The Story of Us: Walt Trant

​After decades of high stress business travel, I was out of shape, stiff and sore from old neglected injuries and far too many hours of sitting at desks and in airplane seats.  I'd lost the range of motion and stamina I'd had when I was younger.  I found myself tottering like and old man, holding hand rails and groaning whenever I sat down or stood up.  Then with the pandemic my travel came to a halt and my work life calmed down enough for me to realize how much I missed my old yoga practice.  I'd met and practiced with Diana years ago at Yoga Works, and was happy find my way back to her at Pacific Ashtanga.   

The first few led classes were intimidating and the next mornings I was muscle sore.  There are amazingly strong and flexible students at the Shala capable of practicing way beyond my physical ability.  I couldn't possibly keep up,  but of course that's not the point.  We are not there to make comparisons, and there is no judgement or criticism.    When we practice with intention, with patience and compassion for ourselves and others,  self awareness and restraint are as much a part of Ashtanga as breath and posture.  Every practice we begin again and every day we maybe grow a little.  It's all good.

I'm pleased to say that in a couple short years, with the expert gentle coaching of Diana and the other Pacific Ashtanga teachers I'm probably in the best mental, emotional and physical shape I've ever enjoyed.  I've regained the range of motion and stamina I'd lost, and more.  I'm doing poses at 69 that I could not do when I was much younger.   Every day I'm more grateful for the opportunity to be healthy and to be part of the Pacific Ashtanga community.  ​