CSY Community: Introducing Dave White
How did you discover yoga and how long have you practiced it?
I don’t know if I practice, more like play yoga. I like to have fun. I discovered Yoga quite a few years ago when I was a summer counsellor. The yoga teacher was called Ivan the Bender. He was tremendous at teaching us how to relax. I got away from a great deal of it over the years. I always retained the various forms of stress relief that he taught. It was more like a restorative class.
Why do you continue to practice yoga? And how has your yoga practice shaped or affected your life?
I came back to yoga a few years ago at the suggestion of a family doctor. I am a chronic migraine sufferer (“Hi, I’m Dave and I suffer from migraines”) and would suffer between 6 – 8 attacks a month that would last anywhere from a day to 5 days! Do the math, it wasn’t fun! I had tried all of the various forms of medications and other treatments. I turned to alternative medicine. My massage therapist (the absolute best in the known Universe) managed to get the frequency down to about half and the same for the duration. I recently added acupuncture to the mix (this guy uses the best harpoons) of alternative medicine. Through the breath techniques taught and endorsed by Robyn of CSY, everything works together. How well? Only 1 slight headache since August of 2012! The acupuncturist can’t get over the changes – being able to relax and focus on getting better while they stick stuff into you just enhances the effect. It is truly an amazing change in my life. My blood pressure is quite low too! Again, it is the calmness that is taught through yoga.
During the time of migraines and the search for the Holy Grail of cures, I was subjected to a few Cat Scans and MRIs. The X-rays of my head found nothing (there you go Carol) and the medication just got doubled up. The MRI had a profound effect on me – it triggered my claustrophobia. Yoga has gotten me to the point again where I can sort of sleep inside a sleeping bag (I camp a lot), drive long periods, or even sit in a crowded theatre. 3 years ago – I couldn’t do that. Breathing, focusing and remaining calm have all been enhanced thanks to yoga.
How does your yoga practice make you feel?
Much calmer and a lot more focused.
What keeps bringing you back to your mat?
I wrote my name on it. Seriously, it is an amazing piece of rubber that acts like an island of serenity in an ocean of stress and anxiety. Yeah, corny. But, try pounding down 6 cups of coffee with clients then hurry up and relax. The Mat does it. After Robyn’s deep breathing exercises at the beginning of the class, I honestly feel like I keep sinking deeper into a feather bed. It is the most amazing feeling in the world. My biggest fear would be falling asleep! I know my classmates won’t let me get away with that! I just have to figure out how to get my yoga mat into the next MRI machine and get Robyn to talk me through it!
What is the greatest teaching that you have received as a result of your yoga practice?
Again, it is learning how to breathe, focus and stay calm. Results? Zero migraines! I have used various mindful practices and restorative poses in first aid. I have been able to help many others find relief – yoga is a gift that gives so much.
How does your yoga practice change from day to day or year to year?
It rarely changes. Once I get focused on the practice, the time of year matters. I do try some in the swimming pool (some poses don’t always work under water…) with more emphasis on breath control and mindfulness; I can remain relatively motion-free like a cork in the water and not move – very calming.
Why do you practice at Creating Space Yoga Studio?
Might as well go to the best studio with the best teachers and the best classmates you can have fun with. Our class is a lot of fun and we encourage one another. Laughter is a strong part of our practice and we all enjoy ourselves. Robyn tries to keep a straight face most of the time but she lets us play yoga and keeps us on the right path.
What is your favourite yoga asana/pose and why?
I’m a fan of the restorative poses involving a chair – great for my legs and knees. Great sense of relief on my back too! At home, my dog likes to climb on my chest and rest while I do one of these poses. I also like the downward dog poses as I find that it just strengthens everything.
I enjoy yoga a great deal. It has helped me on so many levels. I try like crazy to not miss any class for any reason. (I gave up my birthday dinner to keep a class) It is a fun way to stay healthy.
