Yoga wasn’t always a part of my life. In fact, my first brush with it during my early teens sparked a rebellion. As a skinny teenager, a comment from my mom’s friend suggesting yoga to avoid looking like “skin and bones” made me vow never to try it. At the time, yoga seemed unnecessary and far from appealing.
Early Encounters: From Rebellion to Curiosity
My second encounter with yoga came a few years later during a seminar on meditation techniques. I was in my late teens, intrigued by the workings of the mind, but still hesitant about yoga. One exercise, called “dog breath,” felt so awkward that I struggled to take it seriously. Despite my curiosity about meditation, yoga still wasn’t something I considered pursuing.
The Turning Point: Giving Yoga a Fair Shot
It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that yoga truly entered my life. Fresh out of university and navigating the pressures of work-life balance, I knew I needed a form of exercise. Encouraged by a close friend and motivated by the convenience of a nearby class, I decided to give yoga a chance—despite my lingering skepticism.
This decision changed everything. The two-hour classes I attended were more than just physical exercise. They were a holistic experience, incorporating physical postures, pranayama (breath work), and meditation. For the first time, I began to see yoga not as a chore, but as a gateway to balance and peace.
Discovering Mindfulness Through Yoga
Although I had tried meditation techniques before, yoga made mindfulness feel practical and grounded. By integrating mindful awareness into movement, I discovered how to carry that presence beyond the yoga mat and into my daily life. Yoga became a tool for cultivating a deeper connection between my body and mind.
The Motivation to Teach
Years of practicing yoga—sometimes stepping away and returning—revealed its transformative power. The true inspiration to share yoga with others came from the profound relaxation I felt at the end of each session. In those moments, life’s challenges seemed to melt away. I learned the value of mindfully observing my thoughts and emotions rather than reacting to them, a lesson I wanted to help others discover.
Bringing Mindfulness to Others
Today, as a yoga instructor, my goal is to help others experience the peace and empowerment that yoga has brought to my life. Whether through mindful movement, breath work, or meditation, I aspire to guide students toward finding balance, both on and off the mat.
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