Teacher Interview: Pooja Chiplunkar
By Sarah Millman
Meet Pooja!
Pooja first began teaching online classes for the Mindful Life Practice back in 2020! In April of 2024, she also worked as one of the in-person teaching assistants for the MLP’s 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali! I decided to interview Pooja to find a little bit more about her experiences with yoga, teaching and spirituality!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Pooja, and I currently call Pune, Bharat (India), my home. My journey has taken me across the globe. I spent my childhood in East Africa and since that time, I have lived in Bharat, Mauritius, the UAE, and Canada. After spending three transformative years in Toronto, I felt a profound call to return to my roots and reconnect with my heritage.
I am a passionate Yoga and Pilates instructor, as well as a Sound Bath Practitioner. Additionally, I am proud to be associated with Maitribodh Parivaar, a socio-spiritual organization based in Karjat, India, where I dedicate my time to volunteering and service.
My unique blend of experiences has shaped my approach to both wellness and spirituality.
Why is yoga important to you? What experiences have you had in your life as a result of your connection to yoga?
My journey with yoga began in childhood, where I first started practicing asanas (the physical postures of yoga) . At that young age, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of the practice, or the importance of the daily practices that my mother taught me, but I now recognize how those early experiences planted the seeds for my spiritual growth. Simple rituals like offering water to the Sun each morning, chanting mantras, and praying to the Divine became the foundation of my practice.
During my teenage years, I eagerly participated in yoga classes every summer when I returned to Pune. It was during this time that my passion deepened, leading me to pursue my Yoga Teacher Training in Mysore in 2019. Since then, I have felt a strong calling to share yoga with others, guiding them on their own paths.
What experiences have you had with the Mindful Life Practice?
My connection with the Mindful Life Practice Community (MLPC) began in Abu Dhabi in 2020 when I first met Alex. Teaching online classes for the MLPC was a wonderful experience, and I instantly felt at home within the community. Alex’s vision and dedication to yoga have always inspired me, and I believe our shared values have fostered a fruitful collaboration over the years.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to assist in the Yoga Teacher Training in Bali alongside Alex. This experience was nothing short of transformative, allowing me to teach and learn in a breathtaking environment. My time with the MLPC has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am deeply grateful to be part of a platform that not only shares yoga but also promotes a lifestyle of personal growth and self-discovery.
What was it like teaching during the 200 Hour YTT in Bali?
Teaching during the 200-Hour YTT in Bali was nothing short of a dream come true! The venue, nestled amidst lush rice fields, provided a beautiful backdrop that enhanced the entire experience. Having everyone—students and teachers— stay onsite throughout the course, created a unique atmosphere. This immersive environment allowed us to cultivate our collective energy without interruptions, fostering deep connections and a strong sense of community.
The flow of the 200-Hour YTT was seamless and truly beautiful. It was inspiring to witness the participants’ growth and transformation over the course.
Just recently, I ran into one of the graduates in Toronto, and I was thrilled to hear that she’s now teaching at a studio! Knowing that the YTT in Bali empowered others to share yoga with even more people is a testament to the training’s impact. I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of such a meaningful journey.
“My time with the MLPC has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am deeply grateful to be part of a platform that not only shares yoga but also promotes a lifestyle of personal growth and self-discovery.”
Why have you made the choice to be alcohol free?
Living an alcohol-free lifestyle is a matter of responsibility for me. I view this body as a precious gift, and my study of yoga has deepened my understanding of how our physical form serves as a vehicle for our experiences and growth in this lifetime. It’s my responsibility to honor and care for this gift, ensuring that I can fully engage in my journey.
Consuming alcohol does not align with my commitment to spiritual growth. Research shows the negative impact of alcohol at a cellular level and its detrimental effects on our brain function. Through yoga, we cultivate shakti, aiming to elevate our consciousness and raise our vibrations. Alcohol consumption does the opposite, diminishing the very energy we seek to enhance.
As I explored the essence of yoga more deeply, it became clear to me that alcohol had no place in my life.
Choosing to live alcohol free is a conscious decision that supports my goal of embracing a sattvic lifestyle—one rooted in purity and clarity. This choice allows me to fully engage in my spiritual practices and share that energy with others.
“Choosing to live alcohol free is a conscious decision that supports my goal of embracing a sattvic lifestyle—one rooted in purity and clarity. This choice allows me to fully engage in my spiritual practices and share that energy with others.”
What would you say to others who might be considering participating in a Yoga Teacher Training Program?
If you’re considering participating in a Yoga Teacher Training Program, I encourage you to approach it with an open mind and heart.
Many people hesitate to explore yoga due to preconceived notions about spirituality or the deeper aspects of the practice. While yoga is indeed a spiritual journey, its teachings are universal and accessible to everyone, regardless of nationality, beliefs, or background.
Yoga provides a rich toolkit for personal transformation, as it helps each individual become the best version of himself/herself. As my guide and Divine Friend, Maitreya Dadashreeji, beautifully puts it, "Being Spiritual is Being Natural."
Embrace this journey for yourself—to deepen your understanding of life and yourself, and to foster personal growth.
Remember, we can only share what we have genuinely experienced. Yoga Teacher Trainings not only equip you with knowledge, but also offer the invaluable opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice.
Engage deeply with the teachings, reflect on them, and implement them in your own life. This is a key lesson I’ve learned from my guide, and it has significantly enriched my journey as an instructor.
Ultimately, I say: do it! The experience can be life-transforming, and our world needs more individuals who embody the peace, joy, and connection that yoga facilitates. Embrace the journey—you won’t regret it!
