Anya Foxen is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on the intersection of South Asian yogic and tantric traditions and Western esotericism and metaphysical spiritualities. Her current writing examines the transnational evolution and popularization of yoga in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. She is also a yoga teacher and long-time practitioner.

In this episode, we discuss:
Western roots of modern yoga.
Connecting the dots between modern western postural yoga and it’s Indian roots.
Defining harmonialism.
Key concepts in the Hellenic tradition as precursors to the harmonial ideas that we find in modern postural spiritualities.
Theurgy, a powerful parallel to the Indian Traditions.
Confronting issues of cultural appropriation.
Viewing the fundamental narrative of Western yoga as a historical conversation.

Website: https://www.anyafoxen.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/profanyechka/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anyafoxen

Anya Foxen is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Women&rsquo;s and Gender Studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on the intersection of South Asian yogic and tantric traditions and Western esotericism and metaphysical spiritualities. Her current writing examines the transnational evolution and popularization of yoga in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. She is also a yoga teacher and long-time practitioner.
In this episode, we discuss:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Western roots of modern yoga.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Connecting the dots between modern western postural yoga and it&rsquo;s Indian roots.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Defining harmonialism.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Key concepts in the Hellenic tradition as precursors to the harmonial ideas that we find in modern postural spiritualities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Theurgy, a powerful parallel to the Indian Traditions.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Confronting issues of cultural appropriation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Viewing the fundamental narrative of Western yoga as a historical conversation.</li>
</ol>
Website:<a href="https://www.anyafoxen.com/"> https://www.anyafoxen.com/</a>
IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/profanyechka/">https://www.instagram.com/profanyechka/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anyafoxen">https://www.facebook.com/anyafoxen</a>

Chitheads is a smorgasbord of contemplative education. Each episode is like a mini masterclass, exploring the diverse landscapes of spiritual practice, philosophy, and the transformative power of embodied knowledge. Each episode is crafted with the curious and open heart in mind, aiming to illuminate the path of self-inquiry and empowerment for yoga teachers, scholar-practitioners, meditators and other spiritual seekers and contemplative folks from around the world.

From the profound teachings of Yoga and Buddhism to the sometimes complex theories of contemplative psychology and the vibrant tapestry of indigenous wisdom, our guests share insights that awaken, challenge, and inspire.

With every episode, we dive into discussions that matter, exploring questions that guide us closer to our true selves and to a deeper understanding of the world around us. Our mission is to create a space where wisdom (and not fame, power, or money) is the center of gravity and what we are most concerned about cultivating in this lifetime. 

Join us on Chitheads as we explore the liminal spaces of consciousness, embrace the complexities of the human experience without dogma or self-righteousness, and discover the beauty again and again of the interconnectedness of all things.

Subscribe to Chitheads on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform, and please consider leaving us a positive review on one iTunes, or your favorite podcast player. Come dive into these in-depth conversations that illuminate our path of contemplative discovery. If you’ve felt like you’re the only one full of chit – full of consciousness or awareness ˀ– welcome home. This community of listeners, seekers, and scholar-practitioners is for you.

Chitheads is a smorgasbord of contemplative education. Each episode is like a mini masterclass, exploring the diverse landscapes of spiritual practice, philosophy, and the transformative power of embodied knowledge. Each episode is crafted with the curious and open heart in mind, aiming to illuminate the path of self-inquiry and empowerment for yoga teachers, scholar-practitioners, meditators and other spiritual seekers and contemplative folks from around the world.
From the profound teachings of Yoga and Buddhism to the sometimes complex theories of contemplative psychology and the vibrant tapestry of indigenous wisdom, our guests share insights that awaken, challenge, and inspire.
With every episode, we dive into discussions that matter, exploring questions that guide us closer to our true selves and to a deeper understanding of the world around us. Our mission is to create a space where wisdom (and not fame, power, or money) is the center of gravity and what we are most concerned about cultivating in this lifetime. 
Join us on Chitheads as we explore the liminal spaces of consciousness, embrace the complexities of the human experience without dogma or self-righteousness, and discover the beauty again and again of the interconnectedness of all things.
Subscribe to Chitheads on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform, and please consider leaving us a positive review on one iTunes, or your favorite podcast player. Come dive into these in-depth conversations that illuminate our path of contemplative discovery. If you’ve felt like you’re the only one full of chit – full of consciousness or awareness ˀ– welcome home. This community of listeners, seekers, and scholar-practitioners is for you.

Interviews with leaders, elders and teachers from the yoga and wider wisdom community on eastern philosophies, consciousness studies, social justice, and the human spiritual condition.

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