A conversation with Dr. Douglas Files
theYoke sits down with board president, Douglas Files, M.D. to learn how Yoga came into his life and its impact since he first encountered it.
What were your first impressions?
Yoga was popular in California in the 70s though I didn’t know much about it. When I became a doctor patients shared how they were using it to treat back pain. I wasn’t sure about the medical validity of it, since I try not to form a strong opinion about something without learning about it. Many things exist in the world that I don’t understand; I try not to judge them until I know more about them.
How did Yoga come into your life?
I started doing yoga as many Americans do: for exercise. A friend was going and I thought “why not?” New things are interesting. Initially, I performed embarrassingly poorly. My arms were so weak that even Downward Dog was a challenge. My enjoyment of the social interaction drove me to continue attending classes. I could laugh at my struggles, but they also motivated me to improve. My mindset as a doctor is to achieve, achieve, achieve…perform the absolute best I can. However, I now realize that pushing too hard in asana can be counterproductive.
What motivated you to start? And what keeps you going?
A close friend noticed the back pain I lived with daily. Thanks to her support (and some slight nagging) I finally decided to check out a yoga class. Once I got into it I appreciated the exercise, and the social aspects. Plus I saw myself improving slowly. I engaged the instructor for private yoga classes when she noted a few sessions targeting the back could influence my full asana practice. The weekly sessions at my home improved my back pain almost instantaneously. Daily routines became easier, such as getting into and out of the car; and pick up things from the floor. My core also strengthened, which of course is key to back health. The sudden bursts of pain I would regularly experience had basically disappeared, which surprised and amazed me. Several years later, I still regularly do the asana practice given to me. If I skip it the pain returns.
What compelled you to work with theYoke?
I was seeking a new charitable activity that I could volunteer for. When LauraLynn Jansen mentioned forming a Yoga-based non-profit organization called theYoke, I jumped at the chance. Its vision and mission, to unite yogis was intriguing. I offered to help build the organization. Despite my lack of Yoga expertise, I am familiar with performing administrative related tasks from running my own small business. Also my passion for education was piqued by the organization’s mission to assist in educating the general public about the full spectrum of Yoga.
Have you discovered other aspects of Yoga (beyond asana)?
I continue to seek deeper Yoga experiences through service to this great organization and the people whose lives it touches. Living more in a mental world than a physical one, I yearn to learn more about the non-physical aspects of Yoga. During theYoke’s first year I joined the Yoga Folk Book Club. We read books about raja and other forms of Yoga and held interesting discussions. My favorite Yoga author is Stephen Cope, although I also relish Judith Lasater’s books.
Sampling the smorgasbord of Yoga, I’ve tried doing guided meditations and just sitting quietly on my own. Neither of them refreshes me, and no new insights have presented themselves. By nature I am not a patient person. I am probably not putting sufficient time into the practice. Reading a book or taking a walk through the woods are more rejuvenating for me. Basic breathing exercises sometimes help me to relax. The taste of Irish whiskey is appealing, but pranayama relaxes me better.
Over time, yoga has become for me more about service and philosophy than about exercise. In recent years I am exploring the service yogic path, working to advance theYoke. Readers of this column are urged to volunteer, as it is highly rewarding. I especially like the people I have met through yoga…rich in experiences, pilgrims and seekers all.
How has Yoga changed you?
Initially, I didn’t realize the full range of what “Yoga” involves. On a daily basis nowadays I move differently than I used to, extending muscles and doing modified asana. It would be a stretch to call it serious Yoga. But I realize Yoga is so much more than asana. It involves performing services to the Yoga community nearly every day, which I find highly satisfying. I also think differently than I used to, striving to disengage from petty annoyances, which matter little in the grand scheme.
One great surprise about this journey is how much I have enjoyed reading texts related to Yogic philosophy. A quote by Carlos Castaneda has become a personal mantra on which to reflect regularly: “The thing to do when you are confused is to turn to your left and ask advice from your death.”
Each individual’s yogic path is different and mine differs from the path of many American yogis. But it has been a robust and kaleidoscopic path, full of color and movement…oh, and people: wonderful people.