25/07/2025
IYD 2025 PHOTO/CAPTION CONTEST WINNER ❤️
Theme : YOGA IS A WAY IF LIFE 🍀
🌻 A Glimpse Into My Yoga Journey
This year marks the fifth year of my yoga journey — a path that began not out of ambition, but from a place of emotional collapse.
When I look back at my very first yoga class, I see a version of myself that was fragile, disheartened, and drained of belief, joy, and even self-love. I was quietly battling the aftermath of a painful breakup, struggling in silence while appearing fine on the outside. No one truly knew the emotional storm I was weathering.
At one point, I realised I needed a shift — not just in my routine, but in my soul. I felt myself slowly slipping into a depressive state, disconnected from life. Then, in August 2020, a message from a friend changed everything. She invited me to ANANDAMAYA’s grand opening day. I attended as a guest, curious but hesitant — yet by the end of the event, something within me stirred. I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the next class.
And that’s where my journey began.
Fast forward to today — these five years have been nothing short of transformative. Yoga has not just been a practice; it has been a profound evolution. Through endless asana flows, deep pranayama, and soul-touching story circles, I’ve rediscovered myself layer by layer.
If someone were to ask me, “What does yoga mean to you?” — I would say this without hesitation:
Yoga is my second mother.
A nurturing presence that sees through me, grounds me, uplifts me, and lovingly pushes me to be honest with myself.
Yoga has held me through my darkest days and stood by me during my brightest — like a mother who embraces her child, offering silent strength in every moment.
I recall a moment when my cousin asked, “How did you rise from that breakdown?”
And I answered simply: Yoga.
Yoga healed me.
Yoga calmed the chaos within.
Yoga taught me to be more mindful, to accept reality with grace, and to release pain without resistance.
Yoga didn’t just change me — it rebirthed me.
Today, I am not just existing — I am living, with intention, purpose, and quiet strength.
As my master beautifully reminds us:
“Yoga isn’t just what happens on the mat — it’s far beyond that.”
And now, I truly understand the essence of that wisdom.
I am no one extraordinary — just a simple soul offering heartfelt gratitude to yoga… for finding me, holding me, and choosing me.
🌿 Why I Chose This Picture for ANANDAMAYA’S International Yoga Day Competition 2025
This image captures a quiet moment of stillness — a gentle calm reflected on my face.
The vibrant flowers represent the color and light yoga has brought into my life.
The temple entrance signifies my spiritual surrender, a doorway into deeper self-realization.
And the seated posture reflects my grounding — a commitment to remain humble, no matter what victories life may offer.
🏵 Story Behind the Picture
This photo was taken at a Shivan temple in Dubai — a visit that wasn’t planned, but divinely timed.
During a short layover at the airport, I managed to visit the temple, and what unfolded was an experience of pure grace.
In that sacred space, I sat in silence, offered my prayers, meditated, and received a humble scoop of prasadham.
That moment brought a serenity that no luxurious restaurant or iconic skyscraper could offer.
Even today, when I see this photo in my gallery, I’m reminded of that sense of peace, of being fully present, of connecting with something far greater than myself.
💐 Caption for the Picture:
"In the silence of sacred spaces, I return to myself.
No asanas, no postures — just breath, awareness, and the soul’s quiet prayer.
This too is yoga… a journey within, wherever I am." 🕊️✨🪷
