Laxmi&Squad Laxmi&Squad That’s how they roll

“ Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone.”

Yoga is that music, which keeps you flowing, The Rhythm of the body gets in tune with life, the harmony of the souls and the melody of the mind create the symphony of life. We had a conversation with the renowned Person who excels in Yoga. Rina Hindocha is a renowned and qualified Yoga Alliance Instructor, teaches a combination of traditional Hatha Flow and Ashtanga

Vinyasa Yoga.

What inspired you to pursue a career in yoga, and how did you get started?

In my journey to lose baby fat after my two children, and to get rid of a few health issues, I found myself looking into yoga classes. I started my yoga practice as a very stiff student and completely lacked body awareness. But my first experience with yoga turned out to be a great one. With my hand on my heart, I can say that some beautiful serendipity must have guided me there I continued my practice and soon Yoga became a part of my life. I felt more peaceful, present, centered. I found teachers who inspired me to go deeper, to learn more and most importantly to start my self-practice at home It was a transformative experience, as I began my journey down the path that I was meant to take, life started opening up for me. It's been 11 years now. Yoga to me is more than physical. It makes me appreciate everything my body can do I don’t spend my energies on unnecessary worries I couldn’t have been happier with where I am right now, working on things I’m passionate about.

How would you describe your personal approach to yoga, and what style of yoga do you specialize in?

I teach a combination of traditional Hatha Flow and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. My classes are a symbiotic mix of traditional & contemporary techniques in yoga. I try to keep my classes inspiring and healing while still being accurate physiologically. Am extremely Passionate about sharing the true essence of yoga with my students. My ultimate objective is to play a key role in the wellness industry for the benefit of humankind.

What are some common misconceptions about yoga, and how do you address them in your teaching?

There are many misconceptions about yoga to name a few, Yoga requires flexibility, Yoga is boring, Yoga is for senior citizens. Yoga is for everyone. It doesn’t differentiate between gender, age, race, caste, ethnicity, religion, etc. In fact, yoga will help you in stimulating your heart chakra to feel love for all and enhance the ability to connect with the higher power. My students have the option of practicing all the asanas with modifications and props. Every person has some extent of flexibility. One may begin practice at any time There are simple Asanas which will help the body become more flexible and adapt to the situation. The practice should be with a combination of strength, balance, flexibility and concentration I encourage my students to use props. Yoga props are important for providing a little extra support in some poses. Using tools like blocks or straps can help offset a limited range of motion or tightness and help make a pose easier to get into and hold. In the end It is the practice that makes you perfect.

How do you incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your yoga practice, and what benefits do you see for your students?

1 ACCEPT THE PRESENT MOMENT,

2.GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SENSES.

3. NURTURE YOURSELF IN NATURE.

4 YOGA NIDRA

Mindfulness and meditation practices are helping my students manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression Many of my students have given feedback of increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem

How do you stay up to date with the latest developments and trends in the yoga industry, and how do you incorporate new ideas into your teaching?

Life never stops teaching us, on and off the mat. As a yoga teacher, do not stop being a student, regardless of how experienced you’ve become. To bring excitement to your practice and to be more innovative with your teachings, continue your education, whether it be through workshops, retreats, or training. Most of my learning is through You Tube videos, self-practice and selfexploration.

How do you balance the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga in your classes, and what role do you see each playing in the overall practice?

As a yoga teacher, remaining balanced and patient emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually is essential. This allows your students to rely on your teachings consistently from week to week, day to day, and vice versa. A conscious breathing practice, otherwise known as Pranayama and reciting mantras or Om chanting is the key part of my class that’s incorporated during both the meditation and asana segments. By introducing this to my students, I can help them learn pranayama and encourage them to practice it off the mat. This ultimately helps my students to connect with the divine.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to yoga and looking to get started?

Commit to a time – make it achievable Beginner classes are a great way to try various styles of yoga and discover which one you like best. Paying attention to your body will allow you to maximize your unique potential during each part of the cycle. With so many types of yoga available to try, whether it's indoor or outdoor, in a group class or an online session at home, there will always be a variation you can seek to meet your needs. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the positive effects of a regular yoga practice!

How do you continue to grow and evolve as a yoga teacher, and what steps do you take to improve your skills and knowledge over time?

Self-practice is something that distinguishes a good teacher from a great one. To hold space for an amazing yoga class, it’s crucial to invest time in your own practice. Inner work and committing fully to your own practice encourage you to continuously grow in your teaching The more you show integrity in your yoga journey, the more authentic you will be to your students. Self-practice helps you connect internally and believe in yourself fully. And remember, people will only trust and believe in you once you start trusting yourself, and giving time to your own practice is the best way to achieve this level of selftrust.

Anything which you would like to say to our readers?

Be nourished, don’t skip breakfast Avoid highly processed and fast foods, stay away from excess sugar, and focus on a healthy diet composed of wholesome fresh foods. Increase your consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and, if possible, eat organic. Stay hydrated Practice yoga even if it’s for 20 mins or a few rounds of Surya Namaskar Take time to relax & destress perhaps try guided meditation or Yoga Nidra. Be positive.