My Journey into Yoga

 

From Scepticism to Surrender: My Journey into Yoga

I remember my early college days, when my idea of fitness was completely centred around physical workouts. Like many others, I hit the gym, focused on strength training, and aimed for stamina and flexibility without truly understanding the deeper layers of health. I’d often hear people talk about a yoga class happening nearby, but I never once felt curious to explore it. In fact, I dismissed it. I thought it was just some slow movement practice—something that wouldn’t give me the results I wanted. Even the yoga sessions at my gym were something I would consciously avoid. I just didn’t think they would work.

It’s funny now, looking back. I had absolutely no idea what yoga truly meant.

A Turning Point:

Years passed. Life unfolded with its many colours and challenges. It was only when I consciously turned to yoga for my health, that I began to feel its true essence. What began as a practice to regain fitness, strength and stability slowly started to touch something deeper within me.

Joining a yoga teacher training program changed everything. It wasn’t just about learning to teach asanas. It was about coming home to myself. That space, that training, was the turning point that brought me closer to something I didn’t even know I was searching for.

The 4S Realisation:

Initially, even as I entered yoga, my curiosity around physical fitness remained. I wanted to understand how yoga fits into the broader world of exercise. Through my research, I came across the idea that true physical health must rest on four pillars—Strength, Stability, Stamina, and Stretch. The 4S.

To my surprise and joy, yoga ticked all four. It wasn’t just a supportive tool—it was a complete system. This deepened my respect for the practice and strengthened my resolve to commit fully.

A Journey Within:

And then, as I continued the training and started absorbing the philosophies, something shifted. I began immersing myself in the wisdom of the Yoga Sutras, Sankhya philosophy, and the Bhagavad Gita. Without even realizing it, I found myself emerging from a difficult phase of my life—lighter, more aware, more centred.

Concepts like Swadharma (one's own path), Pratipaksha Bhavana (cultivating opposite thoughts), and the understanding of Kleshas (obstacles of the mind) weren’t just theories. They became tools—real, practical, powerful tools—to help me navigate life with more clarity and grace. I feel truly blessed to have been introduced to these scriptures. They’ve offered me not just knowledge but a new lens through which to see the world and myself.

From Homemaker to Purposeful Teacher:

For a long time, I was happy being a homemaker. But somewhere inside, there was always a desire to do something more—something that would contribute meaningfully to the community. I didn’t want to do something just for the sake of doing it. I wanted to offer something valuable. And what better than yoga?

So, began this new chapter. Sharing what I’ve learned. Helping others begin or deepen their journey. Because I believe this is exactly what we all need at this point in time—a path to better wellbeing, from the inside out.

The Birth of Atha Yoga Centre:

As I deepened my connection with yoga, a quiet vision began to grow within me—a space where others could also experience what I had felt: the grounding, the healing, the joy of coming home to oneself. This wasn’t about creating a studio. It was about nurturing a community. A place that felt like family. Atha Yoga Centre was born from that intention.

The word “Atha”, which opens the Yoga Sutras, holds deep meaning. It signifies an auspicious beginning, the now, the readiness to embark on the journey within. When I first read it during my training, it struck a chord so deep that I knew—if I ever created something of my own, it would carry this name.

Atha Yoga Centre is my offering. A space that welcomes everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned practitioners. A space where movement meets stillness, where philosophy meets daily life, and where yoga is lived, not just practiced.

In Gratitude:

As I continue to walk this path, I do so with deep gratitude—for the teachers who guided me, the scriptures that opened my eyes, and the practice that transformed my life. Yoga came to me when I needed it the most, and in ways I least expected. It’s not just something I teach. It’s something I live.

And now, I’m here to share it—with anyone who’s ready to begin.