In times of emergency and critical situations, I felt a true reliance on the practice and teachings of yoga that I’ve been studying for almost 20 years now, since 2004. As a result, I didn’t stop conducting sessions and from the very first day of the war, I supported my students, helping them adapt to the new circumstances. I conducted a series of workshops and seminars in various countries in Europe and Ukraine. I assisted in dealing with anxiety disorders and the loss of loved ones, all thanks to my yoga practice.
The skills of self-control have been immensely helpful during wartime and have become my crucial internal support. Yoga manifests in a state of profound inner peace, emotional control, and finding answers to very complex questions — where to move forward and what desires are important.
This was particularly noticeable after moving to Switzerland. I continued to engage in my favorite activity — teaching yoga. It provided tremendous support during my adaptation to a new country.
Interestingly, during the war, I had an introduction to the esoteric international yoga space, practicing at Regina Kurti’s studio alongside her. After all, yoga is united in spirit. I felt a greater sense of maturity and an incredible value for tradition.
On a lighter note, in Switzerland, I constantly encounter yoga instructors. My neighbor turned out to be a yoga instructor. Even my insurance agent’s mother teaches yoga.
With the onset of the war, the value of yoga practice has grown even more for me, as well as the value of the school, teaching, and continuous learning in this field.
I see the same effect around me. Our students continuously engage in volunteering in various countries and on various scales worldwide. This is a source of great pride for me. Some students have written books during this period. Some of my students became mothers in bomb shelters. Many have completely transformed their lives and continue to engage in and practice yoga. It has also helped them become a source of support for each other.
Yoga helps reevaluate the path taken and make the right choices.
The practice contributes to emotional hygiene and the elimination of inner limitations. Therefore, today, more than ever, the time is right!
Yoga instructor, leader of the We Love Yoga instructor team, organizer of the Sex Culture project, Yulia Yaroshenko