Name: Gokce Yazan
Profession: Food engineer, trade marketer
Other interests: Tennis (former licensed tennis player and coach), nutrition, philosophy.
How long have you been practising yoga?
When I was living in Kuala Lumpur in 2016, my friend asked me if I would like to try an Ashtanga yoga class with her after work and I said yes. It was magical! I continued practicing once or twice a week for over a year but it was never enough! After I moved to Dubai early this year, I’ve found my home-Nilaya House and I’ve now become a daily practitioner.
What classes at Nilaya House do you attend?
You can spot me in the mornings at the Ashtanga Mysore classes and I also love the Ashtanga Led class on Fridays. I’m also attending the 200-hr Yoga Teachers’ Training Course from The Yoga Institute at Nilaya House right now.
Why do you practice yoga? What benefits does it bring?
I simply love the state I am in during the practice. But it is not all. I feel as though my practice calibrates me so I can be my authentic self. Also, it didn’t take long for me to realise that body, mind and soul are connected and my yoga practice benefits my entire being.
What is your favourite posture and why?
My favorite posture is Urdhva Dhanurasana (backbend). Each time I practice this posture, I feel free and strong, not only physically but also mentally. When I started practicing yoga, it took me months to be able to lift myself up in Urdhva Dhanurasana for the first time. I still feel the same level of achievement every time I practice this posture. So it’s not about being able to achieve a new posture, but it’s about what the posture makes you feel.
What’s your advice for people wanting to start yoga?
Yoga holistically brings goodness into life. I recommend everyone to explore multiple aspects of yoga and simply keep practicing. Disturbances will be there, but you can always find your way back to the
