People of Yoga
Portraits of Practice, Stories of Being
Yoga lives in all of us. These are the stories.
People of Yoga is a living archive of stories from practitioners around the world, curated by Scott Johnson
Through still portrait images and moving films, each story offers a glimpse into how yoga weaves itself into life not just on the mat, but in grief, in joy, in struggle, and in discovery.
Sometimes shared with names, sometimes anonymously, these are honest reflections from people who practice not for perfection, but for connection. For a deeper relationship with themselves and the world around them.
And whether spoken or silent, each face tells a story.
Each story reveals how yoga moves us. Quietly, steadily, through uncertainty, through transformation and through the unfolding of life itself.
This is yoga. Raw. Honest. Personal. Real.
Why People of Yoga?
Yoga is more than shapes. More than just sequences.
It’s a deep listening. A remembering.
It’s a way of being.
People of Yoga began as a way to capture this quiet truth.
To look beyond the posture and into the why.
The why we practice. The why we return.
To listen to the voices of practitioners, from beginners to lifelong seekers, as they navigate and share what yoga really means to them. And how it has moved them.
These aren’t interviews. They’re very personal reflections.
Moments of honesty. Grief. Joy. Hope. Stillness.
And the steady rhythm of practice, woven into the heart of life.
The Portrait Stories
A collection of photo portraits paired with personal stories, sometimes named, sometimes anonymous.
Each one an invitation to slow down, feel, and connect.
I Only Wish I’d Started Sooner by Anna Maria
For Anna Maria, yoga became more than movement, it became preparation. In this grounded reflection, she shares how Ashtanga helps her stay strong, balanced, and independent, not just for today but for the years ahead…
Three Breaths and a Memory by Andreas
Three deep breaths. A bell. And then—an old memory surfaces. In this quiet reflection, Andreas explores how the seeds of kindness planted in youth can return later in life as a call to wisdom, love, and self-knowledge.
Steadiness, Calm… So Strong, So Good – Alexia
Discover how Alexia’s first yoga experience in Varanasi led her from emotional turmoil to inner balance through Ashtanga Yoga. A heartfelt journey of transformation and self-discovery.
The Films
Short, intimate films that capture the beauty of lived experience.
Not polished. Not performative. Just real people in relationship with their practice, and with life.
Kathy Cooper: My 50 Year Love Affair with Ashtanga Yoga
For over 50 years, Kathy Cooper has shown up to her mat. In this beautiful portrait, she shares how Ashtanga yoga became her anchor, her teacher and her great love.
Monica Gauci on discovering her divinity through Ashtanga yoga
In this warm & touching interview Monica Gauci, one of Australia’s leading Ashtanga yoga teachers, talks to Scott Johnson about her 45 years of practice and teaching of yoga and meditation.
Mark Darby on Living a Life of Devotion & Ashtanga Yoga
In this extensive portrait revered Ashtanga yoga teacher Mark Darby shares how a life of devotion has directed his life and practice. It is a compelling story of dedication to a higher purpose, and his family…
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