When did you first become interested in Yoga?

I was very body oriented even as a child. At six years old I studied a vigorous form of ‘highland dance”.  By the time I was ten years old, I was doing a Yoga practice of my own every morning. During my teens, I was a competitive ski racer, as well as a gymnast, so my practice of Yoga became essential for focus, as well as for managing defeat. 

What is it that attracted you to Yoga?

I was studying Asian Studies at University where I met teachers that told wonderful tales of the East. At 19 years old, I left for a solo journey to India that lasted a year, and gave me an enormous education of Yoga. My main teacher in India was Swami Chinmayananda, who taught philosophy through the Vedas and the Upanishads. Like many great teachers, he was full of uproarious good humor and flare. His friend, the Dalai Lama, would visit our ashram and give lectures to us as well. I was mostly amongst Indians, as Westerners were more interested in Hatha Yoga (the physical practice), which he did not teach. Swamiji would laugh at the idea of standing on one’s head. Not one posture did he proclaim! (There are many people who think the asanas are the Yoga, but in India, many traditions of Yoga exist without the physical postures).  I always maintained a physical practice that I knew was important for me.

What is it about Yoga that has kept your interest?

For many years during my 20’s, all of the jobs I took were physical. I was a modern dancer, a tree planter, and even worked on a drill rig up North. Without Yoga, I don’t think I could have managed such intense physical work. Beyond the physical limitations of the body, there are emotional set backs as well. Through Yoga, we see that we do have the ability to shape our character, and become mature in skills such as listening, being humble, and being generous.

Why is that so important to you?

Without a practice, or a worldview, it is very difficult to make sense of the immense suffering in this world. Even with a practice, and with great teachers to guide us, it is a challenge to remain clear in the face of such darkness. Greed, hate, and delusion have been around since before the time of the Buddha. It is important for me to have understanding of who I am, and what it means to be alive. Yoga gives and gives; sometimes just more questions, but sometimes some very clear answers. We learn to take care of our egos, and to be less attached to our ideas, our bodies, and our material possessions.

What benefits do you most appreciate from your practice of Yoga?

Beyond the obvious physical benefits of strength, flexibility, and a calm nervous system, I appreciate the straightforwardness in thought and speech that comes from practicing. 

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---