#041: David Swenson on Practicing Yoga Because You Love It

Stillpoints: A Podcast with Scott Johnson

In this deeply inspiring and wide ranging conversation Scott talks to David Swenson, one of the worlds foremost and well loved teachers and practitioners of Ashtanga yoga.

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About David Swenson

David Swenson began his journey of Yoga in 1969 when he and his brother Doug practiced in a small park at the end of their street in Houston, Texas. There were few sources for yoga at that time so they practiced from whatever books they could find.

In 1973 David discovered Ashtanga after he met David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff in Encinitas, CA. In 1975 David and Nancy brought K. Pattabhi Jois to the U.S. for the first time and Swenson was fortunate enough to be there. He then initiated studies directly with the master. He made his first trip to Mysore in 1977. David is one of only a handful of Westerners to have learned the full Ashtanga system including all of the asana sequences and pranayama as originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois.

Today David is recognised as one of the world's foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. He tirelessly travels year round to teach and offer workshops. His courses are presented in a supportive and compassionate fashion making it accessible to all levels of practitioner to participate.

Find our more about David Swenson here:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

--- David Swenson on Practicing Yoga Because You Love It

Scott and David take a deep dive into David's life as a practitioner and teacher. They cover:

• what compelled David to start yoga.
• how his years of Bhakti yoga practice changed him.
• his views on how we move on from the sexual abuse of K Pattabhi Jois.
• how we can develop as practitioners by asking more questions.

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"I loved this conversation with David. He is one of the most generous teachers you'll find, with the information he shares and the way he shares it. David Swenson is one of the most loved and respected teachers for a reason. This conversation captures that..."

Scott Johnson - January 2023

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If you enjoyed this podcast then you might also enjoy Scott’s conversations with Danny Paradise, John Scott and Prem & Radha Carlisi.