After what looked like a successful foot in the modelling and acting world, I earned a degree in Theatre Performance in Canada. I also studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and pursued work in the theatre. But, when faced with numerous roadblocks and feeling estranged, at 25 years old, I made a life-altering decision. I moved to South Korea to work as an English teacher. Just like that.
At the time, I had no background in teaching. And I had no knowledge of yoga. In Korea, the healing journey of my life began in a tiny classroom filled with cute, smiley faces. I taught yoga in a Church.
When I returned to Canada, I embarked on many certified training programs at the Sivananda ashrams. Sivananda is still my first teacher and I made my way to India at their ashram in Kerala soon after. For me, learning and teaching are intrinsically linked. As an adult student, I returned to university, obtaining a Master’s of Education while working in the private school sector. My thesis dissertation was on Yoga for children in India. During my research, I immersed myself into culture by sitting on the floor, eating with my hands and becoming close with many Indian families. As a guest speaker, I have lectured at York University, the University of Toronto and McGill, as well as at the International Association of Yoga Therapists Conference (IYAT) in Los Angeles.
By far, the most pivotal shift was studying directly under Pattabhi Jois in Mysore in 2000. My practice slot was at 4:30 a.m. I was one among only a handful of other students in the shala. It was my 2nd trip to India and I stayed for 3 months.
I quickly accelerated in my practice but faced a knee injury. I used to go to the finishing room (a room only meant for the closing series) and practice back bending. Ironically, this injury led to formal training exclusively of back bending combined with breath control, and the scriptures. I healed this injury without any medical assistance.
True to life, however, the path is not straight. I eventually left my former teacher and Ashtanga Yoga. Fast forward a few years later, I gave birth to my beautiful son. Life changed again. I began studying under Yogacharya Vinay Kumar; the founder and teacher of Prana Vashya.
For me, this has always been about lineage (the paramparā). We merge into a practice that flows out sometimes moving away from a teacher and another appearing just as we need. With Swami Veda Bharati, I also underwent silent retreats at the Sadhaka Grama Dyhana ashram in Rishikesh and was personally initiated. Others emerged like Dipa in Kolkata (the daughter of the late Dipa Ma) and meeting Shri BNS Iyengar in Mysore. Guuji is the oldest living link to the Krishnamacharya legacy.
Becoming a mother is one of the greatest teachers. For me, what was once a competitive and intense personal practice grew into a measured and balanced one with my boy as a true guide.
Words cannot convey what it means to me to be a mother other than it is full of joy, challenges and perennial lessons.
The word ‘Pragathi‘ means progress, ‘Vidya‘ knowledge and ‘Kendra‘ school in Sanskrit. It is a primary and secondary high school that was established in 1993 as a “non-for-profit organization.” It is the home for many children who coming from a deprived or poor background would otherwise not be able to have such an education. The school is directed and maintained by the principal, headmaster, teachers and a board of trustees, and including relying generous donations from outsiders. One of best parts is that the school provides a Holistic Education from the Pre-K level to the Xth Standard (Grade 10 in North America). Their curriculum is meant to focus not only upon academic achievements, but addressing the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of every child, and student. Yoga has been a key aspect within their curriculum being also taught as a mandatory subject for the last 15 years at the school. All the students from the Ist Standard to the Xth Standard attend weekly yoga, meditation and chanting classes. It has been my pleasure to combine English speaking into their lessons and to attend their many functions showcasing their wonderful achievements.