Name/ occupation?
Bob Dahringer. I am a Merchant Mariner sailing as a licensed marine engineer aboard a tugboat based out of New York City.
How long doing yoga?
I had dabbled at it a few years ago, but I really came to embrace it in Sept 2011 as a means to aid in my physical recovery following a serious accident I was involved in on Good Friday of 2011. ( I placed a dismal and distant 2nd place in a match-up between my motorcycle and an errant SUV. :.P )
Physical benefit from my practice?
After being laid out of work for more than 5 months, my practice built up my strenght and confidence in my physical ability to be able to return to work.
My job requires a lot of climbing, bending, stretching, working in cramped positions and getting into some really awkward spots, so my yoga practice has been a tremendous benefit to me
Additionally, I have lost nearly 30 pounds from doing yoga along with some big changes in my diet. ( No more cakes, cookies, pies, oh my!.....and a lot of other stuff too.) I now weigh what I did when I was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1984.
Spiritual and mental benefit?
I try to follow the five wise characteristics of yama and to follow the five niyamas in my dealings with those around me and with myself. Basically I try to be honest and kind towards all, withholding judgement and accepting people as they are. Like I said I try; not always successful, but I give it my best shot everyday.
Mentally I have gained more focus and clarity and inner peace.
Ever done yoga while travelling?
Absolutely. My work schedule is to be aboard the boat for a month at a time, then home for 2 weeks; over the course of a year that adds up to being away for 8 months so I do yoga aboard the boat so I dont stiffen up into a 53 year old board.
I keep a yoga mat on the boat. While I don't do a regular yoga routine everyday while on the boat, I have many chances each day to work on my favorite poses, which are basically any standing pose. They've helped tremendously to strengthen my legs and to improve my balance, which is another plus while working on a boat and besides, they can be done anytime, anywhere although I think stepping into a Warrior III while in line at Walmart would probably garner a few stares, lol.
Fearful of any pose?
Maybe not so much fearful as cautious when it comes to anything that might overwork my right knee, other than that, I think I'm the same as a lot of other yogis being intimidated at first by Crow poses. Ive done more than a few face plants and am none for the worse besides having a bruised ego. I still cant do them, but that doesn't stop me from trying.
Fave class? Heated Vinyasa with Grace! You know you've had a good workout afterwards and Savasana never felt so good. :)
Practice meditation? Try as I may, either my mind wont slow down........or I fall asleep. (Ive fallen asleep in Savasana a time or two, heh heh.)
Bravest thing Ive ever done?
I rescued a girl from drowning.
Whats on the nightstand?
I just finished Neal Pollacks "Stretch, the Unlikely Making of a Yoga Dude.' Fairly entertaining read.
Which shoe goes on first? Left. Always.
Speaking of shoes, Grace noticed that I have always come to class in bare-feet and asked me if there was any reason besides that.
When I come to yoga I always use the parking garage on Texas Drive so I have a nice little walk back and forth to the studio; doing it barefooted allows me to bring awareness to my feet as I connect each step to the ground and to feel the different textures and temperatures I encounter on my walk.
It also gives me an opportunity to be humble as I think of all the people who don't have shoes to wear, food to eat, or a roof over their heads.
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