My interest in yoga has formed roots from my childhood. I was born to Yoga family; and it was because of this, that from my childhood I was witness to the commuting of masters, instructors and authorities in the arena of yoga. Their discussions and debates were always appealing to me and caught my attention. Their discussions regarding varied topics such as, the philosophy of yoga, implementation tactics and the benefits of the asanas was like a tale for me; even though, my perception of these profound topics was insignificant, but listening to them, used to bring me extreme pleasure. It was from those times, that I would always hear, of the benefits of the physical or body movements, or the asanas of yoga and the role of these techniques, in being therapeutic, in the treatment of many of the physical and mental disorders.
My curiosity concerning this matter increased day by day. In the midst of that, I got acquainted with an Iranian citizen who was performing research and studies in the field of the ‘therapeutic effects of yoga on the mind’. We were decisive to commence an extensive research with the help of one another. That mission finally concluded in our marriage. After marriage, we came to agreement on moving to Iran.
I had built up incredible ideas in my mind before I got to Iran. But in fact, at a first glance everything appeared absolutely strange for me. The national dress code for females was very strict. Women were wearing loose clothing and covering their hair with head scarf. That was challenging for me. There were many other cultural differences which used to make me nerves. I was vegan since childhood and traditional Persian food usually included meat. It was difficult for me to find vegetarian food at restaurants. I had always believed in Ahimsa (non-violence) and it was weird for me to believe in scarifying sheep for religious purposes. The situation came as a blow for me and the worst scenario was missile attacks because Iran was still at war with Iraq. I found no way to abscond. At the very age of bitter disappointment, the golden words of Sage Patanjali grabbed my attention…
Atha Yoga anushasanam
Now begins the study of Yoga
(Yoga Sutras 1.1)
And that was the dawn of new era in my challenging life. I could embrace the core of Sutra with every cell of my being. I could feel the power of “Now”. I thought being a yogi I must have maturity and capability to communicate with both desirable and undesirable situations. I decided to take challenge of self-discovery and full commitment. I began to learn new language, associated with new culture and tried my best to get completely absorbed in Iranian culture. Eventually I dived in more deeply and started teaching yoga to native people in their own language. I also utilized yoga for wellbeing and worked as a yoga therapist.
Along with my husband we established a joint Yoga and Psychology Center with high standards of practice, multi-range activities, always being a pioneer in setting standards of teaching, training and practice. We also published the first yoga journal in Farsi. The results of all these efforts concluded in the innovation of a new style named “ Cyclic Yoga” Its applicability for well-being has been subject of various research projects in the scientific work in collaboration with universities and health programs in hospitals in Iran.
I owe my life to yoga. Yoga teachings helped me to cope and negotiate with contrariety. Yoga teachings led me to self-development, gave meaning to my life and changed me from a mere practitioner to yoga trainer, researcher and therapist.
Namaste
Yoga master with more than 30 years of experience in Iran and India, born in Ahmadabad India and grown up in a yoga family. Owner & Educational Director of Payam-e-Mehr International Yoga center.