From Darkness to Light: An Interview with Ashtanga Teacher Damien

Photo Credit: Quinn Taplin

Interviewer: Damien, thank you for sharing your story with us. Can you tell us about your early struggles and how you found your way to yoga?

Damien: (takes a deep breath) It's not easy to talk about, but I think it's important. As a teenager, I was in a very dark place. I felt lost, confused, and overwhelmingly sad. It got so bad that I... I tried to end my life.

Interviewer: I'm so sorry you went through that. What happened next?

Damien: I woke up in the hospital, and it was a wake-up call. I knew I needed to find a way to feel better. That's when my uncle introduced me to meditation. I was 16, and while my friends were worried about dating and homework, I was learning to sit still and breathe.

Interviewer: That must have been quite a shift. How did meditation lead to yoga?

Damien: (smiles) Ah, that was my uncle again. Eight years later, he introduced me to Ashtanga yoga. It was love at first stretch, as cheesy as that sounds. I was so excited that I went to Mysore, India, to study with Pattabhi Jois himself.

Interviewer: Wow, talk about diving in headfirst! Did you stick with Ashtanga from then on?

Damien: (laughs) Well, I did explore other styles. It was like I was on a yoga buffet, trying everything. But I always came back to Ashtanga. It felt like home.

Interviewer: You've studied with some big names in yoga. Can you tell us about that?

Damien: Oh yes, I've been fortunate. Besides Pattabhi Jois, I've learned from Richard Freeman, Tim Miller, Larry Shultz, and others. Each one has added something unique to my practice and teaching.

Interviewer: Speaking of teaching, I hear you have degrees in psychology and bodywork. How does that influence your yoga instruction?

Damien: It's all connected, you know? Understanding the mind and body helps me guide my students better. Yoga isn't just about the physical postures; it's about the whole person.

Interviewer: That's fascinating. Can you walk us through your typical day now?

Damien: (grins) Well, it starts early. I'm up at 4:30 AM for 60 minutes of meditation, 90 minutes of asana, and 30 minutes of chanting. It sets the tone for the whole day.

Interviewer: That's impressive dedication! But I've heard you're not the typical strict Ashtanga teacher. Is that true?

Damien: (nods) Absolutely. One of my teachers used to say, "Don't be serious, just be sincere!" I love that. Ashtanga can be intense, but I believe in finding softness in the practice. It's like turning a Yang powerhouse into a Yin-Yang disco dance.

Interviewer: (laughs) A Yin-Yang disco dance? I love that! So where are you teaching now?

Damien: I run a retreat center in Bali, Ubuntu Bali . It's a beautiful mix of locals, expats, and tourists. We practice yoga, eat great food, and create a real sense of community. It's less "om shanti" and more "ohana" - you know, family.

Interviewer: That sounds wonderful. Last question: What advice would you give to someone interested in starting Ashtanga?

Damien: Be consistent and have fun! I'd rather see someone do Sun Salutations every day than struggle through a full series twice a week and give up. It's about creating a good habit, not a good headache.

Interviewer: Damien, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring journey with us. From those dark teenage years to becoming a beloved yoga teacher in Bali, your story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of yoga.

Damien: Thank you for having me. If my story can help even one person find their way to the mat and to inner peace, then sharing it has been worth it.