Yoga Alliance International Official

How Has Yoga Changed Your Life? We’d Love to Hear Your Story Yoga is more than a series of postures—it’s a journey of self-discovery, balance, and connection. For many, it begins as a way to improve flexibility or fitness, but over time, it often evolves into a practice that influences every aspect of life. Some find that yoga helps them manage stress more effectively, offering a space to breathe deeply and slow down in a fast-paced world. Others discover unexpected benefits, such as improved sleep, reduced pain, greater patience, or even a newfound sense of community. For a few, yoga becomes a spiritual anchor—something that helps them navigate life’s challenges with clarity and compassion. We know every yoga journey is unique. Perhaps your first class felt awkward, but you persevered until it became a source of joy. Possibly yoga supported you through recovery, helped you prepare for a big life transition, or gave you an hour each day that’s truly yours. Whatever your story, we want to hear it. Your experience might inspire someone else to step onto the mat for the first time—or motivate a fellow yogi to keep going. 💬 Share your story in the comments below: 1) How did you first discover yoga? 2)What changes—big or small—have you noticed since starting? 3)Has yoga influenced your relationships, work, or outlook on life? 4) Do you have a favourite pose, class, or teacher who made a difference? Your voice matters, and your journey could be the encouragement someone needs. Take a moment to reflect and let us know: How has yoga changed your life? 🙏 Yoga Alliance International Official

Why Are More Psychologists Becoming Yoga Teachers? In recent years, a growing number of psychologists have embraced yoga—not only as a personal practice, but as an extension of their professional work. At first glance, psychology and yoga may seem like separate worlds: one rooted in science and evidence-based therapy, the other in ancient tradition and embodied practice. Yet, upon closer examination, the overlap is striking. Both psychology and yoga aim to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and well-being. Psychologists spend their careers helping people understand patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour. Yoga offers a complementary pathway, utilising the body and breath as direct gateways to the mind. Many psychologists who train as yoga teachers find that the two disciplines enrich each other, offering a more holistic approach to healing. For some, yoga provides tools to address the limitations of talk therapy. Practices such as mindful breathing, grounding, and gentle movement can help regulate the nervous system when words alone feel insufficient to address overwhelming emotions. Others are drawn to the philosophy of yoga, which echoes psychological principles of acceptance, non-judgment, and compassion. There’s also a personal side to the story. The demands of clinical work can be intense, and psychologists often turn to yoga as a form of self-care. Teaching becomes a natural next step—a way to share what has supported them, while reconnecting with their own sense of balance. Ultimately, the growing number of psychologists who become yoga teachers reflects a larger trend: the recognition that true well-being is mind-body integration. By bridging evidence-based psychology with the embodied wisdom of yoga, these practitioners are creating innovative spaces for healing that honour both science and spirit. Yoga Alliance International Official

How to Create Meaningful Themes in Your Yoga Classes Stay on topic. You can start with one clear idea. One word can convey a great deal about a theme, such as "trust," "release," or "balance." Students can better connect with and carry out their intention throughout their practice when it is limited in scope. Themes that are too broad often lose their impact and feel diluted. Think about what you're going to teach. Pick a subject that has personal meaning to you to make it feel real. Think about your work and what you've learnt. Students are more likely to be inspired and interested when what you say comes from real understanding. Help it by using innovative sequencing. Your theme should match your physical chronology, but keep in mind that they are not the same. For example, a class that focuses on heart-opening poses might be made more interesting by adding a subject like "compassion" or "vulnerability." This enables physical movement and emotional tone to work in tandem. Weave it in with purpose. You can introduce your theme at the opening intention, revisit it throughout times of exertion or quiet, and conclude the class by reviewing the message again. You can use it sparingly; a little goes a long way. Themes seem to stick with people the most when they are in physically demanding poses or when they are calm and thinking. If you keep your themes basic, honest, and purposeful, you provide your pupils the chance to feel both physically and emotionally deep in their practice. Yoga Alliance International Official

