When I was just 16 years old, I was given a prediction that I would be guiding people on their path of yoga and self-development. I was told that this was my destiny and my higher calling. At the time, I didn’t want to know.

I was studying to become a pianist at a prestigious Russian conservatoire, surrounded by bohemian friends and a somewhat hedonistic lifestyle of parties and everything that entails. Immediately, I knew that becoming a yoga teacher would require my full commitment — and I was not ready for that.

Still, I began reading yogic and Buddhist philosophy, and it blew my mind. It was also during this time that I started having expansive, psychic experiences that I am only now beginning to fully understand. Regardless of what was unfolding, I turned my back on it and continued to lead what looked like a very “normal” life. I desperately tried to fit in, to align with everyone else. I would make myself small just to make others feel better about themselves.

Like everyone around me, I worked hard to climb the career ladder — earn more money, get a better job, a mortgage, cars, designer clothes, etc., etc. And like everyone around me, I became stressed and miserable. I see now that it was mostly that — stress and dissatisfaction — that united us.

Fast forward many years: I became an overachiever, and I exhausted myself to the point of complete physical and mental breakdown. Looking back now, I see it as the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to stop. It gave me no other choice but to step onto the path I was meant to follow — to practice and to share my knowledge and understanding of yoga, and everything it entails.

It took many more years to get to where I am now: becoming freer every day, letting go into my limitless self, and teaching others to do the same.

This is why my yoga classes are not really “classes” at all. They are a way through which I communicate my intention: for everyone to live the freest and fullest life possible, to expand into heart consciousness and love. My intention is always for you to connect to who you truly are.

I am forever grateful for being given the opportunity and the privilege to meet and teach so many beautiful people — and to hopefully influence them, even in the smallest way, to lead happy and fulfilling lives.