Meet The Yoga Teacher – Shelly Reen from Qazigund, Kashmir

Tell us about yourself

My name is Shelly Reen. I was born in a small town in Kashmir named Qazigund. My primary education was also from there. I completed the rest of my education in Jammu and did my Masters in Tourism Management from School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu. Thereafter, I started Atithi Devo Travels in the year 2012 and ”Yoga with Shelly” in the year 2016.

What is yoga for you and how were you first introduced to yoga?

Yoga for me is a way of life. It has influenced my life in many ways. Yoga is not just about those difficult physical postures (asanas) we see yogis doing, although they are also an integral part of yoga. It is a science of right living, a complete holistic system in itself. It works on almost all the aspects of human life: physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual. The real essence of human life lies in good health and yoga helps you maintain that. A healthy mind can only reside in a healthy body and yoga helps you maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body.

These days the lifestyle we follow, the work and emotional pressure we have deteriorates our health physically and emotionally.

My quest for health and spirituality drove me towards yoga since childhood, but it was always as a physical exercise. Sitting in front of the laptop for long hours and the stress which came along took me towards my yoga mat. I took yoga as an integral part of my life few years back and then never missed practice even for a day. That’s how I went into yoga and decided to teach others as well and share my own experiences.

When did you start teaching?

I have been practicing yoga from long and officially started teaching in the year 2016 and since then it has been a blissful experience.

What type of student do you want to attract?

I really wish the young generation and kids get attracted towards yoga. Due to busy work schedules and studies, they forget giving priority to their health.

What’s your favorite posture and why?

Every posture works on different parts of your body, so all are my favorites. But still, if I have to choose one, it will be WHEEL POSE (CHAKARASANA). It is an intense backbend and stretches your body completely. It is considered a perfect heart opener and heals your heart and soul.

What would you like the students to take home with them after attending the yoga classes in your school?

I don’t consider yoga as a physical exercise only and always advise my friends to not to come to my class for weight loss only. Yoga does help you in losing weight, but that is not the only benefit of yoga. The real extra weight lies on your mind and soul, shred that first and rest everything will follow. For me, it is important when my friends leave class for home they should be relaxed, at peace and ready to take on the day with a positive attitude.

What is your advice to yoga beginners?

Be gentle and nice to your body, love it, do not hurry or push yourself hard. It is just a beginning and there is a long and wonderful road ahead, just enjoy the journey.

What would you say to someone who thinks yoga is not for them?

Yoga is absolutely for everyone. Depending on your age and physical conditions, you should do your type of practice and for that, it is very important to do it under the guidance of a teacher.

I won’t say that yoga is only the best form of exercise. There are many other good forms as well, but when we compare its vast benefits both physically and mentally, then it overshadows the rest.

If you weren’t a yoga teacher, what would you be?

I personally believe that one should be in good health always and so I practice yoga and ask others to do the same. If not a teacher, I still would have incorporated yoga into my lifestyle. I am already a satisfied travel expert and would have continued my travels 🙂

You can follow her on Instagram here www.instagram.com/yogawithshelly