Stillness in Motion: The Art of Yoga Meditation In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking often feels essential. But what if you could nourish both body and mind at once? That’s the beauty of combining yoga and meditation into a single, fluid practice. Historically, yoga and meditation were never meant to be separate. Ancient yogic texts describe āsanas (physical postures) not as the ultimate goal, but rather as a preparation for meditation. The body is calmed, the breath steadied, and the mind made ready for deep awareness. When practiced together, yoga and meditation become a powerful form of moving stillness. To experience meditative yoga, turn your focus inward. As you move through each pose, tune into your breath, bodily sensations, and subtle energy. Let your movements be slow and deliberate, guided more by rhythm than repetition. The goal is not perfection in form, but presence in the moment. Even a simple sun salutation, done mindfully, can become a meditation. Breath is your anchor. Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as ujjayi (ocean breath), helps create a gentle internal focus that quiets mental chatter. When thoughts arise, notice them without judgment and gently return to the breath—just as in seated meditation. What makes this practice so powerful is its accessibility. You don’t need hours of free time or separate routines. Just 15–30 minutes of mindful movement each day can reduce stress, increase clarity, and support emotional balance. The next time you roll out your mat, ask: Can I be fully here? With each inhale and exhale, yoga becomes more than physical exercise—it becomes a doorway to peace, self-awareness, and inner connection. Yoga and meditation aren’t two separate paths. Together, they form a single state of being: awareness in motion. Yoga Alliance International Official Roberto Milletti Roberto Boschini Frank Pasquill FRANCESCA CASSIA

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“Yoga is India’s Greatest Gift to the World” — Sri Acharya T. Krishnamacharya According to the great Master, yoga is the most extraordinary offering India has made to humanity. It is, at once, a philosophy, a science, and a living embodiment of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty — Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. These three qualities reflect the Supreme Reality, offering glimpses of the Divine and forming the foundation of the three primary yogic paths: the path of Knowledge (Jnana), of Devotion (Bhakti), and of Action (Karma). Since ancient times, the Rishis — sages endowed with elevated and extrasensory perception — regarded yoga as a divine revelation, beyond human origin. They shared their insights in the sacred texts known as the Vedas. Authentic, traditional yoga — whose deeper meaning is often overlooked today — was never intended as mere physical exercise, but as a sacred ritual: the highest path to union between the soul and the Creator. Ordinarily, the human being lives in a reactive state, governed by nature’s forces, instincts, attachments, and desires (Prakriti), and bound by the laws of karma, which perpetuate a cycle of suffering and spiritual bondage. Yoga Alliance International Official

How to Start a Yoga Studio on a Tight Budget Starting a yoga studio doesn't have to be costly, but it can be a rewarding experience. You can create a welcoming space without incurring excessive startup costs if you start with a clear vision and plan carefully. Here's how to start a yoga studio on a limited budget. 1. Begin modestly and expand gradually: Start with the essentials: insurance, props, mats, and a clean, quiet space. You don't need a luxurious studio immediately. Before entering into a full lease, think about renting a room in a coworking space, church hall, or community centre. 2. Make Use of Donated or Secondhand Equipment: Find gently used bolsters, blocks, and mats to save money. Some teachers or students might sell or donate theirs for a minimal price. Additionally helpful are local buy-and-sell groups or websites such as Facebook Marketplace. 3. Reduce Renovation Costs: Use plants, dim lighting, and basic décor to create a tranquil and welcoming ambience, rather than spending much money on interior makeovers. Do your wall painting and pick reasonably priced, practical flooring. 4. Go Digital Right Away: Decrease expenses by offering online courses through social media or Zoom. This also enables you to maintain low physical expenditures while growing your fan base. 5. Cooperate and Cross-Promote: To cross-promote services, partner with nearby wellness establishments, such as juice bars, massage parlours, or holistic stores. Partnerships can improve customer flow and visibility. 6. Take Care of Administration First: Utilise free or inexpensive tools like Google Calendar, Canva, and Instagram to manage reservations, payments, and marketing. You can assign once the company expands. 7. Create a Community, Not Just Customers: Your most effective (and cost-free) marketing strategy is still word-of-mouth. I'd like you to make an effort to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where students feel valued and supported. If you combine your creativity, resourcefulness, and heart, you can open a yoga studio on a shoestring. Follow your vision, and everything else will fall into place. Yoga Alliance International Official

