CTR - Brian Bergman - Being of Service and Using Movement as Medicine

The Awaken to Nature Podcast

Brian Bergman is a qualified Vet who currently works from a Veterinary Practice in Khayelitsha. Although this in itself would be a fascinating conversation, we ended up not discussing it at all. Instead I learned that he almost gave up Veterinary, in today's conversation we will hear how a trip to Nepal would lead him to an Ashram in India. Brian would end up spending a year studying at the Ashram, learning meditation and practicing Sivananda and Karma Yoga, the latter is very much focused on ‘service’, with the intention of becoming more aware of self and to grow. Brian shares some stories from his time at the Ashram and we will learn how it would go on to shape his approach to life.
On his return to South Africa, Brian attempted to move away from Veterinary but was drawn back rather quickly, this time able to approach it with a whole new mindset which would give him deeper fulfillment.
He wanted to continue the practice of service he had learnt at the Ashram so he created a Prison Yoga Project which he ran with a partner for 10 consecutive years. This experience would prove to be hugely beneficial for the prisoners but was also a deep learning experience for him too.
Brian talks about how the practice of yoga has evolved for him, to be a mindful practice that he sets about maintaining throughout his day, by being present, aware and connected to his surroundings. This is something he shared with the prisoners too, many of whom would end up completing Yoga Instructor courses whilst in prison. It was really fascinating to hear about the project.
Brian talks about how a difficult breakup with his long time partner would see him briefly turn away from all the practices he had learnt. It was at this time that he properly discovered the healing process of dance. We hear about his journey with dance and how he has managed to combine yogic practices with dance, to create deep transformational experiences.
I really enjoyed our conversation, we explore what it means to be human and how, by being of service, we can transcend aspects of ourselves to enjoy a richer experience of life.
I know you will find great value in this episode.

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