Cultivating Self-Care & Yoga as a Practice of Exploration with Anne Curtis

In this episode of The How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Anne Curtis to talk about her journey from ballet to yoga, the power of self-exploration, and what it truly means to care for yourself—without rigidity or unrealistic expectations. Anne shares her personal story of discovering movement through dance, battling the pressures of body image in ballet, and ultimately finding freedom through Iyengar Yoga. We discuss how injuries, life transitions, and shifting perspectives have shaped her teaching and personal practices.

We also dive into:

• The moment Anne realized she needed to change her relationship with movement

• How yoga became a tool for healing and self-acceptance

• The impact of societal ideals on body image, especially in the yoga space

• Why embracing exploration over perfection is essential for long-term well-being

• Practical self-care rituals that Anne swears by (hint: sleep is non-negotiable!)

• How to develop a sustainable and nourishing movement practice

Anne’s wisdom is both grounding and inspiring, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own journey toward balance, movement, and self-acceptance.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Breaking down barriers to authenticity 00:34 – Anne’s background: From ballet to self-discovery 09:05 – Discovering Iyengar Yoga & its impact on healing

18:03 – Self-care as exploration, not extremism

26:42 – Creating a sense of safety in practice

35:09 – The non-negotiables of daily self-care

44:26 – Embracing stillness and intuition during stressful times 51:39 – Radical authenticity: Living your truth even when it’s uncomfortable

1:06:11 – The importance of community and connection in self-care

1:13:16 – What Anne has learned from the food she eats

Connect with Anne Curtis:

• Website: www.yogawithin.studio

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithin/

• Join Anne for weekly yoga classes online & in-person in Arlington, MA

• Upcoming retreats in Tuscany (May 2026) and Vermont (October 2025) – check her website for details!

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about my work and upcoming offerings at www.veronicawolffcasey.com

• Join the waitlist for the Spring Digestive Reset (March 28 - April 6, 2025) email me at veronica@veronicawolffcasey.com

• Book an Ayurvedic consultation with me: https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/appointments

Listener Action Steps:

• If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

• Share this episode with a friend who could use some inspiration in their self-care journey.

• Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theveronicawolffcasey/ and tell me your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.

Thanks for listening, and remember—self-care is an exploration, not a destination. 💜