Seattle Yoga News is on a mission to find and highlight all of the hidden, and maybe not so hidden, gems in our yoga community and beyond. We want you to learn about their experiences and perspectives, but also a bit more about their personalities, so we have a few fun questions for them. This week’s spotlight is turned towards Sumedha Khosla.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOGA?
My journey with Yoga started with Bikram Yoga in Bellevue, WA where I used to practice after working during the day at Microsoft. I loved the practice of Yoga, and how it brought peace, balance and calmness to my thoughts and gave me a sense of purpose. I fell in love with it and was determined to take it to the next level. I left my job and moved to Bangalore, India to learn the Yoga sciences, advanced Asanas to deepen my practice and attain mastery.
WHAT KIND OF TRAININGS HAVE YOU PURSUED?
I have completed Masters in Yoga Sciences from SVYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Deemed University). I got certified in 500 hr in Traditional Hatha from Yoga Chakra in Rishikesh (RYS) and have completed the teacher training to master Yoga. In addition, I have also completed 50 hours Yin Yoga from Aayana yoga in Rishikesh, 200 hr Immersion Iyengar Training from “The center of Yoga Seattle” in Seattle and 300 hr Power Vinyasa from Akshar Power Yoga in Bangalore.
WHAT DO YOU FIND REWARDING ABOUT BEING A YOGA INSTRUCTOR?
I love it when my students reclaim their inner beauty, awaken deep purpose, cultivate vibrant health through yoga. I get inspired by seeing them become the best version of themselves. I love seeing the growth, healing, transformation, and evolution in my students.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHING METHOD?
I love to introduce creative sequencing, playfulness, and inspiration to deepen the practice. I customize my practice to suit the individual needs of my students. I help students build a deeper connection with their soul through the breath.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU ALWAYS GIVE YOUR STUDENTS?
Deep Breaths are the love notes to your body. Connect with your breath to connect with your true self. I help them find a deep anchor in a soft and steady breath through challenges on the safe space of a yoga mat, and then invite them to translate it on daily life and relationships. I explain to them that Happiness comes from within. From my experience, the key to a lasting happiness is being present in every moment. When we are present with whatever we are doing, we find joy in the simplest of things.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AND YOUR GREATEST PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I gained more than 30 pounds after my second child, I was determined to get back into Yoga and worked extremely hard, and through Holistic lifestyle, meditation, Asanas practice, was able to get back into my peak form within 6 months.
I have been teaching Yoga for more than 8 years and a lot of my students are still in touch with me, and have built deep meaningful relationships with them. I find it satisfying to help them in their journey and when they share their lives with me, I feel blessed.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOGA RELATED BOOK?
My favorite book is Light on Pranayama by BKS Iyengar and all the 3 books of Aghora
OTHER THAN PRACTICING YOGA, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR WELLNESS & SELF-CARE HABITS?
I start my day with drinking Lemon water, doing 15 min of chanting and meditation. This is followed with 30 min of Asansas practice. I love eating whole foods and avoid milk, wheat and sugar. My diet consists of lots of veggies, fruits, juices and green tea. I love long walks especially when it is sunny outside.
WHO IS THE YOGI WE SHOULD FEATURE NEXT & WHY?
Ashish Arora, he is an amazing Yoga teacher and has been a guide through my Yoga journey here in Seattle.
Sumedha Khosla’s Bio: I’m a Seattle-based Yoga Instructor (originally from India) on a mission to help others become the best version of themselves through the practice of Yoga. In 2008, I started practicing Yoga to become stronger, flexible, and manage stress and anxiety. I am inspired by how the practice of Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, and Mindfulness can help heal from inside and make us feel alive, present, and healthy. My classes combine creative sequencing, playfulness, and inspiration to help my students deepen their practice, reclaiming their beauty and cultivating vibrant health through yoga and a holistic lifestyle. I customize my practice to suit the individual needs of my students.
Main Influences/Styles/Traditions: Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Candle-light gazing.
