Rolf Gates | Former Army Ranger on Practicing at 80% & Teaching Tom Brady

✩ In this conversation with Derek and Larry, renowned yoga instructor, author, and veteran, Rolf Gates shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a successful yoga teacher and author.

Gates discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his experiences with sports, addiction, and the military, which shaped his understanding of discipline, self-regulation, and personal growth. Emphasizing the importance of exercise in his recovery from addiction, Gates touches on how yoga became a vital part of his life and spiritual awakening, as well as the evolving landscape of yoga, particularly regarding male participation in the practice.

In addition to sharing various insights on the practice of yoga, the importance of letting go, finding balance, and trusting the process of life, Gates speaks to the writing of his best-selling book, 'Meditations from the Mat,' and the power of daily reflections and motivational quotes as tools for wisdom and personal growth.

Connect with Rolf Gates
⁠✩ Website⁠: https://rolfgates.com/
⁠✩ Instagram⁠:   / rolf_gates_  
✩ Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates: https://amzn.to/3NrwfX9
✩ Daily Reflections on Addiction, Yoga, and Getting Well by Rolf Gates: https://amzn.to/4eZ7cWz
✩ Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness, and Compassion by Rolf Gates: https://amzn.to/4eXr9Nx

Support and stay connected with the GTY community
✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠
✩ Instagram:   / gtypodcast  
✩ Youtube: ⁠   / @guystalkingyogapodcast  
✩ Facebook: ⁠  / guystalkingyoga⁠  

Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry
✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/
✩ Youtube:    / @yogafordudes  

Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Yoga: A Personal Story
05:45 Finding Sobriety Through Exercise
10:28 The Role of Military Discipline in Personal Growth
17:28 Discovering Yoga: A New Path
23:12 The Transformative Power of Nature and Energy
25:19 Yoga in the Male-Dominated Space
32:27 Striving vs. Being: The Yoga Mindset
33:46 The Journey of Letting Go in Yoga
36:02 Finding Balance: The 80% Rule in Practice
39:36 Trusting Life: A Spiritual Perspective
43:00 The River of Life: Going with the Flow
48:45 Rituals in Yoga: The Path to Sustainability
52:39 Writing Meditations from the Mat: A Personal Journey
01:00:42 Future Endeavors: Teaching and Traveling