My yoga journey spans nearly two decades and in that time I’ve seen many esteemed teachers (some even referred to as gurus) rise and fall. When confronted with issues that have hit close to home, I’ve worked to ground my reaction in the teachings because I believe that the teachings of yoga hold their merit.

This has meant reflecting on what my experience has brought to my own life and to the lives of countless others that I have practiced alongside over the last eighteen years. It’s meant doing the best I can to lead by example, to uphold sound ethics, and to serve our community. I believe wholeheartedly that yoga can uplift, empower, and transform us — each of us, together.

I practice within Ashtanga Yoga system six days a week and I am a big fan of a vigorous asana practice. However, when I hear/think/say the word “ashtanga” I don’t just think of the physical postural practice, I also think of the eight limbs (ashta = 8, anga = limb) as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.

Ashtanga Yoga provides a sound platform for our work together and I favor teaching in the Mysore way (self-led with 1:1 teacher-student cooperation); however I don’t believe it needs to adhere to arbitrary strict or rigid rules and I do not approach it as such. We each come to the mat with our own unique experiences that have shaped who we are inside and out and I work to respect that. So, in “my” room, we may get creative when it’s of benefit to the student — if creative means incorporation of research poses, having open and honest reciprocal communication, and using props to enable each of us to take our best posture and move toward a state of meditation.

I’ve long held a personal motto that “if I’m not learning, I may as well be dead”. Sounds a bit harsh, but I suspect you get my drift. And ever since I was a little boy I have been drawn to study. I also hold great respect for my teachers, especially those that respected me in return. When it comes to yoga I’ve had the good fortune to study intensively with some of the most experienced teachers in the world. It was and is my choice to study with them and I have no issue in showing reverence to them, in fact I do so happily. I do feel that such a relationship is an important element of the learning process. I’ve also had the great good fortune to work with many amazing students - students who have felt empowered to speak up when necessary and at times open my eyes to blind spots - some of the best learning yet. It is through the strength of those relationships that I feel empowered to stand on my own two feet and continue to share yoga with others.

Over the coming months and years I intend to continue to study, practice, evolve and change and I’m sure this will be reflected through my own practice and teaching. I believe Ashtanga is an excellent method; however, I also believe that the time has come to assess, recognize and accept where change is needed. We can adapt such that we preserve the value and essence of our practice and teaching. My next blog post will be a pledge - my commitment as a teacher - a part of the effort to cultivate that change….