--- title: "My Philosophy: Mindful Yoga Practice in Mumbai | Ajinkya Meher" description: "Explore the philosophy behind my yoga practice: consistency, patience, and realistic goals. Join my Mumbai sessions to learn how yoga transforms life on and off the mat." canonical: https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/my-philosophy-the-journey-on-off-the-mat last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # My Philosophy: Yoga for Real Life Tribe Verified · 12 years of teaching in Mumbai By [Ajinkya Meher](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala) · Online & at 3 studios across Andheri West and Malad West, Mumbai · ₹1,800 per person (estimate) Part of [Specialized Workshops](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/gallery) Yoga isn't just about the poses. It is about being a happy practitioner, not a perfect one. Here is how I approach the journey on and off the mat. ## Photos and videos - [Video: I've been less on social media these days to avoid the race of life. I believe in being a happy practitioner, not a perfect yoga teacher. My imperfect is perfect for me. Be calm and kar kaam.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/17940bbd-d982-47ec-b0b7-0b6344ffdbf6) - [Video: A live talk about maintaining and scaling up your practice. You don't have to give 100% in one day; give 1% for 100 days. Like the horse trainer, be patient with yourself.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9dede5f-1a57-495b-9f95-b4c6ad6ca5d7) - [Video: My reaction when students ask when their headstand will come. Time lagenga! It takes time. The journey is about patience and consistent practice, not rushing to the destination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cbe7973a-1e6f-460a-af13-46fcc8031aef) - [Video: My thoughts on Guru Purnima. Before you become a good teacher, you must be a good student. And before that, you must be a good human. All our practice is to help us become better as people.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/04d5651a-a532-4043-be39-36d3ec937312) - [Video: I used to be scared to talk to people, but my journey through different jobs, like being a waiter, taught me how to connect. Yoga changes you, and hard work brings change.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b13382f-938b-4a32-92c3-ea62ce8ec870) - [Video: What is advanced for you can be basic for someone else. Don't compare. Progress isn't just in asanas; it's in your mindset, your habits, and your behavior.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f420d0eb-22f4-4d0f-a82a-addf4b6b38df) - [Video: A talk about consistency. The goal for the first three months of practice should just be to show up. Small, realistic goals are what build a strong foundation for a lifetime of practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7aba6256-9526-437d-8bf1-3e73865520e0) - [Video: Some balancing asanas. Simple poses done with awareness and joy are as powerful as any advanced pose. Balancing poses help quiet the mind and bring your attention within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/79226566-c2f6-4b3d-80a1-27f1ad604d43) - [Video: When yoga and football come together. Trying to balance a ball while in Hastapadangusthasana was a fun challenge. It's good to play and not take everything so seriously.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9e18e9bd-fe6b-4b1c-ac6d-566877e68019) - [Video: Practice is like watering a plant every day. A little bit consistently is better than a lot all at once. Start slow, and gradually your practice will become a natural part of your routine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3eab6e11-2185-4a4e-8567-05a712539930) - [Video: Our sadhana is our oxygen. Being consistent doesn't always show results physically, but it creates internal changes in your mind and life. Pay attention to your journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e1340b8-ae4b-404e-b2bb-50b4fdf73f4d) - [Video: A tutorial on the four variations of Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana. The first focus is always on balancing, then on opening the leg. Practice with a belt if you need to.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f393650-794c-49ea-840a-9a6b0eaa9ee8) - [Video: Mobility and flexibility work after a badminton match. A proper warm-up and cool-down are important for any physical activity to reduce injury and help muscle recovery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e4ddd37-cb2d-48f2-8422-31c7e33a5c35) - [Video: I don't get bored of teaching because yoga has changed my life. I started teaching to run my house, but now I see how it helps others. I believe in small steps and enjoying the journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4372dc02-90a6-4131-a2e2-92718697debc) - [Video: Slow is fast in yoga. The practice requires steadiness. It starts with dynamic movement and slowly moves to static holds, which prepares us for pranayama and meditation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/472729c8-5213-4a82-9c1e-b4e5e2fc0f27) - ![A truly blessed moment to see my name in a book from The Yoga Institute, right next to my master, Ramendra sir. I am forever grateful to my teachers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb9ceb05-6614-4f16-a1c7-abc2469b99fa) - [Video: I don't know many things in life, and I'm fine with that. But whatever I do know, I make sure I know it correctly. Don't run behind postures; work on your foundation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9257e60a-542e-46b9-8839-5e6624325794) ## About My Philosophy: The Journey On & Off the Mat In my