Born and raised in his family's yoga ashram in Hawaii, Tamal Dodge has been teaching and practicing yoga since childhood. Tamal is the founder of the LA-based studio, Yoga Salt, now with a second location in the heart of Wilmington. Our founder Christine caught up with Tamal to share the essence of his goal: to help people be “in the world but not of the world,” to become truly peaceful and happy and to make yoga a lifestyle.

Christine Dionese: Tamal, you and your yoga family at Yoga Salt share a core value with Wilmington Days and my family—BEING of service. How has being on the mat taught you to be of service off the mat, out in the Wilmington Community and beyond?

Tamal Dodge: When I was a kid growing up in a yoga ashram my father used to say "if you don't share what you have learned here you are a thief." This has echoed in my mind since I can remember, and the truth behind it only increases within my heart as time goes on. When you experience the myriad of benefits yoga has to offer, it is a natural byproduct to share this wisdom with everyone. From feeling physically great to having a clear mind all the way to having spiritual contentment, yoga has it all. So being immersed in yoga has cultivated the mind set of paying it forward.

CD: Do your kids like practicing yoga and how are you teaching them to live through yogic principles?

TD: Yes, my kids practice yoga—even my youngest who's 14 comes to take classes each week at Yoga Salt. Children are easily turned off by things that are forced onto them. The yoga lifestyle and principles is something we don't push onto our kids but rather invite them in like leaving a door open. This way it is on their terms and they end up feeling like they discovered it instead of mom and dad made me do this.

CD: How about advice for those intimidated by beginning a yoga practice?

TD: Yoga classes at my studio may be done in a group setting but are really about your personal experience and practice. When you take class whether you are a beginner or advanced I always say to never compare yourself with others. Keep your blinders on and focus on what you are doing on the mat and you will have your own personal breakthroughs and epiphanies.

“From feeling physically great to having a clear mind all the way to having spiritual contentment, yoga has it all.”

CD: I prescribe yoga as it was originally intended, for mind, body and soul, a lifestyle therapy we can practice anytime and anywhere. As a seasoned yogi,
what inspirational transformations have you witnessed of people on the mat of late that really stand out?

TD: I have seen people with terrible injuries find mobility again, I have witnessed students that couldn't do a plank when they started and now are in handstand, I have seen the stressed be able to sleep, and the tired have increased energy. Yoga is like seeing people's lives transform in front of your eyes and all you have to do is curate the right environment for them.

CD: Another lifestyle modality I teach clients is chanting and deepening their inner-standing and spirituality. You offer a class in meditation and philosophy. Why were you called to share this with the community?

TD: Yoga in essence is based on spirituality and not around physicality. The asanas or postures are wonderful and have their benefits but the profound experiences are in sadhana or spiritual practices. The whole purpose of yoga is to connect with God. The word yoga comes from the root word "Yoke" which means to unite and the word yoga literally translates to yoke or unite with God. The path of yoga and its deepest meaning and benefits are found in the philosophy and practice of spiritually connecting oneself with God. So my deepest passion for yoga is sharing its core meaning.

CD: I love teaching others about the therapeutic effects of negative ions and love that you offer yoga on the pier. What inspired this class, it clearly has a faithful following!

“If you are always learning you will always have more to share.”

TD: Traditionally yoga was practiced outside to get the full impact of prana or life force. On the pier we get the negative ions, the oxygen, the vitamin D and a little vitamin SEA. The idea is to create an environment that has all the health perks and experiences. I thought, "What's not to like?"

CD: Now that you’re a veteran yogi, what advice do you have for those inspired to become teachers of yoga?

TD: I don't think of myself as a seasoned yogi or veteran. Really the more I learn about yoga the more I realize I don't know anything. What I try to express to aspiring yoga teachers is to always have a student mind. This way you are eager to learn. If you are always learning you will always have more to share.

Tamal is the founder of Yoga Salt (one of the most popular yoga centers in Los Angeles and now Wilmington) and has been featured in Time Magazine, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Reuters, CSNBC, Self Magazine, Yogi Times, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living radio, Fit TV and numerous other publications nationally and internationally.

Tamal has several best selling yoga DVD’s entitled “Hatha and Flow Yoga for Beginners,” “Yoga for Energy and Relaxation” and “Intro to Yoga,” all of which are currently sold worldwide. Tamal also tours the country teaching workshops, seminars, conferences and yoga teacher trainings to the masses.

Feel called to the mat? Yoga Salt’s introductory offer is 30 days for $30. Join them for yoga on the pier MWF 7:30-8:30 am only $10 / Student + Military Rate. $10 drop-in rate.

Inspired to teach? Teacher training details here.

Connect on Instagram: @yogasaltwilmington @tamaldodge

Namaste