Yoga is stereotypically a “woman’s thing”, or “a spiritual thing” and not traditionally associated with tall, lanky men striding coolly around the basketball court, shooting hoops. But Simon Kerle is leading the charge in changing this perception.
Former pro basketballer and Captain of The Brisbane Bullets Simon Kerle is bringing the raw power of yoga to Brisbane, growing yoga into another tool to train and live by. The connection between how the Warrior Pose and basketball should come together is really quite logical. However, Simon has taken it beyond basketball, and into another realm of otherworldliness.
Yet, simply assuming the Mountain Pose doesn’t mean that the essence of mental clarity is there for the taking. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline aimed at transforming the mind, body and soul. As a practice that predates as far back to 400 CE, clearly the “yoking” together of mind and body is a powerful tool to use in this day and age of harder, better, stronger, faster.
While Simon’s glory days of basketball are behind him, yoga is his primary focus. And it was while teaching his students that the ideas of Full Moon Yoga classes first trembled into existence. Assume the Bridge Pose, in full view of the CBD, from the sacred area of Kangaroo Point under the light of the full moon – and it’s all the makings for an ethereal experience.
The first Full Moon Yoga in January saw 40 people, though Simon knew only about half of the group present. The next month, it doubled to 80. March saw 110; April grew to over 120 people, with photographers capturing the event while one of his students filmed the process. Picnics, music and peace balls turned this into a major event expanding beyond the physicality of yoga and into the metaphysical.
And as Full Moon Yoga continues to grow from strength to strength, Simon knows it’s just as much about coming together for Pigeon Poses as well as creating positive energy, smiles and friends – all through the power of the Seated Twist or Downward Facing Dog. People of all skill levels, from teachers to first timers, mums with five year olds to 80 year old grannies are taking part.
