We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maha Bodhi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with MAHA below.

MAHA, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – The Bhagavad Gita.

This ancient wisdom perfectly encapsulates the essence of yoga, a practice that goes beyond the physical to touch every aspect of our being.

After surviving a brutal upbringing in Yemen, where I was enslaved as a female, forced into arranged marriages twice, faced multiple life-threatening situations, and endured two civil wars, I eventually arrived in the U.S. and was later diagnosed with breast cancer. Yoga has been my anchor, a sacred space where I learned to let my light shine and be all that I am. My purpose now is to share this gift, to hold space for others to transform, and to pass along the yogic teachings I’ve gathered throughout the years. This book is a part of that mission.

My journey into yoga began in the most humbling way. My first class was not just challenging; it was downright brutal. After years of neglecting my body and avoiding physical activity, I found myself struggling to keep up. During this first class, I got so sick that I had to roll up my yoga mat and sneak out the back of the class to leave within the first ten minutes. To add to my embarrassment, the class was taught by the iconic yoga teacher and inventor of power yoga Bryan Kest.

That initial mortifying experience at Kest’s class planted a seed deep within my consciousness. I saw the glow on the faces of seasoned yogis, the serene and awakened look that spoke of a life experienced differently. I yearned for that same inner peace and strength. So, I made a commitment to myself—I didn’t give up. I kept showing up, class after class, gradually growing stronger and finding my way into the flow, the elusive “yoga zone.” It wasn’t easy, and it certainly didn’t happen overnight. Yoga is, after all, a practice. It required dedication, patience, and most importantly, compassion toward myself.

There’s a saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Over a decade of devoted practice, I was fortunate to study with celebrity yoga instructors like Travis Eliot and Lauren Eckstrom, earning my Yoga Alliance instructor certificate.

MAHA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I remember my first day in yoga teacher training vividly. Travis asked me to introduce myself, and I said, “Hi, my name is Maha.” He then asked, “Do you want to share with everyone what Maha means?” I explained, “It means ‘big beautiful eyes.’ It’s a common name in Yemen, where I am originally from.” Travis smiled and added, “‘Maha’ also means ‘the great’ in Sanskrit, which is the ancient language of yoga.” At that moment, everyone in the room looked at me with a gaze that seemed to recognize “You were destined to be a yogi.” It was then I knew I had arrived, that I had finally found my home and place in the world. I realized my life would never be the same, and I was right.

Life has a way of coming full circle, as I eventually ended up teaching yoga at Bryan Kest’s world-renowned yoga studio, Santa Monica Power Yoga. Later on, Kest, as a featured guest trainer, joined Yogi Maha Method teacher training that I developed. I stood on prestigious stages and led inspirational speaking engagements, hosted five-star international yoga retreats, and special events for Fortune 500 corporations. I was honored to be featured in the HBO documentary “Scars Unseen.” Alongside incredible women like Michelle Obama and Serena Williams, I became represented by the Harry Walker Agency in Beverly Hills, California, and I continue to strive to inspire and empower others through my work.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I personally wrote Yogi Maha Method, a book that is filled with actionable steps to develop inner peace, mindful movement and personal transformation. This book is designed to guide you through the intricate path of becoming a yoga teacher. Whether you are at the beginning of your yoga journey or looking to deepen your practice and understanding, this book offers comprehensive insights into the philosophy, practice, and teaching methodology of yoga. In this book, you will find detailed discussions on the history and philosophy of yoga, practical advice on developing your personal practice, step-by-step instructions on key asanas, and essential teaching techniques. We will also explore the business aspects of becoming a yoga teacher and tips for fostering a supportive community.

Take your time to absorb each section, practice the exercises, and reflect on the insights shared. This book is both a guide and a companion on your teaching journey. Yoga is a continuous learning experience, and this book aims to support you every step of the way. Embarking on the path of a yoga teacher is a deeply rewarding experience that will not only transform your own life but also touch the lives of countless others.

You will find a journey that challenges you physically and inspires you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Embrace this journey with curiosity, dedication, and joy.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

My teachings are designed to help you heal, transform, and ultimately, manifest your best life. So, roll out your yoga mat, open your heart, and get ready to embark on a transformative journey.

Welcome to your practice. Welcome to your transformation. Welcome to the beginning of your best life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yogimaha.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogimaha108
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MahaBodhi108
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahabodhi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MahaBodhi108

Image Credits

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