Sean's Yoga Bio

My interest in yoga was initially inspired by the study of religion and vedic philosophy at UC, Santa Cruz in the mid-90s. The experiences described in the "Upanishads" resonated with me, and were reminiscent of an experience I had had earlier in life. Inspired by the teachings, I attempted a regular meditation practice, but found it very difficult to stay committed to the practice. Months later, I randomly selected a book on yoga asana by B.K.S. Iyengar called "Light on Yoga". The introduction to that book explains beautifully how yoga asana is a preliminary practice that prepares one for the practice of meditation. That day, in mid-1995, I began a daily yoga asana practice based on the teachings in that book. I have since studied regularly with some of the most experienced Iyengar yoga teachers in the world... Kofi Busia, Ramanand Patel, and Aadil Palkhivala, as well as teachers from many other traditions. My asana practice has set the foundation for a renewed exploration of pranayama and meditation.

In 1999, I spent a year training to teach yoga with Sensei Jeremy Corbell as his sole apprentice. Jeremy developed his own style of yoga based on his studies in ashtanga-vinyasa yoga, capoeira, and ju-jitsu. I began teaching Warrior Yoga at UC, Santa Cruz in 2000. In 2002, I moved to Oakland and began an 18-month Advanced Studies program with Rodney Yee and Richard Rosen at Piedmont Yoga Studios. This program was largely grounded in the Iyengar tradition, and also focused more specifically on pranayama, meditation, and the art of teaching and working therapeutically with students. In addition to these two principle trainings, I've been heavily influenced by TriYoga with inspiringly lovable Tom Machado and Monkey Yoga with hilariously demanding Tim Thompson. I continue to study with and explore many styles, from Restorative to Shadow to Bikram to Anusara.

Each teacher and style affects and influences my teaching in some ways. I feel blessed to have access to these teachings, and for a wonderful community of students to share these teachings with!
More information about Sean's acupuncture background can be found here.

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