Chris Abay Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chris Abay
Inspirational conversations that explore what connects real people to their own dreams and how they change their lives to follow their true purpose"Take your passion and make it happen"
Welcome back, everybody, to the 4th in this yoga Nidra series. I'm joining you today from a place of holiday in Malta.
I'm actually staying in monastery.
So, you're getting this raw and uncut, maybe some echoey effects from the monastery walls
....Imagine yourself surrounded in limestone walls with 12 foot high ceilings, wooden ceiling beams, that kind of thing. And outside, there's the 38 degree heat. There is water, there's a village, it's very Maltese here. Maybe that already brings you into a gentle visualisation of somewhere which is warm and relaxing, authentic, and also drenched in history, authenticity, reality. Life is messy. Yoga Nidra is away into the layers underneath that which colours your perception. I invite you now to become as comfortable as possible.
You might want to lie down
To relax
To let go...
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Namaste groovers.... this one is kinda a quick dive right in and a lounge. It has a quicker entrance so that if you like to get on with things you can still enjoy a Nidra!
Once you're in you can switch of and come out anytime you like or... let the magic take you to visit your future self and have a little chat about what's what.
Like the sound of that? then Dive in.
Other wise there are many more to choose from.
Enjoy
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For this special episode, headphones are strongly recommended.
A short, immersive Yoga Nidra experience designed to help you soften tension, quiet the nervous system, and deeply relax in just 10 minutes.
This guided breathing Nidra uses carefully layered audio textures and spatial sound effects to help accelerate the feeling of calm and absorption. The subtle left-to-right audio movement and immersive sound design are specifically engineered to support deeper relaxation and mental stillness.
Perfect for:
• Stress relief during a busy day
• Falling asleep more easily at night
• Resetting after work or travel
• Easing physical tension held in the body
• Improving concentration and mental clarity
One of the greatest advantages of Yoga Nidra is its simplicity. You can stream this practice anywhere, anytime — at home, on a train, during a lunch break, or before sleep — without needing to “do” anything other than listen and breathe.
Over time, practices like this may help you:
• Let go of chronic tension patterns
• Sleep more deeply and wake more refreshed
• Feel calmer and less overwhelmed
• Improve focus, concentration, and emotional balance
• Create moments of stillness within busy modern life
Find a comfortable position, put your headphones on, and allow yourself 10 minutes to simply stop holding on.
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Season 4: Feel the wave of Yoga Nidra - deep practice without movement:
In this Nidra practice, Chris from YinWave by AbaYoga invites you to wonder off into a safe space to lighten latent tension and reconnect your happier self with an open sense of ease.
Created for anyone wishing to relax more and smile more in life.
Can be done before bed or when ever you want to lighten your day.
Let go & enjoy.
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In this season finale episode, I bring together the softer practices explored across the season, Yin, myofascial release, breathwork, meditation, and Yoga Nidra, not as separate tools, but as one integrated approach to healing.
Working with my own post-operative scar has shown me something simple but powerful. The body holds, protects, and, when given the right conditions, releases.
I explore:
- Stillness as an active force
- Breath as the bridge into safety
- Fascia and stored tension
- Practising without striving
This is not instruction. It’s reflection from inside the process.
If you’re moving through injury, recovery, or feeling the pull to slow down, this offers a quieter way in.
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I probably shouldn’t have recorded this.
I'm four days after shoulder surgery... tired, uncomfortable, slightly spaced out and yet this felt like the most honest moment to speak.
This isn’t a polished update.
It’s not “on brand.”
And it definitely wasn’t planned.
It’s what it actually feels like when everything stops.
What happens when you can’t teach, can’t move properly, can’t distract yourself, and you’re left with your body, your thoughts, and whatever surfaces in the quiet.
There’s frustration in here.
There’s clarity.
And a few things I didn’t expect to say out loud.
If you’ve been wondering where I’ve gone… this is the real answer.
And if you’re curious about where things are heading, beyond the classes, beyond the old rhythm, I think this points directly at it.
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Yin Yoga is often misunderstood as simply slow stretching. But in reality, Yin can become something much more interesting, it's explorative way of listening to the connective tissue and discovering where the body is holding tension.
In this episode, Chris explores how Yin Yoga becomes the discovery platform for deeper fascial work.
