Walking Across the U.S. on Faith | A Yogi’s Journey from Depression to Spiritual Freedom

What would it feel like to surrender completely — to let go of certainty and trust something greater? What if the key to freedom involves releasing everything you thought defined "success"? ✨

In this deeply moving episode, Lee sits down for a powerful conversation with their long time Yoga teacher, Swami Sankarananda, who is a Yogic monk of the Sivananda Yoga order. (https://sivananda.org/)

In this episode, you’ll discover:

🧡 The breaking point of deep depression that initiated a complete life transformation for the Swami - from being a jet-setting business man, to taking vows of renunciation in India.

🧡 The spiritual lessons he learned from walking across the entire United States with almost nothing, on a two-year pilgrimage for peace. (Btw, he doesn't like to walk!)

🧡 The true meaning of faith — not blind faith, but faith which is based on and earned through spiritual experience.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt stuck in a life that looks "good" on the outside but feels empty on the inside, or wondered what it means to truly devote yourself to the Yogic path, then hit play now because this conversation is for you!

✨ Join our email list for info on upcoming Silent Retreats in Ohio + Queer Yoga Retreats: https://youareloved.one/pod

✨ Swami Sankaranandaji's website: Divine Grace Yoga

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Queer Soul Alchemy is a podcast that explores the sacred intersections of Yoga, Ayurveda, Astrology, Sexuality, and Spirituality as pathways of personal transformation, healing, and healthy self-expression. Here, we honor the wisdom of queerness and celebrate the beauty of queer identity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Through personal stories, astrology, and wellness practices, we embrace the call to live authentically as our true selves, uplift transgender and queer voices, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights with compassion and courage. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for self-care and health, are curious about joining a queer yoga retreat, are drawn to the rhythm of travel and spiritual journeying, or are simply longing to embrace your authentic self — you belong here. This is a sanctuary for allies, seekers, and members of the queer community who are ready to live their truth and embody the magic of queer soul alchemy.

Recommended for:

- Anyone seeking self help, mindfulness, and self healing tools

- Listeners exploring yoga, meditation, and philosophy

- Those on a spiritual awakening or self improvement journey

- LGBTQ+ souls seeking queer-inclusive spirituality and magick

About Your Host: Lee Devi✨

When I was growing up in Ohio, I didn’t have any LGBTQ+ role models, and I didn’t know it was okay to be myself. I’m Lee Devi (they/ them), a queer and nonbinary Yoga teacher and student. Through over a decade of Yoga practice, Ayurvedic study, and living a Yogic lifestyle, I’ve unraveled — and continue to unravel — layers of mental and spiritual conditioning. And somewhere along the way, I became the role model of my own dreams.

Today, I’m a 500-hour Registered Yoga Instructor, a 600-hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor, a Transformational Yoga Retreat Facilitator, and an Intuitive Astrologer. My work integrates Yoga, Ayurveda, Astrology, Spirituality, Travel, Queerness, and Self Care Practices to support your personal transformation and healing within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. I believe that every human deserves the safe and sacred space to embrace their authentic self, and connect with the divine energy within.