Yoga & You...!!!

Discovering My Inner Self Through Yoga: A Personal Reflection…

By Harsha Joshi

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

I still remember how I wished to pursue this journey but wasn’t sure about it how and what should be done to start off this. With all of my ambitions and passion for wellness and fitness, I have released that every individual at some point needs a little push.

Though my inclination towards fitness started in the year way back in 2015 when I was pretty much into home workouts, cardio exercise, and running. Running was back then my prime love, it was more like a therapy. I started participating in marathons and until today I am following the same pattern.

But this blog is all about my journey of transitioning from a beginner yogi to a certified yogi and hence here I am expressing my joy in words about the journey of Yoga!

“Finding My Inner Zen: The Start Of A Life-Changing Yoga Journey”

I started practicing yoga over five years ago, it was on and off and sometimes Nothing. I was extreme in doing self-practices for a few months and then not at all for months. The benefits were remarkable, I knew, but ultimately depending on my busy schedule and my mood I couldn’t properly make it a ritual.

Then there was a time when I actually decided to dedicate my 15 mins to Yoga self-practice. Back then in 2020 when Covid hit the whole world badly that time, I was stuck in Goa, jobless, and couldn’t go back to my hometown with the country lockdown and travel restrictions. Everything was falling apart and every morning I woke up with the hope that this shall pass too!!

Amidst the growing concerns and anxieties surrounding the environment, yoga became my refuge. Starting with just 15 minutes a day, I found myself increasingly drawn to my mat with each passing season, allowing my self-practice to grow to 30, 45, and eventually 60 minutes. Through the calming and centering effects of yoga, I found a source of solace, helping me to relax my body and quiet my mind.

As my interest in yoga grew, I began researching the various courses, accreditations, and certifications available. However, the abundance of information on this topic often left me feeling overwhelmed. Although my friends and family were supportive of my passion for yoga, they were hesitant about the idea of me leaving my job to pursue the course full-time. Despite this, I was so enthusiastic about yoga that almost every conversation I had revolved around it. However, as I tried to answer the 5W1H questions (What, Where, When, Why, Who, How) related to pursuing a career in yoga, the complexity of the decision became more apparent.

“From Practitioner to Teacher: My Transformative Yoga Teacher Training Journey”

After much contemplation, I finally decided to pursue my passion for yoga by enrolling in an RYT 200 course. I wanted to find a course that would allow me to work and follow my passion simultaneously. Although there were many excellent options available, I preferred to attend a course in Bangalore for personal reasons. I searched extensively to find the right course that could help me manage both my career and passion. My search eventually led me to Ashish Yoga Fitness Center, in Bengaluru which offers 200 hours of intense multi-style yoga teacher training courses affiliated with Yoga Alliance USA. I joined their offline Yoga Teacher Training Course in September 2022.

The vibe of the place was truly mesmerizing, and the faculty was incredibly generous. They went out of their way to accommodate my schedule and make the course feasible for me. As soon as I started the course, I experienced a boost of positive energy that will elevate my personality and cultivate greater poise within me.

Theory classes were a revelation, providing me with a wealth of knowledge about yoga, its traditions, various forms, benefits, and limitations, as well as anatomy. However, it was during the theoretical classes that I truly began to understand the practice of yoga. The practical classes were intense, lasting for 2-3 hours, but they were worth it. Though I experienced a great deal of pain during the advanced asanas practice, the experience was transformative and helped me to deepen my practice. The 200-hour yoga teacher training covered a range of styles, including Ashtanga, Hatha, and Multi-style yoga, and the addition of props and aerial yoga was a beautiful and unforgettable experience.

As I’ve reflected on my yoga philosophy, I’ve recognized that every person’s yoga journey is distinctive and personal. I don’t want to give the impression that my practice should be followed, as yoga is an intimate and unique practice. I want to honor the essence of yoga by preserving its uniqueness, and I believe that encouraging individual exploration is the best way to achieve this.

Overall, my yoga journey has been both challenging and enlightening, and I am grateful for the knowledge and experiences I have gained.

“Embarking on the Journey to Become a Certified Yoga Teacher: Steps to Follow”

If you're passionate about yoga and want to become a yoga teacher, there are several steps you can take to achieve your goal. Here are some suggestions you may consider:

• Develop a regular yoga practice: Start practicing yoga regularly to understand the various poses, sequences, and breathing techniques.
• Choose a style: Explore various yoga styles and choose one that you feel most connected to.
• Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program: Research and select a yoga teacher training program that suits your needs and preferences. The program should be accredited by the Yoga Alliance and provide you with a minimum of 200 hours of training.
• Attend a teacher training program: Enroll in a yoga teacher training program that offers a 200-hour certification. The course typically covers yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and practice teaching.
• Obtain certification: After completing the training program, you will receive a certificate of completion. Apply for registration with Yoga Alliance to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
• Start teaching: Begin teaching yoga to gain experience and confidence. Consider starting with friends and family, or volunteering at a local studio or gym.
• Continue learning and growing: Keep attending workshops, training sessions, and classes to continue your education and expand your knowledge and skills as a yoga teacher.

“The Path Ahead: My Vision for a Fulfilling Future in Yoga”

In the near future, my main goal is to increase the frequency of my yoga classes to continue growing in my practice. Having a teacher to guide me has brought so much value to my journey, and I want to keep that momentum going. As a dedicated student of yoga, I have already enrolled in RYT 500 and PG diploma in Yoga Sashtra, and I am particularly drawn to the Yoga flow style.

I strongly believe that learning is a continuous process, and as a teacher, it is essential to keep seeking new knowledge and skills. Therefore, I am also eager to attend more retreats and workshops, and eventually, teach them too. Ultimately, my goal is to immerse myself as much as possible in the practice and share the benefits of yoga with others.

As I roll up my mat and take one final deep breath, I am grateful for the physical and mental transformation that my yoga journey has brought me, both on and off the mat. Namaste.

“Meet the Mind Behind the Mat: Getting to Know the Author of this blog -Yoga & You…!”

 Hi there! I hail from the charming hill station of Ramgarh in Uttarakhand, India, but I completed my academics in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. As an HR professional, I strive to excel in my career, but I also love indulging in my hobbies, such as dancing and sketching. I enjoy creating fashion illustrations, whimsical art, mandala art, and line art. Exploring new places is one of my passions, and I also like to read during my leisure time. I am always up for new adventures, whether trying out a new sport or exploring a new facet of life.

As an HR professional with six years of experience in the Hotels & Hospitality industry, I am well aware that my job requires a higher level of attention and dedication than what is often perceived for an HR person who works during general shifts. Despite the challenges, I find my work fulfilling and rewarding, and I am committed to making a positive impact on the success of the company and the well-being of its employees.

Love,

HJ