Embracing life

Story by Mary Castillo, Photos by

HE IS: transforming lives through Yoga

The First Step in the Journey

Newton Campbell, 31 can remember the exact moment when he first

encountered a Yoga class.

“I thought to myself, what kind of crazy things are they doing in

there,” he said.

Intrigued by the spine-twisting, balance-defying positions, Campbell

decided to give it a try. What he didn’t realize at the time, was how

much yoga would transform his life.

“I made an deep connection with the instructor who told me to get

certified,” he recalled.

As he embarked on his studies -- often using his lunch hour to stretch

in the park -- Newton and his colleagues recognized how Yoga refocused

his priorities.

A Complete Transformation

Within a year, Campbell resigned from his senior accounting position

at WorldCom. He moved from New Jersey to Philadelphia where he received

certification from Nischala Joy Devi, a monk who specialized in Yoga for

chronic and cardiac diseases. His journey eventually brought him to the

Vibe Tribe where he incorporates all of the Yoga styles he had learned.

“I wanted to impart something great to other people,” he said.

If his students take anything from his classes, Campbell hopes their

practice will teach them to be more loving, forgiving and understanding.

Learning How to Breathe

For most students, flexibility is the number one priority when

starting Yoga. However, it is simply the first level of a complete Yoga

course of study.

“Yoga trains you to fully utilize the lungs,” he said. “Too many

people experience shallow breathing, which creates tension.”

Deep abdominal breathing is the foundation of Yoga practice, said

Campbell. It not only creates a sense of relaxation in class but also

helps students deal with stress in their daily lives.

Typically, his classes begin with centering exercises during which

Campbell explains the principals of Yoga. He gradually takes them to the

asanas or poses that challenge the body. The final part of the class,

savasana or final mediation, is the most crucial.

“This is when the body and mind can reconnect,” he said. “You can feel

a great sense of release.”

Changing Perceptions

One of the biggest challenges Campbell faces as an instructor is the

misconception that Yoga classes are roomfuls of chanting people.

In fact, when he first resigned from his corporate job to seriously

study Yoga, his family was aghast.

“I remember going to back to visit and they asked me if I had joined a

cult,” he said with a big smile.

Although students can choose to embrace the ancient Eastern

philosophies on which Yoga is based, it is nearly impossible for them not

to feel greater physical and mental awareness.

“Yoga has made me more aware of everything I do and see,” he said. “It

has taught me to let go and yet always be respectful of others.”