My Journey as a Yoga Teacher: A Reflection of Balance, Devotion, and Transformation

My name, Sativa, carries deep significance, rooted in the divine love story of the Hindu deities Sati and Shiva. Their relationship is a beautiful symbol of unwavering devotion, balance, and cosmic transformation. Sati, the goddess of loyalty and self-sacrifice, loved Shiva, the god of yoga and transformation, with a devotion that transcended life and death. This eternal connection between the divine feminine and masculine energies inspires my own journey with yoga.

Much like the balance between Shiva's dynamic energy and Sati's serene devotion, I strive to bring harmony into my teaching, intertwining movement and stillness, strength and surrender. My name is not just a reminder of this cosmic balance but also a reflection of the balance I seek to help my students find in their own lives, both on and off the mat.

My Early Journey with Yoga

Yoga has been with me since birth, thanks to the influence of my mother. For all 23 years of my life, it has been my constant guide, supporting me through the highs and lows. Growing up as a competitive dancer, yoga provided the grounding I needed to balance the physical and emotional demands of the sport. It taught me how to listen to my body, to be mindful of alignment, and to find moments of stillness amidst the whirlwind of movement.

This early connection to yoga shaped me into the compassionate and insightful instructor I am today. My personal practice has evolved over the years, informed by countless hours of learning and teaching. I’ve come to deeply value the balance of yin and yang—two opposing yet complementary forces that mirror the natural rhythms of life. In my classes, I incorporate this philosophy to create a blend of dynamic flow and restorative stillness, helping students cultivate both strength and flexibility.

From Dance to Yoga

My background in competitive dance gave me a profound understanding of body movement, alignment, and flow. These skills translate seamlessly into my yoga teaching, where I emphasize proper alignment and mindful, dance-like transitions. I believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level, so my classes are designed to meet students where they are while challenging them to grow. Whether guiding a beginner or an advanced practitioner, I focus on helping my students build both physical strength and inner awareness.

Grateful for My Teachers

I owe much of my growth as a yoga teacher to the many remarkable mentors I’ve had the privilege of learning from. These teachers have shared their wisdom with me, and their insights continue to influence my practice and teaching style. Each day, I am filled with gratitude for their guidance, and it is this gratitude that fuels my desire to share yoga with others. Through teaching, I aim to pass on the transformative power of yoga, helping my students achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance.

Teaching Philosophy: Balance and Transformation

Yoga, for me, is a practice of transformation. It’s not just about the poses or the physical benefits—it’s about cultivating a deeper connection to oneself and finding balance in life. This philosophy underpins everything I do as a yoga teacher. In my classes, I create an environment where students can explore their own potential, whether through a challenging flow or a restorative yin practice. I encourage them to listen to their bodies, honor their needs, and embrace the journey of self-discovery that yoga offers.

Through compassionate guidance, I hope to inspire my students to embark on their own journeys with yoga. I aim to foster physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience in everyone who practices with me. Whether you're seeking balance, strength, or a deeper sense of self, yoga has the power to transform your life—as it has transformed mine.

By sharing my journey as a yoga teacher, I hope to inspire others to explore the profound practice of yoga and discover the balance and transformation it can bring. Join me on the mat as we cultivate harmony between movement and stillness, strength and surrender, and the divine balance within ourselves.