Meet Yoga Instructor TJ Mokkosian, the new owner at Self Awakening Yoga (http://www.selfawakening.net)
wind up… how do you wind up, prepare for the week ahead?
I wake up at 5 AM so I can make it to the studio for my first Ashtanga practice of the week. The repetitive nature of the practice really grounds me and is the perfect indicator for where I am at emotionally physically and energetically.
and, when you need to exhale… what’s your other other direction?
Interestingly enough, I balance my yogic life style by hopping into a professional wrestling ring and developing my character Tyler Burrows. Tyler in theory is a bad guy hell bent on spreading the message of veganism and his pure life style. People are often shocked when they hear about my other passion, but to me I have learned more about myself in the ring as much as I have on my mat. I always tell my wrestling teacher that he is my favorite yoga teacher and doesn’t even know it.
favorite high powered snack?
I love Smoothies. I tend to not even care if they taste good because I figure if I can get everything healthy for my day in the blender first thing in the morning then I don’t feel as guilty about the cake and the coffee later on… I am not saying this is a good philosophy, but it’s mine.
what three things are you never without?
Music, my yoga mat and my cell phone.
the sound of music… you have room for 5 tracks on your playlist, they are?
1. Smoke or Fire – Beauty Fades
2. La Dispute – Damaged Goods
3. River Jumpers – Peaks and Troughs
4. Strike Anywhere – My Design
5. Spice Girls – Say You’ll Be There
your bible… what one book do you turn to time and time again for inspiration?
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
what makes you happy?
I am happy when I am doing something I am passionate about. I have been lucky or (the way I see it) smart enough to create a life that allows me to participate in things I love every single day. I always come back to that when I struggle. I do what I love, and no one can ever take that away from me.
Interview compiled by Susan Currie