Long holds in Yin poses help reveal patterns of restriction across the body’s fascial lines. Once those areas are identified, Myofascial Release (MFR) allows us to move from broad exploration to precise intervention, gently targeting adhesions and restoring the natural glide of connective tissue.
Think of Yin as the discovery vehicle, and Myofascial Release as the precision tool.
Together they create a powerful approach to working with fascia, mobility, and long-term joint health.
These symbiotic practices and how they work can be explored at my new wbsite : YinWave.com
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Yin is often misunderstood as gentle, passive, or “just stretching.”
But what if the real strength of a practice isn’t how much effort it demands — but how much staying power it cultivates?
In this episode, Chris explores why Yin and Myofascial Release are anything but the soft option. Drawing on lived studio experience, fascia science, and the often-overlooked bridge between movement and meditation, he reframes strength as tolerance, endurance, and nervous system capacity rather than force or intensity.
This is an episode for anyone who:
- Feels unsure about letting go of stronger, more dynamic practices
- Worries that Yin might mean losing strength or support
- Has benefited from practices like Aerial yoga and wonders where that strength now lives
- Has been quietly waiting for Yin that goes deeper than stretching
You’ll hear why Yin trains the body to stay rather than strive, how this endurance transfers directly into meditation, and why quiet practices often build the most sustainable kind of strength.
If you’ve ever thought Yin was “too soft,” this conversation may change the way you listen to your body — and what you mean by strength.
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This is the sweetspot of the series where we share where the new direction of the studio is and how th horizon is changing.
The decompression zone is that space everybody needs to balance the immense effort it takes to progress through "life".
In this episode, I explore the idea of decompression, not as stretching, fixing, or improving the body, but as creating the conditions for release.
Modern bodies live under constant load: physical, mental, emotional. Over time, this compression shows up as stiffness, fatigue, irritability, and a sense that the body never quite settles.
This episode looks at what decompression really means in a Yin, fascia-aware context — why doing less can often create more space, and how stillness, time, and intelligent positioning allow the nervous system to downshift and tissues to rehydrate.
Rather than techniques to “do”, this is an invitation to notice where you are holding, bracing, or over-efforting — and what becomes possible when that grip softens.
Spoiler alert: This episode contains raw, unedited content!
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Fascia has become one of the most talked-about words in modern movement, yoga, and bodywork — and also one of the most misunderstood.
In this episode, I gently strip fascia back to what it actually is… and what it definitely isn’t.
We’ll explore fascia not as a trendy buzzword or a mysterious “thing you stretch,” but as a living, intelligent connective tissue system that responds to time, load, hydration, sensation, and nervous system input.
You’ll learn:
- What fascia really is, structurally and functionally
- Why fascia doesn’t behave like muscle — and why treating it like muscle often backfires
- Common myths about fascia release, rolling, and “breaking things up”
- How fascia adapts slowly, intelligently, and with memory
- Why gentleness, duration, and awareness matter more than force
This episode is especially for anyone who:
- Feels stiff despite stretching regularly
- Has tried foam rolling or strong techniques with mixed results
- Practices Yin Yoga and wants to understand why it works
- Is curious about pain, restriction, or long-held tension in the body
Nothing technical for the sake of it. No forceful fixes. Just a clearer, calmer understanding of the tissue that quite literally holds us together.
If you’ve ever wondered why slowing down can create deeper change than pushing harder — this episode is for you.
Part of the YinWave audio series — where sound, stillness, and fascia meet.
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In this episode, I gently challenge one of the most common beliefs in movement and yoga culture: that flexibility is something you push your way into.
If stretching harder, longer, or more often was the answer, many of us would already feel open, free, and pain-free. And yet… here we are.
I explore why forcing range of motion often leads to resistance, irritation, or injury — and how the body, particularly the nervous system and fascia, responds when it feels rushed or overruled.
This episode looks at:
- Why the body tightens in response to force
- The difference between lengthening tissue and creating safety
- How “no pain, no gain” quietly works against flexibility
- Why slowing down can create more change than pushing ever did
This isn’t about avoiding effort — it’s about choosing the right kind of input.
A softer conversation about flexibility, resilience, and why listening tends to outperform forcing, every time.
And of course - how YinWave support your journey in to a healthier existence :)
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An audio introduction to fascia-informed Yin Yoga, explaining how it differs from stretching and why slowness and sustained stillness support real tissue change.
Many people come to Yin Yoga thinking it’s simply long, passive stretching, and then feel confused when it doesn’t behave the way stretching usually does.
