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Shivoham Institute

Discovering the Heart of Yoga: My Journey from India to Yoga Teacher

My journey with yoga began in the year 2000, in a small yet profoundly spiritual corner of India called Auroville. Nestled in Southern India, this intentional community is known for its peaceful atmosphere and its emphasis on self-awareness and inner growth. At that time, I had no idea just how deeply my life would change after that one-month Yoga course. I had arrived with an open mind and a curiosity for what Yoga could offer, but I left with a fire inside me—one that would guide me back to India to complete my Yoga Teaching Training and set me on a path I had never imagined.

Yoga, at its core, is more than just physical postures or an exercise routine. It is a profound connection between mind, body, and soul. In those early days, I began to realize how powerful this connection could be. Each posture, or asana, wasn’t just a stretch or a movement, but an invitation to explore how my mind and body were intertwined. With every breath, every moment of stillness, I found a doorway into deeper self-awareness. I learned to observe my thoughts, emotions, and reactions, understanding how they influenced not only my mental state but also my physical wellbeing. This awareness brought me a newfound sense of healing and clarity.

As I dove deeper into Yoga, I began to see it as a way of returning to the present moment, an opportunity to be fully here and now. So often, we are caught up in the whirlwind of life—planning for the future, rehashing the past—and we lose touch with the beauty of the present. Through yoga, I learned to still my mind and reconnect with my body. I found inner peace, not by escaping the challenges of life, but by embracing them with a calm, centered presence. This was a transformative experience for me, and it solidified my desire to share this practice with others.

After returning to India for my Yoga Teaching Training, I committed myself fully to this journey. Yoga became not just a practice, but a way of life. Over the years, I have continued to study, practice, and evolve both personally and as a teacher. I’ve come to understand that Yoga is a lifelong journey—there is always more to learn, more to explore, and more to experience. My teaching is rooted in my own experiences, and I strive to teach from the heart, sharing with others what has touched and transformed me.

One of the things that excites me most about teaching Yoga is blending traditional Indian Yoga styles with more contemporary approaches. There is a rich history in Yoga that dates back thousands of years, and I am deeply connected to this spiritual heritage. The ancient teachings offer wisdom that is timeless, and I honour that in my classes. But at the same time, I also recognise that we live in a modern world, and each of us comes to Yoga with our own unique needs, challenges, and experiences. This is why I approach Yoga with flexibility, adapting the practice to suit the individual rather than asking the individual to adapt to the practice.

I aim to offer my students a positive and uplifting experience in each class. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time or you have been practicing for years, my hope is that you will leave each class feeling more connected to yourself—your body, your mind, and your inner being. I believe yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience, and I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people feel safe and supported.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Yoga is that it meets you where you are. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience or simply want to improve your physical health, Yoga can offer both. While I am deeply connected to the spiritual aspects of Yoga, I also understand the importance of the physical body. The body is our vehicle in this life, and it is essential that we care for it, nurture it, and keep it healthy. Yoga offers a way to do that—not through force or aggression, but through gentle awareness and self-compassion. In my classes, I encourage students to listen to their bodies, to move in a way that feels good, and to honour where they are on any given day.

For me, teaching Yoga is an honour. I am continually amazed by the transformations I witness in my students. I see people come to class stressed and overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, only to leave feeling lighter, more relaxed, and more centered. I’ve had students share with me how Yoga has helped them manage anxiety, overcome physical pain, or find a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. These stories inspire me, and they remind me why I do what I do. Yoga has the power to change lives—it changed mine, and I am forever grateful for that.

Looking back on my journey, I realize how far I’ve come, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the path that has unfolded before me. From that first Yoga course in Auroville to now, teaching others and sharing this ancient science and art, I feel blessed to be able to do what I love. Yoga is more than just a practice—it is a way of living with greater awareness, compassion, and presence. It has taught me to slow down, to be present, and to live from the heart. And my hope is that, in sharing this practice with others, I can help them find the same peace, joy, and clarity that I have found.

As I continue on this journey, I remain committed to learning, growing, and sharing. Yoga is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am excited for all the future holds—not just for myself, but for all those I have the honour of guiding along the way.


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