HELA

Welcome to Hṛdaya.

I was born in Toronto, Canada and am now based in New York City. I was introduced to movement through dance, a form of moving meditation that made me feel more like myself. I stopped dancing and went on to pursue a academic studies but felt lost and without a creative or devotional practice. As a university student I struggled with depression, anxiety, and burnout and turned to yoga in attempts to stay physically healthy during a challenging time. Being able to physically hold up my own body weight when starting my yoga practice made me feel strong and capable of supporting myself in the face of doubt.

Yoga became more than a physical practice. It has taught me what it means to show up for myself. Giving myself permission to release all expectations and take sanctuary on the mat has allowed me to move forward with a new lightness. Since completing my first Yoga Teacher Training in 2021, I have continued to become more present and strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit, through my practice every single day.

My new interests lead to a shift in my academic interests and I graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts focusing in Buddhism, Psychology, Mental Health. I have since continued my yoga education (500 RYT), graduated with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University and stayed to pursue further studies in the English Education PhD program. Continuing to learn more about the relationships between education, yoga, embodiment, well-being, health, and spirituality.

I founded Hṛdaya because I believe that helping others connect to themselves and their faith in any capacity can be a healing process. Unlearning these limiting beliefs that have convinced us that we are incapable or unworthy of living a life full of meaning, is a great gift I wish to share with others. I encourage students to enter classes with an open-mind and heart, entering in a safe space where they can connect and support each other in purposeful living.