The title I chose may seem provocative, but it reflects my journey from a simple idea to a more layered understanding of yoga’s role in healing. Initially, (as usual) I felt compelled to write about yoga as the ultimate healing modality. But as I crafted my opening, I realised I wanted to move past the familiar narrative that yoga is the universal key to well-being—a concept that often feels like a health slogan rather than a nuanced truth.

I really hate the word “wellness” or “wellbeing” - not because of what it stands for, but for what it has become. Sometimes these words have a buzz, and then they quickly lose it’s soul meaning which in English dictionary terms is actually defined as “the state of being healthy, especially when it is something that you actively try to achieve”

I recently went to an event where the question was raised “what does wellness mean to you” and after hearing the speakers on the panel share their ideas, I started to consider mine. After leaving the networking event, I felt a rush of inspiration to journal. What followed was a flurry of manic note-taking on my phone (let's be honest).

I have a tattoo on my arm that reads to the translation of "true self" in Sanskrit. I got it when I was around 26, a time when I was beginning to explore the deeper question of who I truly am and how I could uncover that essence.

Ujjayi breath is often referred to as “ocean breath” since it has sound qualities of tides coming in and out. It’s a breathing technique that has been around for thousands of years in the Eastern cultures of philosophy of yoga, and still used today to create inner calm and focus. This breath demonstrates versatility because although designed for yoga and meditation, it can be absolutely applied outside of this context to discover the same benefits.

A student recently reached out to share how he's been deepening his yoga practice, discovering its support not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. As we discussed the transformative power of yoga, it became clear that when one taps into its full potential, it can profoundly impact life beyond the mat. Yoga takes on a serious, almost life-altering tone when its benefits start influencing your daily experience.