At 64, she’s one of Singapore’s longest-serving yoga teachers who connects yoga with her heart
I started yoga in 1970. I needed to exercise because of my secretarial work. Ever since I started, yoga had me wanting to keep learning more and more. Yoga gives me strength and vitality in my life, as well as the ability to manage and cope at times when I am low.
When I was a new mother, practicing yoga gave me the energy to balance home and work. During my middle age, my yoga practice helped me recover and recuperate, and I felt less lethargic. I breezed through menopause as yoga helped balance my hormones. Now in my old age, I feel yoga gives me the ability to observe and better relate to myself and my emotions from the inside. I feel yoga renews me and I constantly feel alive.
What is your style of teaching, and how do your students respond to it?
For me, connecting with my heart is very important. It is not what is out there but what is in here (heart) that is important. So, often at the end of a class, I ask students to share their feelings and observation when they were practicing. This helps them become aware of their emotions and state of mind. Students may sometimes feel intimidated in sharing something that is personal, but gradually start to open up. Many more are encouraged to share when they hear similar ups and downs, and it helps the class move forward.
What do you feel about doing yoga with a partner/buddy?
We are all one, the word yoga means “to yoke” or union. Yoga with loved ones or friends is a wonderful opportunity to feel connected while developing and improving our practice. Community is important to help support each other in our growth and development.
Why is Singapore getting hooked on to yoga?
As technology advances and society becomes more fast paced, all our senses are being pulled out and away from ourselves. Even in our personal life, we seek what tastes the best, what clothes looks the most beautiful, etc. What is outside becomes more important than what goes on inside. Yoga is a very good way to integrate ourselves in terms of senses and emotions, mentally and physically, and give us the skills to look and feel within, yet function and be cohesive among modern society.
This article was first published int he print edition of Yoga Journal Singapore, which is now Yogahood Online.
