3•Episode home

When a beloved teacher passes, what remains? In this poignant conversation, Harmony and Russell sit down with fellow Canadian Ashtanga teachers David Robson and Jelena Vesic to explore how a community carries the torch of tradition through grief, transformation, and time.

They share personal stories about lineage, legacy, and leadership following the sudden loss of Sharath Jois. Together, they reflect on the challenges of upholding authenticity, adapting practices, and fostering community while honoring a tradition that shaped their lives.

Whether you are a seasoned Ashtangi or new to the practice, this conversation offers a deeply moving and honest look at what it means to continue walking the path when the road ahead feels uncertain.

Episode Breakdown

How grief and lineage shape a yoga community
David and Jelena’s journey through authorization, certification, and responsibility
How the loss of a teacher changes the role of students and senior teachers
Stories of vulnerability, growth, and learning to lead without rigid structures
Reflections on community, tradition, and finding new meaning after loss
The evolution of Ashtanga Yoga in a changing world
The importance of Sangha (community) in sustaining spiritual practices

Guest Bios

David Robson is a senior Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Toronto, Canada, with more than two decades of dedicated study and teaching. Known for his traditional approach and deep devotion to the Ashtanga lineage, David has guided thousands of students worldwide and was recently certified by Shruti Jois and the Joyce family following Sharath Jois’s passing.

Jelena Vesic is an authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga teacher who brings a background in dance, discipline, and devotion to her teaching. She is passionate about creating safe, structured, and welcoming spaces for students while preserving the authenticity of the Mysore method.

Relevant Links

Learn more about David Robson: Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto
Follow Jelena Vesic on Instagram

Follow David Robson on Instagram

*** Sign up for Harmony’s FREE Pranayama Master Class!***

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session
Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz!

Call to Action

If today’s conversation moved you, please share this episode with your friends or yoga community. You can also leave us a review to help others find Finding Harmony and be part of this ongoing story of resilience, devotion, and growth.

Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

FIND Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/
JOIN the Finding Harmony Community: https://community-harmonyslater.com/
FOLLOW Harmony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/

FOLLOW the Finding Harmony Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/
FREE AUDIO GUIDE - Download your 2 min breathwork practice: https://harmonyslater.com/morning-breathwork-optin
BOOK a session: https://harmonyslater.as.me/
JOIN ANCIENT BREATHING 2.0 and Live Classes with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.com/ancient-breathing-2-0

Find your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz!

264 episodes

#Harmony Slater #Religion #Dear Friends #Fitness #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement