We recently connected with Mana Takai and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mana, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

When I just finished 200 hrs teacher training, I was asked to assist another 200 hrs staying in the island, Thailand. I was between the transition of the career that I had a difficult time with doubt, fear and disconnect. I knew the previous career and life style wasn’t working for me any more. I wasn’t that person but what I was becoming wasn’t sure who I either. So I said yes. Then after 2 months being in teacher training, I reached to the person just to say I finished my training and asked if she knew someone who was looking for a assistant for training or retreat, she actually did. I got the role right away. I leaned when I was in unknown place feeling like stock, let go and just be in peace with it, possibly will open up. When it starts the process, you just go and flow with it. Life starts to align. That was a big moment I was removed from the darkness.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was in fashion industry for all my career in Tokyo until I decided to move to Thailand. I started yo go to local Yoga studios just to make friends and be in the community. I started to take yoga practice seriously and I finished my teacher training. Right after, I started to teach at my friend’s studios. When I moved Washington DC, I probably reached almost all Yoga studios in town asking for opportunities. I was still a new teacher just a few studios gave me auditions, I started from there with almost minimum wage or assistant. But I didn’t care. I learned from previous job ( I started from sales at the store), you gotta do what you gotta do, take it and show them what you can. When opportunity came, I took them. I practice and was in the community. It took years to become where I am now. Stick and stay practicing is the key for me. I have been full time Yoga teacher in Washington since 2018.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Be authentic. Be you. Don’t try to be someone else. Keep practicing. Teach and share what you practice and have experience.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I started to teach in US, I was anxious about my English skills.. many teachers spoke a lot and told stories during class. At that time, I used very short sentences and words. One time I told another teacher who hired me, I felt anxious and no confidence about English. She said she liked me because I talked and taught very simple. Sometimes simplicity works for the folks who are new or someone who likes direct communication. I learned that being in US especially, being unique or different can be strength you don’t need to be like someone else’.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://manatakai.com
• Instagram: manatakai
• Facebook: Yoga with Mana

Image Credits

The picture in front of waterfalls and personal photo, John Perthuis ( Ubud Prod)