We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Ridha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?

Yes, our business helps the community by empowering each and every person with techniques that bring about physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yoga, the whole of yoga, is a practice that has the power to positively transform a person inside and out.
Yoga postures, called asana, move us in ways to release tension, increase flexibility and strength, which ultimately releases us from physical pain and discomfort. In addition to postures, yoga involves meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques). Practiced consistently, meditation develops a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit our emotional well-being as well as our overall mental and physical health. Meditation improves our ability for focus and concentration, while also introducing us to ourselves. A major part of Yoga is to Know Thyself. The Greeks said, “Know thyself, or learn to suffer.” Through breathing and meditative techniques, Yoga teaches us to be rooted in the Center, grounded in the Self, by looking within. These breathing techniques also access the central nervous system to bring calm and ease to our physical, mental and emotional self. Through these yogic practices, we are then able to relax and better cope with stress and anxiety while reducing the pains of daily life. I believe that if we are able to better our own self, then we are able to positively impact our community as a whole. Practicing yoga and meditation enables me to pass calm, peace, and kindness to anyone I encounter, because I have calm, peace and kindness within me to pass. Practicing breathing techniques and postures has improved my health in ways that has brought happiness to my life, which influences the circle of people I encounter. If we all engaged in a practice like yoga, we will be able to change the community and the world for the better one person at a time. Yoga, the whole of yoga, is a practice that enables me to be the change I wish to see in the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The business is called Yoga Yantra and is located in downtown Palm Springs, California. A Yantra is a symbol for the heart. It stands for Compassion, Love, and Truth, and I built the entire studio from that foundation up. We have the most incredible teachers from all different Yoga backgrounds, and they all are deeply passionate about Yoga. The classes we offer vary from Gentle Yoga to Power Yoga, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga, and more. In addition to Yoga, we teach Meditation, Mantra chanting, Pranayama (breathing techniques), Mala making workshops, as well as healing practices such as Sound Bath, purifications, Ayurvedic tea ceremonies and more. We also hold weekend workshops for deeper study in Chakras and many fields, and hold Yoga Retreats in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree for a truly healing experience. Additionally, we have Teacher Training programs (YTT 200hrs) as well as one-on-one mentorships. Every year we invite Yoga Master Teachers from around the world for special training courses. This coming season we have a yoga Master Teacher traveling from South Africa to teach a YTT 200hr course in Self-Realization. I am truly honored to pass on these healing practices to all who seek it, and to provide a space where master teachers from around the world are able to impart their wisdom onto us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Palm Springs is a beautiful place to visit. First on the list of recommendations is a hike. We have the most beautiful hiking trails, some with magnificent, awe-inspiring waterfalls. The Coachella valley is surrounded by mountains in any direction you look, so taking a hike up the San Jacinto mountain gives the most beautiful views of lush palm trees surrounded by desert landscape. Whether you are looking for an easy short hike, or a long and challenging climb, there is something for everyone. Second on the list is the art scene. The valley is home to stunning artwork and artists! From the art museum downtown to art communities like the Perez Art & Design District, there is never a shortage of artists and artwork to see in the desert. If you are staying in Palm Springs, be sure to make time to go see Joshua Tree. The desert landscape combined with the strangest trees you will ever see, desert animal bouncing all around, and stunning rock formations makes Joshua Tree one of the most unique places to visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes. I would like to dedicate this shoutout to all the teachers I have had along the way. To my beautiful parents who have stood by me and supported me through thick and thin. Also, to my mentor, Johann Kotze, who has guided and inspired me to be the yoga teacher I am today, in service to all for a better future. And lastly, I would like to extend a shoutout to the beautiful people on the island of Bali, who showed me firsthand that the best healer is Love — both giving and receiving. To the master healers that shared their ancient healing methods with me, and the Bali grandmas who know more about natural Ayurvedic medicine than anyone else. I send my gratitude to all the teachers in my life — past, present and future teachers. Thank you and Namaste.

Website: www.yogayantrapalmsprings.com

Instagram: @yogayantrapalmsprings

Facebook: @yogayantrapalmsprings

Image Credits
By Dina Ridha at Yoga Yantra

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