Tell
us, when did mind-body first bend you to its will? Never
been a gym bunny (ed. thought that was "gym rat"), aerobics addict, dance diva, martial artist or
gymnast; nor was I ever particularly spiritual (though always
seeking) or involved in anything else seemingly complementary to
yoga.
In 2006, my personal promise to try something new for the New
Year led to a garden-variety yoga class at the gym and, well, that
was that. My experience since then has been life-changing. Just
goes to show, yoga is accessible to anyone at any age or stage of
life, and you never know when your calling will find you.
Besides
your obvious coolness, what makes you qualified to teach? My
coolness is not obvious; in fact, its existence is debatable (ed. I second that). What
qualifies me to teach are those things that I would look for in any
teacher: passion, curiosity and a desire to inspire others. And a
pretty sweet headstand (see #5). Formally
speaking, I expect to be a certified RYT in the U.S. by late 2008,
Radiant Child Levels 1 & 2 certified by April 2008, and certified
to teach the Sivananda style of yoga worldwide by Nov. 2008.
What
other things are you qualified to do (besides train dolphins ...
we're all qualified to do that)? Actually, much of my
adult life has been spent honing my skills in market research
analysis for large corporations. It’s essentially a social
science, and it’s taught me much about human desires and
tendencies. And I can run a pretty mean regression analysis.
What
can we expect to see, hear and do in your classes? I
aspire to complement the practice of asana with knowledge,
compassion and humor. I want my classes to be a place of refuge,
but also a place to be challenged physically and mentally.
And maybe sometimes that place has a pretty kickin’
soundtrack.
What
pose/move do you dig the most and why? Sirsasana, or
headstand. There’s just something supremely silly about being
upside down…
If
you could push a button and remove a pose/move from history, which
one and why? Salabhasana, or Locust pose. So let’s
remove it already.
Like,
what's your sign man? Sagittarius, bro.
What
are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy? Friends will attest that I smile big and
cheesy A LOT; it doesn’t take much. But if I had to narrow it
down? My kids, Shaun the Sheep, and a nicely executed headstand.
What
is your favorite quote when you're in need of a little inspiration?
Even if you never reach enlightenment, you are a better person for
having tried.
If
you could do anything to change the world, what would it be?
Really and truly, to get people to take themselves and their
possessions less seriously (ed. [achem] BMWs require serious attention)
Any
other interesting information you would like to share with the nice
people reading this here Bio? To
all you nice, curious, searching, wondrous and wise folk out there:
It would be my privilege to meet you and share in your yoga practice
and your life. Om Nama Shivaya, may our paths cross soon!
