I have always been convinced that we communicate with our “energy”. Having positive energy tends to lead to positive results. Conversely, negative energy is many times a self-fulfilling prophecy. One of my guiding principles in life has always been “thinking good thoughts makes good things happen”. Some days were easier than others to put that principle into practice. Yoga has imbued me with a cornucopia of positive energy. This is one of the most profound effects of my yoga practice. I have many examples of the results of this energy. Meeting Tina and then Chip is an example of one of those “things”.

In February 2018 I was approached by Alair Altiero Ph.D., the Mental Health Psychologist at the Hershey ALS Clinic, about my yoga. She had noted my attitude was much better than most of her other patients, had listened to me talk about my yoga and wanted to explore the possibility of sharing what was working for me. When I returned to Pennsylvania in May, I put together a team of local yoga professionals and we set about refining our message that, despite the ravages of the disease on the physical body, mindfulness provides a pathway to your energy body and offers a perspective that is nurturing.

My wife’s only sister, Karen, caught wind of my project and suggested I invite her best friend from college to join the group. I had met Tina in 1975 but didn’t know much about her life’s path after that. Turns out she is an accomplished yoga therapist with a successful studio in Milwaukee. She had worked with patients with many different diseases and jumped at the chance to participate. She and I had an instant connection. She was able to explain what was happening with my practice from an Eastern medicine perspective that made sense. She educated me to the wonderment of Prana, the Koshas and confirmed that the feeling I got while practicing was my “Bliss body”. That knowledge has provided depth and clarity to my practice.

In the fall of 2018 Tina introduced me to her partner, Chip Duncan, who is a documentary filmmaker. Chip had heard about the effects of my yoga practice and wanted to know more. One thing led to another, and Tina and I were the subject of a short documentary titled “Pizza and Prana” which was filmed in Miami in February 2019.