ViraYoga

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

As a language teacher, I value the power of words and sounds. The strong connection between the term Vīra and my first name, combined with my belief that there are no coincidences, inspired me to choose this name for this space.

The Sanskrit term Vīra (वीरा) translates to "hero" or "brave person." I firmly believe that every small step we take towards positive change in our lives requires courage. And the very first step towards such change is awareness.

Our everyday lives are filled with increasing distractions that make it difficult to pause, observe, and notice things as they truly are—not as they may be portrayed to us. We are often out of touch with our physical sensations and may not fully understand how we feel or where in the body we feel it. We are not aware of how we expend our energy, which leaves us feeling fatigued and disheartened. As a result, it is easy to fall into unhealthy habits. On the other hand, motivating ourselves to seek out balanced, healthy ways of living—and committing to them—is what makes us heroic.

In the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga, Vīra is the root of the pose known as Vīrāsana (वीरासन), or the Hero’s Pose. This grounding pose is linked to the root chakra, Mūlādhāra (मूलाधार), which emphasises our deep connection to the Earth and our fundamental needs for survival, stability, and security. Nurturing this connection builds strength—both physical and mental—which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Cherishing and being grateful for simple things—being in nature, having a safe place, access to food, and focusing on building healthy connections with friends and family—also requires awareness and courage.

Being a hero means being in touch with our needs, aware of our choices, and understanding how they impact the world around us. The hero's journey is constantly evolving. Sometimes we fail; other times we succeed. We find inspiration and, in turn, inspire others. For as long as we keep moving forward and supporting one another, we are working together to make this world a kinder and braver place.

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.

Consistency in physical practice is certainly an essential element of a yogi’s life. After all, how could we possibly guide our students if we haven’t explored our own body’s potential first?

I am deeply grateful to all the teachers I’ve been learning from so far, as each one has helped me refine both my practice and my personality. Currently, I practise under the guidance of the incredible London-based Dharma Yoga teacher Emi Tull. I am also a member of the Iyengar Institute in London. My evenings are often dedicated to yin self-practice, which helps prepare me for a restful night’s sleep. And when I’m in need of inspiration, I turn to the teachings of Paulie Zink and Bernie Clark.

I strive to maintain a healthy balance between strong, heated practices and those that nurture patience and stillness. But of course, there is so much more to yoga than just the physical aspect.

Since becoming acquainted with yoga, I have not only come to know myself better and become more aware of my imbalances, but I’ve also learned to interpret every 'event' as a clue — an opportunity to expand my understanding of yoga.

While studying yoga philosophy, I developed a deep interest in the language of yoga and have been studying Sanskrit on and off for a couple of years with a talented teacher from London. After participating in several vegan yoga retreats, I became increasingly interested in nutrition and grew more aware of the healing properties of plant-based foods. During my time in India, I was inspired to explore the practical science of Ayurveda — a system whose ancient wisdom remains deeply relevant in our modern lives. Ayurveda helps us understand our physical and emotional imbalances and guides us toward healing by simply tweaking our lifestyles.

Participating in the MBSR course set me on the path of practising mindfulness in everyday life. I draw insights and inspiration from Andrew Puddicombe’s Headspace, as well as the philosophy of the Stoics — which, to my amazement, shares much in common with Zen Buddhism.

During periods of intense anxiety, I discovered a range of tools that helped me tame it. And when I feel overwhelmed these days, I know that making space for a calming breathing technique and some journaling is often all I need to shift my perspective. Of course, everyone is different — so it’s important that each of us takes the time to explore and practise what works best for them.

Other habits, which may not immediately strike us as yoga, are also an important part of my yogic lifestyle — like improving my communication with others and becoming a better friend, daughter, and partner. Because at the end of the day, yoga is also about being a good person — kind to yourself and to those around you.

By following a mostly vegetarian diet, choosing second-hand goods, and being part of a local community that supports street animals, I do my best to contribute to the wellbeing of our planet.

Whenever I have the opportunity to learn another healthy habit, I am open to explore it. My journey so far has shown me that our vision of yoga can shift from moment to moment. We only need to pay attention to what is happening around us. Each day, I strive not to take anything for granted, to live mindfully, and to remind myself — and my students — that our yoga journey is always evolving. It is a never-ending path of self-discovery — a journey of a patient hero who always returns home transformed, knowing they have made a positive impact on their own life and the lives of others.

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ViraYoga वीरयोग

'Yoga science does not tell you what to do and what not to do, but teaches you how to be'

ViraYoga
वीरयोग