Yoga Teacher Spotlight: Brent Honnerlaw

Yoga Teacher Spotlight

What inspired you to start practicing yoga, and how did it lead to teaching?

"During my freshman year of college at the Ohio State University I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga. Around that same time I took a course called Asian Philosophy. My mind was being opened to a completely new way of thinking and my body challenged in a way that helped me transition into a healthier modality than the competitive sports I participated in as a youth. 

I continued practicing at a Yoga studio throughout my college years and afterwards when I joined the Peace Corps, my yoga mat ended up being the most useful piece of equipment I brought with me on the journey. My personal practice evolved during my 2 years in Honduras and I realized that I would like to teach it as well. 

About a year after the Peace Corps I did my first 200 hour yoga teacher training and began teaching full-time immediately after that."

What style(s) of yoga do you teach, and what draws you to these practices?

"While I teach multiple styles of Yoga, I am most drawn to the Philosophy, History and the lifestyle technology the tradition holds. Indian Mythology sparks my passion and helps me believe in the magic of life. I like to incorporate what I refer to as "the higher elements" of the practice: mantra, mudra, pranayama and meditation."

How has yoga transformed your life personally and professionally?

"Yoga continues to help me grow in numerous ways. It is a practice of remembrance: my connection with Spirit and to the sanctity of all life. It has helped me transition through the ever changing nature of life with more grace and helped bring awareness to my patterns and tendencies so I can fine tune them to be more in alignment with my Soul. I am a forever student of life and I find it exciting to continually strive beyond the limits of the mind and into the unknown infinite realm of possibility."

What is your teaching philosophy, and how do you bring it into your classes?

"I teach through storytelling and it is most important for me to honor and maintain the higher elements of the practice beyond just the poses. Whether in a studio, workshop, Yoga teacher training, a recovery center, or a retreat you will hear me discuss the practical uses of this technology and how it relates to our modern life. I am a big believer in personal practice and I always encourage students to create time and space for a daily sadhana."

What advice would you give to someone just starting their yoga journey?

"Be patient and compassionate with yourself. You have the rest of your life (and likely many more lives) to continue practicing and learning. Practice everyday, even if it is only for a few minutes and trust the process. Stay focused on the goal of Divine union and don't get distracted by the side effects. Don't feel like you need to learn everything at once. What is meant to sink in now will and as you continue to study the truth will reveal itself."

What’s one thing about you that might surprise your students?

"As a youth I played football, wrestling and ran track. I won a wrestling National championship at the age of 14 years old. I still enjoy watching sports to this day, especially football and mixed martial arts."

Connect with Brent Honnerlaw