Yoga had a significant impact on my life before I consciously realized it. It helped me find balance in my body, mind, and emotions. At the age of 19, I embarked on my first yoga course while living in the US. From that point onward, I attended regularly, cherishing the fluid movements that came naturally to me. Back in Germany, I practiced with various instructors, embracing different styles over the years. Without me realizing it at the time, yoga became a substantial part of my life, fitting in alongside my work as a designer, CSR manager, sustainability expert, and organizational developer.
During extensive journeys across Asia, including India, I immersed myself in diverse cultures, captivated by their unique perspectives and approaches to life. Prolonged lockdown periods during the COVID-19 era severed my connection to self, leading to personal and professional crises. Self-guided yoga rescued me from this turmoil, and the lessons learned during that time led me to the decision to become a yoga instructor and coach.
In 2022, I completed an intensive training to become a certified 200-hour Ashtanga yoga instructor in Mysore, South India, following the Gurukula system rooted deeply in traditional Vedic origins. A year later, I returned to Mysore, expanding my expertise through a 300-hour advanced training. During this training, we explored traditional Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Ayurveda, and ventured into advanced Kriya practices and Vedic chanting. These unique Gurukula system trainings were significant to me because they not only covered diverse yoga styles but also delved deeply into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of yoga. In my daily practice, I embody the wisdom gained from my experiences in yoga and Ayurveda. I adjust my meditation, pranayama, and asanas to match the changing seasons, prevailing dosha, and the rhythm of my life. Prioritizing quality, individuality, and authenticity, I believe that a good teacher remains a dedicated student. Therefore, my daily personal yoga practice goes hand in hand with my regular participation in further education and seminars.
My Yogic Journey in India: Blending Tradition and Modernity
Me and my teachers, who are the Embodiment of mind, body & soul: from left to right Yogacharya Rakesh, Acharya Nagendra, Acharya Kamal– Dec 2022