10/19/2014
I just want to post another review from a student who went on the Mens New Year's Yoga Retreat 2 years ago.
Peace,
Paul
You are a very genuine person and it comes through in your teaching. You don't "pose" or attempt to be someone you're not. Your class is less spiritual, and more physical. You're an athlete, and your yoga classes pushed me to stretch and flex my body such by the end I felt relaxed yet challenged physically. I think your classes work well for someone like me - a "regular guy" who enjoys challenging my body to push itself beyond its normal routine. An example was the pilates class you inserted into the class schedule. I really enjoyed that. Very focused on the core and a different twist on the yoga we had been doing all week. Your personality, again, is that of a down-to-earth "good guy". It's very approachable, and very open to questions. You are there to teach, instruct and help. You're not an intimidating, distant, yoga instructor - which some yogis are. I think you fit well with the male oriented class - masculine guy who also happens to be an excellent yoga instructor. Your outside professional - PT - has taught you well about the human body, and your knowledge in that area is helpful when discussing what areas of the body we are working or trying to heal from an injury. Being fully naked around other guys can be intimidating. You are very unassuming, and made me feel comfortable stripping down to no wares. I liked that you were not an arrogant, self-worshiping Adonis, but at the same time your body is "easy on the eyes" and nice for me to watch in the front of the class (hope that doesn't sound too weird - I wasn't stalking!). Naked yoga is not about s*x, as some who've never been seem to insist it is. I never got from you any subtle nuances or hidden agendas. You were there to teach, and guide us through A LOT of yoga sessions - you did it very professionally and with an emphasis on helping us all reach our personal intentions. Kalani, is a gorgeous spot. I loved the grounds, the food, the beach, the scenery and the people I was surrounded with. Practicing yoga "in the jungle", which is essentially what you're doing...while sans clothing...felt very primitive and natural. No noise except the surrounding wildlife. No urban reminders, autos honking, trucks rumbling, or strangers shouting down below on the streets...as you would get in SF, NY or LA. Being fully naked in the jungle, with a band of other men, just feels as if you are present in a form that we once existed as. Except no hunting necessary, the food served at the Kalani was top-notch, and never left me feeling I needed to seek out additional rations!
