Michael

MICHAEL DURAND SCHABORT

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, I have been teaching yoga worldwide since 2009. My journey with Ashtanga Yoga began in 1999. Over the years, I have had the privilege of studying with some of the world's most renowned teachers in the Krishnamacharya lineage, including Richard Freeman, Michael Hamilton, Shimon Ben Avi, and the late Sharath Jois in Mysore, India.

From a young age, I have been deeply curious about the meaning of existence. In my early teens, encouraged by my grandmother and guardians at the Waldorf School, I began exploring Western esoteric philosophy, spirituality, and anthroposophy. In my twenties, I discovered more oriental approaches to meditation, coupled with hatha yoga and Yogic self-inquiry. More recently, I have returned to delve deeper into our Western Mystery Schools' heritage of Hermeticism and Gnostic practices.

During my years of teaching Yoga, I have come to recognise that the most treasured discoveries illuminating the purpose of earthly existence are often found in the most ordinary of circumstances. We only need open our hearts and see with fresh eyes. This may viscerally occur more often in moments of connection—whether through ritual or spontaneous encounters. In shamanic ritual, various tools are used. In hatha and tantra, we explore the yoga or union between all things within our physical framework. The mystery is encountered in the relationships we share—the connections we have with ourselves, others, the subject and object, the inner and outer worlds, and the absolute and relative. The catalysing evolution of inner development occurs, whether conscious or unconscious of the interconnected oneness, when within the whole opposites collide. Ultimately, integration is then up to the aptitude and yearning desire of the seeker to "know thyself."

I firmly believe that the practice of hatha vinyasa yoga can deepen our connection with ourselves and others as we navigate the opposing forces within our bodies. A prime example is the contrasting patterns of breath; each can be harnessed in different ways to shift one’s state of being. When we breathe consciously, we become more self-aware and present in the moment. The incoming and outgoing breath represent opposing patterns that are unified and inseparable, both belonging to the single mechanism we call breath. This principle mirrors life itself—manifested in cycles such as life and death, sorrow and joy, masculine and feminine, and more. Through our practice, we develop a profound relationship with our bodies, both physically and energetically. In asana practice, when we encounter physical challenges, we are invited to stay anchored and present. As we place our bodies in demanding postures that require full awareness, we become more attuned to universal principles. In these self-imposed challenges, we can observe our mental reactions over time and learn to master our control over both mind and body.

I am truly grateful for the teachings I have received from masters in modern yoga traditions. However, I also recognise that teaching must evolve with the needs of each student. We must avoid becoming attached to any specific practice style, as styles evolve and trends change. What truly matters is that the flame passed from Guru to student continues. This essence is not merely a style but something far more sacred. Holding onto the teachings I received in India, I am now beginning to explore these concepts more progressively. I believe in approaching each moment uniquely, with a sense of readiness. What occurs in India belongs to the Indian tradition, while the present context calls for a different understanding. It is crucial to remain open to discovering and experiencing a new paradigm that relates to our current reality, culture, and understanding. Every encounter and individual should be embraced with a sense of fresh aliveness. There is an art to being alive that requires a level of openness few dare to embrace.

My desire in teaching yoga—and sometimes indirectly evoking intrigue for the alchemical arts—is to uplift others. I aim to share the understanding that we are all unique, and therefore, our experiences of the miracle of existence will always differ. I encourage authenticity, free thinking, and openness, inviting each individual to explore their potential, their shadow, and the fabric of all consciousness, which can often be experienced as Unity, Divine Light, Love, and life's inexhaustible outpouring of creative brilliance.

Ashtanga Yoga

The approach is key. This is a brilliant method to incorporate into your daily routine.

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If you are interested in finding and creating your sanctuary and developing a yoga practice that can accompany you throughout your life please feel free to write to me and I will get back to you shortly.