As the newest member of the DHIY Committee, we thought we’d ask Monika a few questions about her practice so we could get to know her a little better - and so you can too. We hope you enjoy this insight - and thanks to Monika for sharing!
When did you first start practising yoga and what was it like?
I began my yoga journey in 2012 in London. A colleague from the Linden House London Corinthian Sailing Club recommended a Hatha Yoga class. I went out of curiosity, and from my very first class I fell in love with yoga. I quickly realised that it was much more than physical exercise – it was a path that develops the body, the mind and awareness. From that moment on, yoga became part of my life. Since 2017, I have been teaching yoga, and every year I feel more deeply that it is a wonderful journey of self-discovery.
How did you come to study Iyengar Yoga?
After returning from London to Poland, I wanted to continue my yoga practice. I found the Asana Yoga Centre in Zielona Góra, where I was introduced to the Iyengar method for the first time. I was immediately inspired by its precision, depth and attention to detail.
I then began attending workshops with experienced Iyengar Yoga teachers. My first workshop was with Konrad Kocot at the Santosa Yoga School in Zielona Góra. After moving back to England in 2013, I continued my practice under the guidance of Cath Barnes Holt, who became my first Iyengar Yoga mentor. That was the beginning of my true journey with this method. Since then, Iyengar Yoga has completely captured my heart and continues to be my path of learning and personal growth.
What do you like most about your yoga practice?
What I love most is that yoga is a lifelong journey. Every practice is different, and even familiar poses continue to teach me something new. Yoga encourages patience, curiosity and self-awareness. It brings me a sense of calm, balance and clarity that extends far beyond the yoga mat and into everyday life.
What do you enjoy most about teaching yoga?
Teaching yoga is a privilege because I have the opportunity to share something that has enriched my own life so deeply. I love helping students discover what their bodies are capable of, watching their confidence grow and seeing their progress over time. Every student is unique, and I find great joy in adapting the practice to each individual’s needs so that everyone can experience the benefits of yoga.
What is your favourite memory of studying at RIMYI?
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to study at RIMYI in Pune, but I know it will be the next important step on my yoga journey. It has been a dream of mine for many years to study at the birthplace of this remarkable method, and I hope that one day I will have the privilege of learning there.
What benefits do you attribute to your yoga practice?
Yoga has given me strength, flexibility and resilience, but its greatest gifts have been mental and emotional. It has taught me patience, perseverance and the ability to stay present. It has supported me through different stages of my life and continues to give me a sense of stability, balance and inner peace.
Focus on a Pose – Adho Mukha Śvānāsana (Downward-Facing Dog)
Adho Mukha Śvānāsana is one of my favourite poses because it is both energising and calming at the same time. It can be deeply restorative when practised quietly, yet it also prepares the body beautifully for a more dynamic practice. I love the way it lengthens the spine, opens the shoulders and legs, and creates a feeling of balance throughout the whole body.
When I practise this pose, I pay close attention to grounding through my hands and feet while creating length in the spine before focusing on straightening the legs. When teaching, I often use props such as bricks under the hands or a belt around the upper arms to help students better understand the actions and alignment of the pose.
Helpful preparations include Uttanāsana, Adho Mukha Vīrāsana and standing poses that open the hamstrings and shoulders. Downward-Facing Dog is also an excellent transitional pose that links standing poses, inversions and backbends within a sequence.
Regular practice of this pose helps release tension in the back and shoulders, strengthens the arms and legs, lengthens the spine and improves concentration. Every time I practise it, I feel refreshed, balanced and ready for whatever comes next in my practice.