Sankalpa Ohm · 21. September 2021

I like twists. Why? Perhaps in a way twists like me. Maybe because “I am a long-legged.” I have long arms and a long torso, and I guess these come in handy where twists are concerned. It wasn’t “love at first try”—it took a while, but in time, Marichasana 3 became a firm favorite of mine.

Sankalpa Ohm · 12. June 2021

In the second quarter of 2014, a colleague suggested that I try Zen meditation. Intrigued, but not knowing how, I did a Google search and Sr. Sonia Punzalan’s name appeared. There were other links but somehow my attention was drawn to wherever her name would appear.

Sankalpa Ohm · 12. June 2021

Back in 2014, my sister Joy said, "You need some form of regular exercise. Why don't we try yoga? My friend Elena is training to be a yoga instructor and needs students to practice with." I said, "But I'm not limber or flexible! And do we have to wear expensive yoga outfits?" Joy said, "No, you just need to be willing. Wear a t-shirt, and shorts that expose your knees." I was 47 years old then, and out of shape, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to try.

Sankalpa Ohm · 12. June 2021

It was along the stairway of Shoppersville that I first saw the notice for Iyengar yoga classes. I called up the contact number and then formally met Elena. I introduced myself and said I was interested in attending her yoga classes. I think this was in 2016. The first classes I attended were held in her house and the Moro Lorenzo Gym,

Sankalpa Mu · 01. March 2021

Ever since the pandemic began, the various permutations of community quarantine have limited our ability to do the activities we used to be able to do. Saturdays were my “Me Day”. That’s when I get to do anything that I want to do for myself. The lockdown has meant that now, most of my weekends are spent at home, and I only go out only to get the “essentials”.

Sankalpa Ohm · 01. March 2021

Before the lockdown began, I had no idea that taking an online Iyengar yoga class was even possible. But with the nation in various stages of quarantine, yoga studios have had to reinvent themselves to maintain relevance and keep their businesses afloat. Most yoga classes are now via Zoom.

Sankalpa Ohm · 01. March 2021

Namaste. I had mixed feelings when I joined the Beginners’ Class at the Sankalpa studio. People were warm and welcoming but I was so insecure because I’ve always lived a sedentary life. With a history of rheumatic fever in primary school that exempted me from Physical Education (ergo, marked as fragile by my family), I am what you’d consider lampa.

Sankalpa Ohm · 10. December 2020

Denial, that the lockdown was going to happen—and hope, that the lockdown will end soon—were the initial emotions I had in March. For the first few weeks, most of us did some pocket gardening, cleared out cabinets, and endlessly flicked the TV remote for binge-worthy Netflix shows. Then, yippee! Sankalpa Yoga classes via Zoom eventually became the highlight of each week.

Sankalpa Heals · 07. December 2020

20 minutes per day lang. That shouldn’t be too hard, no? But it turned out to be tougher than I thought.

Sankalpa Talks · 04. December 2020

Ever since the pandemic began, the various permutations of community quarantine have limited our ability to do the activities we used to be able to do. Saturdays were my “Me Day”. That’s when I get to do anything that I want to do for myself. The lockdown has meant that now, most of my weekends are spent at home, and I only go out only to get the “essentials”.