Monika, a breast cancer survivor, began practicing meditation and yoga during her battle with cancer in 2012. Subsequently, she experienced a sense of peace of mind and positivity, which aided in her mental recovery. Through yoga stretches, she felt better physically than ever before.
Monika found so much peace and solace in yoga and meditation that she pursued her first teacher training, completing a 200-hour RYT program in 2018 in Hong Kong. Later, she continued with advanced teacher training, completing 300 hours, as well as 100 hours of kids teacher training, 50 hours of meditation, and even Face Yoga teacher training from Rishikesh,India
As a volunteer teacher at the Andiyappa yoga community, Monika worked to promote yoga and health among underprivileged individuals. She strongly believes that the power of our breath, specifically through practicing Pranayama (breathing techniques), can assist in the management of 70-80% of chronic diseases.
Monika’s philosophy regarding yoga is that it encompasses much more than just practicing asanas (postures). By finding the right balance between breathing, asanas, and meditation, individuals can experience a healthy and happy life. She emphasizes focusing on proper alignment and providing hands-on adjustments before progressing to the next step. Monika believes in the principle of “Yoga sthiram sukhasana,” which means that any posture one can comfortably hold is yoga. She encourages her students to listen to their bodies and avoid pushing themselves too far. She offers modifications for postures so that people can choose what feels right for them.
In her classes, Monika creates a gentle and inclusive environment, focusing on each individual and providing appropriate modifications so that no one feels left out.