If you’ve walked into one of our yoga studios and practiced with Johnson, there’s a good chance you’ve come out having experienced an incredible physical challenge that calmed any ego that followed you to your mat! We love Johnson for never failing to bring intensity to our classes while leaving us with a deep sense of tranquility.
Johnson’s classes give us new, reliable ways to progress in our asana practice, but more importantly, his classes remind us that it’s not about the expression of a pose, but about the stability we can find. In these poses.
We sat down with Johnson to chat about his yoga journey, his influences, and what motivates him!
1. WHO MOST INFLUENCES YOUR YOGA TEACHING STYLE AND WHY?
My teachers in New York, Courtney Bauer, Rima Rabbath, David Life, and Sharon Gannon, are some of the teachers who influenced my teaching style, especially early on in my teaching journey.
Courtney taught me the immaculate art of language and detailed directions in conjunction with physical and energetic anatomy. Rima, David and Sharon of the Jivamukti tradition taught me the spirit of the yoga tradition and the application of ancient wisdom in the present day.
3. WHAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MOMENTS UNDER ONE OF THESE TEACHERS?
My teacher Courtney told me I’m not a yoga teacher, I’m a healer. It was a profound moment in how I heard those words. At first I recoiled from the responsibility of what that title entailed, but then it changed the way I thought about offering my work. Every class, every moment, must be present in the constant service of healing in the room.
4. WHY ARE YOU BEST KNOWN AS A YOGA TEACHER, AND WHY?
My classes are like a trial by fire strongly inspired by the practice of Ashtanga-vinyasa, my experience in Pilates, with spiritual reflections sprinkled throughout. I believe the practice of yoga is the process of seeking and experiencing grace under pressure.
5. WHAT ASPECT OF YOGA ARE YOU MOST INSPIRED BY?
I am always inspired by the healing power of yoga. No matter how you feel, if you allow the practice to take you on a journey, by simply deepening your relationship with the breath and moving away from the monkey business of the mind, you will always come away feeling uplifted higher than when you felt. LEFT. It’s pretty awesome.
6. YOUR PERSONAL CARE RITUAL?
I do a good cleaning/reset every year. Massages 2 to 3 times a month. Weekly Epsom salt baths. Morning detox rituals like tongue scraping, hot water with lemon and ginger. I practice yoga, pilates and go to the gym to incorporate different ways of moving. I choose my social experiences carefully so I don’t feel burned out. I don’t drink alcohol very often. I dance.
7. WHAT YOGA POSE CAN’T YOU LIVE IN?
Split Pose – Hanumanasana
Written by Katie Tetz
Studio Sales Manager | Always inspiring writer and yoga teacher for Power Living Australia