Dominic Stanley

Get to know Dominic Stanley, our Intro to Meditation instructor, Active Duty Service member, and an all-around great person!

Who are your classes for?

I welcome everyone to my classes. I like to think there is at least one lesson or takeaway you can find in my class. I currently teach Intro to Meditation, a class where we explore all the various aspects of meditation. It is meant for anyone who has an interest in exploring meditation, returning to meditation after a hiatus or wants to be a part of a meditation sangha (community). My goal is to help students understand the broad span of doorways to gain the benefits of yoga.

What kind of vibe can people expect in your class?

A safe and fun one. One that leaves room for curiosity to learn a new skill. Whether it is meditation or asana, I think safety and curiosity are a foundation for learning a new skill or enjoying an experience. All while having a bit of fun.

What is your teaching style like?

I take my teaching seriously but not too seriously. We have to leave room for real human interaction. Sometimes teachers are very serious about their craft, myself included, but a joke, a bit of personality in your teaching does go a long way to creating a bit of comfort for you and the students. I also want what I teach to extend beyond our time in class together. Meditation and yoga are wonderful in the moment but how can we turn them into a practical application off our mat is my ultimate goal.

How did you get into yoga?

When I got back from a tour overseas, I was looking for a way to manage stress better; my wife got me a Groupon for a local hot yoga studio; needless to say, I was hooked; I went from student to teacher in less than a few years, and here we are.

What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from your own practice?

I can't say that there is just one lesson; I have learned so much from this practice. But if I had to narrow it down, it would be that self-compassion is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. When you understand how to hold your own joys and sorrows kindly, then it becomes very easy to do the same for others.

What does yoga mean to you?

This practice is my purpose to learn, grow, and teach others what I have learned. I will do yoga for the rest of my life.

Do you have any pets? We love our #petsofompractice ❤️

I do have pets. We have an adorable cat named Poppy who runs our house; it is great, we love her dearly. We also have a pet tarantula named RED. 🕷️ It is cool but less interactive than our cat. They are also not friends.

We know that you are an active duty service person (Thank you for your service!). How does this influence your service experience? And vice versa, how does your service influence your practice and classes?

Service members and any person who has a high-stress job need these practices to offset what these careers do to our nervous systems. Compassion, patience, and loving-kindness are all things that make service members stronger and more holistic as leaders and warriors. In my last deployment, I was placed in a variety of pressure situations that left very little room for longer daily practices, roughly I got about 10-20 minutes a day to dedicate to my practice, and often I was physically exhausted, so I would do yoga nidra practices to restore myself. Pair that with a longer practice if time allows. When I returned home and had to process the things I experienced, the practice of yoga and meditation was a key part of my journey. I learned through the experience of using these tools in a deployed environment and as a part of reintegration that they really are adaptable to anything life has to throw at you.

Tell us a bit about your morning routine and what gets you revved up/excited for the day.

I start my day meditating for 10-30 min a day, depending on what I have on my schedule, then I usually go for a run 3-5 miles and journal for 10 min - that usually gets me going for the day.

For fun, we always like to have a few extra credit questions:

• What's one life changing product under $25 you'd recommend?

  • My moleskine journal. It is the only brand of journals I have used for the last ten years or so and I love everything about them. The weight of the paper, the texture, and the way my pen feels on the paper.

• Best books on your shelf?

  • Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

  • Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

  • Why Buddhism Is True by Robert Wright

Find Dominic outside of Ompractice at:

• Instagram: @asanasntattoos

• Facebook: facebook.com/asanasntattoos

• Website: dominicstanleyyoga.com