Teacher Feature: Roger

Sep 20, 2017

This month, we’re shining our gratitude on our one-of-a-kind Yoga Nidra instructor, Roger Mallory. Yoga Nidra means “yogic sleep” and the a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the “going-to-sleep” stage. Roger is so special to us because he guides Yoga Nidra with scripts he’s written on his very own – so each word is crafted with his empowering intention and love. Learn how Roger began his practice below!

man doing a yoga pose

1. When/how did you discover yoga?

“When I was 17, my anthropology professor introduced me to Zen Buddhism and the works of various spiritual teachers. That introduction awakened in me a powerful desire to learn more. That desire has burned bright in me as it always will. I began studying the works of the best spiritual teachers I could find. About this time my parents moved to Africa. I felt a little like an orphan but grew rapidly from that freedom. I balanced my book studies with years of intense karate training. Among the many books I read then was Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi.” I had found the balance of spirit and body development for which I was searching that is yoga and meditation. About this same time I learned that followers of Marharishi Mahesh Yogi were coming to town (only one of endless ‘miracles’ on my path) and were offering teachings in Transcendental Meditation. I signed up, took a couple of weeks of training and faithfully practiced TM for years.”

2. What do you love about teaching yoga at Bella Prana?

“Teaching yoga allows me to live out of my ever-developing yogi Soul and travel the path I feel developing with each step. I have profoundly felt the unmistakable and powerful call to that path and have felt the bliss of knowing that path is exactly where I should be. Each step of learning, sharing that learning (and I hope a little wisdom), and feeling and hearing that it has touched the lives of my students fuels the fire of my passion to dig deeper and wider and share what I know. It is a special honor and privilege to be a yoga/meditation teacher – knowing that students leave their homes and endless distractions of life to attend my class and allow me to guide them in stretching their bodies, hearts and awareness. I am so grateful to Bella Prana for this opportunity and to each and every person who trusts me to be their guide in this beautiful and powerful practice of yoga and meditation.”