Finding inner peace on the Coast

New Delhi yoga guru Sandeep Atri has set out to introduce a new way of life to the Dolphin Coast, focused on inner peace.

The 30-year-old professional chef traded in his apron and is currently completing his masters degree in yoga – with his passion stemming from the belief that inner peace and love trumps material wealth and luxury.

With green eyes and a calm voice, Atri has teamed up with Virginia Burger of Belle Mer Yoga Studio in Salt Rock with the intention of teaching people the real meaning behind yoga and not the western interpretation of what he describes as a way of life.

Also read: Yoga for youngsters

“Yoga means to reach the highest level of enlightenment that frees you from material things and worldly desires.

“It is a process that takes you to a point where you are satisfied with yourself and what you have. The physical practice of yoga is only one step in the process.

“Meditation, also known as Dhyana Yoga, helps you control your desires and emotions. If you follow the path of yoga you will start to think positively and recognise everything that surrounds you as something positive. The mind is the boss of our body and if you have control of your mind you will have control over your desires.”

Having studied yoga in Rishikesh, a city on the Ganges River, Atri realised his need for inner enlightenment at the age of 25.

Living in a fast-paced environment taught him to pause and focus on the positivity that surrounded him, but was not always seen.

“All our lives we are earning and then we get old and spend all our money to maintain our health.

“We focus on buying a house and buying a car, we are always wanting more and doing more but in that desire, we end up putting ourselves last.”

His advice is to stop looking outside and to start thinking about inner well-being.

“People want a clean house full of good things but what about a clean body? God gave us our body, but we are not taking care of that, instead, we are taking care of the outside.”

Atri will be hosting workshops at the Belle Mer Yoga Studio as well as a number of events. For more information follow the Facebook page: Yoga with Virginia Salt Rock or contact Virginia Burger at 084 455 0133.

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