From Journalism to Jnana: How This PR Pro Became a Certified 300-Hour Yogi | Rishabh Shukla

Yoga is not just a practice; it is an awakening. And today, I stand before you, transformed—not just in body but in mind, spirit, and purpose. After completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and a 60-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training, I have now successfully earned my 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification from the renowned Bodsphere, under the expert guidance of Samarthya Sir and Preetika Bhatnagar Ma’am.

This is more than just a milestone; it is a testament to my journey—from a journalist chronicling stories to a Public Relations expert shaping narratives, from winning multiple national awards to now immersing myself in the ancient wisdom of yoga. My life has revolved around words, but today, it revolves around breath, alignment, and inner stillness.

Beyond the Asanas: The Deep Dive into Yogic Philosophy

This was no ordinary certification. It wasn’t just about striking the perfect handstand or mastering advanced arm balances. It was a profound exploration of:

The Ancient Roots of Yoga: Delving into the Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas, Puranas, and Vedangas, I understood yoga beyond physical postures—it is a way of life, a spiritual discipline interwoven with history.

Bhagavad Gita: The Song of the Divine: Studying its philosophy helped me understand the true essence of dharma, devotion, and detachment.

The Yogic Mind & Its Layers: From Chitta Bhumis (states of the mind) to Antahkarana (the four functions of the mind), I explored the intricate workings of consciousness.

The Six Enemies of the Mind (Arishadvarga/Shadripu) & The Four Means of Practice (Sadhana Chatushtaya): These teachings revealed how ego, greed, and attachment hinder spiritual growth.

The Six Philosophies of Indian Thought (Shad Darshanas): Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta—each offered a unique lens to perceive reality.

The Science of Ayurveda & Yogic Diet: Ancient texts taught me how food is medicine, and how Tri Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) influence our well-being.

Chakras & the Subtle Body: Beyond the spine, I explored the energy centers that govern emotions, intuition, and vitality.

The Physical Mastery: 85+ Advanced Asanas & Beyond

As part of this training, I immersed myself in the alignment, modifications, and adjustments of over 85 advanced asanas, including:

Inversions

Arm balances

Twists

Backbends

Forward folds

Standing and sitting postures

Props like blocks, straps, and walls became my allies, helping me refine my form and prevent injuries. I learned not just to practice but to teach—developing skills in verbal cues, body language, and student assessments to create safe and impactful yoga sessions.

Breath, Stillness & the Inner Science

Beyond the physical, this certification took me into the depths of pranayama (breath control) and meditation techniques, exploring:

Advanced Kumbhaka (breath retention techniques)

Yogic Mudras & Bandhas (gestures & locks)

The profound effects of Mantra Chanting

Yoga Nidra: The ancient sleep meditation

Surya Namaskar A/B/C (Sun Salutations in detail)

Each session reaffirmed that yoga is not just about movement—it is about mastering the inner world.

The Transformation: From PR Powerhouse to Certified Yogi

My journey from a media professional to a certified yoga teacher is nothing short of a reawakening. Having spent years in the fast-paced world of journalism and public relations, I understand the chaos, deadlines, stress, and burnout that plague modern lives. Yoga has given me the tools to not just survive but thrive.

What started as a personal practice evolved into a calling. Today, I don’t just write stories—I embody them. I don’t just pitch narratives—I live them. And through teaching yoga, I aim to share this wisdom with the world.

Key Takeaways from My 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

✅ Explored ancient texts like the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Ayurveda

✅ Mastered advanced asanas (85+ poses with alignment and modifications)

✅ Deepened my knowledge of Yoga Philosophy (Shad Darshanas, Trigunas, Doshas, Chakras)

✅ Studied the science of the mind (Chitta Bhumis, Indriyas, Antahkarana, Shadripu)

✅ Honed my teaching skills (adjustments, verbal cues, body language, and student assessment)

✅ Mastered breath control & meditation (Pranayama, Bandhas, Mudras, Yoga Nidra)

✅ Learned the Yogic way of life (diet, Ayurveda, self-discipline, and energy healing)

This is just the beginning. As I step into the role of a teacher, I carry with me not just certifications but a deep-rooted purpose—to make yoga accessible, transformative, and life-changing for all.

Gratitude to Samarthya Sir, Preetika Ma’am, and Bodsphere for this incredible journey. Here’s to the next chapter—one breath, one asana, and one transformation at a time.

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

| Rishabh Shukla |

Storyteller. Healer. Yogi. Repeat.

An award-winning journalist turned yogi, Rishabh Shukla blends storytelling with healing. With 15+ years in PR and media, he now champions yoga for mental health, trauma recovery, and empowerment. His holistic approach fuses yoga, mindfulness, and therapeutic art, offering personalized nutrition plans and a whole-foods lifestyle. From shaping narratives to transforming lives, his mission is impact-driven and unapologetically bold.

अहम् योगी। Aham Yogi

अखण्डितः। AKHANDITAH




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