Let's connect and develop a higher sense of spirituality by having a healthy body and healthy mind

Find out more about Shagun

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  Seven years back, I was in a very negative head space. I felt agitated and not at ease, something didn't feel right and that's when I went to see the therapist for the first time. I knew she wanted to help me but more than that I wanted to help me. I went to this free yoga class my mom used to go to. Being a person who loved to explore things this particular feeling of being in the class and the chanting of Aum together just made me feel something that literally dragged me towards the practice of yoga. It was then and now it's just a part of my life.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  The simplest motivation behind my teaching is that I want people to experience the beautiful art that movement is and the feeling that's associated with it. You feel open and liberated in your body, not in pain, not with physical ailments just absolutely wholesome as a human being because you feel free in your body as well as in your mind. It's important to move in your 20s so that you don't feel like 80 in your 40s. I need people to see the importance of moving for a healthy self and a healthy family altogether.

• How does your work help society?

  Oh, in so many ways! There is nothing beyond yoga. Its the ultimate truth to life. You understand about your body, your limits, your mind. You keep the diseases at bay with your practice. You feel free to move how you want to. Your blood reports get better, you breathe better everyday consciously. Yoga is a lifestyle, it's a change you have always wanted to see in yourself.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  Yoga is that one space where you just can't compare. You can't compare your journey to anyone. We are all so different in so many aspects and yoga is a journey, it's not about the destination. So if I enjoy my journey I think less about my destination. Finding a model is establishing someone on a higher ground based on their long journey of constant practice which just happens in it's time for everyone in their own way. But there are lots of people who inspire me to continue teaching and practicing. One of them has always been Kino- the ashtanga practitioner as I have always found that she has immense strength in her which isn't always the easiest for us females.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  I love to spend time with my loved ones, be it my family or my friends. I love to sit with them and discuss our lives. I occasionally enjoy watching TV series and movies. I love to read books and listen to music.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  I am not sure if this count as an anecdote but my one student would always be so grateful for that one hour we practiced together that she would literally thank me with all her heart midway session and at the end as well because she understood the value of that hour for herself being a mother of 2 toddlers and a five year old, this was the time she took out for herself and she would repeatedly say this is the best hour of my day because I feel more like myself with each practice than I ever had. It just makes me love my work more and more. This is why I teach, to make a difference.