A decade of yoga: My path from media to mat
Yoga has been my compass for ten years, a journey from the chaos of a media desk to the stillness of a mat in the mountains. This space is where I share the reflections, the lessons, and the raw reality of a practice that is more about self-enquiry than perfect poses.
A quiet moment of reflection. For me, self-preservation is a vital form of self-love. It's about consciously choosing where to place my energy, especially in a life that requires so much connection with others.
Seated on a stone wall, I'm reminded of the importance of being comfortable in my own company. Yoga teaches us to sit with the discomfort that arises in stillness, rather than frantically trying to stay busy.
Looking out at the landscape, I think about the versions of ourselves we outgrow. It's okay to let go of what no longer feels true and to keep some parts of yourself just for you.
A pensive moment, considering the idea of energy leaks. Sharing too much too soon isn't true bonding; it's often a sign of a weak foundation. True connection is built on shared presence and intention.
A moment of deep rest in Savasana. This image is from a collection celebrating 10 years of my yoga journey, a path I'm still uncovering every day.
Practicing pranayama, a cornerstone of my practice and teaching. This photo is part of a series reflecting on my journey, from my first teacher training in Rishikesh to now.
Teaching an outdoor class, surrounded by nature and a furry friend. This image captures the joy and community that has been a constant thread throughout my years of teaching.
A student in Uttanasana (forward fold) during an outdoor class. This photo is a memory from my Sthiram 1.0 retreat, one of the many milestones on my path.
A happy group photo after a class. These are the "in-between" moments of connection and community that bring so much joy to my life as a teacher.
About My Journey & Musings
If you are looking for a quick fix or a trend-driven workout, you will not find it here. My practice is built on the messy, beautiful reality of alignment and breath. Whether we are in a studio in Mumbai or trekking in Ladakh, I focus on the transition from the gross to the subtle, helping you learn to listen to your body rather than just pushing it through a sequence. It is not always comfortable, but it is always real.
My transition from a media career to full-time yoga teaching was not a calculated move, it was a surrender to a deeper calling. Over the last decade, I have learned that the true essence of yoga is not found in the aesthetics of a social media feed or the ability to perform complex arm balances. It is found in the in-between moments: the quiet discipline of a daily pranayama practice, the patience required during prop-assisted Iyengar sessions, and the grounding nature of our retreats in places like Uttarakhand and the Himalayas.
When you join my sessions, you are not just signing up for a class. You are stepping into a space where alignment is a tool for safety, not just technique. Whether we use ropes and blocks to traction the spine or simply sit in silence to observe the monkey mind, the goal remains the same: self-enquiry. I often guide students who are burnt out from corporate life, helping them navigate the same path I took, moving from the noise of the external world back to a natural state of ease and rest. If you are ready to move beyond the physical shapes and explore the philosophy of Hatha yoga, I am here to help you get started.
Nishtha Bijlani
I am Nishtha. My classes are a bridge between the yoga I have studied and the life I live, which is messy, honest, and grounded in nature. I do not believe in teaching poses, I believe in teaching you how to feel and find your own home inside.
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