I have been associated with the practice of Yoga and Pranayama for more than 12 years now. 

 

In India, Yoga (not any particular style though) is usually a part and parcel of every household. It consists of a few regular asanas, meant for general well being.

 

I did not get into Yoga, however, until my mid-20s, when I began my career as an IT engineer and stress made me put on extra weight which began affecting my metabolism. 

 

I eventually began practicing light & gentle sitting asanas and slowly picked up a Pranayama (breathing) practice. 
 

Moving to the US was both a life and cultural shift for me and Yoga provided the dear refuge that an "alien", far away from home needed.

 

I began learning Vinyasa in heated Studios, but that took a toll on my ‘breath’. I realized, If you loose your breath, the mind will never achieve ‘stillness’. 

 

Since then, the nature of my practice shifted completely.

 

I began practicing alone at home and did extensive side reading. I kept visiting a few good Hatha Yoga teachers around town.  

 

Eventually, I undertook my first 200 hr Teacher training from Center for Yoga of Seattle, under the guidance of Richard Schatchel, an advanced teacher in the Iyengar Yoga lineage. 

 

I was fascinated by Alignment-based Yoga, as I think critical alignment and sense of direction based on one’s body type, acts as a foundation for any kind of Asana. The Trauma Informed Yoga training, which I attended recently, also changed my view of the cultural and social aspect of Yoga in the West. 

 

I believe without self-practice, Yoga holds no value for one's 'true self'. A common symptom of our modern lifestyle is Stress and more Stress! Hence it’s necessary that we practice Yoga in a gentle, mindful yet evolutionary way. In time with dedication,  it help us to transform our fast-paced, stressed out lives for one of good health inside & out. The vital things which Yoga has taught me are the Power of Breath, Mindfulness, Patience, Courage and how to get rid of ‘Ego’.