Ashish Arora
Ashish grew up in India in an environment where the scriptures and the Bhagavad Gita were very much part of life.
After spending 16 years as an engineer in the computer and video game industry, he decided to take a break and teach yoga. The deeper he dove in, the more he was convinced this is what he wanted to do. Yoga had changed his approach to life, opening a new pathway to an almost constantly lived joy.
He now wants to bring it to others. And he's been teaching full-time since 2015.
Ashish teaches with a smile and brings his fun personality to his teaching, just like his own practice. He weaves in yogic philosophy while leading a challenging, but not too serious asana practice.
Q&A with Ashish!
What's something you do to keep yourself grounded in your day?
I try to be present for the "small" things. Eating my food without picking up a screen. Giving eye contact anytime I can, from the parking attendant to the grocery store to the Yoga studio and everywhere in between.
What's a song that's been inspiring you lately?
The whole gamut of songs by Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl. Never listened to his songs much before. But watching all the people and the trees sway to his music while passing some wonderful messages really lit me up. I like swaying and dancing pretty much anywhere. His songs are a great way to do that.
How did you get into yoga?
I was working at Nintendo. I was in my late 30s and my family and my doctor were constantly reminding me of the need to do something for my fitness. I was overweight and a foodie who was working a desk job. I started going to the company gym 2-3 times a week to attend fitness classes. I accidentally ended up in a yoga class when they changed the time for one of the strength classes. And here I am. :)
How has your relationship with yoga changed over the years?
I started yoga from a very fitness and workout perspective. Yoga started as asana which was either "right" or "wrong", and a means to get "fitter". Now it is something I try to live every moment of my life, asana or not. The asana is just one fun way to practice it.
How do you hope students feel in your class or leave feeling?
I strive to provide a space where students feel empowered to choose between rest and fun intensity. I want them to discover their own untapped physical and mental strength. I invite them to walk away with a perspective that trades self-seriousness for self-discovery. And hopefully a calmer nervous system.