Yoga has always been one of those things that grabbed my attention on and off for brief moments, but those moments quickly passed. After the initial "I'd like to be able to bend like that!" and "Maybe this could be the answer to sleeping well and stressing less" have come and gone, I quickly realise – I don't have the patience or time for Yoga! Anyway, even when I do have the time, the daughter, the dogs, the cats, the friends and the husband (not all in that order of course) are high on my list of priorities. I would much rather be having some fun versus seeking spiritual enlightenment. On reflection, does that make me shallow?

There are those of us however; who feel spiritual enlightenment and healthy fit bodies that can bend every which way gives you the ability to enjoy your other happy moments even more! In fact, there are far more people that receive an element of greater happiness simply by practising Yoga. And then there's Neo – from the aptly named "Yoga with Neo". Why does someone with a law degree decide to leave his successful career and become a Yoga Instructor? He admits that his life has changed completely through Yoga and he has now reached a point of contentment many of us are desperately seeking. So what am I missing? Maybe, I'm not seeing the big picture and deep down somewhere inside there is a part of me that just needs to be convinced!

I have been meaning to get together with Neo for over a year now spurred by several people who had attended his retreats and felt that this was probably something I needed to do. This should give you some idea of the procrastination factor involved with my life. When I do finally make contact and am almost ready to jump in head first, I find out Neo has since moved to the U.S. and now only visits the Marbella area for retreats! Hhmm…, could this be a sign that my life simply doesn't need any more enlightenment? While others may disagree, it would be remiss of me not to be impressed with the way Neo's 21st Century Yoga concept has evolved into a worldwide movement. In just five years his "Journey of discovery" teachings have grown from a one to one Yogic teaching into a globally run network business, oh and by the way, if you're thinking of having a one to one class, you'll have to go on the waiting list for this year!

When I did finally catch up with Neo, he was in Grenada in the Caribbean working on a children's social development project. He has also created a new business idea of making organic chocolate to fund this work, "It's so earthy and fascinating, we are making a documentary about it", said Neo. I asked if he was really content with his life now and he said, "I no longer want for anything and so the desire to be anything or anyone has gone. I have my blue days but generally it's all good." He adds, "I offer prayers of gratitude every day and I feel truly blessed to be living this existence. Heaven really is on earth, if you can see it that way." Very spiritual words so I wonder, does he now consider himself to be a Hatha Yogi? "I wouldn't say that, just a man on a journey, guided by grace, for the good of many." He said.

Clearly it wasn't always this way? I ask, "No it took me a long time to see life like this. For many years not only was I living in the dark but I didn't even know there was a light switch. That's my work now with adults and children, to teach them that we have a switch and to show them where it is." "Contentment is a conscious decision."

Neo truly believes that Yoga was the catalyst for his lifestyle change and it still is the best way to maintain a healthy outer and inner world. So what was it that sparked this change, what made him try Yoga to begin with? "I was studying for my law finals and got bored with the tai chi classes so I tried a yoga class." He said. "I fell asleep during the relaxation at the end and woke up not knowing where was. I was disorientated but felt quite serene. It felt like a new feeling but strangely familiar at the same time." The idea of being able to sit still long enough to fall asleep during a relaxation class already makes me fidgety, there must be a sense of something more powerful that can get you to that point, something that is able to shut you off from the outside world. Almost like a spiritual awakening.

"Yoga is spirit. The feeling of being spiritually alive can come in many ways. These days my yoga practice is mainly breathing, prayer and meditation. In the past I practiced a lot of asanas (postures) to keep the body healthy, but at the moment I like to run a lot. My teaching and community work have become my yoga too. Yoga is everywhere." He says.

"So why is control of breathing so important in Yoga?" I ask. "Try to control your breathing... hold your breath and see what happens. Pranayama means breath extension not breath control. It is to be respected totally and to be extended in us and all around us. We must extend our minds to know that our vitality comes from the air we breathe. This nourishment is around us all of the time. Knowing this, tiredness will happen less. Don't wait to yawn to take a deep breath."

Still not convinced I mention that some people have a real problem meditating, especially me. I add that I try to block out the world around me, but images of my daily life keep sneaking in and I find myself wondering how much longer it will be before I can get up and go. I have to wonder am I the norm or am I one of those really annoying people that just don't get it?

"Give up the struggle." Says Neo, "The biggest barrier to people enjoying meditation is the preconception of what meditation might be. It is as it is. The phenomenon of present moment awareness is simply to sit and watch what is happening. If the mind is active then watch this! If distraction happens then watch that! Keep going until you stop then try again next day. A good tip is to set an alarm for 5 mins each sitting. Sit regularly and increase the time one minute per week and see what happens."

Sounds easy enough, but then I do that all the time…, there are always moments when I sit and watch what is happening - in hope it will turn out the way I want! I have to admit though, it's rarely longer than a couple of minutes, so surely that just makes it…a moment of thought? Nevertheless, it is a tip that I shall take note of and try out later.

I personally feel that any great change that we make in life has to be inspired by someone or something and for Neo it was the inspiration of an Indian mystic called Osho. "He combined modern psychotherapy with ancient meditation techniques." Said Neo. He realised that we need to deal with our "stuff" before even considering being enlightened. He dared to talk about sex too and used this as one vehicle to free ourselves of repressive tendencies. He was a rebel with a cause."

Looking at Neo I would have to admit, it could be possible that if I were to think about a Yoga session he would likely be my inspiration to try it, but even though I was a gymnast in my youth I no longer feel I am in the age bracket where my body can twist itself into Yoga postures. Neo disagrees but only to a certain extent, "A posture is not necessarily yoga and yoga is not necessarily yoga. A movement or position can embody the quality and state of yoga when there is a sufficient degree of sensitivity and awareness to the extent that you can feel what is happening, and you are aware that you can feel what is going on in the body. Flexibility has very little to do with yoga however, saying that, being loose feels good!"

In translation - I would have to believe that the more flexible you are, the more you get out of Yoga! Still, Neo strongly believes that people can benefit from yoga on all levels and there are many clear proven benefits to practicing any kind of yoga.

To end, I ask how he really feels about himself and if there isn't a little ambition left lurking for something more in life, "I once dreamed of living in America and now that I live in America I no longer have those dreams. I am curious as to what each day brings; it really is one great adventure. I have a very busy life and travel a lot and that comes with challenges. My life is no longer my own, I'm just along for the journey. Somehow many amazing projects and dearly beloved people keep crossing my path. I could not imagine being any other way and do not think for a moment about doing anything different. I love to serve and I live to love. That's the bottom line! I decided a while ago to give up the struggle – I truly believe that suffering is optional. Most of the time I feel great and when I don't, I am aware of how I'm feeling and if possible I'll run, dance or practice some yoga asanas. The down in the dumps feeling soon passes and my faith in the saying that "this too shall pass" is aptly restored. It's all good." So, tell me something to convince me that Yoga would be good for me… I say. "Trust your own intuition and be guided to follow your own path to spiritual awakening. This is the truest form of yoga." Neo. For more information visit: www.yogawithneo.com