I started practising yoga a few years ago as a hobby. Yoga attracted me, because it has also a spiritual side and it is more than just a physical exercise. Indeed, asanas (postures) are just one part of eight limbs of yoga. Before I was working as a freelance translator and I used to suffer from a mild backpain. After practising yoga I felt more energized and uplifted. Last June, I completed 200 hour yoga teacher training in Hatha Yoga with Yoga First in Abu Dhabi. I started teaching just private classes at first and then I started to teach group classes in Al Raha Beach Hotel. I am also certified in Yin yoga & Chinese Meridians 50hr and now I am working on my 300 hours in Yoga Therapy (Kaya Yoga, Abu Dhabi). I am also certified in Reiki (level 2) and next year I am planning to do the Sound Healing Practitioner Course in Dubai.
Yoga brought more balance into my life. I used to be more anxious and rather a chest breather. Practising hatha yoga not only improved my flexibility and strength, but it also helped me to become more aware of my breathing. I started to practise also meditation and pranayama on a regular basis.
My favourite quote: „Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquility and joy.“ B.K.S.Iyengar
Regarding practising yoga, I would like to share with you a few poses that are quite popular. One of the most popular poses is Viparita Karani. This pose, also called also legs up the wall pose, is very relaxing and could be also practised as an alternative to Shavasana at the end of the yoga class. Another option for restorative or yin classes is wall butterfly. It is very similar to Viparita Karani, but in this case the soles of the feet are together. Wall Straddle is also another pose that is popular. In this case, legs are also resting against the wall, but we let the gravity to draw the legs apart. The last pose that I would like to mention is Wall Eye (of the needle). Begin with your legs straight up the wall and then place your right ankle on your left knee. Flex the right foot, then slowly bend the straight leg, hold the pose for 3-5 minutes and switch sides. Regarding the use of mudras in your yoga practise, I believe that it could make a yoga class more interesting. For example, one of the most popular mudras is Gyan Mudra. We connect the tip of index finger with your thumb. This mudra could be used during meditation in sukasana or in natarajasana (dancer´s pose).