I remember Prajwala joining us during our first (in a very long time) Beginner’s Series with Gina in 2021. She exuded joy and curiosity from that very first day. Since then, we have seen alot of Prajwala and we are so happy that she enjoyed yoga and that she felt that she wanted to continue to share her practice with us!

Here’s a bit more about Prajwala……

Hometown: Kasargod, Kerala (India)
Sign: Sagittarius
Favorite color: My friends say it’s blue coz my wardrobe has a lot of shades of blues

What would your last meal be?

Neer dosa (translates to water rice crepe. Dosas are rice crepes) with malabar fish curry, Idli-sambar (fermented rice cakes in lentil soup), and of course, top it off with a croissant (guilty pleasure).

What brought you to yoga?

I have had an on-off relationship with yoga. While I was introduced to yoga when I was 12, I did not find it approachable until I was in my late twenties. I started exploring a few yoga classes and noticed that surya namaskara in the mornings really helped with easing nasal/sinus congestions. It gave me a sense of calm and grounding as I started my day everyday. During the pandemic, however, I lost this routine. I wanted to bring the practice back in my life, and found Tula Yoga in my neighborhood.

What brought you to TULA?

Proximity to home. I used to live less than 5 mins away. So, that really helped me build a habit of coming in multiple times a week. Even though I live a little farther out now, I continue to come back to Tula because of the community and its approach to yoga. I love how each teacher has a unique method and is inclusive to practitioners in different stages of their yoga journey. I really like the community at the studio, they have always been welcoming and open to sharing their stories.

What is your favorite yoga pose (and why)?

Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) and Bakasana (crow-pose)
When I started practicing at Tula, I came in with the perception that Bakasana was a very advanced pose and I would never be able to master it. But, the teachers at Tula were able to break it down and make it more approachable. Now, when I get into the pose, I find it as a reflection of my mental state - I am unable to stay in the pose, if my breath is not in sync with the present. So, it’s a good reminder for me to be present, and I like using this pose as a litmus test.
Ardha Chandrasana - I remember it as a fun pose - splat on the wall with your body, as Gina would call it during our intro sessions.

What are the benefits you have experienced from a regular yoga practice?

Yoga has allowed me to appreciate that each day is different, and my body can (or cannot) do certain things on a day. Yoga has allowed me to listen to myself, my body and understand what it needs in that moment. It has allowed me to be more mindful and present in activities I do, rather than constantly multi-tasking.

What is your least favorite pose (and why)?

Mandukasana (frog pose) - my knees, ankles just don’t love it. I’m always waiting to get out of it.

What advice would you give someone just starting yoga?

Every day is different and your body is different every day. Appreciate that, and listen to your body as you move through poses. Focus on the breathing in each pose, rather than holding on to a pose. Eventually, you will build the strength to get into poses that you thought were impossible. In the meanwhile, be consistent with your practice and patient with yourself.

What is your favorite after-yoga activity?

A walk after yoga is my go-to. On weekdays, I like to walk back home, make some dinner and relax. Over the weekdays, I like stopping by at Collectivo for tea and reading a book.

List 3 fun facts we don’t know about you:

● I can speak 5 Indian languages, outside of English of course
● I started learning to play the harp in the last year
● I love tea - all kinds. I have a collection at home, and pick teas based on my mood and
time of day :D