We are so lucky to have Rob as a part of our family at the House of Love. He is down-to-earth, thoughtful, kind, and supportive. It is so much fun taking his classes and practicing beside him as he supports his fellow teachers by attending their classes (usually with his amazing wife, Carol, by his side). We are inspired by the way Rob walks through life. He's deep in his understanding of yoga philosophy and how to apply it to everyday life, yet there's a lightness about the way he holds the space he's in that is always welcoming. We have so much love for this human and celebrate him this month. Get to know him a little better by reading the interview below.
Q: How did you get into the yoga world and when did you know you wanted to become a yoga teacher? A: Growing up I was fairly athletic. I was a wrestler and played rugby. After college, I practiced various martial arts. When our first child was born, I was working a high stress job, stopped working out, and had a lot of stress related ailments including insomnia, lower back and neck pain, and began to gain weight. In 2005, a co-worker recommended I give yoga a try and lent me a DVD. I was resistant at first, but once I began a regular home-yoga practice I started to notice big changes. My stress levels, neck and back pain dramatically decreased, I was sleeping, and getting back to a healthy weight. Yoga clearly works. I was a believer. After practicing for six years, I was inspired by one of my teachers to go to teacher training. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love teaching yoga. I believe if you discover something you know can directly change lives for the better there is an obligation to share. Q: What do you feel is your purpose as a yoga teacher? A: In our busy, intense world, it is very easy to get distracted, stuck in our heads and stressed. We are often moving so fast we have no idea what’s at the root of our anxiety and pain. Yoga is an amazing tool to help us get out of the chatter in our heads, observe where we are stuck, and empowers us to make changes. I know first-hand yoga works. I love teaching others to remove the blocks and discover what is possible. Q: Why is movement an important part of your life? A: Once we stop moving we start to stagnate; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Once stagnation sets in, growth slows and depression may not be far behind. Simply moving our bodies and our minds puts us in a state of action, and with right action and effort there is progress and growth, paving the way to empowerment. Q: What quotes or mantras currently resonate with you? A: Some people choose to see the ugliness in this world. The disarray. I choose to see the beauty. Q: What are some of your daily rituals? A: Yoga and meditation. I also listen to music consistently, and definitely consider it a daily ritual. Q: Who/what inspires/motivates you? A: Much of my inspiration comes from musicians, writers, and teachers. However, my true inspiration comes from my wife and daughters. Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at Evolution Yoga? A: Evolution’s welcoming and inspiring community. I am continually impressed by our students’ commitment and dedication to their practice. Seeing students have that personal breakthrough is an inspiration. Q: When you’re not teaching classes at Evolution Yoga, what are you doing? A: I love to cook, sit at the beach, read, and watch football and F1 racing. Finish these sentences: I'm most at peace when... A: I am staring out into the ocean. My friends would describe me as... A: An INFP-A. I'm currently reading… A: I started reading Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” series a year ago and am almost finished. Love it. A perfect blend of fantasy, gothic horror, psychology, and social observation. All in a beautiful graphic novel. My biggest pet peeve is... A: Coca-Cola with Coffee.
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