India (4/6) – Yoga

Exploring India’s yoga offering was not my primary focus but I always kept an eye open for an opportunity to drop into a class. I mostly saw yoga classes advertised in touristy areas: massage places/spa and guest houses, but as it was low season, no classes were running… or at least, where I took a chance to ask. I wasn’t very inspired. The reality is that the majority of Indians don’t practice Yoga. Yoga in India is mostly for foreigners who come to India specifically for that purpose. They usually enrol for longer courses or choose to immerse themselves in ashram life for a few weeks or several months. As sad as it might sound, and just like in the West, Yoga in India is a big business… Nevertheless, I did my own practice in beautiful places, AND ABOVE ALL, caught up with my first Yoga Teacher, Sandrine! Sandrine is French – we met in Paris – and has now been living in a little heaven of India, “Tranquilandia” (land of peace), for 4 years with her husband Shahul and their two gorgeous little girls Mia and Vidya. Two very promising yoginis!!!

TIP #4: If you go to India and Yoga is high on your list, plan beforehand! Ask other yogis and teachers for recommendations, contact the teacher/school/studio/ashram in advance and ask about their weekly timetable. For longer courses, don’t get lost in the commercial offers or make a decision because their schedule suits yours. Again, research and plan ahead!