The Power of Meditation "Mind Over Madness" - Volume One by Author Gary Morissette The book of our member and Canadian author, Gary Morissette—an internationally certified meditation teacher who also recently completed the Yoga Alliance International Official’s certification Holistic Meditation Diploma, as well as a professional musician, concert technician, and trained audio engineer/producer—experienced a life-altering tragedy when an accident left him a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. Following the accident, he dealt with PTSD and depression, among many physical challenges. Gary fought hard using meditations which he created by melding various styles from different cultures using both concentrative and mindfulness techniques. Now, he shares his powerful self-help method for mental wellness, interwoven with an autobiographical collection of his lyrics. "Mind Over Madness" is centred on Gary's training from Master Dev Om, the Paramita Buddhist Centre, and the Shambhala Meditation Centre. Volume one covers basic meditations from a beginner to an intermediate level. Volume two will focus on an intermediate to an advanced level, along with the science of meditation and vibrational chakra tuning. First, we must focus on the basics within volume one. With written permission from the author and publisher, “Austin Macauley Publishers https://lnkd.in/g5ca5sM2 grants Yoga Alliance International Official and Gary Morrissette the rights to utilise the book's cover and its description to feature in their upcoming communications campaigns.” Yoga Alliance International Official Veena Grover MYT. Roberto Milletti, Roberto Boschini, LUCAS ROCKWOOD, Nunzio Lopizzo, Alice Lopes, Anja Brierley Lange Atma Love Virgin Active Italia Celia Roberts Meditation School India vedic meditation

June 21, 2025, is International Yoga Day. We honour the age-old discipline of yoga, which leads to balance, inner serenity, and world peace. On this special Day dedicated to Yoga, let's celebrate the ancient wisdom of this practice, which still motivates millions of practitioners worldwide. Yoga is more than just physical exercise; it's a lifestyle that nourishes the body, soothes the mind, and lifts the soul. Today serves as a reminder that every breath we take in awareness brings us one step closer to harmony within ourselves and the world around us, regardless of how deep our practice is or how new we are. As we honour yoga's ability to change lives one pose, breath, and mindful moment at a time, let's unite in gratitude, presence, and intention. Yoga Alliance International Official Nunzio Lopizzo Ali Watts Roberto Boschini Roberto Milletti FRANCESCA CASSIA Veena Grover MYT.

The Business Advantages of Using Yoga in the Work Environment Including Yoga in the office is a calculated investment in the company's productivity, well-being, and culture. Yoga in work environments has become a viable and affordable way to improve individual and collective efficiency as companies recognise the importance of a healthy workforce. One of the most prevalent problems in modern workplaces is stress, which Yoga helps to alleviate. Frequent practice has been demonstrated to enhance mental clarity, support psychological balance, and reduce cortisol levels. As a result, team members may become more focused, make better decisions, and communicate more effectively. For businesses, this means increased output and fewer absences due to stress. Yoga improves mental and physical health. Back pain, bad posture, and exhaustion are common problems for workers who spend much time sitting down or working under physical strain. Yoga sessions and meditation at work can help with these problems by boosting vitality and lowering the chance of injury, which can reduce medical expenses and workers' compensation claims. Additionally, providing Yoga in the workplace clarifies that staff members' well-being is a top concern. In addition to raising spirits, this can help recruit and retain talent, particularly among younger workers who value comprehensive workplace benefits highly. Integrating Yoga into the workplace, whether through movement-based workshops, mindfulness breaks, or weekly classes, can promote a more resilient, balanced, and involved workforce. The organisation prospers when its employees do. Yoga Alliance International Official