What if thinking about death wasn't morbid—but liberating?
In this conversation, Elena Brower (author of "Hold Nothing") and I get real about turning 40, 50, and beyond. We talk about why ego dissolution might be the greatest gift of aging, how meditation is actually an act of service to others, and why certainty is killing your relationships.
Elena shares why she's ready to let all her accomplishments dissolve, the difference between prayer and meditation (spoiler: maybe there isn't one), and a simple exhale practice that serves humanity.
This isn't your typical "graceful aging" conversation. It's about ruthlessly re-prioritizing, slowing down radically, and preparing for death in the most relaxed way possible.
In this episode:
Why "I'm half-dead" is the most freeing thought you can have
The invisible gift your meditation practice gives everyone around you
How sitting still helps your kids solve their own problems
Why knowing everything makes you terrible company
A breathing practice you can do right now to serve humanity
💖 Ready to ‘DO LESS’ in your practice? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https://www.brettlarkin.com/uplifted/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted
🐍 Download your FREE Feminine Kundalini Starter Pack: https://www.brettlarkin.com/online-kundalini-yoga-teacher-training/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ku
GUEST EXPERT: Elena Brower | https://elenabrower.com/
Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and podcast host, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999. Her new book, Hold Nothing, was published by Shambhala Publications in November 2025. Her column on Substack by the same name, Hold Nothing, supports girls and women, through On The Inside, Girls on Fire Leaders, Women for Women, and Free Food Kitchen.
FREE Practice: 60 Min Restorative Yoga | RESTORATIVE YOGA FOR TIGHT HIPS
Relevant Blog: Somatic Meditation: A Body-Based Approach to Healing Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma
Relevant to Today’s Episode:
🎧 Also Listen to:
#320 – Less Is More: How To Honor Yourself & Your Students with Elena Brower
#397 – How to Live Smartphone Free (From a 20 Year Old) with Yunus M.
#401 – Who Has Your Attention? Attention Economy vs the Ancient Path
© 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com
It’s Chapter Six of the Bhagavad Gita, where everything starts to get real. After five chapters of philosophy and frameworks, Krishna now turns to practice—specifically the challenges of meditation, discipline, and staying steady on your spiritual path.
If your mind feels too restless to meditate... if you wonder whether your practice actually counts... or if you've ever feared you’re "doing it wrong"—this chapter will soothe your soul.
🔹 Krishna reveals why inner discipline > outer rituals
🔹 Arjuna expresses the doubts we all have on the path
🔹 Meditation becomes the core of yogic living—not just something we "do"
🔹 We explore witness consciousness, compassion, and true non-attachment
🔹 Spiritual effort is never wasted—even across lifetimes
📘 This also marks the completion of the first arc of the Gita. Many scholars divide the Gita into three sections of six chapters each—and Chapter 6 concludes the first movement, focused on Karma Yoga (yoga of action). We’ve been building the foundation. The next six chapters will take us into Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion and loving recollection of God, so stay tuned for the next segment.
🐍 Download the FREE Feminine Kundalini Starter Pack: https://www.brettlarkin.com/online-kundalini-yoga-teacher-training/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=ku
📖 Different translations explored:
Barbara Stoler Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Krishnas-Counsel-Bantam-Classics/dp/0553213652
Godsong by Amit Majmudar: https://www.amazon.com/Godsong-Verse-Translation-Bhagavad-Gita-Commentary/dp/1524733474
Eknath Easwaran: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-2nd-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/1586380192
Bhagavad-Gita As It Is by Swami Prabhupada: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-As-Bhaktivedanta-Swami-Prabhupada/dp/0892131233
FREE Practice: 15 Min Beginner Morning Yin Yoga | NO PROPS
Relevant Blog: The Ultimate Guide to Karma Yoga
Relevant to Today’s Episode:
🎧 Also Listen to:
#374 – Karma Yoga & the Detached Yogi: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Part 2
#395 – The Role of “God” in Yoga + Tantric Shadow Work w/ Katie Silcox
© 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com