Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
Well, I was born in Patna, Bihar. And, from there I have always been on constant move to other north Indian cities like Kolkata, New Delhi for further studies until traveling got inside my vein and I haven't stopped ever since. I have been to most of the places in India just to experience unity in diversity here, now I am heading towards south India.
How did you get introduced to yoga and when did yoga get serious?
I thought academic study was my passion until I cracked IIT all by myself and then realized there's nothing on this engineering list that I wanted to study further, so I dropped IIT. Started pursuing Interior Design because I love art and being creative. But, my dad couldn't afford the further fees for next year's so had to drop after 1 year of Diploma only.
Later on I went with Journalism as well but I found all the news to be super disturbing and devastating to me so I moved on with pursuing Chartered accountant. And that's when I got married and everything was different. I dropped my studies and meanwhile, this is when I discovered Yoga and it felt like a great medium to distracted my mind and that was just the beginning of how my inner journey started and how I learned to be stable and centered.
Can you share your biggest challenges ?
I was 16 when my mom passed away suddenly and I had my hsc exam going on. I did attend anyway the very day also but I couldn't make it. My studies got ruined. I didn't see school for next 3 years. Those 3 years at home were the most challenging and struggling days of my life. Going through molestation, depression, suicidal thoughts and what not.
I had no one to turn to. My dad had just survived his loving wife's death and over a heart surgery. Keeping it short,those were helplessly terrible days.
How do you handle pressure and where do you find your motivation?
I just go for it. No motivation needed. Because the more I think of it, the more my mind talk me out of it. So I simply shut my mind and light up my courage to do the further talk and do it anyway.
What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to yoga, of course) ?
When I was a kid, our schools had this running competition going on and I wanted to participate. I told the coach to sign me in, but he laughed at me and made fun in front of all the kinds, because they thought I am chubby and can't run. Which was true, I tried but I terribly failed within 200m. As a child that broke me and I felt so embarrassed that for until next 2 decades I never tried running again.
How did yoga influence your life in other ways?
Yoga changed everything to me! You see, I had no stability in my life, I kept switching careers, places, relationships because I wasn't satisfied within. But once when I started shifting my focus inward, things started to get clearer too. I am centered today, peaceful and content and just smiling most of the time.
I try to be more understanding than being judgemental or reactive. I won't mislead by claiming I am spiritually awaken soul. I am just sharing experiences that yoga helps me feel everyday. It's more of an emotional and spiritual journey to me than physical. With flexibility in body,am learning to be flexible in physical world. And this is just the beginning...
What does your typical day look like?
Like I shared, I wake up early in the morning to practice yoga for about an hour. Followed by a 30-35min break free run everyday. Coming home, I complete my strength training. And I recently have started incorporating Pranayama and meditation to my practice too. Everything, takes about 3 hours in my morning routine.
Then I make our meals,do the laundry, leave to teach couple of yoga classes and 2 Pvt classes. By the time I come home,it's evening already. So I simply spend some time in the nature (it's Mandatory to me, no matter how busy I am,I make sure I take out time to sit silently and spend some time with myself and nature). Then make dinner again and spend some time with family. That's pretty much it.
And what about your flexibility training ? Where does that fit in ?
I don't have any particular training for my flexibility. It just comes with practice. If I'm not practicing for a week, my muscles start getting stiff too. The more I practice movements, the more easily and effortlessly they move . But I make sure I am warmed up enough to get into any posture or even any workouts also. You can't underestimate the importance of warm up.
What are your future plans/goals/dreams?
I would have given you a list full of big giant dreams and what not. But I go after life now. Dreams with meaning and with purpose of who I'll become in the process of getting 'em. Simple, but mindful dreams. I just want to travel the world, every part of it and teach yoga. Individually I am doing both. I travel. I teach. It's just the matter of time I start combining them together. Until then, let's just stick with completing a half marathon this year. Lol.
Any tips for passionate people who are starting to practice yoga now?
Start today. From wherever you are. Start with 5min literally. Just 5 min of doing something that sets your spirit on fire and leave you feeling so content! Go after that feeling. That's your calling right there! And don't stop. Don't give up when the days gets tough which eventually will, but you keep moving forward even when you don't wanna move. Specifically when you don't wanna move.
You have got to do this for your own self, for breaking your own habit patterns and comfort zone. For becoming the person you've always wished to be. Go for it humans. You absolutely can! Believe in yourself, even if it's little you can. Start believing. You actually Can do anything you want.
Anything else?
Remember that embarrassed little girl at her school running competition? Last year she ran for 8km and this year she's planning to run a Half Marathon. Your only limit is yourself. Or if you think, sky is the limit. Well my darling, your sky, your limit. Thank you. Sending much love and light to everyone. Namaste.
Anything you’d like to share?
Please feel free to share my Instagram account. Thank you.
- Instagram: @stardivakhushi
Yogi/Fitness Enthusiast