My Personal Path: Philosophy and Practice
Yoga is not something you do for an hour to get fit. It is a state of being you return to. This is the philosophy—the blend of science and tradition—that informs every session I guide.
I was honored to be featured on the Prana channel podcast to discuss a topic very close to my heart: yogic parenting. In this clip, the host introduces my background and explains that our conversation goes beyond asana to explore how the principles of yoga apply to the journey of raising children.
I was deeply humbled to serve on the jury for the "51 World's Most Unconventional Young Yoga Instructors." This image is an announcement from the organizers, and it was an honor to help uphold the integrity of the list by reviewing applications from teachers around the world.
In yoga, a "third" element can often be a revealer of truth. This text explores how a challenge, a craving, or even a difficult life situation can test our practice and show us how much love and strength was really there all along.
On International Day of Yoga, I shared these reminders for how to invite others to the practice. Instead of lecturing, we can hold space with compassion. We must respect their rhythm, because their journey is sacred, even if it looks messy.
On International Day of Yoga, I shared these reminders for how to invite others to the practice. Instead of lecturing, we can hold space with compassion. We must respect their rhythm, because their journey is sacred, even if it looks messy.
On International Day of Yoga, I shared these reminders for how to invite others to the practice. Instead of lecturing, we can hold space with compassion. We must respect their rhythm, because their journey is sacred, even if it looks messy.
If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.
If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.
If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.
If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.
About My Personal Journey
My teaching was born out of a pivot from a decade in media to a PhD in yoga biomechanics. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all regimen because your body and your history are unique. Before we step onto the mat, we look at your alignment, your medical history, and your emotional state to build a sequence that actually serves you. This is where my academic grounding meets practical, compassionate healing.
My journey with yoga started in 1995, but it was not until 2011 that I realised my true calling lay in teaching. After working in media, I felt a pull toward something deeper—the 'why' behind every posture and the science of how movement connects to the mind. This led me to complete my PhD at S-VYASA, where I explored the intersection of biomechanics and traditional philosophy.
The Philosophy of My Practice
I teach with the understanding that you are not a customer, but a student. Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain, PCOS, or the weight of trauma, my approach is to create a space where your nervous system can feel safe enough to release. We use clinical assessments to understand your specific constraints, and then we apply traditional modalities—Pranayama for the nervous system, Asana for alignment, and Yoga Nidra for deep rest.
Beyond the Mat
My sessions are not about pushing your body to conform to a standard; they are about using the tools of yoga to navigate your specific life season. If you are here, you are likely looking for more than just a workout. You are looking for a way to anchor yourself. Whether we are working on somatic release for stored trauma or simple breathwork to manage daily stress, the goal is always the same: to help you arrive, exactly as you are, and begin the work of healing from there.
Manasa Rao
I’m Manasa. I spent years in the fast-paced world of media before finding that my true work lay in the ancient science of yoga. I teach because I believe that healing is not about fixing a broken part, but about remembering your own wholeness.
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