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 courage and discipline, and it inspired me to become a teacher so that I could share its incredible benefits with others.

 

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 had the privilege of learning from traditional yoga masters who had trained directly under renowned Gurus such as Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi Jois, and B.K.S. Iyengar.

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Since the beginning of my journey, I have naturally had to let go of some teachers, while others continue to inspire me. I currently refine my practice under the guidance of the incredible London-based Dharma Yoga teacher Emi Tull, whose challenging sequences encourage me to explore my body's potential. To complement this, I dedicate most of my evenings to yin practice, which nurtures patience and stillness within me.

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I am also learning Sanskrit with a talented teacher from London, enabling me to delve deeper into the roots of yogic philosophy and the transformative power of mantra chanting. Additionally, I practise mindfulness in my day-to-day life, drawing tips and inspiration from the wonderful Andrew Puddicombe's Headspace.

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My journey so far has shown me that, at each moment in life, our needs may change. 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 constantly evolving. It is a never-ending journey 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.