{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Half-Dead & Fully Alive: Dissolving the Ego at Midlife with Elena Brower","description":"What if thinking about death wasn't morbid\u2014but 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 \ud83d\udc96 Ready to \u2018DO LESS\u2019 in your practice? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https:\/\/www.brettlarkin.com\/uplifted\/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted \ud83d\udc0d 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\u2019s Episode: \ud83d\udc0d Yoga for Self Mastery \ud83d\udc96 Uplifted Membership \ud83c\udf00 Somatic Yoga Life Coaching  \ud83d\udcab Somatic Certification \ud83c\udfa7 Also Listen to: #320 \u2013 Less Is More: How To Honor Yourself & Your Students with Elena Brower #397 \u2013 How to Live Smartphone Free (From a 20 Year Old) with Yunus M. #401 \u2013 Who Has Your Attention? Attention Economy vs the Ancient Path   \u00a9 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com   ","author_name":"The Uplifted Yoga Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.brettlarkin.com\/","html":"