My Approach to Ashtanga Yoga
Yoga is a practice, not a performance. At The Shala, I focus on Mysore-style Ashtanga—a steady, repetitive rhythm that helps you tune out the noise of the city and finally slow down. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking for a space to deepen your practice, let’s find a rhythm that actually works for your life.
Ashtanga is more than just making shapes with your body. It's a moving meditation that helps you feel grounded and present. This video shares some thoughts from a recent beginner's workshop and busts the myth that you need to be perfect to start.
There's a special energy when we practice together outdoors. This was a beautiful year-end session with my community, soaking up the sun and sharing our collective energy. Group classes are a great way to stay motivated.
This is what my teaching is all about: supportive, hands-on guidance. I focus on helping you find proper alignment in a way that feels right for your body, ensuring you can practice safely and with confidence. The smile says it all.
Mysore or Led class? It's a question I get a lot. In this video, I explain why I personally love the Mysore style. It gives you the freedom to practice at your own pace while still getting one-on-one guidance.
This is me in my element. My practice is my anchor, but I believe in balancing it with real life. I want you to feel that same freedom and authenticity when you step onto the mat with me.
Some days, all you need is to flow and reconnect with yourself. This is a simple flow on the beach, a reminder that your practice can be your sanctuary, whether you're at home, in a studio, or by the sea.
Get to know me in this quick Q&A. I'm sharing what yoga means to me, why I started The Shala, and busting a few myths along the way. My practice is about making life better, not giving things up.
Ready to build a strong foundation? This is from my Introduction to Ashtanga course, designed for beginners. We focus on learning the core postures, like this arm balance, Bakasana, in a supportive, small-group setting.
About Featured
When you walk into The Shala, you won’t find me pushing you into shapes your body isn't ready for. My practice is based on the Mysore method, which means you learn the sequence bit by bit at your own pace, with me right there to offer hands-on adjustments. Whether you’re dealing with a specific injury or just general stiffness, we adapt the postures to fit you—not the other way around.
I started The Shala because I wanted a space that felt like home, not a sterile gym. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of 'yoga bodies' or the pressure to be flexible, you are exactly the person I want to work with.
Why Mysore Style? Most people think yoga classes are just following a teacher at the front of the room. Mysore is different. It’s an independent practice within a group setting. You show up, you do the work at a pace that feels right for your body that day, and I move around the room to help you with alignment, breath, and technique. It builds confidence because you’re not copying someone else—you’re learning the sequence for yourself.
Finding Your Grounding in Delhi We’re based in Greater Kailash, and my classes are designed to be an antidote to the chaos of NCR life. We focus on the Primary Series of Ashtanga—it’s intense, yes, but it’s incredibly grounding.
- Beginners: We start with the basics. You don’t need to be fit to start; you just need to be willing to show up.
- Injury Management: We use props like blocks and straps to make sure you’re practicing safely.
- The Philosophy: It’s not just about the mat. The breathwork (pranayama) and focus we cultivate here tend to spill over into the rest of your day, helping you handle stress before it hits a boiling point.
I’m not here to tell you to give up your life for yoga. I’m here to give you tools to help you live it better.
Sonakshi Dhamija
I’m Sonakshi. I run The Shala, and I believe yoga should be your anchor, not another source of stress. I’ve personally navigated burnout, so I build my classes to offer space—to breathe, to move, and to actually feel better by the time you leave.
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