Thrive Guide

Varsha Khatri

About

Destiny begins with choices made today” is Varsha’s motto in life. Each day, we make decisions and we only have today to create a healthier tomorrow. Through her work, she shows passion and commitment to health promotion and disease prevention. Her approach to healing and li...
Destiny begins with choices made today” is Varsha’s motto in life. Each day, we make decisions and we only have today to create a healthier tomorrow. Through her work, she shows passion and commitment to health promotion and disease prevention. Her approach to healing and living a healthy life is through the principles of Ayurveda, Nutrition, Health Education, and Yoga.

Over the years her international experience in the field of holistic health has enabled her to work with patients to reach their health goals through the power of healing foods. Varsha founded her own health and wellness business, Illuminated Health in 2012. Her private practice involves integrating both the western and the Ayurvedic approach to diet, nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, and spirituality. She also teaches yoga and provides nutrition consultations.

Varsha has a Masters in Holistic Health Education with an emphasis in Holistic Nutrition as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology & Health with an emphasis in Ayurveda. She is a registered Senior Yoga Teacher by Yoga Alliance UK. Within her yoga classes, Varsha has the innate ability to make all students feel welcome and incorporate mindfulness along with knowledge of Ayurveda into her yoga classes.

In addition to teaching yoga, Varsha works as a qualified nutritionist and regularly runs health and wellness courses and coaching programmes in nutrition, yoga, and Ayurveda to help her clients reach their health goals. She motivates and inspires her clients to work at a pace that is comfortable, yet challenging while also educating them along the way so that they continue to make healthier choices. Her approach is practical and recognises that each individual is different.

Her latest yogic achievement was successfully running a 28 Day Daily Yoga Challenge during England’s second national lockdown that inspired her students and others to start having a daily yoga practice and encouraged complete beginners to take up yoga. Her approach is welcoming to all and the challenge consisted of sequences that were suitable for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners.

Originally from San Diego, California, Varsha now lives in Greater London with her husband and two kids, where she runs her own business, Illuminated Health.
add Show More remove Show Less
Here, you will get to learn more about me and my mission. From this page, you can also have a free 1 week preview to my 28 Day Yoga Challenge so that you can get a feel for my yoga teaching style.
Here, you will get to learn more about me and my mission. From this page, you can also have a free 1 week preview to my 28 Day Yoga Challenge so that you can get a feel for my yoga teaching style.
format_quote
“Destiny begins with choices made today” - Kenneth Hurst
format_quote

Teaching Specialties

Students can expect a yoga teacher who is down to earth and approachable. I have a relaxed approach to teaching and I encourage students to have a daily home yoga practice. My students say that my classes are challenging yet welcoming to all, especially complete beginners. I am honest, work with integrity, and am humble. I truly believe that yoga is about the journey and not about achieving the perfect pose. That comes with time and practice. I only use English in my class and although I teach yoga philosophy as well, as many say, I am the queen of integration, so its always woven in naturally.

What are your favorite Retreat Venues around the world

To be honest, it has been many years since I have attended a yoga retreat. This is due to personal circumstances including the fact that I have two young children. However, my favourite place to retreat at would be where I went to University - Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, USA. There, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of their “rounding” or deep immersive meditations in which you meditate up to three times a day plus have organic vegetarian meals. In between the meditations, you get to listen to recorded lessons by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the campus grounds are beautiful to go for long walks with a buddy.

What's your personal definition of what it means to thrive?

To Thrive means to be content and feel at ease. Thriving is feeling that you are unbounded by physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual boundaries. Sure, thrive also means to have financial freedom and success, but that is just a reward for following your heart and living your dharma.

Who do you look up to ? Who has helped you the most along your teacher / retreat leader journey?

Firstly, the person who has helped me the most would be my yoga teacher, Shashi Pottathil. He taught me to be the teacher that I am today. He provided me with the foundational knowledge and training to bring forth the teachings of yoga. My parents have played an important role as they have always supported my dreams and ambitions. My husband has always stood by my side and has believed in me even when it was tough. I consider Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Paramhansa Yogananda to be my spiritual gurus. I also love to read yoga books, blogs, and follow many people on social media. Most importantly though, I learn from my students. They are the reason for my success. Helping them feel their best and achieve their goals is how I focus my training and teachings. My students have made me the teacher that I am today.

Similar Hosts