Featured Practitioner
Name: Bernard La Rochelle
Age: 38
Occupation: Air Traffic Controller
How did you come across yoga?
One busy, work-filled Saturday morning as I was starting my day scanning the TV channels to find the weekend’s local news, I came across the Yoga Zone on the health channel. Filmed on the ocean side in beautiful Grand Lido Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, it seemed like a wonderful way to start the day…so I joined in, and I haven’t stopped since.
What brought you to yoga?
A close friend of mine had been practicing yoga for quite some time and had talked briefly about it…it seemed like a great compliment to my then busy, unbalanced, less than grounded lifestyle.
How do you benefit from yoga in life and in work?
The two go “hand in hand”…yoga has brought a calm, grounded, and more balanced feel to my life and my work. It has enabled me to better stay focused and more importantly let things go with a comfortable ease.
Why are you attracted to Acro-Yoga?
The “playing” aspect of Acro-Yoga was hugely appealing…and the confidence, trust and balance it develops within us.
Has Acro-Yoga helped your yoga practice?
It has most certainly helped my yoga practice in very subtle ways. I believe the most important aspect has been the trust it has built in myself and in those with whom I have the chance to practice.
What are your goals in yoga and Acro-Yoga?
No goals really…just practice, learn and have fun while “hanging” around or on other people.
What inspires you?
Nature. The beauty of nature, the simplicity of nature, and the groundedness of nature.
What is your favourite music? Who is/are your favourite musicians?
I don’t have a single favourite type of music, I am all over the “charts” when it comes to listening preferences. One of my favourite musicians is Sting…his music has been in my collection since I can remember. Great lyrics and always an interesting mix of musicians accompanying him.
What is your favourite book?
“The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel. Very easy to read and yet extremely rich in symbolism. Very appropriate at this time in my life.If you ruled the world, what would you change?
We need a little more respect for the earth and each other.
How do you envision the perfect yoga studio?
I believe every studio brings a little something different to everyone…but most importantly to offer an open area where one can be free to practice yoga, discover yoga, and simply be surrounded by those in the yoga world.
Any words of wisdom?
What I have learned from my experiences is the importance of letting things go.
