Menka Teaches Children to Face Life with Her Unique and Fun Yoga Practices
What’s your story?
I am a Kids Yoga Teacher at The World of Yoga with Menka. As a child, I often sang and performed on stage. In school, I studied philosophy, psychology, design, and dance. In 2005, I started teaching philosophy to children. After having my own children, I started writing songs for children based on philosophy. There wasn’t one career path that covered all my creative and imaginative passions until I found kids yoga. My greatest calling from childhood however has been to make an impact, contribute, and help those around me grow while continuing my own growth.
What excites you most about your industry?
Yoga has so many facets though handstands and poses are quite popular today. My classes cover yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy, physical yoga, yoga songs, yoga games, mindfulness and meditation. The more I teach, the more I learn. The more I work with children, the more I understand children, human behavior, and the inner child.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I’ve lived in Asia most of my life, having lived in Taipei, Hong Kong, Panchgani (a hill station in India), Chennai, Madrid and the Canary Islands and am proficient in 5 languages. I love Asia for its sense of community, family, work ethic, food, ancient philosophy, and diversity.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Hong Kong. It’s easy to set up a business, has low taxes, is efficient, convenient, and is cosmopolitan. Besides being a financial hub and buzzing city, it’s good for swimming, hiking and running. Within 15 minutes from the heart of the center, I can be at the beach or on a hiking trail.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My best friend (@kavya_life on instagram) wrote this poem and it’s something I often go back to when I need clarity.
“Stop, trying to figure it all out, set your goal and moment by moment off you go.
Stop, looking around to see what’s there, your life is yours, theirs is theirs.
Stop, procrastinating and letting time go…”
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration everywhere. Within nature, art, and architecture, with musicians like Sting and U2, and speakers like Oprah Winfrey, Ekhart Tolle, and Sonia Samtani. At times, and because I work with children and write songs, I have found some recent Disney cartoons to be inspiring. Movies such as Mulan, Moana, and Coco, for example. Classical children’s books and authors of books like, Heidi, Charlotte’s Web, and The Giving Tree, also influence me.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The hardest yoga pose is to let go.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I have no regrets and as I connect the dots backward I know all has happened for a season and a reason.
How do you unwind?
I mostly read or watch favorite sitcoms such as, Friends or The Big Bang Theory.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. It offers the sea, rice paddies, good art, and great food.
Also, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, has the most beautiful ruins.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Luck Factor: The Scientific Study of the Lucky Mind,” by Richard Wiseman.
Shameless plug for your business:
There exists a school outside of school. A place that equips children to face and prepare for life and find the answers within themselves. The World of Yoga with Menka offers a safe place where children learn the importance of stillness, focus, balance, strength and quieting the mind. Through yoga they learn to manage their emotions, love good health, love having a strong body, and, more importantly, a strong and resilient mind.
Yoga isn’t just about poses. My classes cover yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy, physical yoga, yoga songs, yoga games, mindfulness and meditation. I use lots of props, stories, activities and music, so it’s a wonderful learning experience.
How can people connect with you?
They can follow and message me on Instagram at Menka I Kids Yoga I Kathak
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Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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