Embracing Adversity – Peter Sterios

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Peter Sterios, who founded the yoga mat company Manduka, keeps learning the lesson of how to let go. He’s had to do that repeatedly – from selling his business to picking up the pieces when his teacher dismissed him. After 20 years of studying with Shandor Remete, the charismatic creator of Shadow Yoga, he was brusquely instructed to go it alone.

Though this rupture was tough, it helped Peter move on, refining a subtler approach to the body that had helped him to heal after breaking his back. He sums up what he’s learned in a book, titled Gravity and Grace – a conscious echo of the work of Simone Weil, whom he quotes at the start: “Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it, and it is grace itself which makes this void.”

Along the way, we explore how detachment relates to the business of running a company, and if yogic ideas about non-acquisitiveness are at odds with being an entrepreneur. Having said that, if you enjoy the conversation, and would like to fuel more, please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... All donations are greatly appreciated!