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True StoriesDavid G.
Brown: Computer Systems The 7:00 p.m. class in Kripalu Yoga at Gardens Yoga, Lake Park, Florida, had already begun when a slim, 60-ish man entered quietly, rolled out his mat and joined in. After the class was over, David Brown introduced himself to me, and said he would be leading a workshop on the Baghavad Gita, the ancient text which unlies yogic philosophy. From our brief conversation, I sensed that David's story of having discovered a passion for sharing a wealth of spiritual teachings that was "not at all a form of work and ... so much more than a hobby" belonged on these pages. So here it is (ed. Marika Stone) I have worked as a
computer systems professional for most of my life and am presently a project manager
working for Office Depot Inc. Originally from the UK, I emigrated to Canada in 1969 and
took a consulting position with Price Waterhouse Inc. which enabled me to travel to
various client sites and gain a perspective of my vast new country. In the early seventies
I took an interest in yoga, and in the various movements and programs for personal growth
available at that time. This led me to eventually travel to India and I spent several
months spread over the next few years in discovering and practicing the philosophy and
spiritual teachings of that country. I lived in Toronto, and continued to work for a
consulting firm but organized my schedule so that I could take time for these pursuits. I
also linked up with Tibetan Buddhist teachers in Toronto, as well as traveled to locations
in the United States for retreats and seminars. I had no particular
objective in mind other than to deepen my awareness and spiritual practice for my own
benefit, but this has led to a final change in my life goals as I presently see
them. In 1990 I took
advantage of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the USA, which enabled me to move
to beautiful southern Florida where I have lived and worked since then. However, as I
passed my 60th birthday I began to see that my personal goals now included the
desire to share what I had learned with others. Working through a yoga center in West Palm
Beach I started a Study Group, which focused on the spiritual philosophy of India,
specifically known as Vedanta. I also started a program of more formal training to equip
me to lead retreats and offer spiritual guidance and life counseling. I think it very important that my skills in these
areas are sufficient, so I have taken every opportunity over the last three years to take
in depth retreats and training with reputable teachers. As I approach my 65th
birthday, and making arrangements to finally separate from a traditional work environment,
I find myself increasingly excited at the possibility of being able to move full time into
this new role of teacher and group leader. I have planned two months of courses this
summer, and have already started two more weekly classes at local yoga centers. I also
participate in a yoga teachers training course and give the students an insight into
meditation practices and the philosophy of yoga. To me, this is not at all a form of work
and is so much more than a hobby. It is presenting learning opportunities not only for
others, but also giving me an enormous amount of satisfaction and interest. I see the
doors wide open, with so many alternatives to present what I have learned. We all have skills that we have accumulated over the years, and I believe that what we need to do is to be open to whatever is presented to us in the form of opportunities to share and distribute what we have. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that are to come. Home | True
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