Of course it was all in good fun since I love to laugh and felt honored that everyone knew who I was. In addition to genetically inherited conditions, my body and mind were a total wreck due to a lifetime of mostly self-induced physical and mental abuse through activities (martial arts, heavy construction, high stress hospital job, etc.) as well as substances, poor diet, and lack of rest.

My personal physician ordered me to take yoga over 20 years ago as a way to balance and heal my mind and body. I was absolutely against trying it, since at that time, I was the unenlightened, ignorant tough guy who perceived yoga as an activity for women. I felt at ease in my first class since I met some “macho” men in the class: a fire captain, police officer, and a pro football player on the Tennessee Titans. They all assured me yoga would change my life. They were right! The first 5 minutes of the class convinced me this was not only good for my health, but an activity I would like to do for the rest of my life!

Yoga is not a panacea for all of our physical and mental problems; however, it has improved the quality of my life tremendously. Obviously I cannot run full-court basketball like I used to when I was in high school, but in many ways I am healthier now than I was when I was in my teens and twenties. This is thanks to all of my yoga teachers and classmates who conveyed through example that yoga is not physical exercise, but a total lifestyle. This awareness led me to train in India and learn from the Masters in Northern India (Rishikesh) and Nasik, Maharashtra. I was eventually able to challenge the national Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH Yoga Certification Board exam and passed as a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist thanks to the guidance, support and training from Guruji and instructors at Yoga Vidya Gurukul.

The unexpected treasure from yoga has been for me to concentrate on all yogic practices to work towards merging my consciousness (not mind) with the Supreme consciousness. In other words, a feeling of interdependence and interconnectedness with all living beings and the Universe. What is truly profound has been the realization of the depths of my ignorance.

I wholeheartedly welcome you to join me at any age and any physical condition on this wonderful yoga journey which has no beginning and no end! I am sure yoga can enhance your life in ways you could never have imagined!