Rob Zajac

Hi! I'm Rob. I'm a somatic coach, group facilitator, and yoga teacher. Sharing practices for human wellbeing is my life's work.

In 2018 I discovered meditation during a difficult experience with burnout. After a few years of practice, I found and got certified to teach Hatha Vinyasa yoga. Since then I've also been a part of a men's group, sat in Amazonian medicine ceremonies, and practiced jiu-jitsu. It's my belief that connection to our bodies and our breath is sacred medicine that cures modern mis-alignments like overstimulation and disconnection.

Read on to find out more about how I work, and how embodiment practice, plus your own self-awareness, can work for you.

Why Embodiment?

One of the greatest sources of misalignment in modern life is the belief that we are somehow separate from our bodies. Our phones and demanding lifestyles mean that most of us spend our time "above the neck" in a form of heady awareness. Though that feels comfortable and familiar, the reality is that there is a wealth of information available in the entirety of our bodies, and it offers a completely different way of seeing. The only choice we make is whether we look at the whole picture or just a part.

But modern life doesn't make it easy. I remember when, a couple of years ago, I experienced a stress-induced burnout that left me feeling unmotivated and stuck with what to do in my life. It wasn't the first time I'd been there. Some part of me knew: a different way must be possible. Through what feels like a mix of introspection and some happenstance, I was lucky enough to find the practice of yoga. Yoga revealed to me a field in my experience that I'd previously had no awareness of — a rich interplay of emotion, sensation and raw consciousness. It felt like learning to see again for the first time.

That transition turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. In the many challenges that I uncovered, I learned about nervous system capacity and how to release tension. Today, I experience markedly more ease and a sense of fulfillment in daily life. I believe this is possible for anyone. I'm happy to share what knowledge and skills have come to me with those who are seeking a new way of being — one rooted in a peace with the present moment.

Working together

If you're interested in working on mind-body connection and unblocking energy that feels "stuck" in your system, there are a few ways we can connect:

• Somatic coaching. These are 1:1 sessions where we will drop in to mindful presence and pay attention to how sensations in your body are informing your present experience. Bodily experience is a map of the psyche, and we will leverage this intelligence to uncover your own healing power and intuition. Outcomes often include feeling more aligned, clear, and at ease.

  My approach is rooted in my study and personal experience with the Hakomi method of somatic psychotherapy. Hakomi is a modality that believes in the body and mind's natural healing abilities when held in mindful presence. If your goal is primarily to work on reocurring mental health challenges like clinical anxiety and depression, I recommend contacting a licensed psychotherapist.

• Sangha. I am forming a group for peer-supported spiritual practice. This will consist of mindful sharing, meditation, movement and breathwork. We will also explore specific questions and prompts together intended to teach us more about ourselves — questions like "Who am I when I'm not operating from fear?". The group will meet 1x a week over Zoom once we have reached a critical mass of new members.
• Yoga and meditation. I teach 60-75 minute Vinyasa classes based on my experience with Yandara Yoga Institute. I also personally practice Ashtanga and Kundalini yogas, and may incorporate elements from them. My availability is through Zoom or in-person around NYC when a space is available.

Interested in meeting, or just want to hear more? Drop me a line at my email or on another site and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Contact

If any of this page resonates with you, feel free to reach out. I also have a small but expanding Instagram page and a professional history on LinkedIn. Sometimes, I will write something and post it on Substack.

Modern life is not just challenging, but also brimming with potential. See you along the way.