#getmerry

In this episode, we take inspiration from the iconic “Mean Girls” scene where the Plastics nitpick their flaws. We chat about self-criticism, body image, social media comparisons and how to choose a path of self-acceptance instead. If you're sick of those thoughts... "all the things wrong with me" kinda thoughts... tune in!This is what we spoke about during the episodeSocial media and influencers affect the skincare culture which leads to young girls wanting anti-aging products.How do we welcome in less comparison and judgement, and more peace, more acceptance and joy?Practising self-acceptance daily is a reminder of the truth that you are amazing just as you are. This is why we created MerryBody.You can't just practise self-acceptance in the moments where you need it.If you put a pause in between that self-criticism thought, it allows you to add reasoning and questioning of that thought.Carla just laughed off a comment about her postpartum belly. That's self-acceptance!Self-acceptance doesn’t mean complacenc

This week we ran a Chakra Workshop and decided to publish it to our podcast. During the session we chat about the 7 main Chakras, where they are within the body, what they're linked to in regards to emotions, spiritual and physical.The highlight of the session is a guided colour visualisation to welcome balance and awareness of each of these energy centres. Then we finish the session with a short Q+ A about our upcomoing Yoga Teacher Training!If you enjoy this chat and it's sparked a big curiosity, our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 could be a great next step for you. Our very last early bird session is now live!This is what we spoke about during the episodeChakra translates, in Sanskrit, to wheel or disc, they are also known as energy centers. Each of these energy centres corresponds to different aspects of your life.The Base Chakra or the Muladhara chakra (red) is right at the base of the spine and represents our safety, our stability, our physical needs, and how grounded we feel.The Sacral Chakra or Svadhistha

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of Yoga Sutra 2.33 Pratipaksha Bhavana. But really, we go on all kinds of tangents! From global issues like Gen0cide and climate change, to bringing self-awareness to our own reactions and letting go of control.And also! We are running this FREE workshop soon! During the workshop, you will learn how to tune into your body, mind, emotions and energy with your chakras! We invite you to a chakra workshop happening on the 16th of April.We're going to go through each of the chakras and talk about how you can balance and align each of them in a very practical way that will help drive self-awareness and focus your energy.Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to sign up for the masterclass!This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhen you're overwhelmed by negative thoughts, choose to cultivate the opposite. But just like everything in Yoga, this is a practice. It doesn't just happen.Pratipaksha Bhavana is a tool that helps you stay in alignment to

This episode is inspired by Winnie the Pooh.There is no hurry. We shall get there someday." — Winnie the PoohAlso! If you are into a little bit of woo woo, but not too much woo, this is for you!Learn how to tune into your body, mind, emotions and energy with your chakras! We invite you to a chakra masterclass happening on the 16th of April. We're going to go through each of the chakras and talk about how you can balance and align each of them in a very practical way that will help drive self-awareness and focus your energy.Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to sign up for the masterclass!This is what we spoke about during the episodeEverything moves at a rapid pace, attention spans are getting shorter than ever, It's time to slow down.When it comes to business, we can't just sit back and let things happen. Slowing down is about presence and experiencing life.Meditation is one of the ways to live a slower present life. It helps you go through life situations with less stress and more c

In this episode, we chat about the importance of intentionally making time for the things you love and the experiences that fill your life with joy and meaning. Because life is not a forever thing!This is what we spoke about during the episodeEmma had dinner with a musician friend and talked about whether or not he should keep playing.Money is really important, and so is feeling joy; sometimes, how you make money does not bring joy.Do you allow enough time for the things that light you up?We don't live to work. We work to live.Planning trips and adventures with family, even if inconvenient or costly, can add richness to your life.It's important to not let ambition consume you so that you miss all the other important things you love.The practice of Yoga is not about changing your body. It's about changing how you perceive the world around you and how you live your life.The ultimate lesson inside the Bhagavad Gita is "show up, do the work, and do the work for the sake of the work itself, not for the fruits of t

Have you ever thought about getting Botox? No? Then, welcome to the No Botox Club! In this episode inspired by a reel that Emma shared yesterday, we chat about self-acceptance in a world obsessed with youth and botox.Also! We are so excited about our upcoming Breathe and Meditation Masterclass! Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to get the invite!This is what we spoke about during the episodeEvery year, every wrinkle is a blessing. Celebrate the aging process!We grew up with the pressure of needing to be thin and obsession with dieting that really impacted our health and lives negatively. That's why we began practising and devoting our time and life to self-acceptance.Carla recalls her botched nose job experience. Listen to Episode 298: this is why I regret my nose job.Are cosmetically altered and botox faces the 'new normal face'?Lack of facial expression as a result of getting Botox is an extreme issue in regard to children developing emotional intelligence.There are too many potential s

