My Story
Breaking Free: My Journey from Corporate to Wellness
Chapter 1: Initiation
Imagine a life confined within the cold, unyielding walls of glass and steel, where the relentless hum of computers dictates the rhythm of your days. This was my reality after my journey through the corporate maze, from Credit Risk to Sales and Marketing Research, fueled by my MBA. But beneath the surface, a question lingered, echoing through the corridors of my mind: Is this all there is?
As I sat at the Harbour Front Building, gazing out at the vast ocean, a sense of entrapment washed over me. The ocean seemed to beckon, hinting at a world beyond those glass barriers. I knew it was time for a change.
My quest for something more led me through a myriad of hobbies. From the delicate folds of origami animals to the rugged paths of mountaineering, each new activity brought a spark of joy, yet the restlessness remained. It wasn’t until a casual day with my cycling friends that a new avenue opened up. An Instagram photo, a simple yet captivating image of two people in an acroyoga pose, piqued my curiosity.
Despite the initial stumble and fall, there was an undeniable thrill in the attempt, a spark that other hobbies hadn’t ignited. Acroyoga was different. It wasn’t just about mastering a pose; it was about connection, playfulness, and the freedom to fail and try again. In the shared laughter and collective struggle, I found not just a hobby, but a community, a sense of liberation.
In the dance of balance and trust that is acroyoga, I rediscovered the joy of play, the thrill of a shared challenge, and the beauty of being truly present. This wasn’t just an escape; it was a return to something fundamental, something joyful. It was, perhaps, what I had been seeking all along.
Chapter 2: The Pursuit
With each acroyoga session, I felt layers of stress and rigidity peel away, revealing a more authentic self beneath. The boardroom strategies and sales targets faded into the background as I embraced the present moment, focusing on the fluidity and balance of each pose.
As weeks turned into months, my dedication to acroyoga deepened. I started learning from YouTube videos since Pakistan didn’t have any acro teachers at that time. Eager to share my newfound passion, I began sharing what I had learned online with my friends. Before long, I was hosting weekly acro jams in the park, where a small but enthusiastic group would gather to practice and play.
I advanced quickly in my practice, but I soon realized that learning by trial and error was risky, especially for others. It became clear that if I was to lead others safely, I needed proper training. I found a school that offered acroyoga teacher training, but they had one requirement: to be an acroyoga teacher, you first had to be a certified yoga instructor.
Thus began my yoga journey. I traveled to Koh Phangan in Thailand, immersing myself in a month-long 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Surrounded by a conscious and supportive community, I dedicated myself to learning not just yoga poses, but also human anatomy, alignment, meditation, breathwork, and the rich philosophy and history of yoga.
For the first time in my life, I met people who didn't fit the conventional mold of success. They didn't have the perfect job, partner, or house that society often values, but they were deeply passionate about their pursuits. They were genuinely happy, finding fulfillment in doing what they loved.
When I came back to Pakistan, I wasn’t the same person any more.
Chapter: What you seek is seeking you
Coming Soon…