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ViraYoga
वीरयोग
Embark on a hero's yoga journey with a teacher who learnt from the roots
Yoga has become my companion, my inspiration, and the lifestyle that has led me to a healthier, more fulfilled version of myself. It has required commitment and discipline, and it inspired me to become a teacher so that I could share its incredible benefits with others. Our understanding of yoga begins with understanding ourselves. Yoga encompasses both science and spirituality, and at different stages of our lives, we may lean slightly more towards one or the other. Ultimately, we seek to find balance between the two through the tools that yoga generously provides. Physically, we may aim to improve our strength and flexibility or take care of injuries. This is why we regularly practise yoga asanas. Yoga can help us discover our bodies' untapped capacities and limits, building a deeper connection with them in the process. It teaches us to understand when it is time to be kind to ourselves and not push, and when we can challenge ourselves a bit more. Spiritually, we may strive to let go of unhealthy patterns, become more compassionate, and learn to control our emotions. Through yoga, we train our minds to be more open and flexible, allowing us to adopt new, nourishing habits. Yoga is not just what we practise on the mat. However, if we pay attention to our physical practice, we notice how it reflects our day-to-day choices. We become aware of whether we are kind to ourselves and others, whether we can let go of our ego, and whether we are comfortable with not being like someone else. Our breath patterns reveal our emotions; through meditation, we challenge our levels of patience. When we step off the mat, we continue discovering ourselves—how our words align with our actions and our social media presence; the food we choose to eat and the information we consume; how we react to certain situations and manage our responses. Yoga gives us the courage to delve deeper within ourselves and challenge our understanding of who we are, gradually adopting healthier patterns. Whatever your initial reason for turning to yoga, it will most likely change over time. This is the beauty of this constantly evolving journey, and I will be happy to guide you through it.
'Yoga science does not tell you what to do and what not to do, but teaches you how to be'
- Swami Rama
My initial reason for turning to yoga was to gain flexibility. My body has always been very stiff, and I admired dancers and gymnasts for their grace and suppleness. The desire to move more like them prompted me to join a local gym at the age of 27 and attend my first yoga class.
I still remember the man breathing loudly, which I found odd, and the woman who seized every opportunity to go upside down, leaving me in awe. Naturally, I gravitated towards standing poses that required strength, and my goal-oriented ego urged me: "Go for the headstand. You can do it!" And I did. About a year later, I could balance comfortably in an inversion. While it brought a fleeting sense of accomplishment, my practice felt unbalanced and incomplete.
In 2017, I completed my first Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India. I was captivated by the precision of Iyengar teachings and the creativity of Vinyasa flows. This experience opened my eyes to how limited my understanding of yoga had been, showing me that yoga exists not only on the mat but also in everyday life—if we choose to notice it.
Two years later, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which was both physically and emotionally painful. At that point, I realised that nothing is permanent. My body had changed, my energy levels were depleted, and restful sleep had become elusive. I was too weak to practise, but I suddenly found myself with plenty of time to read, desperately seeking tools to help me sleep and reduce anxiety. I discovered mindfulness meditation and pranayama, which helped me nurture my mental health and overall well-being. My yoga practice shifted. This journey naturally transformed my previously "yang-focused" yoga practice, introducing "yin elements" and evolving into a more balanced approach. Yoga became my sanctuary—a space where I could care for both physical injuries and emotional wounds.
In 2023, I returned to India to complete advanced teacher training. I continue to develop my teaching skills and have recently become certified in Yin Yoga.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from traditional yoga masters who trained directly under renowned gurus such as Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi Jois, and B.K.S. Iyengar, as well as from some exceptional Western teachers. Each of them has imparted their wisdom and expertise, ultimately shaping my approach to this ancient practice — which I now have the privilege of sharing with my students. Most importantly, their guidance has deeply influenced my yogic lifestyle, which I feel truly blessed to be leading today.