My Philosophy & Approach to Yoga
Yoga isn't just about bending into a shape; it's about the person behind the pose. Here is my approach to finding balance on and off the mat.
On Guru Purnima, I reflect on the path of learning. Before you can be a good teacher, you must be a good practitioner. Before that, a good student. And before all of that, a good human being. This is the foundation of everything we do.
I used to be scared to speak in front of people. My journey from a shy boy to a yoga teacher involved many small steps, from working as a waiter to finding my voice through practice. Yoga helps you overcome fears and find your confidence, one day at a time.
It's easy to compare your practice to others, but remember, what is basic for you might be advanced for someone else. Progress isn't just about difficult poses. It's also about a better mindset, improved sleep, and more balance in your life.
Your asana practice should be like a coconut: strong and stable from the outside, but soft, light, and calm on the inside. This balance of active strength and inner ease is what we aim for in every posture.
I'm often asked if I get tired or bored of teaching. Honestly, I don't. Yoga changed my life, and I started teaching to support my family. I remember the days of having little money, and I value every step of this journey. I teach with the same love and excitement as when I started.
Sometimes your progress isn't visible on the mat. You might not be getting more flexible, but maybe your sleep is better, your digestion has improved, or you're handling life's challenges with more calm. This is also your yoga practice working.
Many people think yoga is only about flexibility. I see it as having four pillars: mobility of the joints, active and passive flexibility, strength to hold postures with stability, and awareness to stay present. We work on all four to build a complete practice.
About My Philosophy & Approach
I don't believe in chasing perfection because my own journey started from a place of struggle and self-doubt. In my classes, we don't just focus on the pose; we focus on the four pillars—mobility, flexibility, strength, and awareness. Whether you are a beginner or a teacher, my goal is to guide you to build a practice that feels sustainable for your life today, not just one that looks good on camera.
The Coconut Philosophy
I often tell my students that your asana practice should be like a coconut. You need a strong, stable outer layer, but you should remain soft and light on the inside. This is my approach to Ashtanga Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga—we work hard on the discipline, but we never lose the awareness of how the body and mind are feeling.
My Approach to Teaching
My teaching style is built on a foundation of 'Abhyasa' (consistent practice) and 'Sadhana' (dedication). When you join my shala or online sessions, you won't find pressure to reach a peak pose immediately. Instead, we break things down:
- Mobility & Foundations: We start by working on joint health and proper alignment, using props like chairs, belts, and blocks to ensure you stay injury-free.
- Active vs. Passive: I teach you to differentiate between the two, helping you hold postures with strength rather than just collapsing into them.
- Hinglish Guidance: My instructions are in a mix of English and Hindi. I believe this makes technical details easier to grasp, especially when we discuss complex vinyasa counting or breathing techniques.
Why Practice With Me?
I was once that shy boy in the back of the room, intimidated by fitness spaces. That experience defines my teaching today. I am not looking to create 'perfect' practitioners; I am looking to help you become a happy one. We focus on the other side of yoga—the improved sleep, the better digestion, and the ability to handle daily life with more calm. If you are looking for a space where you can show up exactly as you are, you have found the right place.
Ajinkya Meher
I’m Ajinkya. I started as a shy boy from Santacruz who was terrified of cameras, and yoga is what finally gave me my voice and confidence. I teach because I want to help you find that same ground, whether you're joining me in Mumbai or online.
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