In this podcast episode, we chat about how to get through the lows of life. After all they are natural and part of life, perhaps it's more about embracing low emotions instead of resisting them. Plus we chat about the small daily rituals that we do to help us get through the lows of life.Also! We are so excited about our upcoming Breathe and Meditation Masterclass! Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to get the invite!This is what we spoke about during the episodeThere's a cyclone warning on the Gold Coast, which is very unusual.Accepting the lows as a natural part of life is going to help us get through the lows.When you can't change something, the only thing you can control is how you deal with the situation.Embrace what is. You don't have to embrace it and like it. Embrace it and be in it, live through it, and get through it.Something that you love unconditionally, like a pet, helps you move through difficult emotions and allow healing.Having connections and people you can lean on is ano

You're probably breathing wrong and it's impacting your energy, focus and even your mood. It might not be something you think about often, but poor breathing habits can lead to stress, fatigue and tension. The good news? With a few simple shifts, you can unlock more vitality, calm, and clarity... just by breathing better.Also, if you love this episode you should sign up to our free Breath and Meditation Masterclass! Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to get the invite!This is what we spoke about during the episodeTaking four deep breaths in and out through your nose has the power to shift you from the sympathetic nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system.The most amazing tool and the most underused tool to better balanced health is our breath.Take a breath, meditate, do a pranayama, or do whatever breathing exercise you like.Pranayama is the fourth limb of the eight limbs of yoga. Listen to Episode 329: The 8 limbs of Yoga explained or read our blog post How To Do Yoga? | The

It's time for you to finally let go of perfection! But not in every aspect of your life... just some. We recommend it anyway, yes, progress beats perfection every single time! Because perfection can often lead to paralysis, procrastination and burnout.Also! You are invited to a Free Masterclass we're hosting on the 20th of March. It's all about your breath and meditation. You will experience a live guided meditation and breathwork to release stress and make you feel amazing. They'll be practices that you can implement into your life whenever you need them. They're very easy to remember and easy to do, with a great positive impact. To get the invitation, simply hot on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025.This is what we spoke about during the episodeIn this age of Instagram filters, Botox, we need this message more than ever!Perfectionism can be paralysing. We've been there! But releasing that pressure lets you live life with a lens of acceptance and presence.Our Yoga Teacher Training has been a tra

We're excited to be back in our recording chairs, or as in Emma's case, the floor! After a brief hiatus, we're hitting play on a series of new episodes. In this episode, we chat about the impact of everyday actions on life's direction. How the days make up the weeks, the weeks make up the months, the months make up the years... and the years make up the life.This is what we spoke about during the episodeConsistent small steps lead to dreams becoming reality.Connect to your heart. Yoga, meditation, or going out in nature helps you reconnect to yourself.With screen time and distractions all around, it's important to create a dedicated space and time to tune into your true desires and create actions that align with your heart.Big goals, dreams and ideas, without action stay ideas and dreams.Failure is part of the journey. It's not about never failing, but always learning and allowing the failure to lead you to the next thing.Are you working on any passion-filled or bliss-filled pursuits? If you want to shar

Do you find yourself rushing from one errand to the next? Rushing from when you wake up to when you fall in a heap on the couch? Want to stop rushing? Tune in to this Get Merry episode!Carla describes it as being a chicken, where she gets Denny to sleep and runs around the house ticking off the to-do list. Sounds familiar?This is what we spoke about during the episodeConstant rushing pushes your nervous system into overdrive. When you're rushing, you're putting your body and your mind into a stress response.Awareness and shifting up your routine can create more happiness and more ease.When you're rushing, do you even get things done faster?Yoga, Pilates and meditation are not only for your body, but they're also a workout for your mind and presence.Being organised also helps. Write down stuff on a list, on a whiteboard or on a notebook.If you can spare 5 minutes of your busy day to practice your presence through meditation and doing breathwork exercises help you become more present. Guided meditations in

In today's episode, Carla takes us through her 37-hour birth story. Although she aimed for a 'calm birth' there was nothing calm about baby Denny's arrival! Although we have an amazing happy ending we better put a trigger warning on here. As Carla says... it was wild!This is what we spoke about during the episodeAt 38 weeks, Carla had an acupuncture session, 1 of the 2 'induction sessions'. In the end she only needed one! Contractions began soon after.Carla's intense lower back pain indicated posterior pregnancy. This was the worst pain she has ever felt in her entire life. There was nothing calm about this birth.Carla got the epidural and Talia, one of the midwives, internally turned the baby anterior so Carla could finally push him out.She experienced the "ring of fire" moment where the head was coming out and the epidural did not mask the stretching pain.When baby Denny went out and started crying, it was the most amazing sound in the world.Flexibility in birth plans is important and breathwork is very hel

We are super excited to be back recording this episode after Carla had a baby (9 weeks ago). Keep an eye out for the birth story in the next episode, she wasn't quite ready to share it yet. In this episode, we have a quick chat about baby stuff (like how loud babies fart) and also about doing hard things, because things can be hard, but hard isn't always bad, right?Also, Emma's microphone did not have the best connection... for some reason, something to do with my internet and zoom. Anyway, it's not too bad, so still press play!This is what we spoke about during the episodeCarla had a baby! YAY!Exercise is not always easy, but the reward is worth it.Sometimes it's not the action that's hard, but it's starting action. Finding the motivation is hard.When you have zero motivation, the best thing to do is take action. PUSH THROUGH the resistance. The book "The Tea Rose" makes us appreciate the luxury of modern living compared to the manual labour of the past.Running a business with a baby is really hard, pre

