Inspiring Women Magazine May 2021

this stage, this daily routine lifts my spirit and
even alleviates physical discomfort.
I am asked to write about how yoga has helped
me through my life journey and how I can inspire
others. I hope to encourage people to either try
yoga or commit to it. My intention is not to gain
clients but to showcase the benefit of yoga
throughout my personal experience. To me, the
time I dedicate to yoga is a time of direct
connection with myself; it's the "me time."
I am a translator by profession; I only became a
yoga teacher six years ago. When I have to
prioritize, translation comes first; however, I
always make time for my yoga practice. I may do
only 10 or 20 minutes. I might wake up earlier
when my schedule is tight because, for me, yoga
is part of my daily routine, like brushing my teeth.
To me, yoga is more than just exercise. It’s a
lifestyle. It not only gives me the clarity of mind to
make my decisions, but also unblocks my
creativity, it calms me when anxious, and opens
my heart to whatever each day brings.
Diana Atwani, AIWC Düsseldorf member, tells us about
herself: “Over the last 32 years, I moved between
three continents. After 15 years in Nigeria, I moved
with my son to Damascus, then to Switzerland, where
he studied and still lives and works. Then I lived in
Turkey for almost three years before moving to
Germany in 2017. I worked as a translator from French
and English to Arabic since 2007, and recently I
finished my studies for a Master’s degree in Arts of
Translation. I started teaching Yoga to my friends
before getting professional training, and then in 2015,
I decided to take my first Yoga Teacher Training,
followed by another one in 2019.”
I believe it is never too late to start with yoga. All
that it needs is the will and the commitment. Why
yoga? Because it works on the physical and
psychological body, and it heals body and mind. It
doesn't have to be complicated:
• Disconnect from the world around you for at
least 10 minutes.
• Instead, connect with your body and inner
self.
• Combine breathing with some stretches,
and smile from inside out.
39