workshops, we do not rush to master the hardest pose in day one. I follow the '1% for 100 days' rule because consistency beats intensity every time. If you are tired of the constant race, come to my Mumbai sessions where we focus on small, realistic goals that actually stick, not just the ones that look good on camera. I believe that yoga is a way of life that extends far beyond the mat. When I was younger, I avoided photos and stayed in the corners because of my insecurities. Yoga changed my life, and it can change yours, too. My teaching is built on four pillars: Mobility, Flexibility, Strength, and Awareness, but the most important part is how you show up mentally. ### The 'Kar Kaam' Approach My mantra is simple: 'Be calm and kar kaam' (just do your work). We often get caught up in wanting to achieve extreme goals—like running a marathon on day one or holding a complex headstand without prep. Instead, I teach the value of being a 'maintenance practitioner.' Whether you are in my Andheri or Malad studio, we work on consistent, achievable progress. ### Why Slow is Fast Like the horse trainer who didn't rush his horse but walked it, fed it, and cared for it, I believe in patience. My classes transition from dynamic movement to static holds, preparing the body for pranayama and meditation. You might not see a physical change in your asanas every week, but you will notice your sleep, food habits, and mindset improving. Those are the real results. ### My Philosophy in Practice - **No Comparison:** Your starting point is unique. What is advanced for you is basic for someone else, and vice versa. - **Props are Friends:** I encourage using blocks, straps, and chairs to build safe foundations. It is not about how 'advanced' you look; it is about how safely you practice. - **Consistency:** I would rather you practice 20 minutes every day than two hours once a week. Whether you are joining an In-person Technique Intensive or an Online Deep Dive, my goal is the same: to help you build a relationship with your practice that lasts a lifetime. Let’s focus on the journey, not just the destination. ## About Ajinkya Meher I wasn't always a yoga teacher; I was the shy kid avoiding photos in the corner. Today, I teach because yoga gave me a life, and I want to help you find yours—no ego, no perfection, just showing up. [See all of Ajinkya Meher's services](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala) ## More from Specialized Workshops by Ajinkya Meher - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/featured) - [Inversions & Arm Balances: Strength & Control](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/inversions-arm-balances-strength-control) - [Backbends: Opening the Heart & Spine](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/backbends-opening-the-heart-spine) - [Hip Opening & Flexibility: Unlocking Your Range of Motion](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/hip-opening-flexibility-unlocking-your-range-of-motion) - [Alignment & Props: Building a Safe, Strong Foundation](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/alignment-props-building-a-safe-strong-foundation) - [Online Yoga Shala: Practice With Me from Anywhere](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/online-yoga-shala-practice-with-me-from-anywhere) - [Workshops, Retreats & Community](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/workshops-retreats-community) ## More services by Ajinkya Meher - [Ashtanga Vinyasa Teacher Training Course](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/ashtanga-vinyasa-teacher-training-course) - [Online Strength Training Program](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/online-strength-training-program) - [Group Yoga Classes (Online & Offline)](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/group-yoga-classes-online-offline) ## Similar work from other experts - [Yoga Philosophy: Finding Stillness and Strength](https://mytribe.in/mayura_theyogagirl/yoga-workshops/my-yoga-philosophy) by Mayura Pednekar · Yoga Workshops · In-person workshops across Mumbai and NCR - [Behind the Mat: Real Life and Yoga Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/yogabydeeksha/yoga-therapy-sessions/behind-the-mat-my-life-philosophy) by Deeksha Tripathi · Yoga Therapy Sessions · Online, at studio in Talaghattapura, or at your location in Bengaluru & Delhi NCR - [Yoga Philosophy and Mindful Living](https://mytribe.in/yogawithmanikarnika/yoga-instruction-corporate-wellness/my-path-my-philosophy) by Manikarnika · Yoga Instruction & Corporate Wellness · Online sessions, studio in Malviya Nagar, or at your location across India - [A Conscious Approach to Yoga and Well-being](https://mytribe.in/sangeetakalyan/yoga-instruction/my-teaching-philosophy) by Sangeeta Kalyan · Yoga Instruction · Available online; Studio in Kochi & travels to clients in Kochi, Goa, and Mumbai - [My Yoga Philosophy: Real Practice for Real Life](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/wellness-retreats/my-philosophy-the-why-behind-it-all) by Charu · Wellness Retreats · Retreats at farmstays around Mumbai and Pune - [My Yoga Philosophy and Journey](https://mytribe.in/seema_prab/advanced-vinyasa-strength-flexibility-inversions/my-yoga-philosophy-journey) by Seema Prabhakar · Advanced Vinyasa: Strength, Flexibility & Inversions · Online & In-person sessions in Bengaluru & Mumbai ## Book To book Ajinkya Meher, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Ajinkya%2C%20I%20was%20reading%20about%20'My%20Philosophy%3A%20The%20Journey%20On%20%26%20Off%20the%20Mat'.%20I%20would%20love%20to%20know%20more%20about%20your%20approach.)