The Foundation: My Personal Ashtanga Practice
People often think yoga is just about flexibility, but my Ashtanga practice is actually the anchor that helps me handle the messy, chaotic parts of life. This is the foundation of everything I teach.
My practice is my therapy. It is the time I set aside to break the cycle of overstimulation and reconnect with the present moment. I encourage everyone to find their own version of this.
My mat is my happy place. It is where I return to find myself whenever I feel lost. This video shows a few moments from my personal Ashtanga practice, which is the foundation of everything I teach.
Yoga does not just happen on the mat. Finding a moment to stretch and play in front of a colorful mural is a reminder that this practice is about bringing flexibility and joy into all parts of life.
Finding stillness in a quiet, shadowed corner. The Ashtanga Primary Series is a gift that grounds and centers me like nothing else. This is the stability I aim to share in my classes.
A closer look at a seated forward bend. Even after a break from practice, returning to these familiar postures feels like coming home. It is a testament to the power of a consistent routine.
A moment of peace in a seated twist. This pose, Marichyasana C, is not just a physical stretch but also a practice in finding ease within effort, a key lesson I bring into my corporate sessions.
Holding a challenging leg-behind-the-head posture. This practice teaches me to trust my intuition and know that I am on the right path, even when it is difficult. It is about connecting to an inner strength.
Repetition creates a safe space where fear can dissolve, even if the challenge remains. This advanced hip-opening pose is a reminder that familiarity and consistency are key to growth.
Looking up with a smile from a deep kneeling pose. Great transformations always have a beginning, and every time we step on the mat, we are reaffirming our determination to grow.
A short flow through a challenging arm balance. This is a reminder that it is not selfish to take care of yourself and make your happiness a priority. It is necessary.
About The Foundation: My Personal Practice
My Ashtanga practice isn't about nailing advanced poses; it's about showing up on the days when I would rather stay in bed. I’ve learned that the real work happens in the unglamorous moments—the tiredness, the stress, and the resistance. When I guide your team, I teach them how to use these same grounding techniques to navigate burnout without needing fancy flexibility or perfect form.
Beyond the mat
Many people view yoga as a way to get fit or become 'calm.' For me, it is the exact opposite. My practice is where I go to deal with the noise of daily life. I have spent years committed to the Ashtanga Primary Series, not because I want to master a specific shape, but because the consistency of the routine calms my nervous system.
Why routine matters
In my sessions, I often emphasize that you do not need to be a yoga expert to benefit from movement. Whether you are dealing with a high-pressure deadline or just feeling generally overwhelmed, the principles remain the same:
- Repetition: Doing the same simple breathing and movement patterns helps the brain switch off from the 'doom scroll' cycle.
- Grounding: We focus on feeling your feet on the ground and your breath in your body, which is the fastest way to exit a stress response.
- Reality: I am open about my own struggles with burnout because I know that pretending to be perfect helps nobody. My sessions are judgment-free zones where you can drop the corporate mask.
Bringing this to your team
I bring this exact approach—grounded, practical, and highly adaptable—to my corporate wellness sessions across Delhi NCR. We do not need a studio or specialized equipment. We use the space you have, whether that is a conference room, a cafeteria, or a lawn during an off-site, to create a moment of genuine pause.
Sonakshi Dhamija
I'm Sonakshi. I burned out once while trying to be the perfect teacher, so now I teach from a place of reality. I don't want to mold you into a pretzel; I want to help you find a pause that actually helps you breathe.
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