We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Howie Shareff and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Howie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Recently, I made a decision to learn a new musical instrument. This came about after giving up my mandolin due to arthritis in my left (fretting) hand. Inspired by bluegrass musicians and my desire to participate with others, mandolin became my first instrument at age 52. My hobby and passion for the last seventeen years, I enjoyed several sessions with two masterful friends on guitar and fiddle. They graciously played along with me at 2/3 the usual tempo.
Over the last six months, my hand could not work well enough for the intricacies of a mandolin. The arthritis in my neck and spine also demanded an ergonomically manageable solution for my desire to make music. After an introduction to the standup bass guitar earlier this month, I researched and found a cre local owner of a seldom used bass from a know manufacturer. The price was fair and we arranged to meet at his home.
At that meeting, I found my new joy, a 1/2 size standup bass. I am now one month into my new passion, reading music, practicing scales, pulling strings with a small bit of groove, standing tall at 5’7” and smiling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, My name is Howie Shareff, founder and Executive Director of You Call This Yoga, a Raleigh, NC nonprofit organization since 2010. Yes, fifteen years of contributing accessible yoga practices to communities in our region and across North Carolina at no cost to the participants! This allows us to focus on reaching people who may not have a means to go to a studio, and provide them with proven wellness practices to manage the physical, mental and emotional challenges of life. We are a home based organization, operating with a network of team and teachers across the state and online.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me about work and managing priorities. He was a dedicated member of several businesses in the garment district of New York City. His thoroughness to detail is a key part of my fabric. Also, he provided a model for caring for his family. Quotes from him include: “Spend a little, save a little” and “Enjoy your life”.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have found that my suffering provides insights to my capacity to manage day to day life as many things are well beyond my control. My limits are a frequent reminder that other people have comparable or greater challenges than myself. This leads me to attempt greater patience, resourcefulness and understanding of another person’s experiences.
I have also found that success appears in many forms, and to keep my goals with reach and reason.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
A foundational truth is that things are temporary and it is essential to cherish them now. I do this through focusing on what is around me, pausing before acting and speaking, and affirming others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I have the luxury of doing what I feel best suited for, both bringing people together for a shared purpose and participating as a member of a team who serve others. In addition, as an executive director with many hats on, my capacity to view broadly and act decisively gets our initiatives moving and managed. As a long term patient managing disabling arthritis, I am continually practicing resilience, persistence and patience. As a yoga teacher, I have the pleasure of educating others based on my experiences and insights, thus bringing healing practices to the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youcallthisyoga.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcallthisyoga/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howieshareff/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouCallThisYoga/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Z94CfoSZUUpgUiTHG9reQ
