Leadership and Yoga David Swenson on Yoga Practice, Impact & Creativity
Dec 3, 2025
David Swenson, a veteran Ashtanga yoga teacher and author of influential works, shares captivating stories that blend humor and inspiration. He discusses the power of storytelling in teaching yoga, emphasizing the importance of following one's heart and embracing mistakes. David reflects on how yoga fosters confidence and calmness in the face of uncertainty. He offers insights on the journey of teaching, from early struggles and perseverance to finding purpose through connection and compassion in practice, culminating in a heartfelt message to be kinder to one another.
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Samskaras Keep Us On Familiar Paths
- Repeated life patterns (samskaras) keep us on familiar but harmful paths until we notice them.
- Stepping into the unknown is scary, so yoga helps cultivate calm to face uncertainty.
Yoga As Confidence Fertilizer
- Yoga watered a dormant seed of confidence in David, giving him inner strength beyond physical muscles.
- Confidence must be balanced to avoid tipping into ego and self-centeredness.
Start Teaching Without Overthinking
- Don't overthink teaching; stand up, be yourself and accept mistakes as part of learning.
- Gain a sense of humor about your foibles and you'll free yourself from paralysis.
