Corporate Yoga is FUN!

Oh how I enjoyed teaching this group of Yoga students at Viacom which comprises MTV, Nicklodean, Comedy Central.

I looked forward to every Thursday to teach them. Lessons started at 6.30pm. I would arrive early, put aromatherapy diffuser and some soothing music. Once the aroma floats into the office, the students started to stream in, one by one, unfolded their mats. I see the smiles, enthusiasm and eagerness for physical punishment and mental calmness... it sounds like an oxymoron, but its not really. Through Yoga breathing and calmness of mind, the asana is slowly executed with ease slowly slowly, week after week. From a wobbly tree pose during the first lesson, to a steadier tree second lesson as the earth's energy travels through the body. Week after week, the body gets stronger and after a few weeks the feet is rooted to the ground, stability sets in and calmness of the mind is attained.

I always like to start the class with Oohm to tap on the universal sound into our own system, nadi shodana to balance the energy flow in the nadis, followed by guided meditation. After a hard days work, I think its something which is welcomed. To have some me time on the mat and to just be one with the breath, nothing else matters.

Each week, the sequence after the warm up changes. I would think my YOga is weighted on mindfulness. I will also explain the benefits of each asana. I think its important for students to   understand the benefits of each asana instead of just going through the motion.

Its not unusual after class, for students to come up to ask for some poses to help in therapy of certain physical discomfort. I love to share what I know and the energy is so wonderful before, during and after class.

I had one student who had been trying to get pregnant, maybe the lessons managed to relax her. I was so happy when I was told her absence from class was due to her pregnancy.

After the first 3 months of lessons, the management wanted to change to a different type of exercise but due to poor demand, I was called in again to resume my lessons for another 3 months.  I was happy. My students were happy.

We had fun playing. Laughed when we tumbled. Nobody took themselves seriously during YOga. Its a playground. Its when adults go out to play at work! Laugh, be a child, roll in a pretzel, be a strong tree, be a cat, a cow, a rabbit and  a fierce lion. Whatever, through Joy, you find your BALANCE.

However, on the last month, a family decision was made for us to move to Kuala LUmpur. With a very heavy heart I told my students that July  2015would be my last month.

I remember the last few lessons, some wanted to learn to do the headstand. So I prepared asanas to strengthen and prep their muscles...some were afraid, some were gung-ho... but ultimately everybody had their feet against the wall and their head on the floor.

By the last lesson, we did a wave of headstand one by one against the wall.

I will never forget the smiles. The sense of achievement on their faces. I was one of them. For some headstand came easy. Not for me. I had to work for it. I had to learn which muscle to activate and control. Its through this self awareness, that I am able to empathise and instruct my students.

AFter the lesson, I was in for a surprise, there was a lovely cake, presents from YoungLiving and a beautiful written card from all my students.

They will forever be in my heart.. I will always treasure my memory with them. Namaste.