By Jay Moodley
In the past few weeks, my journey as a student teacher at Yogam Yoga has been filled with moments of deep learning, connection, and gratitude. This week, two extraordinary experiences stood out, reminding me of the profound energy that binds our community together.
A Beautiful Monday Morning with Merishka
As I stepped into the Musgrave morning class this Monday, there was an unspoken anticipation in the air. For over 16 months, this class has been my home, a space filled with familiar faces and steady practice. Many of those present have been learning under Duncan Rice for years, shaping a bond that goes beyond yoga – it is a family.
With this strong sense of unity, I felt a slight hesitation. Would a new teacher – a new teaching style – feel disruptive? But as soon as Merishka Megnath began, all concerns melted away. She carried herself with grace, professionalism, and a warmth that was instantly grounding. She upheld the divine vibration of love, kindness, and unity that Duncan and Yogam Yoga have nurtured over time. And she did it effortlessly.
By the time class ended, as we gathered for tea, the conversation was centred on how beautifully Merishka had led the practice. That moment reaffirmed something powerful: the essence of Yogam Yoga transcends individual teachers – it is the energy of a collective, a family that holds each other up.
Wednesday’s Wisdom with Dr Sarres
Later in the week, I found myself inspired once again, this time by Dr Sarres Padayachee. Having been present when she previously taught the Surya Namaskar during her teacher training, I knew she carried a deep reverence for yoga. And on Wednesday morning, she reminded all of us of its profound purpose – the intention, the alignment, the sacred vibration that extends beyond the physical form.
As she led us through the practice, the energy in the room felt familiar yet refreshed. Just like Merishka, she honoured the space and preserved the spirit of what Duncan and Yogam Yoga have cultivated over the years. My respect for her continues to deepen, as does my appreciation for the opportunity to witness different expressions of wisdom on this journey.
The Gift of Learning
In these moments, I felt the magnitude of what it means to be part of the Yogam Yoga Teacher Training Course. It struck me most profoundly while preparing to teach Virabhadrasana 1 & 2 (Warrior Poses). As I read through the manual, a passage stood out:
“Brings auspiciousness, courage, grace, peace – strengthening the body and mind.”
Something within me clicked. It was as if this understanding had been waiting to rise to the surface.
During practice, I saw my fellow trainees immersed in their own journeys – Jackie Winfield-Brun beaming with joy, Prisana Ramnarain brimming with energy, Dannel Naidoo fluttering around with courage, Candice Jenkinson glowing with a radiant aura. It was a beautiful slow-motion moment, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be part of this experience.
When I finally taught Warrior 1, I asked my group to smile, relax, and embrace the auspiciousness of the pose. Seeing Dr Sarres smiling along was a special reassurance. It reminded me of the first time I practiced this asana with Duncan, of the feelings I couldn’t quite put into words back then – now crystallized with clarity.
Our Collective Purpose
This is why I wanted to reflect with all of you today. The privilege of learning yoga is not simply personal – it is an opportunity to serve, to share, to heal. Think about how few people in the world embark on a journey like this, and yet here we are, blessed with wisdom that can truly make a difference.
Let us continue to embrace this privilege with humility, curiosity, and devotion. We have already come so far, but there is so much more to explore.
Marking Our Journey with Seva
As the class of 2025, our number sums up to 9 – a sacred number in our learnings, one of completeness and transformation. What if we marked this with a class seva initiative?
We already have beautiful examples of our trainee yoga teachers – Amraj Dursan offering seva by teaching yoga to the children at Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) in Chatsworth, and my own small act of sweeping the classroom after every session (despite Dannel’s playful teasing about my slow pace!). What if we collectively deepened this commitment, honouring the journey ahead with service?
Let’s hold space for this thought. How can we help Yogam Yoga in its commitment to service to all. Let’s continue the conversation. And above all, let’s keep practising – with kindness, purpose, and unwavering gratitude.
Namaste.