In this short episode, Chris gently explores why Yin works differently. You’ll hear why stretching targets muscles, why it often stops helping when stress, fatigue, or injury are involved, and how Yin uses stillness and time to communicate with deeper connective tissues instead.
If you’ve ever felt tight despite stretching regularly, or noticed that pushing flexibility doesn’t bring lasting relief, this episode offers a calmer, more compassionate way of understanding what’s happening in your body.
This is an introduction, not a lesson, an invitation to listen rather than try harder.
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Hey this is Chris!
I recently completed a wonderful training course in Yoga Nidra with the amazing Melanie Cooper & Jennie Sharma.
They trained us well and encouraged us to give away free recordings of Yoga Nidra because you never know who it might help.
Yoga Nidra is a bit like a hypnotic guided meditation which takes you gently into that soft space between being awake and being asleep, allowing your conscious awareness to peer into the magic of the unconsciousness...
Or - just have a really, really nice rest :)
Please give this a try and if you like it give me a like and a follow and remember to enjoy this as much and as often as you wish.
Happy meandering,
Chris xx
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One of my teachers now runs a Mindfulness Movement called Just Breathe. In this interview MJ navigates the journey from the noise of a busy life, strong physical practice (including Yoga) & personal demands from family to the therapeutic value of finding....
Space.
The place where peace & quiet interact to nourish you with the things you find hard to justify and impossible to ignore.
Listen now, contemplate what his words mean for you and then seek to find your own, inner peace.
Namaste beautiful human _/\_
AbaYoga.co.uk : Classes : Courses : Coaching
Greetings from Spain!
In this is a super quick listen, just 16 minutes long, no guest this time - just me chatting with you...
I share a journey of discovery from a seemingly blind mistake to a place of deep authenticity.
How do things like this happen?
Well, my theory is that the universe doesn't work in linear lines - the universe works in magic we don't understand.
We just get to feel it.
May you be seen, may you be nourished, may you be loved.
Namaste, Chris 🧡
AbaYoga.co.uk
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This week I chat with much loved Michelle Watson, devoted student at the studio and practicing Psychotherapist. Those who know her, LOVE her.
She's quiet and sincere and holds space where others get nervous.
Together we ask the question, what is happiness? And, how do we create space in our lives to let it in.
PLUS - there is a secret announcement towards the end and by saying it out loud here, it kinda has to happen now. Thanks universe!
AbaYoga.co.uk : Classes : Courses : Coaching
S2: E8
Catching cancer in time saves & changes lives.
This week I chat with a mother & serial entrepreneur who is so busy its amazing how she found time to pay enough attention to herself to save her own life and in doing so continues to change the countess lives of the people she loves.
I recommend a cup of tea and a window to stare through as you absorb the beauty of the message in Allie's story.
Remember to pay attention, to yourself xx
Namaste _/\_
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How are you? "Fine..." Hmm (!)
This weeks' guest suffered horrific mental burnout by avoiding connection with his truth and only just lived to tell the tale. He now helps others avoid the downward spiral that outward success so often attracts.
If you want to know more about the tell-tale but subtle messages your body is sending you and how you can improve your destiny, listen now...
AbaYoga.co.uk : Classes : Courses : Coaching
Meet Matt and Corinna, a dynamic duo of relationship therapists with a unique, spiritual approach.
With years of experience, Matt and Corinna have developed a special ability to guide couples and individuals through the unseen layers of male and female perception, helping clients understand the subtle magic in how men and women view love, connection, and commitment.
Matt brings a calming, practical perspective to understanding masculine energy.
Corinna brings a warm, empathic approach to decoding feminine intuition.
Together, they illuminate the rich, often mysterious interplay between partners, helping listeners and clients find harmony, mutual respect, and a soulful connection.
Join them in this episode and see how they expand their insights beyond human relationships and into another level of what makes us tick..
AbaYoga.co.uk : Classes : Courses : Coaching
In a world crammed with people trying to 'do' more & more the inability set and maintain healthy personal boundaries is a modern epidemic.
Spotting the early warning signs of self sabotage and creating healthy boundaries with others are the new cornerstones of good mental health and wellbeing.
This week my guest (and co-facilitator on my upcoming Mountain Yoga retreat in Portugal) is JJ Wadsworth, specialist in creating & maintaining healthy boundaries as part of positive self-care and good mental health.
