yoga

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Practising at Home: Seven Weeks of Returning to the Roots

Woman practising a yoga balance pose on a green mat outdoors, surrounded by trees and greenery at a home in Kerala

A quiet morning yoga practice at home in Kerala, surrounded by nature.

Over the past seven weeks, I’ve been back in Kerala, staying at my parents’ home — a place that carries the quiet rhythms of childhood, family, and nature.

Practising yoga here feels different. The ground beneath the mat is uneven, the air is alive with birds and rustling leaves, and time moves a little more slowly. There’s no studio polish — just breath, movement, and presence.

This simple rooftop practice became a daily reminder that yoga doesn’t need perfect conditions. It asks only for attention, patience, and an openness to meet ourselves where we are. Being here has gently deepened my relationship with practice — not as something to perform, but as something to return to.

Sometimes, the most meaningful practice happens at home — in familiar spaces, surrounded by green, guided by breath.

This time at home has been a quiet teacher. If you’re looking to reconnect with your own practice — wherever you are — I’d love to support you through classes and mindful movement.

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Temple Stillness & a Nourishing South Indian Thali

Traditional South Indian vegetarian thali served on a banana leaf with white rice, sambar, rasam, dal, vegetable dishes, pickles, papad, and payasam in small metal bowls.
A traditional South Indian vegetarian thali served on a fresh banana leaf at Chithra Restaurant.

My visit to the Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple in Thiruvattar felt like stepping into history — the mossy stone steps, intricate wooden detailing, and calm surroundings gave the space a timeless presence.

After the darshan, my brother, sister, and I headed to Chithra Restaurant for a classic South Indian vegetarian thali. Served on a fresh banana leaf, the meal included comforting sambar, rasam, dal, avial, poriyal, pickles, crunchy papad, and a little payasam to finish.

It was a warm, homely meal — simple, nourishing, and grounding — the perfect way to complete a day rooted in devotion, connection, and quiet joy.

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A Morning of Stillness at Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple

Stone entrance of Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple with detailed carvings, a sculpted deities panel above the doorway, and trees surrounding the structure

Today I visited the serene Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple — a place where quiet devotion and timeless craftsmanship meet.

The broad granite steps lead up to an inner sanctum framed by exquisitely carved wooden beams and painted panels, while moss-covered sculptures and a canopy of tall trees lend the site a gentle, contemplative hush.

Moving through the temple grounds felt like stepping back into a living story of faith, art, and nature — simple, soulful, and utterly unforgettable.

As someone who teaches and practices yoga, spaces like these remind me how naturally the body softens and the breath deepens when we stand in the presence of stillness. The temple’s silence feels like its own form of meditation — grounding, spacious, and quietly uplifting.

May your day carry a little of this calm too.

✨🕉️

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A Taste of Home: Sattvic Tender Coconut Pudding From Trivandrum

“Traditional tender coconut pudding topped with Panjamritham served on a banana leaf plate.”

A gentle, soul-soothing dessert made from fresh tender coconut, offering a naturally light and hydrating sweetness. Paired with Panjamritham — a traditional blend of honey, jaggery, dates, ghee, and banana — this pudding becomes a beautiful balance of nourishment and indulgence.

Soft, cooling pudding + warm, rich Panjamritham = a sattvic treat that feels comforting without being heavy.

I enjoyed this beautiful dessert at Azad Restaurant in Trivandrum, sharing a calm, happy moment with my family while visiting home. Sometimes, food isn’t just taste — it’s connection, nostalgia, and a little reminder of where we come from.

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Walking Through Autumn’s Colours to My Yoga Studio

A peaceful autumn garden with colourful leaves, flowers, and a small pond leading to Smitha’s yoga studio.

The garden path to my yoga studio, glowing with the colours of autumn. 🍂

Every morning, as I walk through our garden to my yoga studio, I pause for a moment to breathe it all in — the crisp air, the earthy scent of the leaves, and the soft golden light that autumn brings.

The garden feels especially alive at this time of year. The trees glow in shades of amber and crimson, the grasses sway gently in the breeze, and the last flowers of summer offer their quiet goodbyes. Even the little pond reflects the season’s calm — still, grounded, and full of quiet beauty.

Autumn always reminds me to slow down, to let go, and to trust the natural cycles of change. Just as the trees release their leaves, we too can release what we no longer need — in our practice, in our breath, and in our hearts.

As I step along the path to the studio, I feel immense gratitude — for this space, for the practice of yoga, and for everyone who shares it with me. 🍁

Wishing you a peaceful, grounding autumn. May this season invite you to move with softness, awareness, and gratitude.

With love,

Smitha