My first encounter with Mark Goldman really stood out. His playful spirit is radiant. He is comfortably transparent and confidently vulnerable.

Mark’s yoga practice is my ideal routine, although it is easy for me to get hyper-focused on a singularly specific style. I wanted to uncover his perspective on maintaining a varied practice.

Jane Morimoto: What are the benefits of incorporating both vigorous and gentle classes into your practice?

Mark Goldman: They reflect the yin and yang of life. For a long time in my yoga life, I thought there was only one way – pitta!  Fire, heat, and pushing myself hard all the time.  That works for a while, but time has a way of extinguishing that fire! 

I have learned to accept my limitations (at least some of the time) and have discovered the real pleasure associated with slowing down. Mixing hard and easy classes provides a wonderful combination that I have learned to treasure – and appreciate each for the benefits they provide.

JM: How has the Tapas series assisted you during the different seasons?

MG: The Tapas sequence seems to be connected quite well to the season.  I have a better sense of harmony with nature after each class.  I was initially skeptical about a seasonal sequence, but I have now come to appreciate and enjoy each one.

I also like the consistency of the sequence – I find a kind of freedom in knowing what pose is coming next.

JM: In what ways have you built strength from gentle yoga sessions?

MG: I have come to really enjoy gentle yoga.  As I have aged and with more limitations in my body, taking the time to slow down has been extremely beneficial.  Gentle is more of a mental than physical challenge, but my body appreciates the experience.

It’s an opportunity to practice being present. Gentle yoga helps me recover from more vigorous activities and gives me both the mental and physical ability to maintain my level of physical and emotional health.

JM: How has yoga influenced your connections with others?

MG: After experiencing a class, I take that sense of well-being and calm into my personal relationships. That feeling influences how I interact with others.  I have a greater ability to be accepting and open with people. I leave class with a strong feeling of gratitude. That has enormous benefits for me and everyone I interact with.

JM: How has yoga assisted you in your professional endeavors?

MG: By providing a sense of balance and calm, I would take that with me into my stressful work environment. However, it’s much more fun being retired!

JM: What do you find unique about Breathe Together Yoga?

MG: When I walk into any yoga studio, I immediately get a sense of the energy.  BTY has a very positive, upbeat, and joyful energy. There is a strong sense of community, highly qualified teachers, and a large variety of classes available. I enjoy being there.

JM: In what ways have you felt supported by the community at Breathe Together Yoga?

MG: BTY is a place where I feel total acceptance for whatever I’m experiencing at that moment in my life.  No pressure to be or do anything other than be in touch with myself and do whatever my body or spirit is asking for.

When I am at BTY,  there are lots of smiles all around me!