Tomas Hicks was born (1969) and raised in Vancouver, BC. I attended UBC from 1987 - 1991 and graduated with a B.Sc. in Genetics. After pursuing a career in Medical Genetics for five years until an ethical impass in 1997. Afterwards, I worked for the Burnaby School District for ten years as an Educational Assistant. During this period I also worked as a Rave Promoter and DJ in Vancouver. With friends we started Lowdown Records to promote the bounty of talented electronic music artists in Vancouver.

In 2001 I started Necessary Voices Society, a registered non-profit society, whose mandate was to promote civil dialogue on essential issues of the day. This work was inspired by my ten years of radio journalism at CiTR UBC Radio and working with SFU's Philosophers Cafe Program. The society hosted a free public lecture series and documentary film series at and co-sponsored by the Vancouver Public Library. The society ceased operations in 2008.

Why I teach Yoga

After practicing Yoga seriously for three years I have experienced a ground swelling of peace, harmony and flexibility in mind and body. The inter-connection of mind-body-spirit has become a reality for me such that I feel a deep sense of contentment for others and myself. Learning how to spread this feeling is what brings me to study, practice and teach yoga. Furthermore, right livelihood is critical for me as is being kind to our home, the Earth, whilst serving society. I can think of very few vocations in which I can fulfill others and myself so beautifully. There is of course a hint of enlightened self-interest in this, too. As Dr. Gabor Mate says, “We teach what we have to learn.” Through yoga I have become gentler and more compassionate with myself. Consequently I have become gentler with others and the Earth. As I allow myself to become more vulnerable, undefended, revealing my true Self, my heart grows and a glimpse of the divine is revealed. This is what Yoga means to me: unification with our true Divine Nature. Is there anything better to dedicate myself to? I wish to spread the contagion of loving kindness that yoga has allowed me to find within myself.