Anil Jangi is a dedicated yoga practitioner with over 18 years of experience and more than 6 years of teaching. Specialising in Vinyasa Flow Yoga, she emphasises the harmony between breath and movement. Her fluid sequences focus on physical alignment and mental clarity, guiding students towards a balanced, harmonious state of being.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she spoke about her practising Yoga in the nature, teaching at Kew Gardens and much more.
What inspired you to start practising yoga, and what motivated you to pursue teaching it?
My motivation for yoga began at a young age, rooted in my Indian heritage. I started attending classes regularly and quickly fell in love with the practice. I think due to early exposure, combined with my love for fitness and sports, naturally led me to yoga. My spiritual inclination led me to yoga, where I found a way to blend this with physical practice. I pursued teacher training to share the holistic benefits of yoga for mind, body, and spirit. My journey expanded with workshops and retreats abroad, further deepening my commitment to teaching yoga.
How has your yoga practice evolved over the past 18 years, and what key lessons have you learned along the way?
I live a deeply spiritual life, and for me, yoga is about connecting with my body on a profound level. It’s an embodied practice that helps me feel more present and grounded. Although I initially taught in gyms and health clubs, which often focus on aesthetics and workouts, I found that yoga offers something more internal and meaningful. While my experiences in those environments were valuable, especially for understanding injuries and fitness levels, yoga allows me to teach somatically, helping people return to their bodies, calm their minds, and experience true relaxation. It’s about moving beyond just physical exercise to truly embodying and reconnecting with oneself.
Your teaching emphasises Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Can you explain what Vinyasa Flow Yoga is and how it differs from other styles of yoga?
All forms of yoga are rooted in Hatha Yoga, which includes poses and asanas that can be modified and expanded upon. Vinyasa flow, for example, coordinates breath with movement, creating a rhythmic, dance-like flow from one posture to the next. While traditional Vinyasa is often fast and dynamic, my approach focuses on a slower, more somatic practice. By moving slowly and deeply, I emphasise presence and engagement with the body, allowing students to experience a more profound connection and challenge.
Gyms often emphasise high-intensity workouts with loud music, but yoga offers a different experience. My students sometimes struggle with holding poses longer and moving slowly, yet this slower pace fosters deep self-discovery and mindfulness. In noisy settings with distractions, I've learned to remain inwardly focused, staying calm despite external chaos. Initially, students may find the noise challenging, but with practice, they develop the skill to stay grounded and peaceful, finding serenity regardless of their surroundings.
How did the opportunity to teach yoga at Kew Gardens come about, and what do you find unique about this setting?
I began teaching yoga in health clubs like LA Fitness in Isleworth right after my teacher training. One of my students, a scientist from Kew Gardens, invited me to teach corporate classes there. Initially, I hesitated but eventually started teaching weekly sessions for Kew's herbarium staff. Through word of mouth, I began getting requests for events, workshops, and festivals. In 2019, Kew's Temperate House team approached me about offering yoga sessions there. Though the plan was delayed by the pandemic, we launched in 2021, right when wellness became a priority. The sessions quickly became popular and sold out. Now, we're entering our fourth year of successful classes at the Temperate House, which has exceeded my initial expectations.
How does the natural environment at Kew Gardens influence your teaching and the overall experience for your students?
Teaching yoga surrounded by nature is my greatest joy. Being immersed in the natural environment, with its exotic plants and rare species, enhances my creativity and deepens my connection to Mother Earth. Nature not only inspires my themes but also fuels my practice. Living near woodlands and frequently spending time outdoors, I find that my creativity flows effortlessly in these settings. My classes naturally reflect this connection, as I draw inspiration from the beauty and serenity of nature, making each session a harmonious blend of yoga and the natural world.
