There is something truly remarkable about Cornelius Jones! It is clear that he teaches from a place of purpose and intention. I am also impressed by his choice of music during class. Which is Afro-based and a reminder of the connection we all have to our rhythmic and intuitive roots.  

Here is more from Cornelius:

1. How long have you been teaching?

6 years

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?
I discovered a heated vinyasa class back in NYC at a time during my life when I needed yoga the most. I needed to rest and recharge from a busy and at times anxiety driven life as a Broadway performer, stacked on top of completing a tough Masters program at NYU, and ending a tumultuous and toxic intimate relationship. That place of deep physical and emotional exhaustion had caught up to me, and I needed a true reset.  I was offered an opportunity to work in Las Vegas for a few months.  While packing up to move west, I toyed around with the idea of teaching. I moved to Vegas for 8 months to work in a show and there in Vegas I met a teacher who inspired me so much and that idea of teaching spoke louder than the previous time.  Literally during my first week in LA, in a yoga class, there was an announcement about a teacher training starting in 5 days and I signed up right away.  I knew it was the time to grow, to be with myself, and around other like-minded individuals.  Teaching & practicing yoga jointly and consistently has been the perfect medicine for me emotionally, creatively, and spiritually.  I am most at ease and happy with my life.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

A moment is what it is, a moment. Try to have no attachments to the good the bad and the in-between.You make the choose to either live in that one moment forever or prepare to enjoy fresh moments approaching.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

Atleast three times a week.

5. What inspires your practice?

The many physical and emotional benefits that yoga can offer you.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

It is necessary because I need that emotional balance and that reminder to breath and stay centered during every moment of my life.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

Oneness, Co-Create, CoExist, Artistic Freedom, Strength, Creative Expression, Courage, You are perfect who and complete as you are, Health is Your Wealth, Resilience, YOU ARE ENOUGH!

8. Where are you currently teaching?

I currently teach group classes at Hot 8 Yoga, Independently contracted as a Creative Arts & Movement therapist for a small company that serves the drug & alcohol rehabilitation community,  and I lead teacher trainings and yoga retreats independently as well.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop? Yoga has allowed me to be a better listener, more effective with language skills& the art of communication and more accountable for my actions.

9. What has kept you practicing all these years?The balance between work, life and playtime. When something is off in my personal life, it's normally because I'm out of my yoga practice.

10. What would you tell your self when you started teaching yoga?

Well, when I started teaching, I was very focused on providing an experience for my students. And, today, I still  am focused on providing an exceptional experience. It was not so much of me having to pump myself up, but I was mostly focused on how can I make this the best experience for them.

11. I loved the Afro influence of music in your class. Any particular why you have chosen this type of music?

EXPERIENCE.  EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE.  Yes, my music choice is all about an experience. The Afro beats are fully grounding and it roots you into the practice. It also roots and grounds me into my teaching practice.

12. Why is breath so important in your practice?

Without breath you have nothing. If you're not breathing you're not living. You're not going to get the most effective experience. If you're not breathing, you're not listening to what your body is allowing you to experience.

1 3. What is your FB name? IG name and twitter?
I'm more active on IG: @corneliusjonesjr  You can also catch me on FB:  Cornelius Jones Jr.Twitter, I'm there but definitely not much:  corneliusjonesj.

This is my website:  corneliusyogaburn.com for info about classes, private sessions, teacher trainings, and upcoming retreats.