Teacher Spotlight: Tom Barry
Tell us what your past life was before becoming a Yoga teacher? What brought you to become a Yoga teacher and specifically at Prana?
I’m the oldest of 9 siblings (one brother and seven sisters). We grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. I spent four years of military service in the Air Force, and was stationed in Germany for the majority of my enlistment. My business career spanned 37 years in banking and business services in management positions. I was responsible for managing staff, customer relationships, client accounts and contracts, new business start-ups, budgets and growth targets.
I started doing Tai Chi as a therapy for back pain and also found the mindful flowing movements beneficial for calming the nervous system and quieting the mind which helped me become better focused and able to deal more effectively with the high stress levels of the business world.
About 18 years ago I thought I’d give yoga a try. I took a beginner yoga series at Prana and loved the way I felt after each class. Yoga had all the benefits of Tai Chi with more strength benefits . After a few years of practicing and getting close to the end of my business career, I decided to take a yoga teacher training course. I was inspired by all the great teachers at Prana and especially my primary teacher Lisa Bertke. Lisa exuded a passion for yoga and caring for her students that motivated me to share my love for yoga too. I am very grateful for the opportunity she gave me and that I have been able to find a purposeful second career.
What is your favorite limb of Yoga and why?
I guess if I have to pick a favorite, it would be the fourth limb Pranayama. Pranayama is about mindful breathing. Prana is the intelligent life force that breathes life into matter. We can use our breath to regulate the flow of pranic energy. The regulation of breath is integral to asana practice as well as calming the nervous system and mind to move into the higher limbs of yoga.
Tell us about your favorite yoga studio when you've traveled.
Over the years we have taken a lot of family vacations that are beach and outdoors oriented. My favorite place to practice on vacation is early in the morning outdoors on the beach, or a deck with fresh air and the sounds of nature.
Your most favorite Asana and least favorite Asana (and why).
Favorite - Parivrtta Trikonasana (revolved triangle). It is a pose that develops strength and stability in the legs, improves spinal mobility, opens shoulders and chest to improve breathing and stimulates abdominal organs. I feel like I can be the pose and let the breath do its work.
Least Favorite - Hasta Padangusthasana ( hand to big toe). Balancing on one leg is challenging enough. Add extending the other leg and clasping the big toe with your hand! It’s not happening. My hamstrings are not made to extend that high,
Do you have a hobby that most don't know you have?
I like to do data analysis to provide information that helps Prana make better informed strategies and decisions.
Tell us about your family and if they love Yoga as well.
I have been married for 43 years to my wife Kathy. We have four children and just welcomed our sixth grandchild, Emma in March. My family likes that I do yoga although that hasn’t translated into much of a following. My daughter, Charlotte is the only family member who has practiced yoga. It might be a sign that those two worlds shouldn’t collide.
What classes do you teach at Prana?
Mondays 7pm - Yin Yoga & Meditation–Infrared Heat
Tuesdays 9:30am - Hatha Yoga
Saturdays 10am - Hatha Yoga
Tom shared how Pranayama transformed his practice —
We’d love to hear what part of yoga has had the biggest impact on your life?
Kindly answer in the comments below.