Ashtanga Yoga Retreat

As my teacher says, 'Where there is life, there is yoga.' Ever since I discovered the teachings of yoga, I have been completely fascinated by it. ​ My journey with yoga began in my mid-teenage years when I was already experiencing back pains. Yoga became my guiding light, offering me a deeper understanding of my physical and energetic body. It acted as therapy for my physical pains and contributed to my mental wellness. As I delved deeper into the path of yoga, I encountered the system called Ashtanga Yoga and found myself fully immersed in a practice rich with knowledge and wisdom. It not only helped me alleviate physical pains but also fostered a loving and humble attitude towards myself, nature, and life. ​ I feel blessed to have been exposed to various cultures and beliefs, being born to a Lebanese father and Korean mother in Iran. This upbringing taught me to keep an open mind, a gentle heart, and to cultivate kindness, patience, and compassion. Living in different countries revealed a common thread among us, regardless of nationality, religion, or belief – the importance of faith. Faith in ourselves, the effort required, and surrendering to the outcome. Faith that the universe will catch us if we fall. Ashtanga Yoga, too, is not just about shaping the body; it is a tool for us to return to our center. In fact, most of the teachings of yoga are not new; they are reminders of what we already know but have somehow managed to forget. ​ Before I started teaching yoga, I worked as a producer in a production house for about 8 years. I am grateful for that experience as it allowed me to understand various aspects of our present life. Exposure to the challenges of an intense industry opened my eyes to the reality faced by many in today's world and played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. ​ When introduced to Ashtanga, the connection was instant, and I haven't stopped practicing and learning since. With about 20 years of dedicated daily practice, I began teaching yoga in 2012. Traveling to Mysore to deepen my studies with R. Sharath Jois at the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute was a natural step forward, and I have been returning ever since to visit my teacher at the Sharath Yoga Centre. ​ I am humbled and grateful to be the first Lebanese practitioner to have received blessings from my dear teacher R. Sharath Jois to teach Ashtanga Yoga. ​ Yoga has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and my practice has helped me grow stronger while maintaining a forgiving attitude. It inspires me to live each moment mindfully and to the fullest. It is an honor to share my love and passion for yoga. I am forever grateful to my Guru. ​