Namaste!
Welcome to Sweet Sweat Yoga Studio
Hi, my name is Parimala, and I am a certified Level 1 Iyengar Yoga teacher. My journey to becoming a yoga teacher has been anything but easy—it took me more than eight years of dedication and transformation.
A Commitment to Dharma
Teaching yoga is my dharma—a path that requires dedication and commitment. By detaching from personal distractions and connecting deeply with my students, I can guide them on their journey with empathy and care. This work is deeply fulfilling, and it inspires me to continue learning and sharing the transformative power of yoga.
Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable experience working with a wide range of students who come to yoga for various reasons, from general wellness to addressing specific challenges such as shoulder pain, sciatica, runner’s hip, knee issues, anxiety, depression, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
With the guidance and blessings of my mentors, Lynda and Heather Haxo Phillips, as well as the teachings of my guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar, I have cultivated the ability to connect deeply with my students and support them on their unique journeys..A teacher’s words, voice modulation, and cues create a space in the student’s heart, allowing them to feel and connect with their inner worid. A yogi’s true practice begins here—observing their breath, quieting their mind, and embracing a sense of stillness
The Role of Practice in Teaching
Yoga is a lifelong journey, and I remain a dedicated student. Even as a certified teacher, I practice daily and attend three weekly sessions with my mentors. Why? Because teaching yoga goes far beyond earning a certification—it requires constant learning and introspection.
Certification covers philosophy, asana, anatomy, and mentorship. But the connection with my teachers continues to be essential for my growth as a practitioner and educator. Life, family responsibilities, and the demands of teaching can tire the body and mind, but regular practice helps me realign and reconnect. Its commitment of time and money as a teacher.
When I practice asanas, I focus inwardly on each part of my body, exploring the discipline of entering and exiting poses mindfully. This inward connection enables me to guide my students with care, understanding, and precision. For me, teaching yoga is not about following a book; it’s about creating a space where students can discover their own inner connection.
Teaching Philosophy
I take a personalized approach to teaching because every student is unique. Whether I’m working one-on-one with a teenager managing asthma, an elderly student dealing with chronic pain, or leading a group class with students of varying energy levels, I adapt my teaching to suit their needs.
Iyengar Yoga provides a framework that allows everyone—from the weakest to the strongest, young to old—to practice asanas safely and effectively. Through modifications, props, and progressive sequences, students can experience the benefits of yoga regardless of their abilities or challenges.
At the end of each session, my goal is for my students to leave feeling blissful, balanced, and happy.
The Importance of Pranayama
Pranayama, or the art of breath control, is a gateway to self-awareness. It helps students connect deeply with themselves by cultivating both external and internal discipline. As teacher my personal observation, narration helps the student surrender to their breath, setting aside distractions and focusing inward helps the practitioner sleep, reduces anxiety, heaviness in chest. Observing and controlling the breath consciously instills a sense of command over one’s mind and emotions, leading to greater clarity and peace. Through pranayama, students not only connect to their breath but also discover the strength and resilience within themselves.
Yoga Philosophy
Yoga philosophy is the essence of the practice, rooted in the eight limbs of yoga as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These teachings guide students to live in the present moment, moving beyond the past or future and embracing the here and now. Through philosophical teachings, I help students understand how the limbs of yoga—ranging from ethical principles and breath control to meditation and self-realization—can be integrated into their daily lives. This holistic approach fosters a sense of unity within oneself and with the world, allowing students to experience yoga as a way of life, not just a practice.
My Personal Journey
I came to yoga during one of the most challenging periods of my life. I was dealing with a health condition that required lifelong medication, leading to depression and feelings of isolation. The excessive use of muscle relaxers left me mentally and physically drained. Panic attacks haunted my nights, and I struggled with loneliness and an overwhelming fear of death.
At my doctor’s recommendation, I decided to try yoga as a way to calm my mind. That was the turning point. My journey into Iyengar Yoga began with a simple “why?”—a question that eventually led me to explore the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Through consistent practice, I became physically stronger, emotionally resilient, and mentally calm. Yoga taught me to reflect rather than react, replacing fear with a newfound desire to live fully and mindfully.