AbaYoga.co.uk : Classes : Courses : Coaching
This week I chat with practicing Transpersonal Psychotherapist & teacher of Yoga teachers around the world, Jamie Clarke of TYP International to uncover how unconscious behaviour patterns from childhood affect our spirituality in adult life and how to work with them.
Motivational. Challenging. Insightful.
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A special, off-the-cuff episode recorded on my birthday using me as the guest sharing 14 lof my own life hacks. It took more courage to do this one because I had no one to dance with - it's just me...
With love,
Chris xx
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This week I interview Dr Arvind Mohan, leading orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder replacements, hand & wrist reconstructions and sports injuries.
Dr Mohan talks us through how to pay better attention to our joints so that we can live painlessly and enjoy the finer things in life.
If you've ever suffered from joint pain, especially in the upper body, then you NEED to listen to this so download it now for free - pop in your headphones and take us with you as you go about your day :)
Subliminal Box Breathing Recording - use headphones
This is a subliminally soothing recording which only works using headphones because it sends soft messages of relaxation to the left ear whilst the right ear focuses on the main message.
"Thank you for the recording. It was like a big comforting mug of hot chocolate served with a giant cookie! It was very relaxing & restorative"
Christine Aram
Are You Paying Attention to ...Yourself?
This week I interview the wildly talented & obsessively practiced musician, Ophelia Gordon, who learned that from a young age what you lack in childhood becomes the gift you use CAN to propel yourself into a life of stardom.
From aspiring actor & ruthless salesman to giving mediator & loving family man, this week I interview local entrepreneur Wyndham James to find out how & where he found his true purpose in life.
Having lived up to his parents' expectations educationally & financially Wyndham faced a dilemma - to follow societal norms or follow his inner voice. Find out how his life turned a corner and what happened...
This week I interview the very popular owner of a dream coffee shop called FILTR situated right here on our local doorstep in Sanderstead. The owners Veena & Thomas are the kindest most friendly combination characters and their lead barista even teaches Yoga in our studio. In this Podcast Veena shares her life's journey from India to Sanderstead telling how she let go of the big corporate pay cheque to create something she truly believes in. This is her destiny!
Much loved teacher from our own Studio, Junior Valentine talks about how he moved from passion to passion, acting to teaching, whilst navigating South London culture as a Black Gay Man. If you loved his classes you'll love his voice, his energy and... his story.
This week I interview Adam Whiting. Accomplished musician - come New York insurance specialist & 9.11 PTSD sufferer - come international Yoga trainer. This is the 1st time I've been unable to find anything to edit for the final Podcast cut. The whole interview is so completely compelling even my wife wanted to listen to all of it from start to finish. Adam has a presence that captivates. I'm stoked to offer you this soul searching episode completely FOC. Enjoy! And, if you love it as much as we do... maybe help us with a Spotify / Apple / Google podcast rating & comment ;-)
This week I interview Mark England, TedX speaker and author of best selling online self help language upgrade course "Procabulary".
A truly lovable guy, who started out as an ordinary, small town, PE teacher but managed to follow his dreams across the world only to have them smashed by personal tragedy in a faraway land. Instead of allowing it to break his spirit, new life emerged from his tragedy which led him to TedX notoriety and the positive influence of thousands of teachers and business owners across the UK & US.
Listening to Mark now, it's amazing to consider just how chilled he sounds with all that he has been through. He's now calm, deliberate and charismatic - the kind of man who holds the attention of everybody in any bar. I think you'll really enjoy this one!
Interview with Jamie Clarke, his heart is bigger than his body and his love of humour makes his story so easy to listen to.
He followed a parent pleasing career path from South London to San Francisco as a high flying management consultant. Then, after the traumatic death of his mother, he gave up everything to follow his deeper passion as a Yoga Teacher, healer and teacher of teachers.
Jamie's light hearted words weave a fascinating tapestry of truly inspirational characters and exotic places. His words are so gentle and kind that it becomes almost hard to grasp just how much he has changed the lives of so many.
Interview with TedX Speaker Lucas Rockwood, who went from borderline alcoholic corporate zombie to inspirational Yoga entrepreneur & worldclass champion of positive human change. His fascinating, real-life story shows how with the right motivation you can TAKE YOUR PASSION AND MAKE IT HAPPEN and then pivot again when international disaster strikes.