Rolf Gates, author of the acclaimed book on yogic philosophy, Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, conducts 200- and 500-hour Vinyasa Intensives and Teacher Trainings throughout the U.S. and abroad. A former social worker and U.S. Airborne Ranger who has practiced meditation for the last sixteen years, Gates brings his eclectic background to his practice and teachings. He's been featured in numerous magazines, including Yoga Journal, Natural Health and People Magazine. A frequent conference presenter, this year he presented the keynote speech at the 10th Annual Midwest Yoga Conference in Illinois. He was honored to contribute to the newly-released, Good Men Project: Real Stories from the Front Lines of Modern Manhood, featured in national media. (All proceeds from this project go to support groups working with men and boys at risk). Gates is also the co-founder of the upcoming Yoga and Recovery Summit at Esalen Institute in Big Sur California.