Debut author nudges followers to meditate
E Jayson
L CENTRO — A young author who turned his life around from substance abuse once he submitted to yoga and meditation shared timeless insights here, he acquired through devoted study.
Barniske’s premiere publication “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Enlightenment” was just issued with consummate reviews. It deftly steers toward a spiritual path readers are challenged to chart for themselves. For some, they look for happiness in another person. But happiness exists within themselves, while divine qualities are only found in God, the 2004 Brawley Union High School alumnus divulged.
“The way to find God is through consistent spiritual practice, especially when you don’t want to do it,” said Barniske. “If you want to be a great devotee to God, you have to work on heightening that connection. And the beauty in a spiritual relationship, whether it’s with a soul mate, mentor or spiritual teacher, is through the way you keep each other connected to God.”
A couple of dozen friends, colleagues and seekers arrived at Strangers West Restaurant Saturday. Owner Ernie Quintero graciously hosted a fragrant meal
of vegetarian pizza and pasta salad whose aroma stirred even a reluctant appetite. Quintero is well acquainted with Angel Hernandez, co-owner of Desert Yoga and the event organizer. He appreciated the support he received from his neighborly merchant from one block north. Hernandez arranged the book signing not so much as a celebration, but as a way to rekindle a passion for the shamanic arts.
“We get disconnected from what offers the most meaning in the world- friends, nature, taking care of one’s self and loved ones,” said Hernandez. “Even if you are overwhelmed by circumstances in your life, when you rejoin humanity whether with family or even at the beach, it’s a way to reconnect with the world. Jayson is the channel today to reconnect the [yoga community’s] world.”
In 2006, Barniske was introduced to Yoga by his mother through deep breathing exercises which aroused a curiosity that could only be satisfied through the practice of yoga. In 2010, he opened The Power of Yoga studio in Brawley. It was then when Hernandez and he met at a Jui Jitsu martial arts class and bonded over a mutual desire to pursue a more meaningful life.
Unable to stay for the meal, yet one of the first to arrive, Emma Walker, a retired Brawley bookkeeper, purchased three books. She had previously studied yoga with a private instructor in San Diego, but it was her sister’s daughterin-law who alerted her to Barniske’s agile powers as a lecturer and author.
“She took a class with Jayson and told me it helped her mentally and physically,” said Walker. “I’m hoping the book will teach me different techniques of yoga. It is also a good means to clear your mind. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Barniske now lives in San Diego, but returns to Desert Yoga and Om Connection Yoga in Calexico for a few days every month to teach. One of his Calexico students, Elizabeth Soria, made her way to the book signing because of what yoga has done for her realm.
“I broke my ankle and took yoga in order to heal, but it changed my life,” said Soria. “But yoga for me is spiritual. It is something to keep me grounded. You don’t need to go anywhere, just close your eyes.”
Different religions have different techniques that contact to the divine and a practitioner must find what works best and stick to it, noted Barniske. “I can’t teach anybody anything,” he said. “All I can do is share my practice.”