Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaishali Shah.
Vaishali, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I am Vaishali. I want to start by saying that who I am today and what I do is nowhere near what I thought I would grow up to be and do! After my MBA from a premier institution, I went into a rewarding corporate career. I worked through several organizations, roles, promotions, international assignments and recognitions over a span of two decades. And then came a moment when I knew somewhere deep down that it was time to pivot and do something more, something else!
I grew up in India (the birthplace of yoga) but never crossed paths with yoga! My mother-in-law had suggested a few times that I try yoga but does anyone ever listen to their mother-in-law? Well, I did. And as I enthusiastically stepped into my 40s, I decided to try it to find out what yoga was all about. Could it help me enhance my wellbeing and age with good health and grace?
I bought myself a beginner yoga class package at a beautiful local yoga studio, one with the highest ratings and great reviews. However, my first yoga experience was not very promising. I was intimidated by the teacher, the speed, expectations and energy of the session. I did not feel yoga was a good fit for me. I also wondered if this was really authentic yoga. All I remember was walking out of the studio thinking, ‘yoga isn’t for me’.
But I’m a lifelong learner and always up for a challenge. So, a few months later, I decided to give yoga another try. This time, in a small group class with an authentic teacher (no hype) who was focusing more on the students than the poses and flow.
And this time, something clicked!
Yoga and I found each other quite interesting. I started practicing regularly and almost immediately, I started feeling more energetic, calm and balanced. I wasn’t bothered as much by unfavorable things. I felt sharper and more in control. I lost weight, gained muscle strength and started eating better. I started sleeping better and feeling more joyful. I felt more ‘well’ and alive than I had done in my 20s and 30s!
The impact of my Yoga practice on me compelled me to dive deeper and understand it better. I signed up for a 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) to build deeper knowledge of this ancient wisdom and its impact on our everyday living.
Yoga taught me so much that I felt I needed to share this with others like me. I wanted everyone I knew to experience and enjoy the benefits of Yoga. It began with helping friends and family and soon I was teaching my corporate colleagues, kids, seniors and members of the community. I grew with every session and student. I was fortunate enough to find excellent mentors and wonderful opportunities to build my practice and grow as a yoga instructor. Yoga and me, we were meant to be!
My life as a corporate executive, a social entrepreneur and a busy multi-tasking mom did not leave me much time to focus on sustainable self-care and well-being. Yoga had transformed it to a more joyful way of living and taught me the tools to live healthier. And now I wanted to share this with others like me.
Corporate professionals, busy adults, multi-tasking moms, people wanting to age in a healthier way, wanting to find sustainable selfcare and simply learn to deal with stress better can all benefit from Yoga. And thus, began my journey as a yoga instructor.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The transition was incredibly smooth. Learning and starting my practice of Yoga came very naturally to me. I truly believed in what I was learning and its impact on me. Sharing my learning enabled me to continue my own development as a yoga practitioner. However, building and growing my practice has needed a lot of adjustments due to COVID. Face-to-face classes and workshops have been replaced by online/virtual sessions. I continued to grow and learn and make an impact in my community. I rolled out corporate programs and workshops to help employees isolated from each other and working from home lower stress and enhance effectiveness.
The struggles I’ve faced are the usual of any entrepreneur – managing time, priorities, pivoting business plans and finding ways to reach and impact existing and new clients every day!
Yoga4restofus – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
‘Yoga4restofus’ offers authentic yoga instruction to individuals, groups and organizations in an accessible, practical and meaningful way. We meet you where you are and take you on your journey with a promise of wellbeing and joy each time you are on the mat.
Private lessons
Small Group Class
Corporate Yoga Programs
Events and workshops
Yoga for Seniors
Office and Chair Yoga
What sets us apart is our customized approach of meeting each student where they are and taking them onward in their journey of wellbeing and joy. Our sessions bring the authentic practice and wisdom of yoga to your everyday life!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is measured by impact. I consider being successful when I make a difference by helping a student start or deepen their practice, increasing strength, finding balance, enhancing wellbeing and experiencing joy through mindful, accessible and sustainable practices. I’m looking to serve individuals and organizations by enhancing lives through practices that are right for them! See you on the mat!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yoga4restofus.com
- Phone: 9722495359
- Email: yoga4restofus@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoga4restofus
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoga4restofus
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