Mysore to Now: 2024, A Year of Cycles and Transformation

As I sit down to reflect on 2024, I can’t help but think about its numerology. When you break it down, 2024 adds up to 8—a number that symbolizes balance, strength, and transformation. Turn it sideways, and it becomes the infinity symbol, a reminder of life’s unending ebb and flow. But for me, it also calls to mind the shape of a circle—complete, whole, and ever-turning.

This year felt like moving through a circle, where every experience brought me back to something deeper within myself. Beginnings and endings blurred into each other, teaching me that growth isn’t linear; it’s cyclical. Each challenge, each connection, each moment on and off the mat was a piece of this larger, infinite pattern.

Circles are grounding yet expansive. They remind us that what we give comes back, that every inhale meets an exhale, and that life is always in motion. Our individual journeys may look different and as you read through my reflections, I invite you to think about your own circle—what has come full circle for you in 2024? What moments in 2024 have shaped your journey?

Starting the Year at the Source

The year began in Mysore, the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga, where I had the privilege of practicing under Sharath Jois. There’s a certain magic that comes with starting the year in a space so deeply connected to the roots of this practice. Practicing under Sharathji felt like stepping into the pulse of the practice itself.

Sharathji’s presence was a reminder that the practice isn’t just about the physical postures; it’s about showing up with discipline, dedication, devotion and determination, day after day, trusting in the process. His teachings reminded me of the simplicity and beauty of returning to the mat each day, allowing the practice to shape me from the inside out. It was an experience that grounded me and set the tone for everything that followed.

Have you ever felt the need to go back to the source of something that’s important to you —whether in yoga, your passions, or your life? Sometimes, revisiting the foundation of what we love can offer unexpected clarity and direction.

Learning from Remarkable Teachers

This year brought incredible opportunities to practice with world-renowned teachers, Laruga Glaser and David Fredriksson—moments that felt like the culmination of choices and steps I took years ago. I first discovered the practice of Ashtanga yoga through one of Laruga’s social media posts, filmed on a rooftop in Mysore. That single moment of inspiration set in motion a series of decisions that eventually brought me to where I am today. In many ways, I consider her one of my first teachers.

Though our paths crossed in person years later in Mysore, her online videos had been a significant part of my learning journey long before. It was a delight & a dream come true to meet her & practice under her guidance for a whole month. Her depth of knowledge and approach to the practice opened new perspectives for me—not just in asana but also in how yoga unfolds off the mat. Her dedication to the practice inspires me to deepen my own. Laruga taught with authenticity, precision and grace. David's warmth reminded me that even in the pursuit of mastery, there is always room for softness.

I was also blessed to learn from many other knowledgeable teachers throughout the year, Sam Silversides, Joseph Armstrong, Edgar Navarro & a few others. Each of them brought their own unique perspective and a sense of kindness that touched my heart.

These teachers reaffirmed my belief that yoga is not just about learning techniques but also about embodying compassion and humility in all that we do.

The Warmth of Sangha

One of the most beautiful parts of 2024 was being surrounded by a community of practitioners, or sangha. The diversity of backgrounds, life stories, and perspectives was humbling, and yet, there we all were, united in one simple thing: our practice. We came together each morning, moving with the breath, chanting the opening prayer in unison, expressing gratitude as one and sharing moments of silence. It reminded me of yoga's ability to create unity, no matter where we come from.

Outside the practice space, I found myself nourishing old friendships and building new ones—some within the yoga community, others in unexpected places. From quiet conversations over chai and coffee or shared laughter during a meal, these moments of connection became just as meaningful as the practice itself.

Yoga Is Life, and Life Is Yoga

2024 also brought its share of big decisions—ones that required me to step out of my comfort zone and take leaps of faith. These moments of uncertainty became opportunities to lean into yoga and its philosophy as my compass. Each decision felt like a turn in the cycle of growth and transformation, pushing me to trust the process and embrace change.

Yoga isn’t just about what happens on the mat. It’s in how we navigate life’s challenges, stay present, and align with what feels authentic. This year, that truth came alive for me. I made the bold choice to quit my corporate job and return to teaching yoga full-time—a decision that required letting go of security and trusting in my path and my intuition. I also started releasing patterns that no longer served me, whether in my habits or in the way I approached relationships. These conscious choices extended to the people I surround myself with, prioritizing connections that nurture and inspire me. Each of these shifts felt like stepping into the infinite cycle of growth, shedding the old to make space for something new.

Life, in turn, offers us countless opportunities to embody the practice. Every choice, every challenge, every moment of uncertainty this year reminded me that life is a sadhana in itself. So I leaned into that truth, allowing the practice to guide not just my body but my heart and mind as well. These decisions weren’t easy, but they were necessary. They’ve been a reminder that the cycles of life, much like the breath, are always in motion—expanding, contracting, and offering endless chances to realign with our purpose.

Are there areas in your life where you’re being called to take a leap of faith? Maybe yoga, as a practice or philosophy, could support you in finding that balance and trust.

Gratitude for a Guiding Light

As 2024 drew to a close, the Ashtanga community faced a tremendous loss with the passing of Sharathji in November. His teachings have been a beacon for so many of us. While his physical presence is deeply missed, the teachings of a guru live on through the students who embody them. The circle continues, reminding us that what is shared and learned can never truly be lost.

As I reflect on his impact, I want to express gratitude to the many teachers I’ve been fortunate to learn from over the years. Each of them has shaped my practice and contributed to my journey in ways I can’t fully express. Their wisdom, kindness, and guidance have been essential in helping me grow, both on and off the mat.

Who has been a guiding light in your journey? Take a moment to acknowledge their influence—and if you can, let them know.

Moving Forward, Together

As I reflect on 2024, I can see how decisions made years ago—choosing to explore Ashtanga yoga, committing to consistent practice, moving to Goa and remaining open to learning—have manifested into these powerful opportunities. It’s a testament to how the cycles of life come full circle, offering us moments of growth and transformation when we least expect them. As I step into 2025, I carry its lessons forward—each one a part of the continuous flow of learning and renewal. From the grounding I experienced in Mysore to the authenticity of the teachers who shaped my path, and the connections that flourished within the sangha, this year has reminded me of the profound ways we evolve through shared experiences and the infinite circle of growth they create.

If any part of this story resonates with you, whether it’s the call to deepen your practice, embrace uncertainty, or cultivate connection, I would love to walk that path with you.

I offer group and private yoga sessions(online & in-person), where we can explore how yoga can help you connect with yourself, embrace challenges, and find balance in your life. You can find my teaching schedule here.

What about your 2024? Which moments, lessons, or connections felt like part of your own cycle of growth and transformation? I’d love to hear from you— connect with me on Instagram (@gofindyourself.yoga) or through my website. Let’s continue to grow, learn, and support each other, on and off the mat.