What’s an interesting fact some might not know about you? 

I teach yoga and mindfulness for children.

Why did you get into teaching? 

My dad was and still is an inspirational guide who made learning great fun in an interactive way. He certainly instilled a passion for teaching in me and quest for knowledge. The joy of teaching children is that they are always in the present moment and to motivate and inspire them is a deeply satisfying reward I am fortunate to experience daily.

How did you discover Yoga? Was it something you grew up with or discovered later in life? 

I truly discovered yoga and it’s ancient philosophy in India at the International Yoga Festival at the magical Ghats in Rishikesh. Born to Buddhist Sri Lankan parents, meditation is an integral part of my upbringing beautifully highlighted every full moon night. However, it was during my three months of backpacking in India that I discovered the endless journey of yoga on and off the mat.

How often do you practice, and how does it compliment your life? 

Almost daily and especially during this pandemic it has been my anchor keeping me centred and feeling grateful. Irrelevant of what happens in your day practicing yoga daily connects you back to yourself and literally breathes life back into you.

What gives you the most pleasure in your life? 

Being of service, be it to my loved ones or my immediate and extended community. Ironically I realise the more I give without expectations with an open heart the more energy and a deeper sense of contentment I receive, that lasting kind of happiness.

Parting words or advice:

The body is capable and is grateful for the practice even when the mind is making up all sorts of excuses to not practice at times. Being kind to that and persistent in your practice pays till it becomes almost second nature and eventually a way of life. As my favourite monk Ajahn Brahm would say ‘doing it is easy but thinking about it is what makes it hard’.