My yoga journey began while completing my Exercise Science internship at Bronson Athletic Club. It was great to build a yoga foundation and overcome the fear of something new. However, I didn't think too much about yoga once I graduated and my internship ended. 

 

A few years later I was invited to try yoga at The Grand Rapids Downtown Market in the greenhouse. My yoga journey was no longer a bunch of poses, it was connecting to something more. The greenhouse felt familiar because my dad owned greenhouses. The teacher challenged me just enough to keep me coming back. And, something started to shift in how I lived my daily life.

 

After 6 months, I was eager to do a yoga teacher training. With some encouragement from my teacher, I decided to do Sadhana Yoga School's 28 day immersion in Bali, Indonesia. I was ready to jump into the unknown and see where this yoga journey would take me.
 

I was immersed into a raw organic paradise, introduced to beautiful people from around the world and pushed into a strange world. On our first night, we participated in a fire ceremony, standing around a fire with my arms around strangers chanting Sanskrit. I had no clue what I was saying and wondered about the absurdity of this moment. The days felt long but the experience was over in a blink of an eye. I meditated daily, developed my yoga practice, learned how to teach, experienced vegetarianism and was opened to new perspectives. In the end, I realized we're all broken people trying to piece our brokenness together. 

  
After settling back into life in the states, I started teaching at Bent9 Hot Yoga in Kalamazoo. It was a great opportunity to figure out what works and what does not. However, my yoga journey had other plans as I moved to Oak Park, IL. Here I experienced a variety of teachers, students and opportunities working for Ahimsa, The Yoga Centre, Lagom and Revival Yoga Studio. I was able to hone my skills and define my teaching style by meeting the needs of my students.

 

I've continued to deepen my personal practices by attending a 10 day Vipassana meditation. This was one of the most difficult things I have endured, but it gave me an indescribable awareness, stillness, and clarity. To him who has had the experience no description is necessary. To him who has not, none is possible. 

After two years in Oak Park, IL, the yoga journey was ready to shift again. I moved to Rockford, MI with my wife ready to bring all I learned and start a new life. I'm currently teaching at Twisted Hot Yoga Studio offering mindful, hot classes throughout the week.

When I’m not teaching or practicing yoga, I love to spend time with my wife, cooking, golfing, walking our dog, and traveling. I'm ready to see how you will be apart of my yoga journey!

 

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

 

May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.