I also work on the team behind the scenes at YogaDownload for the past 4+ years, planning the shoots and content that you practice at home. It's been a blessing, being able to connect with so many talented teachers in this role and be part of sharing yoga with the world virtually and work with a company that's run with heart and integrity.

I hope you and your loved ones have remained healthy and sane during these still unusual times we are navigating. We may not control the outside world, but having practices like yoga and meditation that we can come back to, in the best and worst of times, is something that can never be taken from us. Take care of yourselves, and keep showing up on your mat and meditation cushions, even on those days that you don't feel like it. Write and say hello, or share feedback on your class experiences, I love hearing from YogaDownload students.

What inspires your teaching?

My practice inspires my teaching more than anything else. Generally, I teach what I end up practicing at home. I usually roll out my mat at home, put on music, and see what happens. My body really guides the practices and shows me what it needs on any given day. From there, I usually finish my practice, and write down the sequence, and go and teach it! It is kind of like making art.

Meditation is also an increasing influence in my teaching. That practice is equally (possibly more) important as yoga for my well-being, and I do my best to add a meditative touch to my classes. 

Life also influences my teaching. I stay pretty busy, so when I'm on my mat, I like to hold poses and take my time, instead of rushing to give myself some balance. 

How do you think can yoga help our world?

The more people stop seeking outwards for satisfaction and fulfillment and can learn to go inwards, the better I think. This can have ripple effects in our relationships with others, make us more patient, and have stronger boundaries when needed, and maybe make us better people. We all carry a lot and are seeking relief and ease in life wherever we can get it in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Yoga is a truly healthy and beneficial way to find such an outlet. The more relaxed, empowered, embodied people walking around this Earth, the better I think. 

What are some other passions, activities, or people, that give you purpose and benefit your well-being?

Traveling has been as much of a catalyst for transformation and passion for me as yoga and makes me excited about life. Other things that bring me a lot of joy are dancing, riding my bike, reading books, making art, time with friends and family, skiing, and meditation. 

What are your favorite places in the world and what do you love about them?

I've been fortunate to travel a lot and live on three continents as an adult (Asia, North America, and Australia), and have many favorite places. Some of my favorite spots in the world are Amsterdam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Koh Phangan (and all of Thailand really), and Melbourne, Australia. But, New York City is my favorite place in the world if I had to pick one, probably because there's nothing that really compares to feeling at home, and having family and close friends nearby. It's also the most multi-cultural place I've been, I love the food, architecture, music, and attitude. And you never have to get in a car to go about life here if you don't want to (I bike, subway, and walk everywhere). 

What is one of your wildest dreams?

To be a successful artist. It's unrelated to yoga, and something I've not established myself in or shared much of, but I have loved collaging for 15 years, create art regularly in my spare time, and took every art class I could in college as an elective. I've sold one piece of art for money in my life, and it inspired me so much and gave me the goal to pursue it more. I'm going to take some classes this year, to keep improving my craft and hopefully be brave enough to share more of my work with the world and even do it as a side hustle (I always want to keep teaching yoga too)! 

Who is someone you really admire and why?

My grandma Renee, because she is the kindest and most generous person I know. She is kind to everyone. She grew up poor with nothing, raised my mom as a teenage single mother barely making ends meet. Now that she lives more comfortably, she has never lost sight of where she came from and gives to those less fortunate so graciously and generously, and from the heart. She was a teaching assistant for autistic children too and I can't think of a better and more patient person to help those with such unique challenges. She's been a rock in my life since I was born and I love and admire her so much.

What are some things you were grateful for today?

Warm weather, tea, journaling, the plants in my apartment are really doing well, a good laugh on the phone with my best friend, walking to work, my apartment, summer, working remotely, my health, and the people I love. 

What is a wish you have for the world and humankind?

That we can learn to be more and more accepting and compassionate to one another. We have all the resources we need on this planet for everyone to live a life with dignity, and I hope we can figure out a way to live so that no one has to live in poverty.

 What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

I'm going to cheat and pick two! Warrior II is so powerful and such a beautiful shape in the human body. I've always loved how expansive and empowering this posture feels. Who doesn't want to feel like a steady, strong, peaceful, warrior? The other is Downward Facing Dog. This pose does everything (shoulders, legs, hips, spine, etc.) and the reason it's the most popular pose is because it's arguably the best. 

PRACTICE ONE OF KEITH'S HATHA, VINYASA, OR MEDITATION CLASSES HERE!