Today we’d like to introduce you to Jas Bhandal

Hi Jas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Yoga has always been a component of my life from the time I was very young, only, it wasn’t called “yoga”. It was simply a part of the lifestyle my family and I lead. Meditation, movement, introspection, community impact, and understanding our mind and breath, were all modelled for me at a young age and infused into the culture.

I was first exposed to a western “studio” practice when I was in university. The practice itself felt good, the movement, the heated studio, and the calming essential oils.

The first thing I noticed though, was that there were not very many people who looked like me in the commercial yoga space. Most of the teachers were white, slim, and considered pretty by western standards. I noticed that I felt as though I didn’t quite fit in, but I enjoyed the practice so much that I was able to focus on just that for a while. It was after I practiced there for a few years that I considered teaching yoga. After completing almost 800 hours of combined training, I felt ready to offer something to the broader community. My goal was to reclaim the Eastern roots of the practice and to bring a focus on the holistic and layered nature of yoga in our lives.

Now, I run a boutique yoga school that allows for space and integration of the theory and application of yogic principles into our life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road has been a winding one! There have been some challenges along the way for sure. As a small business owner and facilitator, there are many processes and operations on the backend that are sometimes overwhelming because they’re not taught as core subjects in school. Things like bookkeeping, accounting, social media management, understanding KPI and other business metrics are all things that are crucial to help make informed decisions about next steps.

I can also say, that along this winding road, there have been some incredible views and vibes too! I’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful mentors, friends, and leaders along the way. It’s coloured my vision in ways I didn’t quite know before, and I wouldn’t trade it in for anything :)

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am the founder and owner of a boutique yoga school in Ottawa, where I specialize in creating transformative spaces, retreats, and courses that promote an introspective approach to the holistic practice of yoga. I am recognized for my commitment to building a strong sense of community through various initiatives, including cooking workshops, sliding scale options for community events and classes, and collaborations with like-minded individuals and organizations. These efforts are deeply rooted in my core values of trust, compassion, and authenticity.

I am particularly proud to have been voted Ottawa’s favourite yoga teacher for two consecutive years, a testament to the positive impact my work has on the community. My greatest pride comes from seeing my students apply the principles and practices they learn in my courses to their everyday lives. Many have shared that my trainings have profoundly changed their lives, fostering personal growth, well-being, and a deeper connection to themselves and others. This positive feedback and transformation within my students truly set my school apart and inspire me to continue my work with passion and dedication.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?

Growing up, I was the quiet bookworm. I loved (and still love) to read. I was marginally athletic, but always felt out of place playing sports. I tended to keep to myself, but was always observing the space around me.

I was always interested in challenging the status quo. Growing up in a culture that could be viewed as restrictive, I found myself questioning the double standards and pushing myself to try knew things. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a supportive family that has helped elevate my curiosity through meaningful conversation. Through this, my confidence grew, and I felt bolder and more grounded in who I am as a person. It’s allowed me to be okay with taking some risks and not judging the outcome.

Pricing:

• Belize Yoga and Meditation Retreat – 2000 USD

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yogawithjas.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/yogawithjas
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/yogawithjas

Image Credits
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