About

I stepped onto the spiritual path for one reason and one reason only—insufferable pain. As a young boy, I suffered from mental illness—specifically obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit disorder (ADD), anxiety disorder, and chronic depression. I did poorly in school and was socially awkward. Luckily, at age ten, I discovered a love for music and an ability to play musical instruments. This, in addition to a supportive and loving family, became my solid ground and solace. That is to say, without them, I would have likely wound-up in prison later in life.

Regardless of the success though, and irrespective of the fact that I was seeking professional help, my drinking, drug use, and depression progressively got worse.

Not long after music lessons and much practice, I started working as a musician. Indeed, I found my identity and a circle of like-minded people. Sadly though, I got into alcohol and drugs and later dropped-out of high school. Nevertheless, after a few years of ups and downs, my music career began to take-off. However, so did my alcohol and drug use.

I eventually achieved some success performing with artists such as Dion, Ben E. King, Lesley Gore, Gary U.S. Bonds, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Connie Francis. I appeared on various TV shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Regis and Kelly. And I had the pleasure and thrill of taking the stage at Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theater, and Nassau Coliseum—venues I attended as a young practicing musician.

Additionally, I turned to composing music and writing songs. Many of my compositions can be heard on TV shows such as Jersey Shore, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and the Dr. Oz Show. As a singer/songwriter, under the aka Uncle Carl, I released three independent albums and a digital EP. My songs can be found on numerous compilation albums and in such films as Graduation starring Huey Lewis and Trust The Man starring Julianne Moore and David Duchovny (in which two of my songs were included on the soundtrack album).

Regardless of the success though, and irrespective of the fact that I was seeking professional help, my drinking, drug use, and depression progressively got worse. I underwent psychoanalysis and probed the pharmacological world, which led me down a path of exploration and experimentation with antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure medications. And even though the experience helped me and broadened my understanding of mental illness and human suffering, I remained a depressed, disenchanted drunk. That is, until I came upon the Twelve Step Program, Yoga, Buddhism, and Taoism, which transformed me. They provided me with the missing component in my life—spirituality.

And so, it should come as no surprise that I am now a Yoga and Buddhist meditation teacher. In fact, I have been teaching for over fifteen years now. I received my training certification at OM Yoga and at ISHTA, both in New York City, and I had the fortune of training with many wonderful teachers, including Alan Finger and David Nichtern.

As far as my lack of schooling, I got my GED and attended Empire State University, in which I received a Bachelor of Science degree. I studied writing, religion, and cultural anthropology among other subjects. I also studied poetry writing, lyric writing, and music at New York University and The New School in New York City.

I still perform as a musician on occasion, but presently, I make my living teaching Yoga and meditation. Teaching has given me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge about spiritual living, which began over twenty years ago, not long after I got sober in the rooms of recovery. Speaking at recovery meetings and sponsoring other alcoholics has also helped me develop and refine the ability to carry the message of recovery and healing. Further, as a Christian turned atheist who discovered a spiritual way of living, I feel I offer a unique perspective on spirituality, religion, and God. In the end, it is my wish, that my experience, strength, and hope will help others who are suffering.

[Caveat: Carl speaks as an individual recovered alcoholic, not as an AA member or representative of Alcoholics Anonymous.]