Afa Alizada
My journey into the yoga and mindfulness world began in a typical manner. Like most, I wanted tools to manage daily stresses of life and engage in a physical activity that promised flexibility and strength. Soon, I realized these benefits were just the tip of the iceberg. Yoga and mindfulness practices helped me uncover the depths of my being, begin healing the wounds buried deep in my psyche and body, and clarify my life’s purpose. These remarkable personal and spiritual transformations nudged me to humbly answer the call to teach so I could share these gifts with others.
I owe it to my wonderful teachers all over the world who made me who I am as a teacher. I have been blessed with teachers who practice with integrity: they live their yoga off the mat, including by engaging in social justice activism. They embody the spirit of yoga – that yoga is ultimately a spiritual practice that helps us integrate our minds, bodies, and spirits for living purpose-filled, radiant, and embodied lives. They treat their students with utmost respect and recognize that, ultimately, the wisest and most intelligent guide of all is within each one of us. And these are the values I live by as a yoga and mindfulness teacher.
As a 200-hour RYT trained in the Hatha tradition, I primarily teach Gentle Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, and Yin styles of yoga. I’m a Level-1 iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation teacher and Reiki Level II practitioner. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the intention of integrating mindfulness and other indigenous practices to create a holistic therapy experience for my clients.
Testimonials
Avril, United States
"Afa's yoga classes are calm, peaceful and carefully structured. Afa is diligent about explaining what we are doing and why in such a way that it doesn’t distract from the essence of the class. Afa is very observant, and offers alternative asanas to meet the needs of the class. No matter what your level of expertise, one always leaves relaxed, and with such a positive feeling.
Besides yoga, I have truly benefited from Yoga Nidra. I find it really difficult to meditate on my own. Afa’s voice is very soothing and calm and helps one focus on learning to 'let go'. Sometimes we enjoy the added benefit of Reiki during a session."
Sabina, United Kingdom
"I always look forward to a yoga session with Afa. I especially enjoy her meditation/mindfulness classes. I find Afa’s voice and cueing technique very calming, restorative and nourishing for my mind, body and soul. By the end of the session I feel rested, recharged and mentally detoxed.""