Sean Haleen is teaching at Wanderlust Yoga in the City San Francisco on Saturday, May 17. He sat down with us to talk yoga, growing up and embarrassing moments.
If you’re in the area, the event is free, but registration is limited and will fill up so sign up now!
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Wanderlust: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Sean Haleen: I think I am grown up. Right now I’m a full time yoga teacher, but I went to grad school and researched substance abuse. On day, I’ll continue my work in that field.
WL: What did your child self want to be when you grew up?
SH: When I was a child, I wanted to be a weatherman and in fact, I was — a weatherman for a small TV station in Idaho for a couple years. It was wonderful.
WL: What is your personal theme song?
WL: What is your biggest fear?
SH: My biggest fear is airplanes. So, traveling is a great chance for me to practice my meditation in action.
WL: What is your favorite yoga pose?
SH: My favourite pose is Utthita Parsvokanasana (Extended Side Angle). There isn’t much you can’t do in that pose and I’m known for encouraging my students to practice this one if they’re feeling glum. It really helps!
WL: What is your least favorite yoga pose?
SH: My least favourite pose is Warrior III. I’ve decided this pose should be banned because I can’t do it.
WL: What has been your most embarrassing moment as a yoga student?
SH: I used to be a very impatient practitioner. Years ago my teacher was instructing us in dolphin and very specifically said not to kick up into an inversion. Well, I didn’t listen and kicked up anyway and flew right and landed on my back with a big thud. Lesson learned.
WL: What has been your most embarrassing moment as a yoga teacher?
SH: I noticed one of my students giggled in a high pitched voice every time I adjusted her. Before thinking, I said, “You’re just like the Pillsbury Dough Boy.” Fortunately she — and everyone else — found it funny.
WL: What do you love about what you do?
SH: I love to see yoga used as a force of healing: for the body, for relationships, for earth, and for the heart. Its potency is incredible and I love being a part of it.
WL: What challenges you about what you do?
SH: Seeing egos go rampant in yoga. One of my teachers used to shout in front of 70 people, “Nobody gives a $&% what you can do with your body Sean. It’s everyone’s own practice that matters.” I’m grateful for her and that reminder to always stay focused on the practice.