The Healing Power of Yoga (Encore)

Prakriti Poddar is a pioneering force in mental health and wellbeing based in Bellevue, Washington, US. Drawing from over two decades of expertise in mental wellness, Prakriti serves as the Global Head for Mental Health and Wellbeing at Roundglass.

Growing up as an abused, angry kid, Ceasar F. Barajas suffered multiple traumas. After spending seven years in the U.S. Navy, he found meditation when he was experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression, and he credits his practice with being the stabilizer for both his personal and professional life — which has involved everything from working as a classically trained dancer with the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Will Smith to leading fitness classes of all kinds. “Meditation doesn’t mean to stop thinking, it asks of you to slow down," he says. "Slowing down then enables you to listen, really listen, to yourself. Meditation is just mindful thinking." Having found his calling as a trauma-sensitive certified yoga instructor, meditation teacher and breathing techniques instructor, Ceasar specializes in mindful resiliency for trauma recovery and compassion fatigue. He’s taught all over the world and served as a guest panelist and instructor at Columbia, Rutgers and Fordham universities.