New Faces at Cocoon Studio
You may have seen them around. We expanded our team recently and would like to introduce you to these wonderful ladies. If you haven't been to their classes, why not give it a go and add variation to your current practice? For newbies, you are in good hands as we have new classes for beginners, which will help build your foundation right. Read on to find out more about them!
When did you start practising yoga and how?
SY: I began in 2006 with a Taiwanese teacher when I was in university.
NV: 2013. I chanced upon B.K.S. Iyengar’s Light on life and my approach towards the practice of yoga transformed for the betterment of my inner growth.
LK: For me, it was in 2009 in Hong Kong. My aunt was an ardent Iyengar yoga student and I heard a lot from her growing up.
AN: I started practising yoga parallel to my ballet education in 1962 because I love both disciplines equally.
What got you hooked?
SY: The inner peace that I always experience after a class. It makes me feel really refreshed and helps me cope with my studies.
NV: Practising yoga has made me understand my strengths and weaknesses. The joy of overcoming my challenges got me hooked.
LK: My body and mind always felt better after a class. Along with the physical strength that I gained from practising asanas, I felt mentally and emotionally strong too. Yoga brings positive energy and that keeps me hooked!
AN: The Iyengar method of yoga develops strength, flexibility and concentration. Its application brought mental calmness and balance to my life!
What advice would you give a first-timer?
SY: Well I think it's very important to find a qualified and experienced teacher to guide you from the very beginning. This is to ensure that you start right, not only in physical movements but also the holistic understanding of yoga.
NV: It’s always good to attend yoga classes with a beginner's mind and experience the practice as it is. Having fun is crucial!
LK: Three words! Don't give up!
AN: Practise! Practise! Practise!
What’s your favorite pose and why?
SY: Virabhadrasana 3 aka Warrior 3. It is a challenging, energetic yet tiring pose. To execute this pose well, we need to put in a lot of effort, physically and mentally. This applies to daily life as well. Sometimes, we just have to keep on trying and don't give up so easily. Once we achieve the pose or overcome challenges, we will gain great satisfaction!
NV: Ustrasana is my favourite. This chest opening asana teaches me to observe the sense of surrender and lightness from within.
LK: I love them all.
AN: Me too. I don't favour a single asana! All asanas have different purposes and effects.
Who was your great teacher?
SY: My very first yoga teacher who inspired me, Ms. Lee Yu Mei from Taiwan. Then Sandrine Laborde (my first Iyengar yoga teacher), and of course my mentor, Sri Nandakumar.
NV: Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar will always be my great master.
LK: George Dovas.
AN: Senior Iyengar teacher Peter Thomson.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome?
SY: My impatience. I can get easily frustrated. My consistent practice has brought an internal change and improved my interpersonal relationships. Yoga has enabled me to tackle life challenges head-on. There is much joy derived from within that is priceless.
NV: I have a much positive outlook towards life. Yoga also inspires me to overcome physical and mental obstacles with confidence.
LK: I apply the eight limbs of yoga as a whole to most aspects of my daily life.
AN: Yoga has helped me to focus and understand myself better!
Sin Yue teaches Beginners Iyengar Yoga on Sundays.
Nava teaches Beginners with Props.
Lakshmi teaches Restorative Yoga and Level 1.
Ai Nah teaches Restorative Yoga and Level 1 & 2.
