41 - Surrendering to Life’s Purpose: From the Navy to Yoga on State with Rob Mendez

In this episode, we journey with Rob Mendez from his beginnings as a military surgical technologist to the founder of Yoga On State, a beloved yoga studio in Carlsbad, California. Rob's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, detailing how it guided him through health anxieties and led to significant personal transformation and healing. He speaks to the spiritual and physical impacts of yoga, which have reshaped his worldview and fostered a deep sense of community, acceptance, and belonging among his students.

 

Rob dives into the essence of yoga beyond its physical aspects, discussing its role in combating loneliness, fostering non-attachment in relationships, and cultivating compassion. Hie highlights yoga's capacity to inspire intentional living, grace, and empathy, making a compelling case for its practice as a life philosophy. 

 

This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone interested in the intersections of personal growth, the therapeutic benefits of yoga, and the unexpected journeys toward finding one's passion and purpose.

 

Topics discussed in this episode include:

[07:44] - Rob's Experience in the Navy and Medical Field

[26:42] - Dealing with Health Anxiety through Yoga

[38:51] - The Challenges of Starting a Studio During COVID

[40:47] - The Power of Intuition and Direction

[41:48] - The Importance of Cutting Ties and Moving Forward

[55:37] - The Power of Perspective and Compassion

[58:10] - Final Questions

Quotes from Episode: 

“Our perception is everything and if you learn how to accept all things and see them as lessons to grow from then that’s always a positive thing. My practice is to try to keep my perception in that direction.”

 

“I think purpose is something that is beyond what our ego demands. It is greater than us and our individual needs. It informs you what to make decisions on and how to act.”

Links from the Episode: 

Rob’s Instagram

Yoga on State’s Instagram

Yoga on State’s Website

 

 

Announcements:

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Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

 

 

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions