and 
Tom Shunk
Tom has been a part of the Evolution Yoga community since 2005, although he began his yoga practice in the 1980s. He is a graduate of the OM yoga 200 Hour Teacher Training program, and also is a trial lawyer with an active practice.
Tom sees yoga as a way of life, not just an exercise that takes 75 minutes at a studio, and hopes that he, and his fellow yoga students, carry the lessons about compassion, relaxation, perseverance, mindfulness, discovery and joy learned on the yoga mat into everyday life.
Years practicing yoga: 20+
Years teaching yoga: Just started this exciting journey
Member of Evolution Yoga Community: 5 years
Personal Yoga Journey
When did you start practicing yoga?
I started practicing yoga in the 1980s with the American Yoga Association after my doctor “prescribed” yoga for me to deal with the stress I was seeing in my work life as a trial lawyer. Several years later, I was drawn to studying martial arts, eventually earning certification as a teacher (and black belt) in the style known as “kenpo.” I continued to practice yoga by incorporating it into my martial arts studies. In 2005 I discovered Evolution Yoga and realized I had found a home for my yoga practice. In 2010 I finally took the plunge and started teacher training, along with my wife, Laura.
What made you want to become a teacher and how did you know that you were ready to be a teacher?
I was inspired by Sandy and the other wonderful teachers that have helped my practice.
What are your personal inspirations/sources behind your teachings?
I was drawn to OM yoga in particular because of its grounding in mindfulness practices, and am inspired by Buddhist and other traditions that focus on mindfulness training. I’m inspired by the many practitioners who are seeking ways to take yoga in new directions, like Simon Park and Duncan Wong.
Who are you currently studying? What are focusing on in your current practice?
My teachers include Sandy Gross and Joe Miller, and I try to make it to every seminar I can. My current focus includes learning more about the classical Ashtanga yoga tradition and deepening my inversion practice.
How do you take your yoga practice off the mat?
I try to insert a “pause,” and maybe even a breath, between stressful or negative events and my response. Hopefully, that lets me respond a little bit more compassionately.
What are some of your favorite yoga poses and why?
I like shoulder-opening poses, because I feel that’s one of the areas most Americans (including me) need a lot of work on. As your shoulders open up, a lot of seemingly impossible poses become possible.
Books & Music
What are you reading now?
“The Heart Sutra” – the translation by Red Fern, and the commentary by the Dalai Lama.
“The Subtle Body” – a (rather quirky) history of yoga in America
Tricycle Magazine – a magazine of current Buddhist thought
What songs are on your current playlist?
Krishna Das
Bob Marley & The Wailers
John Mayer
Why (or why not) do you play music in your classes?
I play music to set an upbeat, relaxing and joyous mood. I want students to work hard, but have fun.
Advice to Students
What advice would you give your students just beginning yoga?
Have fun, do what you can, and come back tomorrow.
What advice would you give the more seasoned person practicing yoga?
Have fun, do what you can, and come back tomorrow.
Little Known Facts About Me: I’m a fourth degree black belt and also a former competitive ballroom dancer.
Words That Describe My Class: Vigorous, playful, breath-focused, a bit experimental.
I Knew I Loved Yoga When: I felt so much better after class than I did before class.
Where Yoga Helps Me The Most: My last five years of practice has both healed a lot of chronic physical injuries I was dealing with and also reduced my stress level significantly.
Why I Love This Studio: The community of fellow students is amazing here – so many talented and generous people. And the many yoga masters who come to the studio to give seminars is icing on the cake.
Favorite Comment/Quote that inspires you: “For those who seek liberation wholeheartedly, realization is near. How near depends on whether the practice is mild, moderate, or intense.” – Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Part I, sutras 21 and 22.
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