10 Years of Practice: My Yoga Journey
A reflection on a decade of teaching, from bustling studio sessions in Mumbai to quiet moments of breath in the Himalayas.
A reflection on the idea that yoga is not here to make you feel good, but to make you feel. It's a path of self-enquiry that shatters illusions, and that process isn't always pretty.
The magic that gets created on the mat. I am so grateful to be doing what I do, and that my own growth can contribute to the journey of others.
Looking back at 10 years of celebrating yoga, from my first sessions to teaching at large festivals. It's been one helluva journey from the world of media to the path of yoga.
A photo from an early outdoor retreat. This journey has taken me to so many beautiful places and allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people.
A moment from an outdoor class in the hills. My practice and teaching are always evolving as I continue to learn and uncover new layers.
A moment of rest during a yoga shoot. Even in a professional setting, I always try to connect with the feeling of the practice.
A photo from my earlier years of practice, exploring pranayama. The journey from gross to subtle has been the most profound part of my path.
In my natural habitat: teaching, curating, and exploring. This was during a philosophy session at our Ladakh retreat.
Some moments from my yoga adventures in Leh, from practicing by the river to walking across a bridge adorned with prayer flags.
A peek into the beautiful yoga shala at Nimmu House, Ladakh. This space, with its traditional wooden architecture, held our practice with so much grace.
About My Yoga Journey
I often get asked if you need to be flexible to start. The answer is no. In my workshops, we use wall ropes and props like wooden blocks and chairs to find alignment that your body is not ready for yet on its own. This approach is not about rushing into poses, but understanding how to use these tools to create space in your body, whether you are in a studio or joining me from home.
My path into yoga was not a straight line. I stumbled out of the media industry and into a decade of unlearning and relearning. This collection of moments captures that transition from performing for an audience to holding space for students.
When we talk about props, we are not talking about shortcuts. I use wall ropes for spinal traction and chairs for inversions to teach your nervous system how to feel safe in an asana. It is about moving from the gross physical layer to the subtle breath work. Whether we are in a workshop in Mumbai or on a retreat in the mountains, the goal remains the same: coming back to your natural state.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Do I need experience? No. I work with beginners to build solid foundations. Every journey is personal.
- What are the sessions like? They range from restorative Yin flows for the nervous system to arm balance drills. We focus on the process, not the perfect pose.
- Why use props? They act as a teacher, guiding your body before you have the strength or mobility to do it unassisted. They provide the support needed to hold poses long enough to actually feel the benefit.
Nishtha Bijlani
I am Nishtha. I teach yoga to help people pause and reconnect with themselves, whether through a weekend workshop or a retreat in nature. If you are looking for a practice that values breath and real alignment over picture-perfect poses, I would love to meet you.
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