The Uplifted Yoga Podcast Half-Dead & Fully Alive: Dissolving the Ego at Midlife with Elena Brower
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:
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Why "I'm half-dead" is the most freeing thought you can have
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The invisible gift your meditation practice gives everyone around you
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How sitting still helps your kids solve their own problems
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Why knowing everything makes you terrible company
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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
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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
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