1. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOGA?
2. HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR WAY TO YOGA?
As a musician I craved a change in my life, a different approach. I read a book called Effortless Mastery which opened my eyes to meditation. Meditation helped me become more self aware. Many years later at a memorial for a friend, I found a deeper layer of self discovery. In the celebration of my friend, I was suddenly hit with the understanding that life was not as limited as I previously believed it to be. It was like taking a lens cap off my mind, and finally seeing the truth that I had been previously blind to. This moment lead me down an intense road of extreme change. Along this journey I met someone who passed me the next book that would shape the course of my life: “Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior” which suggested Yoga as a form of moving meditation. The next day I started my yoga practice with my step mother, needless to say I was hooked from the first moments and sprinted down the path that is now my current life.
3. WHO IS YOUR PRIMARY TEACHER RIGHT NOW?
Though I don’t actually get to sit in her presence, I would say Rudrani Farbman, owner of World Yoga Center in Manhattan is my main teacher. I spent about 4 years studying with her, mostly mediation and yoga philosophy, and I am still processing and integrating all that I have learned in those years. Every class I teach I have her by my side.
4. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP TEACHING?
People and the human body. I am so fascinated with our own psychology – every time I teach I gain a better understanding of people, my mind, my body, the human body, and nature itself.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PRACTICE LIKE OFF THE MAT? HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOU LIVE YOUR YOGA?
Everything I do is a practice, this is what I learned right from the beginning – of my journey with Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior. There is no “on the mat” and “off the mat”. All life is an exploration and a platform for self discovery. After so many of practicing self awareness, It has become a way of being, there is no on and off switch. I don’t mean that I know myself completely, quite the opposite, just that I am constantly inquiring about who and what I am as a being of nature.
6. DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE OR RITUALISTIC WAY TO START EACH DAY? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE.
My life is far from routine, I have learned to adapt to whatever the situation calls for. I often stay with folks as a travel around the world and adapt their routine. When I am at home I start my day off with feeding our farm animals and giving them love. Sometimes my wife, Rebecca, and I will have to do some poop pick up and routine farm maintenance. Then I make the two of us an espresso drink which is one of my hobbies, and something I study as an art and science. After that I typically have a few Skype sessions with students that are in my Mentorship Mastery Program, from there anything goes!
7. WHAT ARE SOME NON-NEGOTIABLES YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW TO MAINTAIN BALANCE AND HEALTH IN EVERYDAY LIVING?
To be honest I am not sure what my non-negotiables are, only that I make or find outstanding espresso each morning – it’s not so much about the caffeine as it is enjoying a quality, well crafted, warm cup of deliciousness. It’s either AMAZING coffee, or nothing at all. I will not drink the green monster or anything else that is prepared mindlessly. Other than that bit of snobbery I am pretty low maintenance. All I need is a pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, something to teach yoga in, and a flat surface for handstand and seated meditation. Hot Tubs, and Saunas are at the height of my luxury list.
8. WHAT DRAW YOU TO THE LILA COMMUNITY?
Genell – She has such a beautiful spirit, I am always excited to spend time with her, I mean that sincerely. I Loved teaching at Lila that last time I came up, what a beautiful community to have the opportunity to share with, I look forward to the next visit!
9. IF YOU WOULD SUGGEST ONE BOOK TO THE COMMUNITY TO READ AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEEPEN THEIR LEARNING ON LIFE, YOGA, AND ALL THINGS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Wisdom of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman (not to be confused with Way of the Peaceful Warrior – different book).
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