Ricardo
TEACHER FEATURE: RICARDO
How long have you been practicing Yoga?
According to Patanjali, Yoga is seeing life the way it is. Therefore, I have been practicing my whole life; everyone does. Practice is key, trying not to project into the future or respond through the conditioning of the past. As Baba Ram Dass says, “Be Here Now.” My asana practice started when I was in University studying singing about 20 years ago.
What does Yoga mean to you?
Yoga, to me, is a way of life. It is a way of reminding ourselves what is arising at the present moment. It is relational, uniting our Selves, uniting of others. It is life, it is death; represented by our breath in and out. It is seeing what matters in life, and it is knowing we will all die. It is also knowing we must tame the mind so our true nature may come forth. If we allow the mind to dominate, we swing like a pendulum. Yoga can be a systematic set of exercises to ease the body and focus the mind, but really, it’s about seeing life the way it is.
What is one gift that Yoga has given you or brought to your life?
For me, Yoga has brought me community, a sense of belonging and friends. Anywhere I go in the world, the best people I meet are those that practice. When you practice being in the present moment, you realize that’s all there is. That is not to say you can’t plan for the future, or learn from the past, but the living, the actual ticking of the clock, is now.
What inspires you?
Good people. There are so many good people. People who dedicate their lives to a cause outside of themselves, people who contribute with an open heart, and an open mind with no judgement. People who smile, people who are aware that the human condition affects everyone. Truth is inspiring. Love is inspiring. Nature is inspiring.
What do you love about teaching and practicing at Yoga Grace?
I love the authenticity of Teresa and Engel who model a life built on the foundation of Yoga philosophy. Their genuine spirits inspire and uplift those around them, students and teachers alike. I love that the people who attend Yoga Grace are good people and are equally inspiring. Always an honest effort and beautiful smiles. I love that.
What would you say to someone who is wanting to try Yoga for the very first time?
Think wisely as it might ruin your life. An in-depth and consistent practice may expose thought patterns and conditioning that the ego is quite happy with, even when you are not. You may get fits of experiencing radical joy. You may lose weight and have to buy new clothes. You may go through a transformation and seek an honest and authentic existence. For more information, please see Richard Freeman’s video, “Yoga Ruins your Life”.