Page 233 - Adhiyoga Purana

Tessa Mair –London to Kerala a Journey into the Heart of Adhiyoga
Tessa Mair, an English Editor, health and fitness enthusiast, and lifelong sports lover from London, never imagined that a chance trip to Pai, Thailand, would set her on a life-changing yoga path. In the peaceful surroundings of a beautiful eco-village, she attended her first class with Dr. Adhiyogi — and instantly recognized she was in the presence of a real, authentic yoga master.
Drawn by his depth of knowledge and unique way of connecting with each student, Tessa immediately booked private lessons. Neel’s approach was unlike anything she had experienced before — every exercise tailored to her personal goals, every instruction both precise and encouraging. That short experience planted a seed, and soon, she committed herself to completing her RYT 200-hour Teacher Training with him in the serene setting of Marari Beach, Kerala, South India.
The training was transformative in every way. Adhiyogi’s teaching went far beyond physical postures — he wove together yoga philosophy, meditation, chanting, pranayama, and teaching methodology into a living, breathing system of practice. His mastery in asanas was unmatched. Even the most challenging postures, like headstand and handstand, became accessible through his step-by-step breakdowns and inventive use of props — walls, chairs, stairs, beds, bolsters — turning fear into confidence.
Within a single week, Tessa was holding a headstand with ease, something she had never thought possible. Adhiyogi’s acute attention to alignment, muscle engagement, and the balance between strength and softness helped her feel muscles she didn’t even know she had. He always offered modifications, ensuring safety, rest, and understanding in every session.
Life with Adhiyogi’s Adhiyoga School extended far beyond the mat. He introduced her to karma yoga, encouraging her to give back to the community — including teaching a joyful class for local children. He helped her build a daily routine, guided her towards better nutrition with organic, home-cooked meals, and supported her mental well-being during challenging personal times. His philosophy was clear: yoga is about creating happiness by setting meaningful goals, and his passion lay in helping every student achieve theirs.
For Tessa, the experience was more than a teacher training — it was an immersion into a way of life. She left Kerala with not only a deepened physical and theoretical understanding of yoga but also the tools to weave yoga into every aspect of her life.
“Neel doesn’t just teach yoga,” she reflects, “he is yoga. I will surely be his student for a long time to come, and I look forward to many more trainings with him.”
In Tessa’s heart, the lessons learned in the gentle breezes and golden sunsets of Kerala will remain a guiding light — a reminder that true yoga transforms not just the body, but the soul.
OM Shantiḥ.
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