21 & 22 April 2025
For the second time, I’ve been asked to teach morning yoga classes. The teacher from Divine Circle called me on Sunday to ask if I could please do him the favour of teaching his 8:30 classes, and I was honoured to say yes. He’s a very good teacher and his space is sacred, so to be trusted with his students and to hold space in his studio felt like a beautiful privilege.
There weren’t too many drop-in students, but I truly enjoyed the classes. Since I’ve attended a few of his asana, breathwork, and meditation sessions, I already knew the structure he used and the kind of energy he put into his classes. By now, I also know that I don’t want to teach yoga—or anything—full time, but I always enjoy the opportunity to teach when the environment is right and the energy flows organically.
I’ve been told many times that I’m a really good teacher, and it does come naturally… but I now know that my passion truly lies in the one-on-one sessions. The sacred work. The deep dives. Helping others remember who they are, awaken, and create a life they love.
Back at the hostel, it’s the usual joyful buzz of people, music, and fun conversations—and of course, everyone petting Tara, the local princess. A very fluffy chow, she steals the hearts of anyone who passes by. Her companion Rambo, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Even fluffier, and by far the laziest pup around, he barely grunts when greeted. Tara lights up at the mention of a walk, while Rambo only moves if he smells food.
Annu and I were in hysterics this afternoon when someone placed a pair of sunglasses on Rambo’s face. The poor pup froze, totally unsure what to do… and after a few moments, he simply flopped down and accepted his fate—sunglasses still firmly in place on his fluffy nose.
After a light lunch and a lazy couple of hours, it was time to return to our “torture class”—an inside joke shared among students of Neeraj’s infamous body opening sessions! His classes are incredibly challenging and push you on every level, but I felt so amazing after the first one that I didn’t want to miss any, even though my muscles were still sore from the previous days.
I’ve realised again how much I need this kind of challenge—how deeply my body and being thrive when I train hard, sweat, and push myself beyond perceived limits. When I don’t get real physical exercise for a while, I become lethargic, low, and foggy. But even when I’m sore, I feel more alive and motivated.
This class was no different. I was sweating so much I felt faint for a moment—but I didn’t give up. I pushed through, and I was so proud of myself by the end. I’ve never felt prouder of a wheel pose than the one I held yesterday! I’ve learned so many useful techniques that I’ll definitely continue using long after this trip ends.
Today’s class was focused on arm balancing, and between the giggles, groans, near-tears, and buckets of sweat, we somehow managed to hold advanced balancing poses—with a bit of grace, too.
After these intense sessions, a shower only does so much. Hunger hit with full force, and my tired legs were forced to take to the streets in search of dinner.
I’ve had a few meals at a cozy little spot down the road called The Blue Art Café. It’s new, very small and rustic, but absolutely lovable. The food is pure comfort—home-style dishes made with heart. But tonight, I was craving junk food. Something cheesy.
Thankfully, by now I’ve made a few good friends here—and Aryan was there with his bike, ready to whisk me off to the nearest Domino’s for a cheesy volcano pizza. We’ve had a few outings together—chai at Sai Ghat, chicken and lassi dinners in town—and he’s become a kind and steady presence during my time in Rishikesh.
I’m grateful again for all the beautiful connections I’ve made over these past few months, and for all the sacred, sweet nights spent gazing out over the Ganga—where light dances on the surface like painted dreams.
I’m going to miss this place more than I want to admit.
And the days are ending faster than I would like…
