Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Azad.
Hi Sonia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After spending 20+ years as a career television news reporter + anchor, I came to a crossroads in life: keep doing what you’re doing, which is going really well… or explore the edges of discomfort and dip into the unknown. Curiosity has been my greatest companion in life. In 2023, after many tough conversations with mentors, I decided to flip my side hustle and main gig. I became a nearly-full time yoga and meditation instructor, and chose to work in TV journalism part-time as a freelancer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Sales and business were never part of a college curriculum for me. I had to start from scratch. I’ve used YouTube, books, advice from mentors, failed ideas, and revenue loss as opportunities for growth.
The speed at which tech is advancing presents both tremendous possibility and (for me) a huge hurdle. Just when I get the hang of new software or learn to use a tool effectively, things change. It’s keeping me on my toes for sure. Learning to gracefully navigate every shift– unseen, unimaginable, and undesirable– has been the ultimate test of how well all of my yoga and meditation training has worked for me, personally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I tell people that I’m a yoga teacher, usually the response is: “I tried hot yoga once and hated it.” Alternatively, I’ll hear: “I need to stretch more; I’m so inflexible.”
I don’t teach a regular 60-minute yoga class or basic retreats. And my clients are mostly ‘everyday people’ not advanced practitioners. Anyone who has experienced my classes would say the same. I help people to first to connect to their breath, which is central to how we move. I teach myofascial release techniques that help people to learn about their own anatomy and physiology. I infuse neuroscience to help students to understand their brain and body connection, relaxation and stress responses. So, you see, yoga is a lot more than being thin, young, female, privileged or flexible.
This is a daily practice that includes the wisdom of thousands of years. People in the western world are just now awakening to holistic ways of living and the importance of breath, mind and body combined. This is what I’ve been teaching for more than a decade.
One of the main differences between a mediocre yoga teacher and a really great one is their desire to continue to learn. I’ve practiced yoga all over the world for 25 years and still take at least one new training from an advanced teacher every year. From Chinese medicine to sound healing, I feel that immersing myself in science-backed strategies and ancient techniques that can move the needle on the health of people in today’s stressed, rushed, overwhelmed society is the greatest and most impactful gift I can offer.
When people in the United States hear the word yoga, they immediately think of a physical practice. The yoga I teach is about what happens off the mat– which includes strategies for a stronger body, mind, presence and compassion. The yoga I teach is really about the art of living.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love partnerships with purpose. I prefer to work with aligned brands, media, and organizations that advance authentic wellbeing.
From speaking engagements to mindful content and brand collaborations, I bring clarity, credibility, and compassion to every partnership.
My website includes all the information needed to learn about my services: Online Yoga Classes and Memberships, Private and group lessons, retreats around the world, etc.
www.sonia-azad.com
If someone would like to support my work (at no cost), the easiest way to do so is to subscribe to my free weekly newsletter and follow me on Instagram: @SoniaAzadTV. It is always appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sonia-azad.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniaazadtv/
- Facebook: Sonia Azad- Health & Wellness
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-azad-43a0a2396/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AzadWellnessCollective
