~ Peggy Sariolseiri ~
Background:
My journey has not been a straight path.
My yoga journey began in Iran when I was around twenty years old, at a time when I was going through different challenges in my life. Somehow, yoga found its way into my life and opened a new path for me. Over the years, my practice came and went, but whenever life became difficult, I found myself returning to yoga.
I studied Mathematics and Physics in high school and later began studying Mechanical Engineering at university. Due to a health challenge, I had to leave my studies, which became one of the turning points in my life and led me to explore different paths.
I moved to New Zealand in 2014 and, like many immigrants, experienced the challenges of starting again, finding my place and building a new life. Along the way, I explored different paths, including real estate and floristry. But through all these changes, yoga continued to come back into my life.
When I faced difficult times, both in Iran and later in New Zealand, yoga helped me get back up and keep going. It taught me to look honestly within myself, without excuses, and to meet whatever was there with acceptance. It taught me that I cannot always change what is happening around me, but I can learn to change the way I meet it — to adapt, soften my resistance and stay present.
Most importantly, yoga has taught me that I can always come home to myself — to my breath, my body and my inner centre. No matter what is happening around me, there is a place within me where I can feel safe, accepted and enough.
Alongside yoga, I have always been drawn to creativity and nature. I love working with flowers and baking, and I find that these things, just like yoga, bring me into the present moment. Nature has always been a source of energy and inspiration for me.
For me, yoga is not just something I do. It is a way of coming home to myself, again and again.
Why I practice:
I practice yoga because it brings me back to myself.
Through the body and the breath, I learn to listen, to let go of what no longer serves me, and to meet myself honestly. Yoga gives me a place to slow down, feel grounded and remember that I can always return to my inner centre.
Why I teach:
I teach because yoga has supported me through many different chapters of my life, and I want to share that experience with others.
For me, teaching is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about creating a space where people can pause, breathe, listen to their bodies and come back to themselves.
Favourite quotes:
“The key to unlock both worlds is love.” – Attar of Nishapur
“I help people as a way to work on myself, and I work on myself to help people.” – Ram Dass
“The past no longer is, the future is not yet here; there is only one moment in which life is available, and that is the present moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Yoga Influences:
Vinyasa
Inspirational teachers:
Samin Solum, Schuyler Grant, Nature
Training Certificates or Qualifications:
RYT 200 – Vinyasa Yoga Teacher
