MEET OUR TEACHERS: INTRODUCING RICK
The lovely Rick has been with Humane Yoga since the early days. If you’ve practised at our studio you’ll fondly remember Rick for his calm and gentle nature, approachable teaching style, and commitment to the traditions of hatha yoga. We sat down with Rick so that you, our beautiful community, can get to know him better.
How did you discover yoga, and what has kept you coming back to the practice?
My yoga practice started 20 years ago. I was living in the bush, helping run my partner’s family farm. I'd re-injured my back and a neighbour suggested I check out the town’s yoga classes and meet the ‘guru.’ I'd practiced and studied Tai Chi years before, and had been to meditation and emotional release retreats where yoga was sometimes used as a preparation practice. So, I started going to Japanese style yoga classes in town. My body instantly appreciated it and my curious mind was constantly analysing what was happening for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I began to notice how the body and mind were intrinsically linked, just as the teachers suggested.
After several years, the couple that ran those classes left town, and a good friend who had studied with them took over. I continued to practice consistently with that friend until he moved away to Newcaslte, set up a studio, then gave me a call and said, ‘I think it’s time you went and did your teacher training.’ And so I did!
In over 10 years of teaching I feel privileged to share some of the knowledge and philosophies of yoga. I wouldn't be living in this beautiful part of the world teaching in this lovely studio without that push from an old friend and the support of a partner.
Where did you train to teach yoga and what was your experience like?
I found a yoga teacher training that suited my timetable right here in Australia - in Ballina! It was easier to drive the seven hours than fly, and the camping accommodation was right up my alley. That winter just happened to be one of the wettest and coldest the area had ever seen. Still, it was easily one of the best things I’ve done. We had great teachers who lived and breathed yoga, and I spent five weeks with a bunch of lovely humans in a yoga bubble where we cooked, ate, practiced, and learned together - it felt like the outside world didn’t exist. We’ve all heard the cliche, ‘it was life changing’, but it really was.
The training was the catalyst for massive and immediate change in my life, both on and off the mat. Over the next five years my life was chaotic, painful, exhilarating, tumultuous, and terrifying - but the growth was extraordinary.
If you could go back and give your beginner yogi self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Life throws all manner of things at us, and sometimes this is unexpected and intense. Shit things happen to good people. I've experienced major setbacks and upheavals that have resulted in terrifying lows and incredible fear. But two of the tools I've relied on to get me through were yoga asana and meditation. As a psychologist friend once succinctly put it, "Meditation saved your life."
How do you integrate the teachings/philosophies of yoga into your everyday life?
By really understanding that the only constant in life is change, reminding myself that with time and practice the dark night will pass, and in those times consciously practising gratitude to really appreciate life. I believe the purpose of life is simple - we’re here to live, to support each other, and to love. Yoga isn’t a panacea for all that ails us, but I’m really glad it’s part of my toolkit and I believe it helps me not only to survive but to thrive.
Check the timetable to see when you can find Rick on the mat - teaching Hatha and Yin.