When I left my job in March, what I wanted most was the chance to slow down and think things through. I’d tried yoga for years in different countries and languages—mostly in group settings—but I never managed to truly connect with the practice. Every time someone said, “just relax and clear your mind,” my thoughts would race toward chores, dinner plans, or my endless checklist. For a long time, I didn’t know what it meant to be fully present.

Things finally changed when my mum encouraged me to join her yoga instructor. Her classes were gentle, focused, and tailored to me. She didn’t push me to break through my barriers—she simply asked me to take things one step at a time. With her, yoga became less about perfect poses and more about connecting with myself, moment by moment.

After just a few sessions, everything started to shift. My body felt stronger, I slept better, and my mind found rare moments of quiet. I learned that peace doesn’t come on demand; it comes from showing up, giving myself space, and being intentionally present.

Why individual practice mattered

For almost a decade, my yoga experience was mostly in teams and group classes. As someone who played volleyball for years, I was used to noise, high energy, and competition. Yoga always felt almost too calm for me—like I was supposed to shut off a part of myself. In group settings, I struggled to slow down or understand the real depth of the practice.

But one-on-one sessions let me focus on my own experience, without distractions. There was no “right way”—just my way, that day. Just showing up became an act of self-trust. The first couple of weeks were tough, honestly; I had physical aches and was surprised by how challenging yoga could be. It’s definitely not an “easy sport.” I also carry the impact of an ACL tear from a 2016 ski accident, which left me unable to fully trust my right knee and leg. As a result, high-impact sports were never really an option, and that took a toll on me both physically and mentally. Yoga, however, has helped me rebuild that trust in my body slowly and gently. I’ve started to feel my strength coming back, found new balance, and gained a sense of confidence that no number on a scale can capture.

Learning about the 5 koshas

One day, my instructor talked about the 5 koshas in yoga:

• Anandamaya Kosha: happiness and peace
• Annamaya Kosha: physical body
• Pranamaya Kosha: breath/energy
• Manomaya Kosha: mind and emotions
• Vijnanamaya Kosha: knowledge and intuition

She explained that everything starts with physical presence and awareness. Whether in yoga or in life, it’s about being conscious—opening your eyes to what’s happening inside and around you. To change anything, you have to start with what you can feel, touch, and notice in the present moment. That’s the foundation, and only then can you build toward deeper layers of wellbeing.

On setting intentions

One of the practices I now enjoy most is setting an intention before each session. It could be something simple: staying focused, being kind to myself, or dedicating my energy toward a specific goal. Intention-setting helps me direct my attention and energy—not just in yoga, but in day-to-day life. When I’m intentional, everything feels more meaningful and connected.

Building a daily anchor

Even now, back in Dublin, yoga has become my anchor. I still practice online with my instructor, but also try new studios, and sometimes just move through poses on my own. Every practice begins with a pause and a question: What do I need most today, and how can I be present for it?

To anyone who’s struggled with yoga or found group classes overwhelming, I’d say: find what works for you. Maybe try slowing down, focusing on your physical awareness, and being intentional. Let yourself be exactly where you are, and not where you think you should be. That made all the difference for me.

How I make it work

• I set aside time for yoga, blocking out space in my calendar.
• I focus on how my body feels, not just how poses look.
• I remind myself it’s more about being present than being perfect.
• I set an intention, big or small, every time I practice.
• I notice every small win—balance, strength, peace—without worrying about numbers or scales.

Yoga has taught me that real change is slow, intentional, and deeply felt. It’s about being anchored, both in my body and in my life, a little more each day.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where this yoga journey takes me next. Maybe finally trying a yoga retreat—experiencing something new, deepening my practice, and meeting new people along the way. It feels like the start of a whole new chapter, and I’m ready to keep learning and growing, one breath at a time.