YOGA: Meaning + Purpose

Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are. 

In Hinduism, yoga (derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to unite" or "to join") is a spiritual discipline aimed at attaining union with the Divine, self-realization, and inner peace. It encompasses a wide array of practices designed to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, guiding the practitioner toward higher states of consciousness. Ultimately, yoga seeks to liberate the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), leading to the realization of moksha—spiritual freedom and enlightenment.

The concept of yoga in Hinduism is rich and multi-dimensional, offering several distinct paths or approaches, each tailored to different aspects of human nature. These paths are elaborated upon in revered texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Each path provides unique methods and practices that serve to elevate the practitioner, whether through devotion, knowledge, action, or meditation, with the ultimate goal of attaining spiritual liberation.

Yoga, for me is more than just a practice; it is a lifelong journey, woven into the very fabric of my being. Yoga is my journey of radical self-acceptance, where movement and breath merge into stillness and awareness. My yoga journey is deeply shaped by ancestral teachings from Hinduism, Yoga sutras and asanas—wisdom passed down through my lineage, my family, and my connections with various ashrams in Calcutta, India. I have also had the privilege of studying and receiving spiritual discourses from respected institutions across India.

Practicing since a young age, I’ve explored and learnt Vinyasa’s fluidity, depth of Jnana Yoga, principles of Raja Yoga, learning to flow with grace of Ashtanga and Hatha yoga asanas, finding balance, and honour my inner rhythm. Through each asana and breath, self-acceptance blooms, inviting us to reconnect with the body's wisdom. Yoga has taught me to meet myself exactly where I am, without judgment. Each practice invites me into the present, grounding me in the power of mindful wisdom, movement & pranayama. I have been practising yoga my entire life, growing up in an Indian, Hindu household where breathing techniques, asanas, and chanting were integral to daily life. When I rediscovered yoga in gyms and studios later in life, I found that the experience felt disconnected from the rich, deep-rooted practice I had known, leaving me to question whether they were truly the same.

Yoga unfolds its transformative power not only on a physical level but also on a profound spiritual and emotional plane. Rooted in Hindu philosophy, it awakens latent aspects of ourselves, illuminating inner qualities we hadn't yet discovered. Through dedicated practice, we're inspired to connect deeply with our inner light, fostering a stronger sense of self and enhancing our relationship with the world and those around us.

Beyond personal growth, yoga nurtures virtues like compassion, patience, and love, contributing positively to global harmony and humanity. It heightens our self-awareness, making us mindful of our choices and their impact on our lives. This heightened awareness guides us towards a deeper understanding of our purpose in life.

My journey with yoga spans over a decade, revealing it not merely as an exercise routine but as a holistic way of life rooted in my Hindu traditions and practices. Integrating ancient Indian yoga philosophy with modern Western perspectives on movement, I am currently pursuing my Registered Yoga Teacher Training and Certification with Yoga Alliance. My teaching approach emphasizes strength, flexibility, somatic awareness, and the transformative power of breathwork, ensuring a safe and inclusive practice for all.

As a movement artist, dancer, and clinical therapist, my approach to yoga is trauma-informed, grounded in somatic awareness, traditional learnings and centered on emotional regulation. I strive to integrate the depth of these ancient traditions with contemporary healing practices, creating a space for others to find healing, self-empowerment, and collective liberation. As my understanding and practice continue to evolve, I am committed to honouring these ancient teachings by sharing them with others to support their own journeys toward healing and transformation.