Duncan Peak—founder of Power Living and a pioneer of modern yoga in Australia—isn’t your average yogi. A former army officer turned spiritual guide, Duncan has walked a path few could imagine, blending discipline with devotion, and hardship with healing. In his exclusive Australian Yoga Journal feature, he opens up about the real work of yoga—and it’s not just handstands.
Here are five transformative truths from Dunx that will shift the way you think about your practice:
1. Know your Vasanas
According to yoga philosophy, we’re all wired with deep-rooted tendencies—lust, greed, or anger. Duncan teaches that real transformation begins with identifying which of these patterns control your behaviour, and being brutally honest about how they show up in your life.
2. Stop Chasing the ‘Yogi’ Persona
“I struggled with myself for years as the stereotype of what a yogi should be was thrust upon me,” says Dunx. His advice? Ditch the act. Be yourself, even if that doesn’t look like incense, Om chants, or perfect abs.
3. Clarity Comes Before Change
Duncan says transformation is impossible without clarity. “Create space so you can see yourself, and be honest about it.” Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the flashlight that lets you find your way through the dark.
4. Use Triggers as Teachers
Whether it’s an argument or a stressful moment, Dunx encourages recognising when you’ve been emotionally hijacked. Observe your reaction, feel it in the body, and respond like the self-aware adult you are training to be.
5. Bring the Practice Off the Mat
Powerful asanas are great, but they’re not the goal. “Yoga needs to be good in the mind, not just the body,” says Duncan. The deeper aim is behavioural transformation—becoming the kind of person who acts from love, not reaction.
💡 Want the full story on Dunx’s journey from army trauma to yogic leadership? 👉 Read it now in Australian Yoga Journal Issue 53
