Life Enhanced

How did you first get into yoga?

The moment our mothers give birth and we scream our first cry, there is a path that we all must walk upon. What that journey entails will be determined by circumstance, opportunities, choices and other factors. Some individuals are natural-born yogis, through an inherent alignment with dharma. The question now is, at what point does a higher level of consciousness help steer them towards alignment with these age-old principles?

From an early age, I always gravitated to philosophies, such as Vipassana, the teachings of Osho and martial arts; there was always an innate sense of familiarity. Though I lost my way at times, these principles often provided an anchoring. I used to practice asana to complement my rigorous martial arts training, but it wasn’t until 2012, when I became ill through a leakage of mercury fillings and was almost bedridden, that I fully utilised yoga, herbal medicine and Ayurveda to assist in my holistic recovery.

What would you say are the biggest benefits of practicing yoga?

Through a yoga practice, there is an enrichment of all things. The vividness and sense of calm one experiences is the advancement toward the ultimate truth that lies within.

What does yoga mean to you now?

This question is so beautifully phrased because of the expansive nature of this wonderful practice. For me, the exploration of yoga begins where asana ends, where it transcends. The aim is to align with a universal truth, an infinite all-pervading consciousness that is the bedrock and enabler of all things.

There are times I touch upon this during Savasana and on rare occasions when I become conscious of the vibrancy of nature. To truly witness, encompass and become one with the beauty of a cherry blossom in the spring, or the mild evening autumn breeze that rustles through the grass and trees. This is yoga.

How has yoga helped you over the years?

It has provided clarity.

How do you stay motivated?

I suppose it is the rigorous discipline of Southern Mantis Kung Fu, from a young age, which I still practice. This style of martial art is sophisticated and requires many hours to master. This has carried over into my asana practice, in where that ‘way of life’ philosophy remains prevalent. It is no longer motivation, but more routine. On most days, this involves an hour of meditation, followed by one or two hours of Kung Fu or yoga and pranayama, and sometimes all three.

What differences have you seen in your practice over the years?

My approach to asana has become a little more conscious. There is a focused stillness aided by a detachment from the mind and emotions. So whatever posture I face, I regard it in the same manner. I approach Eka Pada Sirsasana as I would Dandasana. I try to employ an embodiment of grace, regardless of difficulty or preference. We can apply these tools when off the mat and facing external difficulties.

What type of yoga do you teach?

I would describe Samasthala Vinyasa as a cousin to Ashtanga Vinyasa. The emphasis is a little more on strength and a little less pressure on the hip opening. It is challenging, but rewarding. Yet on the flip side of the coin is the counter-balance. Samasthala Hatha-Yin encourages participants to delve a little deeper, to move inward, whilst moderating the Klesa and Vrittis. This is a marriage of opposites to create a whole. The word Samasthala equates to balance.