In this episode, we chat about people-pleasing and the idea that not everyone is going to like you. How do you deal with this and have the courage to be disliked?You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodePeople-pleasing and forever seeking people's approval, limit opportunities and can stop you from stepping towards goals and dreams.It's okay if some people don't love you, like you, align with you or get you. When everyone approves of you and likes you. But do you approve of yourself?Go inwards for a moment and choose you. Get your own approval.Apple's iconic marketing strategy did not try to please everyone but targeted the misfits and creatives.Our Yoga Teacher Training's underlying mission is to teach you to teach yoga, but with self-acceptance at the forefront.We love how our MerryBody members and Yoga Teacher trainees are passing on lessons of self-acceptance.Being you is your greatest super power! If you lo

This episode is part of our Yoga Teacher Series, we chat ideas and opportunities you can take to kickstart your Yoga teaching journey.You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeFind a local Facebook group where yoga teachers hang out and find class cover opportunities, which can lead to permanent positions.If there is a studio that you love, put yourself out there. Network and build a relationship with the studio owner.Get your foot in the door and offer classes at a community rate or even free of charge for people to get to know your teaching style.Join local council initiatives and explore funding opportunities to teach yoga.Tap into other industries or events for wellness opportunities and offer your service.Build your social media presence to share your values and mission, and for potential clients to research and connect with you.Teach private classes and find an opportunity to collaborate and network with other profes

This episode is part of our Yoga Teacher Series, we reflect on our conversations with our trainees from the 2024 cohort of MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training and the unexpected lessons that came from it.You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeYoga Teacher Training extends much further than learning how to teach yoga and improving your physical Asana practice.Setting and accomplishing a goal during the training builds self-belief.A lot of self-reflection is invited as Yoga Teacher Training allows the opportunity to reflect on who you are and how you want to live your life.Because of the increase of focused practice of meditation, Pranayama and Asana during the training, enhanced self-awareness comes with it.Self-acceptance becomes a profound practice as you dive deeper into yoga's philosophy.Everything you learn on the mat or in the Yoga Teacher Training ripples out and touches every aspect of your life.Self-compassion and s

We received a lovely compliment: "I love the way you do business." This episode is inspired by those kind words.This is what we spoke about during the episodeStaying true to your moral compass is important.If you're only focused on building a business and nothing else in your life, then every other important part of your life gets forgotten about.Business pivots.Following our bliss is the big overarching theme in our business journey.Keeping a lean team allows for deep connections and meaningful support to our community.In this digital age where faster is better and less personable, for us, personal connections matter. From 1-on-1 check-ins with our Yoga Teacher Trainees to sending physical tokens of appreciation, building and nurturing genuine relationships has been our cornerstone.Get your head around finances and accounting for profit and loss.Foundations and processes are important for business longevity.Say yes to the things that you really want to say yes to. Say no to things you really want to say no t

Time to go behind the scenes of what it's like to be a Yoga Teacher, we talk about the things you need to do to overcome the fear of Teaching Yoga.We go far deeper into these subjects inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeThe nervousness and anxiety associated with teaching a Yoga class is natural. You're never going to feel ready. You just have to jump in.Writing your sequence of what you're going to teach helps you prepare and be confident for a class or presentation.Using the "treasure map" approach or breaking down your poses help you overcome the anxiety of memorising your sequence. If you miss something, it's okay!Before walking into a class, get yourself grounded and calm, take a deep breath and switch your mindset to "teacher" mode.Be prepared for s

In this episode, we shift from the discussions about Yogic philosophies to Carla's pregnancy update (she was at 36 weeks when we recorded this episode).This is what we spoke about during the episodeCarla's been doing all the prep work like hypnobirthing, meditations and affirmations to feel calm and positive about the birth.Carla's having a dream pregnancy where she hasn't had any issues like sciatica or pelvic pain, aside from a little bit of back pain. Overall, it's been amazing!We're very grateful we have a lean business structure and a small team for flexibility.Healthy movement methods that release those feel-good endorphins including Pilates, yoga, and walking. If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.Always merrymaking,Emma + CarlaP.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact

This episode is Part 10 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Ishvara Pranidhana is the fifth Niyama and it translates to surrender.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeNischala Joy Devi translates Ishvara Pranidhana as wholehearted dedication. Through wholehearted dedication, we become intoxicated with the divine.What does Ishvara Pranidhana look like in our modern world? Ishvara Pranidhana is looked at as one of the most important Niyamas. If we are to practise this, everything else just falls into place.If you are looking for a fast track to enlightenment and bliss, combine Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana. These are described as Kriya Yoga or yoga in action.The whole reas