Meet Michael Wally...
Michael in front of the Adi Yogi: Abode of Yoga at Isha Institute of Inner Sciences while attending Shoonya Intensive.
"Life is a crucible; it will purify you if you let it. If you don't, it will seemingly burn you because you misunderstand - you believe yourself to be the dross." - Michael Wally
Where my journey started...
Unmotivated, undisciplined and directionless
My main driver was the need to support myself and my family along with the societal pressure to not be a drain.
Procrastination was my only discipline, motivating me with fear should I fail to meet deadlines and expectations.
No sense of which path to follow other than the rut I'd already worn.
Perpetually unhappy and depressed
Outwardly I had a good life - a loving and supportive partner, friends, a lucrative career with lots of upward mobility and I owned my own home.
Inwardly I was rarely happy, always chasing what I thought would make me okay but never finding lasting contentment in spite of achievement.
Depressed at the prospect of dull repetition, not knowing where I could find, or if I could find, happiness.
Anxious, fearful and reclusive
Socially awkward and inept, I never felt very comfortable around others, even those that I knew well.
A "homebody", I was afraid of the anxiety that came with venturing outside my ever shrinking comfort zone.
Angry and confused
Repressed anger of unknown origin, driving often brought this side of me out.
What was the delta between me and those that seemed to be able to enjoy life? I was confused how I became the way I was and didn't know what to do about it.
Where I am now
Disciplined
Wherever I've found myself, I haven't missed a day of my daily practices since starting them in 2018 - yoga, pranayama (breathwork) and meditation.
I strive to maintain clear awareness every moment of the day.
Motivated, Mindful and Insightful
I know where I am headed and how to get there. The course is clear and the choice obvious.
I clearly notice when I slip up and am able to quickly course-correct. I take responsibility for it all.
Always deepening my understanding of the path, insight yields to an open-mind.
Content
I am able to enjoy life. Whatever comes my way, wherever I find myself, I make the best of it.
Excited and Adventurous
I reflect on how far I've come and am excited to see how far I will go.
Recognizing discomfort as the fuel for growth, I welcome it and work with it.
Calm, compassionate and composed
My anger is a thing of the past. When any remaining threads arise I am able to work with it and continue bettering myself.
I do my best to always hold space for others to be themselves. We're all going through something and I know not pushing on others aides them to do their best.
When difficulty arises I work with it; I fall back on the many techniques I've honed over the years to regain composure when I am unsteady.
And how I got here
Teachers and Philosophies
From past to present, in-person and in books, the influence and insights from countless teachers have helped inform and motivate my path.
An open, dynamic mindset has lead to perpetual distillation of insights across disciplines - from ancient - Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism, to modern - psychology and neuroscience.
Communities
Inspiration, insights, accountability and mutual support among a variety of communities has contributed greatly to my growth over the years.
Patience and Persistence
Seeing this path as the only reasonable choice, with patience and persistence I know all obstacles will eventually yield.
Practices
Yoga, meditation and breathwork continue to be pivotal, essential aspects of never ending development.
Always experimenting and on the lookout for effective new practices to add to my repertoire.
Experience and Experiences, Insights and Integration
Integrating continual practice, moment to moment, deepens existing insights and yields the truth of gathered insights.
Experiences from intense breathwork, meditation, retreats and psychedelics reveal my true nature and offer glimpses of my potential - the polestar of my life.
