Saturday 18 / May / 2024
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background?
I’m Samyuktha Arun, the VP of Operations and Training of Yoga City Oman, a yoga studio nestled in the heart of Qurum. With a passion for wellness and a deep understanding of yoga, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals improve their physical, mental, and spiritual
wellbeing through the practice of yoga. I have received professional training in various styles of yoga, allowing me to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs. Recently, I’ve also been exploring the transformative power of sound therapy and healing, integrating it into my yoga sessions to provide a holistic experience for my students.
2. What led you to pursue this profession?
My connection with yoga began during childhood when my grandfather, a yoga Instructor, first introduced me to it. Over time, my passion for yoga deepened, especially when my mother also chose to follow the yogic path. Recognising my love for this transformative practice, I made the decision to become a certified yoga instructor over 5 years ago and continue to keep learning.
3. Describe a typical day in your life?
My day kicks off at 5:30 AM as I get ready for my sessions. Typically, I have an average of 5-6 classes scheduled throughout the day. I prioritise finding pockets of time between sessions for my personal yoga practice and other physical activities that bring me joy, such as animal flow. Alongside running the yoga studio, I’m currently pursuing my masters degree, which adds an extra layer of challenge in maintaining a work-life balance.
4. What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges, I would have to say, is the operations part of running a yoga studio. Being a small business, I find myself taking on various roles within the company, such as content creator, customer service representative, yoga instructor, accountant, and more. What has worked for me is dedicating specific times of the day or week to each role and working through them systematically. If I need assistance with any of the tasks, I don’t shy away from seeking advice from more experienced individuals.
5. If you could choose, what are the three most traits in yoga?
Three traits of yoga that truly resonate with me are compassion, friendliness, and joyfulness.
I have always learned to be compassionate and friendly towards my students, which allows me to establish a stronger connection with them. As a result, they have made remarkable progress in their practice, and I feel grateful to be able to share the joy they experience through their yoga journey.
6. What is the best advice you received and from whom?
The advice that resonates with me the most is the importance of lifelong learning, which I have received from both of my parents. This mindset has been a driving force in my journey, inspiring me to delve into different yoga styles and expand my expertise, not only in the field, but also to experience and learn about new passions. I am deeply grateful for this guidance because it serves as a reminder that age should never limit our capacity to learn and grow.
7. What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is witnessing my students leaving each session with smiles on their faces. Additionally, observing their progress and dedication in their yoga practice is like the cherry on top, which brings me immense happiness.
8. What accomplishments in your life are most appreciative of?
I am most appreciative of the accomplishments in my life that have shaped me into the person I am today. Firstly, obtaining my certification as a yoga instructor was a significant milestone for me. It not only allowed me to pursue my passion for yoga but also empowered me to positively impact the lives of others through teaching.
Secondly, establishing and successfully running my own yoga studio has been an incredible achievement. It required hard work, dedication, and overcoming various challenges. Seeing the studio thrive and witnessing the positive impact it has on the well-being of my students brings me a tremendous sense of fulfilment.
Lastly, I am grateful for the opportunity to continuously learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Engaging in further education, attending workshops, and expanding my knowledge in various aspects of yoga and wellness has been a rewarding accomplishment.
It has not only deepened my understanding but also enabled me to offer a higher level of guidance and support to my students.
9. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why ?
If I were to choose a superpower, I would love to have the ability to teleport. Exploring new cities and immersing myself in different cultures is a great passion of mine. Just imagine the joy of skipping airport queues and traffic jams, appearing in a new city in the blink of an eye!
10. If you could go back in time to change something, would you do it?
I’m not someone who tends to dwell on the past. My focus lies more on the present moment and planning for the future. Therefore, I don’t have a desire to go back in time and change anything.
11. Who has been your biggest influence or mentor?
My biggest influence and mentor would undoubtedly be my mother. She has played a significant role in shaping my journey in the field of yoga. I have learned a great deal from her, and her guidance, motivation, and support have been instrumental in guiding me to where I am today.
12. Talk to us about work life balance- myth? Necessity? Or both?
Absolutely, it’s not a myth but a necessity! Yoga teaches us the importance of balance. Too much of anything issn’t good for our wellbeing. When we achieve a balance between work and personal life, we become more productive, feel less exhausted, and can maintain a healthy social life, which is essential for everyone.
15. Why Yoga?
Yoga is the art and science of a healthy lifestyle, building a connection between body and mind. It offers more than just physical exercise; it is a way of life. So the true question should Be: ‘Why not Yoga?’
14. Can you tell us about any significant turning points or defining moments in your life?
In December 2020, a significant turning point occurred when I made the life-changing decision to embark on a new career path. I chose to join Yoga City as the driving force behind its operations. This pivotal moment not only shaped me into the person I am today but also influenced my core beliefs and values. Embracing this opportunity has allowed me to transform my own life in profound ways. It has granted me the privilege to share my love for yoga and extend its incredible benefits to a wider audience. Teaching yoga has become my passion, and I am dedicated to spreading its positive impact far and wide.
15. Do you have any future goals or aspirations you are working towards?
I am determined to promote the widespread benefits of yoga across diverse communities in and around Oman. My long term goal is to expand its reach beyond the current location and extend it to various cities in the Middle East. Although this presents a formidable challenge, I am fully committed to this endeavour and actively working towards making it a reality.
16. If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?
If granted one wish, I would sincerely hope for a society where every individual has access to basic necessities and equal opportunities. I feel fortunate to have had access to both, but I am acutely aware that many people around the world still suffer from their absence. This wish stems from a genuine concern for the wellbeing of all. While it may seem like an ambitious aspiration, it is a vision worth pursuing.
17. Is there anything else you would like to share or highlight about yourself or your profession?
I feel truly blessed to be able to teach yoga in a country where the people have accepted and welcomed it with open arms. It brings me immense joy to witness its embrace by individuals from diverse communities, which serves as proof to yoga's ability to transcend borders and cultures.
18. If you were to write a book about your life- what would the title be?
My approach to life is living in the present and taking things as they come. Therefore an apt title for a book about my life would be, ‘One day at a time’.
