When I signed up for my first 200-hour yoga teacher training, I had no idea just how much it would change me. I’d been feeling the pull to do a YTT for years, but when I finally built up the courage, I didn’t overthink it—I just knew I needed a shift. What I didn’t fully understand was that teaching yoga meant more than just knowing postures or cueing a class. It’s standing up in front of people and offering something real—often a part of your own story.

At the time, I’d been in a successful corporate career for nearly 15 years. The last two had felt like a blur—just fumbling through, increasingly unsure of what felt aligned. I knew I wasn’t happy, but I didn’t know what else was out there. So in 2019, out of a mix of loneliness and discontent, I signed up for a yoga teacher training at a beautiful local studio known for its love of music and its motto, “To Be Happy.” Led by Sammy Veal at Yoga 213, it felt like the perfect place to begin.

What I didn’t expect was to be completely disarmed by philosophy teacher and long-time yogi Steve Ross. At first, I was a little intimidated—he was calm, lighthearted, and spoke about yoga in a way that was far from the structured religious upbringing I knew. But over time, his playful, grounded approach became something that really resonated. Steve embraces the depth of yoga—its sincerity and intensity—without taking himself too seriously. In a world that often is too serious, this felt refreshing. It still does.

Steve has been teaching for over 40 years, with a lifelong practice rooted in various styles of yoga and meditation. He lived as a Vedic monk for several years, and has studied under some of the most respected spiritual teachers in India and beyond. He’s also the author of the bestselling book Happy Yoga, and continues to share his vast knowledge with humour, presence, and heart.

In the years since that first training, Steve has become my greatest teachers, I feel super lucky to learn from him. Steve is now a retreat partner I sat down with him to chat all things yoga, teaching, and what it means to live a spiritual life in the modern world.

Steve for those who don’t know you can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I don't have much interest in talking about myself but I have deeply explored many aspects of yoga since my teens and continue to do so now. On the worldly level I was a professional musician and ran a yoga studio for many years in Los Angeles called Maha Yoga, I also spent a period of time in India as a monk which was cool.

When did you have your first spiritual awakening and how?

In my mid teens, I had a spontaneous spiritual awakening which was profound, life changing and shattered my then perception of reality. It led to a life long investigation of different forms of yoga and meditation as well as their philosophical basis.

What is some advice for the modern yoga students of today?

Don't JUST focus on the physical, what's important is your overall happiness and that comes from deeper exploration of what you really are and your relationship with Life itself.

Why do you think retreats are so important?

The opportunity to immerse yourself without distractions opens you to the possibility of something much greater than your normal day to day life or practice would allow. Plus, they're super fun!

If you had just one meditation tip what would it be?

Start meditating and don't ever stop no matter what comes up.

What has had the biggest influence on your teachings?

My own direct experience and keeping the company of great Beings.

For those leading busy, overstimulated lives, what’s one small daily shift they could make to cultivate more inner stillness?

Meditation. Meditation reveals your inherent happiness, that nothing outside can match.

You’re known for blending music with yoga in a really unique way. How did music become such a big part of your teaching style?

I was a professional musician for many years, concurrent with practicing meditation and yoga. I noticed when I did yoga with music, it was much more fun and effortless. When it's fun and effortless, it becomes a joy instead of a burden.

Why do you think Modern yoga is perceived in such a serious way?

Misunderstanding. The basic misunderstanding of its basic principle. i.e, Life is meant to be joyful, happy, playful.

Your approach to yoga is known for being joyful and lighthearted. How do you balance that with the deeper philosophical aspects of the practice?

The basic premise of yoga is for the personal to merge into the impersonal, the impersonal being supreme bliss. So anything that moves in the direction of happiness, joy, humour, love, is moving in the direction of TRUE yoga.

There are so many different styles of meditation—mantra-based, breath-focused, visualisation. Do you have a personal favourite or one that you recommend most?

Depends on where the student is. At different stages, any of them can be useful, ultimately technique has to be given up.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

India - It feels like home to me. Theres a certain area I like best in the South which is extra special.

If anything about Steve perhaps resonates with you he’ll be teaching alongside me this year at The Otways immersion and Bali retreat, be sure to check them out.

On the blog with Steve Ross