Dave Walwyn

David, it’s a pleasure to have this conversation with you! You’ve been a vital part of our Metta Studios and our yoga community for years. Thank you for your vision in finding our San Rafael location and feeling the magic in the walls, thank you for participating in our inaugural 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and thank you for your consistent and inspiring practice. When you’re in a class, we know it’ll be a good one because of what you bring to your practice!

You’ve had a steady presence and practice for years. Why do you practice yoga?

To ground myself physically and emotionally as best I can.

Looking back to your first class, what inspired you to start your yoga practice?

A client talked me into trying yoga about 8 years ago to supplement my workout regime, and it has now pretty much become my workout routine.

I love how yoga can fulfill so many of our wants and needs. It can be the practice that feels like dessert after a physical cardiovascular regime, or it can be the cardiovascular workout in and of itself. It can be the grounding we need when the world seems to spin too fast. Our mats can be a place of solace and refuge when those times arise in life. Throughout your yoga journey these past 8 years, have you discovered a favorite pose or series to practice?

Not really. I used to seek out only the most physically intense systems/sequences, but I’ve learned that intensity and work can be achieved in practically any sequence if you want to look for it.

I completely agree! If an intention is set to focus on strength or core work, or muscular engagement, it can be found in every pose! Even Tadasana (mountain pose) can be challenging when everything is engaged!

The yogic tradition contains many complimentary opposites – day and night, sun and moon, forward and backward – so if you have a favorite, let’s flip the coin and hear your least favorite yoga pose…

Probably Utkatasana (chair pose)… which means I need it. 😊

Honestly, if I had a dollar for how many times people have said that’s their least favorite pose, I’d be rich! It’s funny, because what we (lovingly) refer to as chair pose translates from Sanskrit into “wild, frightening, intense, gigantic, furious or heavy.” It’s no wonder so many of us find it challenging! And, why so many of us need it in our practice. If we can face something that intense with breath, compassion, awareness, and openness, think how we could approach equally wild and frightening things off our mats. Maybe we’d be better able to bring the same steadiness rather than reaction.

Speaking of how we react or respond to poses or sequences on our mats, or events in our lives, has your practice changed much since you started yoga 8 years ago?

Yes, it has become calmer. Even if I start a class all wound up mentally, I can usually sink into a calmer space during class.  

I’m sure many of us can relate to that. We come onto our mats with short breath, tight muscles, and a wound-up mind, and within the 60-75 minutes of practice, we calm our breath, open our muscles, and make space in our minds. The beauty and benefits of the practice!

You’re an active guy and I know we’ve spoken in the studio about some of the amazing adventures you’ve had over the years. What are your favorite things to do other than yoga?

Snowboarding, cooking, travelling, spending time with family and friends.

Awesome. Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. Who inspires you?

My kids… and Bruce Lee… and Deadpool.

Love it! Throughout life’s twists and turns and ups and downs, do you have any advice or words of wisdom to share with us?

Hold on to your personal integrity and don’t compromise yourself. Seek those who value who you are and what you bring to the table… and have as much fun as you can along the way.

It’s so important to have fun along the way!

Ok, David, what’s your favorite food?

If I could get away with it, my diet would include a lot more pizza and gummies, but I’m also obsessed with all types of berries and mangoes.

Delicious all around. And perfect timing for summer berry season! If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? What is your favorite vacation destination?

Hawaii (anywhere tropical) or big mountains with lots of snow to ride.

Thank you for participating in our Student of the Month feature, David! It’s so nice to get to know you a little better beyond our studio walls. I speak on behalf of all of us at Metta when I say with sincere gratitude what a joy it has been getting to know you over the past several years. The energy you bring to class is strong and grounding. You help anchor us in this present moment. Thank you for all the support you’ve shown our teachers, our studios, and our staff. Thank you for participating in our Teacher Training last year and sharing your wisdom, insight, and yourself with us. We are grateful. We look forward to practicing with you in the studio on a regular basis! Best of luck on your new adventures!  

© METTA YOGA 2022