My Yoga Journey
with Tarini Nirula
Published 23 April 2020
Tarini Nirula is a yoga teacher, designer and entrepreneur based in New Delhi, India. Besides teaching yoga, she runs a successful label of handcrafted accessories, which are sold online. In this interview, she shares her transformative yoga journey.
What does yoga mean to you?For me, yoga is a way of being. This practice holds a very special place in my heart. As my journey of teaching and practicing yoga continues, the more I realize how much yoga has to offer. This practice slows down our thought waves to a theta state, leading to a calm, blissful and balanced frame of mind. Yoga for me is a sacred time of union with my inner being, an energy greater than myself. On the mat and off the mat, yoga always uplifts me, which is why it has become such a welcome part of my lifestyle. I feel immense gratitude for the light of yoga and everything that this fascinating practice is teaching me.
When did you first start practicing yoga and why?My Yoga practice began more than eight years ago when I had already embarked upon my entrepreneurial journey as an accessory designer. At the time, I was going through a challenging phase in life. I was seeking out something that would bring me peace and calm, as my mind was caught up in a frenzy of thoughts . A good friend suggested that I try a yoga class nearby. To this day, I am ever so grateful for her suggestion. After attending my first yoga class, there was no looking back.
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Were you ever resistant to learn yoga?
One good thing about seeking out something new, is that I was willing to try yoga out with an open heart. Yoga beautifully waltzed into my life when I truly needed it. That is why I was not resistant to learning more about it. In fact, I used to look forward to my yoga classes. Yes, my definition of yoga has changed over the past few years. What began for me as more of a physical practice has now become a holistic practice for mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and energetic well-being. My fear of trying out new postures has also reduced. All this gradually changed because I had the opportunity to read and understand the philosophy of yoga, study the Yoga Sutras and other yogic texts during my teachers training courses.
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How has yoga impacted your life?Yoga for me has been transformative. Besides the physical benefits of toning up the muscles, feeling stronger and more flexible etc., the real and subtle transformation has been that of my mind. I would have a tendency to think negatively and my own thoughts would fluster me. With consistent practice of pranayama, meditation, and asanas, reading about and listening to inspiring yogis and yoginis, and learning from my Gurus during teacher training courses, an internal perspective shift has taken place. I am now able to look at the same situation with a more balanced and calm approach. I feel joy in the simpler things of life. Being a yoga teacher, I cross paths with wonderful people and learn as much as I teach in every class. Yoga has taught me about the middle path. It has also shown me the light that we all possess within.
The list of my learnings is a long one! Another facet that I immensely love about yoga is that it continues to teach me while I am on and off the yoga mat. Concepts from the Eight Limbed path have also played a big role in my life. I am looking forward to teaching and learning a lot more about yoga in the days and years to come. |
Why should someone practice yoga?
Everyone has their own reasons to begin a yoga practice. In my opinion, the best kind of teacher is personal experience.
If someone is open to experiencing a practice that is life-changing and transformative at more levels than one, then learning yoga is definitely worth a try.
If someone is open to experiencing a practice that is life-changing and transformative at more levels than one, then learning yoga is definitely worth a try.
The reason why I am teaching yoga today is because I personally experienced the many benefits, thus wanting to share my learnings. The first step is to give it a try with an open heart. What you experience then will be boundless joy and peace.
What are your favourite asanas and why?My favourites change everyday! But if I had to pick three, they would be:
1. Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) -- this asana gives my entire body a deep stretch, especially my lower back and hamstrings. I love practicing Ujjayi breaths here, which leaves me feeling very relaxed. 2. Purvottanasana (upward plank pose) -- this intense stretch really opens up my heart centre. I feel revitalized and strong after holding this posture, focusing on deep breaths for at least 10 counts. 3. Prasarita Padottanasana (wide legged forward bend) — this holding posture makes me feel great as there is increased blood flow towards the head and upper part of the body. I also like to challenge myself with variations of this posture. |
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Apart from the above, my all time favourite is the Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) and also balancing postures such as the Warrior 3 and Eagle Pose.
Nirula's yoga journey teaches us about the importance of having an "open heart" when first starting to learn yoga. In addition, we see that yogic path is one of continual learning, both on and off the mat. Namaste!
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