Manogyan Mishra’s vision for yoga goes beyond physical fitness, aiming for holistic well-being and cultural connection. As the founder of Yog:Yogstudio in Calgary, she has been transforming lives through yoga, bridging the cultural gap between India and Canada with her unique approach. On World Yoga Day, delve into the journey of Manogyan Mishra, founder of Yog, and her mission to make yoga accessible to all.
Manogyan’s inspiration stemmed from a personal need. “Missing the classes I used to attend in India and finding many classes repetitive, I decided to start teaching,” she shares. Her determination and passion for yoga found a welcoming audience in Calgary.
Reception from the Calgary Community
The local community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I was accepted with open arms,” Manogyan recalls. A memorable moment during her training was when she encouraged participants to smile during tough poses, resulting in giggles and marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Challenges as an Indian Yoga Instructor
While the journey has been fulfilling, it hasn’t been without challenges. Manogyan notes a significant difference in how yoga is perceived: “In Canada, yoga is often seen merely as physical exercise, unlike in India, where it’s a holistic practice.” This lifestyle difference makes certain poses, like a simple seated squat, more challenging for Canadian students.
Advice for Indian Yoga Instructors Abroad
Manogyan’s advice is to be mindful of the students’ lifestyle. “Many of my Canadian students have tight toes due to wearing shoes from a young age. Incorporate toe-stretching poses in every class,” she suggests.
Personal and Professional Transformation through Yoga
Yoga has profoundly impacted her life. “My struggle with depression led me to yoga, and now, depression is a thing of the past,” she shares. Professionally, she is on a growth trajectory, eager to touch more lives through her practice.
Celebrating World Yoga Day
To celebrate World Yoga Day, Manogyan is conducting a Tratak Kriya workshop. “This practice brought a lot of positive changes into my life,” she says. Tratak Kriya, which involves concentrated gazing at a candle flame, offers immense benefits, especially for those with eye strain.
Inspired by her recent experience with Tratak Kriya, she aims to share its benefits with as many people as possible. “After practicing for an extended duration, my eyes felt incredibly light, and I slept like a baby,” she notes. The workshop is especially beneficial for those with eye strain from screen use or driving long hours.
Incorporating Tratak Kriya into Daily Routine
Manogyan recommends a simple daily practice for eye relief: “Cup your palms, place them over your eyes, and flutter your eyes 20 times. This will moisturize and relax your eyes.”
Disclaimer: Individuals with eye conditions, such as recent surgery, should avoid this practice.
Vision for the Future
Manogyan’s goal is to make yoga accessible to everyone in Calgary. She dreams of supporting cancer patients, helping them gain strength, resilience, and solace through yoga.
Joining Yog
Interested individuals can join Manogyan’s classes by texting or whatsapp her at 587-969-2258, messaging on social media, or emailing [email protected]. She offers a complimentary trial class, group classes, private sessions, and drop-ins.
