300 Hour Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance Approved)
~ YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide
Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching Program
~ YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide
My Health Journey
My story begins in 2010, when I was 17 years old and experiencing chronic insomnia. The insomnia led to terrible anxiety, which then became a vicious cycle. My well-meaning doctor prescribed me sleeping pills, and while it helped I knew deep down that I didn’t want to depend on them, and that there had to be another way.
By the time I was 18, I was given an even stronger medicine — with side-effects including depression and suicidal thoughts. I picked it up, brought it home and took a long hard look at this bottle. I made a decision right then and there to flush these pills down the toilet. This began the search for a natural way to heal, and get to the root cause.
The search for natural healing led me to my very first health food store trip, where I found herbal sleep and anxiety aids. At the same time, a friend who saw my struggle introduced me to Reiki (energy healing), through her mom who is a Reiki master, and I began regular treatments. The combination of these experiences opened my eyes to the connection between the body and mind, and the healing power of nature (through the grace of God).
I saw first hand how a holistic approach to health and well-being was helping my health conditions, and I was soon able to reduce my medication and eventually, completely let it go. I didn’t need medication, although it did help me in the moment. What I needed were ways to manage my thoughts and emotions; ways to calm and soothe the nervous system; and ways to stay balanced, energetically.
This path led me to join a gym, sign up with a personal trainer and soon after, discover yoga. Yoga was perhaps the only time my mind ever felt quiet, clear and serene. I loved the peaceful feeling of walking into a quiet yoga studio before class, away from the noise of the world. The final resting pose at the end of class was always profound, and was my first introduction to meditation. The poses came pretty naturally to me, and it was nice to finally come across something in life that I felt “good at”.
As I immersed myself into the world of holistic health and well being, I discovered Ayurveda: the holistic health system of ancient India. Known as the sister science of Yoga, it was also the primary way of healing, medicine and life for my ancestors in Pakistan (which was the same country as India up until only 75 years ago). Ayurveda held a very special place in my heart and I immediately felt a deep connection to it, for it was something my grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond had intrinsically followed.
In my programs, I enjoy going beyond yoga as a physical exercise, and delving into its therapeutic benefits, while using Ayurveda to tie in diet, lifestyle, exercise and more. When yoga practice is combined with Ayurvedic lifestyle, we experience the essence of true health: a sound mind, in a sound body; and this is what I wish to share with the world.
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
Rumi
Testimonials
Arfa is very nice and she is understanding to your needs. She explains everything very well and clearly. She is very knowledgeable.– Mavis, Pickering ON.
Arfa was my private yoga instructor for about 6-7 months a year ago. I’ve always had an interest in yoga but wanted to learn and understand on a deeper level. I wanted each movement to be exactly aligned and could never find a yoga instructor who truly inspired me. I started noticing Arfa on herContinue reading ““She encouraged me, pushed me and really fast forwarded my yoga journey.””
Arfa is such a great yoga instructor. She is very warm, caring and makes you feel so comfortable. As I was a beginner, she really was very helpful and would customize poses to accommodate me. Thanks for such a great experience! – Sadaf, Markham ON.
I am not much of a yoga person but decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. Arfa is down to earth, relaxed and makes you feel comfortable. She works with you to ensure your poses and postures are done correctly. Her friendly attitude and knowledge in yoga make her anContinue reading ““Her friendly attitude and knowledge in yoga make her an amazing teacher.””
After taking yoga with Arfa, it is very evident that she is living and breathing her true purpose! Her passion for yoga as not only a practice but a way of life is something she brings to her classes, making the experience a truly authentic one. In a world where it feels as though yogaContinue reading ““Her passion for yoga as not only a practice but a way of life is something she brings to her classes””
Having Arfa as a yoga instructor was amazing! She made things really fun and engaging. Being a swimmer, yoga has helped me with my strength, flexibility and having a good mindset. – Alyssa, Pickering ON.
Arfa is an amazing instructor who is extremely knowledgeable! I enjoyed my classes with her immensely and will definitely get more lessons from her. I highly recommend Arfa! 🙂 – Rabia, Markham ON.
Arfa is a wise yoga teacher and amazing at her craft. She is empathetic, caring, and tailors to your needs. Her soothing nature makes her very approachable and makes you feel comfortable while learning. – Lisa, Pickering ON.
Arfa is a great yoga teacher. She takes her time with you, and has a very calming joyful presence. She helped me as a beginner underneath how yoga can be more than just flexibility but mind body health through holistic lifestyle coaching. — Sammy, Toronto ON.
Salam Yoga 