Paul McQuillan is a yogi, author, and business owner and operator of the esteemed BeHot Yoga Toronto, a local yoga and wellness studio. Paul has spent the last 10 years creating a safe and thriving space for Torontonians to practice. His persistence, patience, and determination during the pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. He's a true local leader.

How and why did you get into the wellness industry?

I was a professional actor/singer for 25 years and while touring in the U.S. with the musical Hairspray for over a year, I started to feel quite rundown. A yoga teacher in the cast started dragging me to hot yoga classes in various cities. I was amazed at how revitalizing and energizing I felt when I practiced regularly. The tangible difference in my energy was significant and I was hooked. I then trained in L.A. to become a yoga teacher and subsequently took it further and became a yoga studio owner.

The shift from simply helping myself to being given the opportunity to also help others changed the trajectory of my life and my overall perspective. Not to be cliche, but yoga provided me with a gift that I could both give and receive; the value in that has no price tag and has proven to be my continued purpose.

“The pandemic has confirmed something that I may have taken for granted before we all headed down this strange and precarious road: the importance of connection and community...“

Do you believe cannabis has a place in wellness and why (if yes or no)?

I do believe cannabis has a broad range of healing abilities. When used responsibly and targeted toward the specific conditions and needs of each individual, its ability to harmlessly and efficiently help those who are suffering cannot be ignored. I have seen too many people in chronic physical and/or emotional pain from anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. Cannabis can offer a reprieve from that suffering and in many cases, alleviate it. Without exaggeration, I would go so far as to say that—in many cases— I equate it to being the key to your own prison cell. It can facilitate your release, allowing an individual to move freely towards a more extensive and elaborate path of healing, as opposed to feeling trapped and hopeless. My only caveat is, like anything, it behooves everyone to use it in moderation. Anything used in excess can obviously have adverse and unsavory effects.

BeHot recently held a fundraiser for Henry's Foundation, (a Canadian charity that works with a network of partners in supporting the improvement of mental health for Canadians) Can you share how the last year has affected your mental health and what, if anything, have you done to help maintain a healthy mental state during this time?

The pandemic has confirmed something that I may have taken for granted before we all headed down this strange and precarious road: the importance of connection and community. The loss of physical touch (hugs!) combined with limited face-to-face interactions has had a more profound effect on me than I ever would have anticipated. While I've always considered myself an introvert who thrives in autonomy, the scales have been tipped irregularly here, and I've come to understand just how harmful the loss of community and connection can be on one's mental health.

While I use many tools to counter the undesired effect this has had on myself and so many others (meditation, light therapy, an "earthing" mat, yoga, Pilates, long walks, Vitamin D) I feel quite certain that getting back to the healing fundamentals that everyday life afforded us before the pandemic—such as a dinner with friends or casually chatting with co-workers or family get-togethers—to be the only true antidote for the suffering that has built up over this time.

Is there a certain asana (yoga posture) that you would suggest that produces calming or peaceful effects?

This will seem simple, but yes, Savasana. Lying down on your mat and being conscious of your breath, your blood flow, your energy, and bringing awareness to the moment at hand is both basic and profoundly healing. We need these moments to infuse perspective and calm into our current reality. If you feel like following that up with Child's Pose, you're well on your way towards establishing a peaceful state.

“If I had to offer up one word that I feel has more value than any extensive business plan, it's this: kindness”

Is there anything a new student should keep in mind when trying a class online for the first time?

Yes. Technology sucks and it often fails. (Just kidding. Kind of. It really does suck, IMO). That said, I do have some suggestions. First off, don't hide yourself. We want to see your lovely being regardless of the fact that it feels like you haven't had a haircut since scissors were invented. ; )

We get it. Some don't feel comfortable and I completely understand and accept that. But community and connection have already taken a big hit when it comes to group classes, so doing our best to work with what we've got is helped along considerably when we can put a beautiful face to the name on the screen.

What is your future vision for your community and for other small businesses in Toronto?

My modus operandi has always been the same: helping people help themselves. If we at BeHot can provide individuals with a kind, safe space with which to fearlessly go on a healing journey using yoga and Pilates as tools in your wellness protocol, we have fulfilled our objective.

Like all businesses, we are a constant work in progress, and my vision involves continuing to foster a loving community filled with skilled and benevolent individuals who inspire others (and each other) to be their best. My wish for all small businesses in Toronto is that we bravely embrace both innovation and tradition. Knowing what has worked brilliantly (tradition) while also not being afraid of change (innovation) based on the needs of our communities are both important factors for the success and growth of your business and those who gravitate towards the collective vibe your establishment embodies. But if I had to offer up one word that I feel has more value than any extensive business plan, it's this: kindness.

Do you have any favourite products from 1922?

I love the Rest Reserve bud. It provides me with a calmness that enables me to sleep soundly on those days when anxiety is somewhat overwhelming. But if I may say so (to hammer this point home a little more), it's not the product, it's the people. ALL products I have tried from 1922 are "high" quality (so to speak) but just dropping by 1922 and feeling the kind and welcoming energy of the entire staff provides me with a high that cannot be measured in grams. 

What can people do right now to support you and BeHot Yoga Toronto?

Take one of our virtual classes. Rent or buy a yoga/Pilates class from our video library. Visit our new BeHot Store with various merchandise to choose from. Most of all: Come visit us in person when we reopen our physical space. There is no replacement for presence.

To learn more about BeHot Yoga, visit their webpage or check them out on IG @BeHotYoga You can also download their mobile app via Apple App Store and Google Play store.

Use promo code “1922behot” for 50% OFF your first BeHot virtual live stream class.

Namaste! 🙏

Interview by: Winny Clarke -1922 General Manager & fellow BeHot Yoga Instructor

Paul’s Pick

Cove - Rest Resereve (OG Pink) | Indica