Reshma Jagernath
Originally, the Ashtanga yoga practice was designed as a therapeutic, i.e. self-healing, practice, in which Primary Series (yoga chikitsa, or ‘yoga therapy’) cleanses and strengthens the body. Accordingly, asana, power and flexibility are often said to be Ashtanga’s driving forces, though it is arguably one’s own exploration of breath and resilience (both as elasticity and stamina) that deepens visceral awareness and increases a sense of agency. This quintessential explorative quality of the practice is what drives Reshma’s curiosity and investment in her practice and teaching of Ashtanga.
Significantly informed by a background in trauma-sensitive yoga, Vipassana meditation and all things bookish and Ashtanga, Reshma endeavours to bring to her Led and Mysore classes an atmosphere conducive to bodily awareness, self-healing, lightness and agency. Advocating, moreover, the transformative potential of yoga in the process of working through (with) psycho-trauma and PTSD, Reshma also shares her trust in and patience with the kinaesthetic self in trauma-sensitive yoga classes. With a keen eye for detail, Reshma is intrinsically guided by her Indian roots and name that encourage a kind-hearted (the Sanskrit meaning of ‘Reshma’), respectful and joyous yet grounded and demystified approach to the practices.