We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Stillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
From my Buddhist practice, It has been engrained in me to give 100% in whatever I am doing. So over a 37 year span of practicing Buddhism, my focus has been keenly focused on the most important, passionate aspect of my life as it naturally shifts over the years. When I met my husband at work back in the 90’s, someone asked, who will stay home and raise the kids? We both looked at each other, like “not me.” Well low and behold, of my own accord, once I set eyes on my newborn, I was a goner, hook, line, and sinker. I had read a quote from Jackie Kennedy that read “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much.” So for the next 16 years, my main focus was on raising 2 good, decent, contributive young men. When the boys were entering high school, I pursued my passion of yoga, and tennis. I became the club champion in singles and doubles, and began yoga teacher training. My Buddhist mentor says, when you are so focused you can create 5, 10, may be 20 years of value in one year with great dedication. That is how I approached teaching yoga. I have studied, and continue to study with bonafide master teachers. My yoga career has been that of 30 years value into 10. I continue to have a seeking spirit to always improve in every aspect of life, spiritually, physically, relationship wise. I was taught, when you break through in one arena of your life, you also break through others, with the spirit to never give up on your dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Having a dedicated Buddhist Practice of 37 years and training and teaching in Yoga. I have recently started teaching mindful meditation under the mentorship of Tara Brach PhD, and Jack Kornfield PhD. It’s been rewarding in helping others with my background and the tools of this 2 year mentorship program with the aforementioned. Currently I hold weekly meditation classes on Yogaworldheart.com, and work privately with folks suffering form all conditions including addiction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would head to Santa Monica and take an in-person class at Yogaworks Main St with one of the Iyengar teachers, such as Koren Paalman, or Chris Stein. Then head up PCH, and have some tacos at Cafe’ Habana in Malibu. End up a bit further up and take a walk at Sunset on Zuma Beach for the Sunset. That is a magical day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
@buddhability @Marlaapt
@annadelury
@oliveulosangeles

Website: yogaworldheart.com, dawnstilloyoga.com

Instagram: @dawn_stillo

Twitter: @dstillo

Facebook: Dawn Stillo

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