Arushi

Yoga studio owner | Delhi | Finding balance in teaching balance | Mountain seeker | Living mindfully, one breath at a time

Running a yoga studio is incredibly fulfilling, but it’s also exhausting in ways people don’t always see. Between teaching back-to-back classes, handling the business side, and being emotionally present for every student who walks through my doors, I sometimes forget to take care of myself. Classic yoga teacher problem, right?

By August, I was feeling it. That familiar tightness in my shoulders that comes from giving too much without receiving enough. The monsoons had started, and something about the sound of rain made me crave the mountains. Rishikesh kept coming to mind – not just because it’s the yoga capital, but because I needed that combination of spiritual grounding and pure adventure that only this place seems to offer.

I spent way too much time researching where to stay. Most places in Rishikesh are either too basic or too touristy. Then I found Sterling Palm Bliss. What caught my attention wasn’t just the photos – it was reading about their approach to wellness. They seemed to understand that people come to Rishikesh for more than just sightseeing. The focus on healthy vegetarian food and wellness amenities felt like they’d designed it for people like me. Booked it immediately.

The Ganga Aarti That Made Me Cry

I’d been to Rishikesh before, but attending the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat during monsoon season hit differently. The rain had just stopped, the air smelled clean, and watching those little diyas float away on the river while everyone chanted together… I teared up. Not in a dramatic way, just this quiet emotional release I didn’t know I needed.

Yoga by the River

You can’t take a yoga teacher to Rishikesh and not expect them to practice by the Ganga. On my second morning, I woke up ridiculously early and walked to this quiet ghat with my travel mat. The water was higher than usual because of the rains, and there was this gentle mist rising from the surface.

Practicing there felt like coming home. Every asana flowed easier, every breath felt deeper. It reminded me why I fell in love with yoga in the first place – not the Instagram version, but the real thing. The connection to something bigger than yourself.

Bungee Jumping

This was completely out of character for me. I’m the calm, grounded yoga teacher, not the adrenaline junkie. But something about being in Rishikesh made me want to push my own boundaries. The few seconds of freefall were terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. When they pulled me back up, I was laughing like a maniac. It was this weird parallel to yoga – both require you to surrender control and trust the process. Plus, my students are going to get such a kick out of hearing about this.

Food That Actually Nourished

One thing I loved about this trip was eating without worrying about anything. Rishikesh has this amazing café culture where everything is vegetarian by default, and most places really understand clean eating. The meals at Palm Bliss were especially good – simple, fresh, and exactly what my body needed after months of grabbing quick meals between classes.

The Beatles Ashram – My Favourite Discovery

I’d heard about the Beatles Ashram but never made it there before. Walking through those abandoned meditation cells covered in street art while monsoon mist floated through the trees felt surreal. It’s like this perfect mix of history, creativity, and peaceful decay.I found this quiet spot and just sat there for maybe an hour, not trying to meditate or be profound, just listening to the rain and feeling grateful. Sometimes the best spiritual experiences happen when you’re not trying to have them.

Monsoon Mornings and Mountain Views

The early morning walks around the property were magical. Everything was so green and misty, and you could hear the river from everywhere. These weren’t serious hikes – just gentle wandering while my mind slowly woke up. The kind of movement my body was craving after months of structured classes and rigid schedules.

Why Sterling Palm Bliss Worked for Me

Look, I could have stayed anywhere, but Palm Bliss felt like they understood why people come to Rishikesh. It wasn’t just about providing a bed – the whole experience felt intentional. The spa treatments used traditional techniques that worked, the food supported how I wanted to feel, and the location made everything accessible without being chaotic. After spending days jumping off cliffs and sitting by the river, coming back to a space that felt aligned with my values made the whole experience more integrated.

Coming Back Different

I’m writing this back in Delhi, and I can still feel Rishikesh in my system. My shoulders are relaxed for the first time in months. More importantly, I remember why I love what I do – not just teaching yoga but creating space for people to find what I found by that river.My students have already noticed I’m different in class. More present, less rushed. Sometimes you must step away from your practice to remember what it’s about.