In this inspiring story, meet Menka Purswaney, a yoga teacher with a mission to bring the transformative power of yoga to children, teens, and adults. Having experienced firsthand the profound healing effects of yoga on her own health, Menka now shares her knowledge and passion with others, helping them prevent and manage ailments through the practice of yoga.
Healing Through Yoga: A Journey of Transformation
As a teenager, Menka battled severe asthma that affected every aspect of her life. Constant inhalers, steroids, and medications became her daily companions. However, her life took a turn when her parents took her to the Jindal Naturecure Institute, a naturopathy and yoga center in Bangalore, India. Under the guidance of certified yoga teacher Menka learned asanas and pranayama, which significantly improved her respiratory system. She followed a vegan diet and embraced a healthy routine, and within two weeks, Menka felt like she had new lungs. Her asthma disappeared completely, allowing her to say goodbye to medications and embrace a more active lifestyle.
Empowering Youth through Yoga Philosophy
Menka’s passion for yoga grew even stronger when she enrolled in a two-year youth empowerment program with the Chinmaya Mission, an organization dedicated to the dissemination of Hindu and Yogic texts. Immersed in the study of ancient Hindu scriptures, she began teaching yoga philosophy to children through storytelling sessions. This experience sparked an idea: yoga could be introduced to children in a fun and engaging way.
Menka practicing the headstand pose with perfect balance and form
The World of Yoga School: A “School Outside of School”
Motivated by her own journey and the desire to make yoga accessible to children, Menka founded “The World of Yoga School” in 2020. Her unique approach incorporates art, music, play, dance, and storytelling into yoga asanas, making it relatable and enjoyable for children. Menka understands that concepts are best understood when presented in a simple and engaging manner. Her classes start with a short, guided meditation, followed by breathing techniques, and then move on to learning about yoga anatomy and philosophy through music and games.
Menka’s Sound of Yoga: A Musical Journey to Well-Being
Unleashing the power of music, Menka released an album called “Menka’s Sound of Yoga” during the pandemic. This captivating collection of yoga songs for kids and adults aims to help individuals find solace and balance in uncertain times. The album, available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, has been a source of comfort and relief for many, alleviating anxiety and promoting better sleep.
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Yoga for All Ages: Preventing and Managing Ailments
Menka firmly believes that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or level of health. While her classes cater to children, teens, and adults, her expertise lies in teaching yoga as a means of preventing and managing ailments. By combining her knowledge of yoga anatomy, mindfulness, and history, Menka empowers her students to take control of their physical and mental well-being. For children, Menka’s classes are filled with engaging activities such as yoga poses, stories, games, props, songs, and arts and crafts. Students learn not only the poses themselves but also develop an understanding of yoga’s philosophy and its potential for self-regulation and mindfulness.
Embracing the Power of Practice and Poses
Menka’s adult classes are designed to address common issues such as stiffness, back pain, tightness, and stress resulting from long hours of sitting. Through a combination of stretching, strengthening, and stress-release techniques, she aims to improve overall mental and physical health. Her classes also focus on improving digestion, respiration, and circulation, as well as addressing specific aspects of women’s and men’s health.
Making Yoga Accessible to All
Menka’s teaching approach revolves around creating a safe and welcoming space for individuals to embrace yoga. She believes that a systematic and bite-sized approach is key to helping students progress on their yoga journey. With each class, Menka takes her students deeper into the practice, uncovering the many layers and nuances of yoga. If you’re seeking to prevent or manage ailments, improve your overall well-being, or simply embrace the power of yoga, Menka Purswaney and The World of Yoga School are ready to guide you on your journey.
Source Credits: The World of Yoga School
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