Conversations with John Dillingham

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Dillingham. 

Hi John, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
So, the BEGINNING beginning when I first practiced yoga was in my undergrad: really just looking for an excuse to procrastinate on projects, instead, I found something that made me feel amazing. Fluctuating throughout the years and really coming to a halt during COVID, this past fall I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for Yoga Teacher Training at Black Swan Yoga. It was everything I had been looking for throughout COVID and what I knew others sought to: community, to move your body, and to just chill out. 

I started teaching an All Bodies Slow Flow, Sound Bath, and Meditation at Courageous Yoga in February 2022. To be able to create a space, especially right now, where people can come and have space to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally has been such an honor. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ooh I so wish it had been a smooth road, my early 20s were so turbulent with great highs and lows, and just having no clue what I’m supposed to do as an “adult”. Yoga was something I could always come to for 30 minutes, an hour, how much every time I had to take time to breathe and chill out. On this teaching journey, everything came together, it just felt like I was in the right place doing exactly what I needed to be doing. 

Long story short: the road may be bumpy now but if you keep driving, you’ll find a smooth ride eventually 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Right now, I’m really dedicated to creating classes that anyone can be able to come to, whether it’s your first yoga class or your decades into your practice. My experience in the Denver Yoga scene has been many great active classes and I just wanted to create a space were showing up is the most work. A typical class of mine looks like some slow, calm movements, followed by a restorative yoga class and ending with a sound bath. 

Restorative Yoga is a practice where you utilize props to support you while you hold a pose for a few minutes at a time. 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking?
I’ve been lucky at this point where every part of the process feels right – the known and unknown. I think that came from the tough roads of my early twenties, I took risks – some paid off, some didn’t. But what I learned through those experiences is you’ll never know until you try. We all think rejection sucks but I’ve never ended up regretting taking a chance on an idea. 

If it feels like something you should be doing, I say follow your gut. 

Contact Info:

• Email: jw.dillingham@gmail.com
• Website: johnwilliamdillingham.com
• Instagram: @beyonc3

Image Credits
John Dillingham