The yogi: Scott Brown
The pose: Warrior II (aka virabhadrasana)
The location: Sandbanks, England
The benefits: This strong but subtle posture generates equilibrium on and off the mat. As you sink into Warrior II, there should be balance and stability in both feet, creating a sense of fiery muscle as well as lightness. This pose tones and strengthens your abs, arms, legs and back. It also encourages an opening of the heart and embodies action from openness rather than perceived power.
About the yogi:
Scott traded investment banking in the city of London for running his own yoga studio on the coast. The co-founder of Studio 34 says: “I began practising yoga in 2007. Before then I spent all my time doing cardio training and when I walked past yoga studios, I used to think to myself, ‘will these people do some proper exercise!’
At that point, Scott’s life was completely flat out (and totally broken) – ironically a friend recommended yoga as way of relaxing and finding some quiet time. “It took a while for me to integrate the principles I learnt on the mat into my everyday life. But eventually, it clicked and I started to slow down and realize that I was trying far too hard in life.”
Scott admits that his non-stop ambition and drive probably came from a place of fear; trying to be somebody and have a so-called successful life. “This meant I was always trying to achieve, do something more. I certainly didn’t have any peace of mind as there was always something better to do – manically trying to win at my career and always judging myself against others.”
Scott’s life turned around when he started practising Zen meditation with an inspiring teacher called Daizan Roshi. “Daizan is a tremendous, compassionate role model and he introduced me to Zen; and there is not enough space to say how it has changed my life,” admits Scott. “I’m sure he has saved me from going round and round in circles. As a result of meditation, I am blessed with more peace and gratitude in my life, and a certain amount of humility for our true nature. There has been a marked change in my perception of the present – how life is really a big miracle. It is very odd how that can happen from sitting quietly.”
Besides yoga, Scott loves being on the sea – surfing and paddle boarding. These days the British yogi’s attitude is “Let it be, just be present, all is pretty good right now!”
For more information about yoga or meditation classes at Studio 34 call
01202 978407.
