My first experience with yoga was probably around 1996. By that time I had become what would best be described as a spiritual seeker. Life events combined with an innate curiosity had taken me down a path of discovery that led far from my western (Christian) roots. Through the intersection of the work of numerous others and my personal experiences I started to build a small set of truths (call them knowings) according to which I lived my life. I found that this small base of knowing aligned closely with the meditative and yogic traditions and I started practicing a bit at that time using books and tapes as my primary guide.
In 2002 a long term, low back issue became acute and I underwent not one, but two surgeries to have it repaired. Post surgery I came to yoga in earnest looking to build and maintain my core strength hopefully warding off future problems. I thought that yoga would help me improve flexibility, core, balance, etc… but that I would still go to the gym for my "real work-out". That was before I walked into my first level 2 vinyasa flow class and walked out at the end exhausted and sweat drenched.
Since that time my yoga practice has been my primary physical outlet and the point of integration for my physical and spiritual beings. I have been fortunate to have encountered many great teachers, both on and off the mat, and as a result my physical and spiritual practices have continued to expand. One of my primary teachers is Suddha Weixler (Chicago Yoga Center) who I did my teacher training with.
Today my asana practice is an eclectic form of vinyasa flow and is quite vigorous. I love the fact that time on my mat leaves me both spiritually centered, as well as physically cleansed and strong.
Over time I've come to recognize that the greatest teachers lie within, so if I have one goal with my students it is to help them discover their own body as teacher. If we can move from "doing" the pose, to feeling the pose, to discovering the pose, then perhaps in time we might also more fully discover ourselves.
In addition to teaching yoga I stay busy with my two school age daughters and my "day job" where I am a Managing Director at a boutique merchant bank.
