~ REHA Kumar ~
Training Certificates or Qualifications:
200Hr RYT and an additional Mental Health/Yoga Psychology certification.
Yoga Influences: Traditional (Indian) Yoga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Nidra, Meditation, Power.
Inspirational teachers: Swami Sanyuktanand, Susanna Barkataki, Tejal Patel.
Background: I was introduced to yoga in my childhood years by my parents as initially an after school activity and a means to understand my culture and heritage. Guided by Swami Sanyuktanand at my local temple, yoga has since been not just a practice but a lifestyle and a means of discovery for me. I had always wanted to teach yoga and thought I'd do it much later in my life. However, I decided during covid to dive straight into teaching after realising how important it was during these challenging times to be able to maintain equanimity. I also wanted to help amplify the voices of more South Asian teachers in this practice and integrate factual indigenous knowledge back into modern day yoga. My values are respect, integrity, inclusivity, accessibility, affordability, and cultural competency. I hope to always embody all of these in my yoga teaching and the spaces I create.
Why I practice: I practice because yoga for me is an embodiment of my ancestors and a way to show my gratitude for their sacrifices and wisdom. I practice because I am the most 'myself' when I do. It carries me in warmth, love, and reassures everytime. I hope to also share this with everyone from all backgrounds and especially promote the realization that yoga is far more than the shapes, the bends, and the workout.
Why I teach: I teach because I want to show that yoga is more than ableism, ageism, sexism, privilege. Yoga is silence, stillness, and spaciousness. Yogas chitta vritti nirodha. That is, Yoga begins when the fluctuations of the mind cease.
Favourite quotes:
You aren't the voice in your head. You are what listens.
