"Alright my friends we are going to begin in a nice comfortable seat," says a gentle voice on my laptop screen, as we get ready for a 30-minute yoga session.
And by ‘we’, I mean me with my online yoga instructor, Adriene Mishler, who over the past few years, has had thousands flocking to her Youtube channel ‘Yoga With Adriene’, for a dose of the flow. YWA has over three million subscribers on the video-sharing website and was recognised by Google as the most searched workout in 2015.
As someone looking to incorporate the ancient spiritual practise in my life, I personally feel using this platform to kick-start my voyage has been a helpful starting point and a class with Adrienne is more that meets the eye.
Scrolling through her channel, you will find a variety of sessions for beginners and for those at a more advanced stage. Perhaps what is one of the unique attractions is that she doesn't solely provide sessions to help you get in shape. Adriene also caters to the matters of the mind and the hearts in need of healing. You'll find thoughtfully crafted sessions for people experiencing a broken heart, feeling anxious or even those who have experienced a natural disaster.
Mishler took some time out to share with this correspondent her relationship with yoga, purpose and intention for others.
Her journey with yoga began as a young adult who was looking to find something bigger than herself in order to live life more meaningfully. After falling in love with the art, she decided to pass on her knowledge by becoming a yoga instructor. "Yoga has provided me the framework in which to live my life with my eyes open," Mishler shared. "It has also provided me with the practise to love myself and find my meaningful contribution to the world," she added.
Adriene enjoys doing the standing wide legged forward fold (Prasarita Padottanasana) for good energy.
Through her channel she hopes to make a meaningful impact on people's lives across the globe. "Our intention when we started the channel was simply to help others, create a safe space and have fun," Mishler explained. "Our mission has always been to provide high quality yoga for free to as many people as possible," she further went on to say.
By making the class more than just about the physical asana practise, she hopes people take away something beyond the workout. "I try to find something new to share and take people on a ride that empowers them to dive deeper, love harder and ask questions," she said. Her inspiration for the sessions comes from her audience and are designed based on requests and stories from around the world.
Adriene recommends the seated forward fold ( Paschimottanasana) for a good night's sleep.
Mishler relishes getting feed back from her subscribers and learning about their progress, especially those wanting to pass it on. "My favourite stories are those who come to the channel unable to walk and now are teaching or guiding others through practise," she revealed.
This type of platform also gives viewers the private space to learn and perfect yoga on their own time. If you are anything like me, you may not be ready for a group session. Lazy and not wanting to leave the comfort of your own home are other excuses that come to mind that we make. Whatever the reason, Mishler said, at home yoga helps people carve out some personal time to re-energize.
Extended child's pose (Balasana) is also good for sleep, Adriene revealed.
"The at home yoga practice is the perfect place for anyone to tend to their mind and body. I think everyone would benefit from a regular practice at home in the modern day because it puts you in the role of the guru. You are in charge and you direct the activity," she believes.
"I think regular at home practice creates a deeper practice of listening than that of going to the studio. For me it’s about cultivating a regular practise that allows the time and space for you to spiral back in towards your true self," she explained.
If you are looking to begin your own journey towards becoming your best self through whatever medium, Adriene's mantra says it best: "Find What Feels Good".
