1. Tell us more about yourself and your profession.
From a very young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of regular exercise. I have scoliosis and the sport that was recommended to me at the time was swimming. Even though I became a very good swimmer, I didn't enjoy the whole process therefore it was a constant battle between my parents and me every time it was lesson time.
A few years later while I was a student at the University I found myself experimenting with different workouts. I tried weightlifting and Pilates and one day I found myself in a yoga class. To say that I was the worst in that class is an understatement. I found it so challenging that after a few classes I dropped out.
Years passed and due to hectic everyday life, fitness was not a priority at all. I was tired of feeling sluggish and having constant back pain so one day I thought of giving yoga another try. This time with the right mindset, patience, and dedication I enjoyed practicing and actually started seeing results both physically and mentally.
Encouraged by my yoga teacher, I enrolled in a Yoga Teacher Certification Program and that's when I discovered the vastness and depth of what yoga really is. I have been teaching ever since and I love passing it on to my students.
2. What is your fitness mantra?
Just start exercising, even if it's just for 10 minutes. When I tried to create the habit of exercising daily again, I used to repeat this phrase every single time. Our minds will come up with all sorts of excuses to dissuade us from what we have to do so I tricked my brain by intentionally thinking that I can spare 10 minutes of my day to move my body.
Most times, once you start you will want to keep going and will end up working out for much longer than 10 minutes. And even if you don't and just stick to 10 minutes, with time, you will create the habit of actually craving your workout time.
3. What are some of the major misconceptions about diets and exercises?
I would say the biggest misconception about yoga is that you have to be flexible in order to practice. In reality, it's the other way around and nobody starts already being flexible. Yoga is literally for everyone and you will be surprised what your body is capable of.
With regard to diets, nowadays there are so many different diet trends emerging and people are adamant that their diet works best and should therefore be followed by everyone else. In my opinion, you have to find what works best for you and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another.
4. How can one maintain a healthy lifestyle with Yoga?
Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root "Yug" which means "to join" or "to unite", therefore the ultimate goal of practicing yoga is to reach harmony or union of body and mind. After practicing for a while, you observe yourself, your actions, your thoughts, and feelings and ultimately find yourself using virtues from your practice like patience and perseverance in your everyday life.
5. How can one build a successful career in your field?
Understanding each student's needs is crucial for a yoga teacher. For me, the teacher-student relationship is sacred where you help them find the balance between testing their limits and letting go and creating a safe place where they can unwind.
6. What is one piece of advice you would like to give someone who wishes to practice yoga?
As I mentioned before, just start exercising! Give it a try and I am sure you will feel the difference immediately. There are different styles of yoga thus experimenting to find which one fits you best is also key. Moreover, don't compare yourself to others and just focus on your own growth, strengths, and change.
7. How do Yoga and daily exercise contribute to overall wellbeing and happiness?
We all lead very busy lives but when we step on the mat it is our time to shut the rest of the world out, pause our busy minds, do something for ourselves and reconnect with our breathing. During a yoga class, apart from the physical benefits you obtain, you get to observe yourself, your thoughts, and feelings and with time you maintain this mindfulness off the mat as well.
Eri - Yogini
Interviewed By: Navya Garg
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