The man with the “ I-woke-up-like-this” situation as he shows up to class. You can almost immediately feel his presence with his polite mannerism and how quickly he makes himself comfortable in class. Currently a music educator, it was interesting to learn that he was once very active in running and now turning to yoga.
A man with multiple interests, Sherman’s recent interest has got him to start keeping orchids, baking and making his wife happy!
1. How did your first yoga class happen?
I started on youtube in Dec 2016 by following this guy called Sean Vigue and the bodyweight warrior. After practicing for a month, I told myself, “better go to class to get teachers to correct my form than trying to figure things out on my own.”
I needed discipline, and I felt Ashtanga Yoga could help me in that area. Been seriously practicing for over a year and looking to improve myself on and off the mat.
2. What is your biggest struggle?
Physically, I find it very difficult to twist due to my physique.
Mentally, I struggle to be patient with myself, I tend to see every practice as a performance and therefore I become too critical and beat myself up.
Societal norms, especially in Singapore, where your productivity is measured against how fast you can progress and achieve high outputs. As such, it makes me impatient and critical.
Ashtanga Yoga has helped me focus on “being okay” through breathing exercises and trusting the journey of refinement.
3. How do you juggle your personal commitments and trying to maintain regular practice?
It’s really hard, I am still trying.
I believe the formula of juggling life is about giving value to what you think is worth your time.
I used to think, Desire, Discipline and Determination are what you need to maintain a regular practice. Where one must have the desire to achieve and reach a certain goal, and thereafter one will be disciplined in their efforts.
Determination is needed to sustain the practice and build resilience because the process is not always smooth.
But as I grow wiser, I realize that my perspective has shifted.
Now I feel that I need to give value to the things I do. The practice must have value, and thereafter commitment will come. Communication will be the key in how you articulate the value and help others see the value because you need their understanding and support.
With that, I believe the practice is more sustainable.
4. What are some of the big lessons you learned throughout these years on the mat that you applied in your life?
Breathe, close your eyes and tell yourself that it’s okay. Sometimes, winning means walking away when you are not ready, winning means being in one piece when you step off the mat, winning means you listen to your body with the guidance of those who have come before you.
5. What is one quality you like about yourself?
Being genuine.