To begin with a little bit about me – you should know that I wasn’t always this bubbly or excited about life. In fact, I grew up with a ton of fear inside of me and it caused anxiety and constant worrying. For as long as I can remember I have had troubles sleeping… I found yoga in high school, before I could drive, at the local LA Fitness. I would go on Monday evenings for a 75 minute vinyasa class and it was the one night a week that I could count on a good night’s sleep.
As a young adult I made a conscious decision to live fearlessly. I wanted to live a life where fear did not hold me back. I started traveling alone to places like Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Indonesia. I grew dreadlocks, walked around barefoot, and would even ride my skate board barefoot throughout Encinitas, much to my parents’ dismay. For me, it was about getting grounded, but I continued to have anxiety and sleep issues into adulthood.
I had surgery at then end of 2018 on my small intestines. A CT scan found Intussusception (a partial blockage of the small intestine that can become life threatening) that required surgery to remove. I went into surgery planning on being in the hospital for 3-5 days, however when I woke up in the recovery room instead of a hospital room and was told I would be able to go home that evening, I was shocked. The surgeon did not find intussusception and although I was relieved to not have an invasive surgery and long road to recovery, I was also disappointed because of the amount of suffering I’ve had with digestive problems since I was in high school.
I continue to have digestive issues daily. Not many people know this about me, because I try very hard to not let it hold me back from experiencing life to the fullest! My goal is to live an adventurous life where I can meet and connect with people around the world, and uplift / inspire the lives of those I encounter every day. However, I do cook and prepare all my own meals, even when I travel, because I currently cannot tolerate onions, garlic, bell pepper, (nightshades), corn, soy, most dairy, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, gluten, quinoa, etc. I’m very diligent with what I eat and am learning to be more diligent with how I eat as well. When I sleep well and manage anxiety I feel my best.
I love my students and also feel loved by them
It’s an amazing experience because teaching is my job but it is also my passion. I love everything from group classes to mentoring yoga teachers to working one-on-one with people on their specific goals and needs. I love leading teacher trainings and global as well as local retreats. I enjoy offering workshops and collaborating with others. The more positive energy, connection, and uplifting I can participate in – the more fulfilled I feel.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and get to know me a little bit better. I’m an open book but I don’t often share my story unless I’m asked, so if there’s anything more you’d like to know about me – please do not hesitate to ask! I’d also love to learn more about you – if you’d like please email me ahlia@ahliayoga.com and let me know how you found my website and what uplifts and inspires you.