“Yoga is a tool, when practiced correctly, one can discover their true self and it helps to connect into one’s own inner source of energy and inspiration,” says Tomoko Kojima, a prominent Yoga Teacher and Practitioner based in Oman. Tomoko is a Japanese Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher (RYT), certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in India, Odaka yoga in Spain, and Hatha Yoga in Japan. She has been teaching for over eight years in Muscat, conducting open classes, corporate yoga, and private sessions.
“My classes are mainly focused on mental well-being, physical strength, and detoxification in an effective manner,” says Tomoko. “They are also custom designed to match each client, using various yoga teachings, methodologies, and techniques I have learned from countries all over the world, including USA, UK, Japan, India, Indonesia, Thailand and more.” As accomplished as she is, Yoga, as with any other practice, is a constant learning experience. As a result, she continues to attend workshops whenever possible to further enhance her knowledge in the physical, therapeutic and philosophical aspects of yoga. Here are some excerpts from the interview…
What got you into Yoga and when did you decide to dedicate yourself to yoga personally and professionally?
Physical and mental health was the initial reason why I began practicing yoga about 11 years ago. But as I began to get a more in depth understanding of the underlying philosophy of yoga, the more I began to realise that Yoga was the answer I was always searching for. It gave me the ability to remain focused within the current moment while being out of the matrix. It has also given me the ability to think more clearly, better observe my surroundings, and helped me keep my mind at ease at all times.
What, in your opinion, are the most important physical and mental benefits of yoga, and how can it improve your day to day life?
Yoga is not only about what you do on the mat, it is a way of life. It contains a lot of wisdom that you can implement in your day-to-day life such as making you more aware of details as well as making you more mindful of what you do, what you think, what you eat, how you breath, how you walk, etc. These experiences typically enhance your feeling of unity between your mind, body, and soul. As you dig deeper, and practice yoga more, you will begin to feel and appreciate the mental (reduced stress and anxiety, and a clear mind) and physical (increase mobility and flexibility and an enhance Immune system) benefits of yoga.
What do you find rewarding about being a yoga instructor?
Getting to meet and befriend wonderful people who are on the same path and learn from them.
What advice do you have for people who would like to get started on their journey with Yoga?
It is OK if you can’t perform the postures perfectly at beginning as yoga is not only about the postures. It is ultimately more about the internal working and understanding of the union between the mind, body and soul. Simply relax while practicing and eventually with time the postures will come to you. The most important thing is to just understand yourself and enjoy your journey.
The home I grew up in… Kanagawa, Japan
When I was a child I wanted to… be a dancer
My greatest inspiration… is any form of great art and creativity
My hero… any person with a clear vision and who drives one’s own life
If I could change one thing about myself… My luck with technology; it seems whenever I use printers or PC’s I always face issues, but the moment my husband or bother come to help, the issue has sorted itself out without them ever having to do anything
I dream of… having the ability to teleport from one place to another
It’s not fashionable, but… I like to sweat a lot and I don’t like the cold
You may not know it but I’m no good at… playing video games
You may not know it but I’m very good at… adapting to new environments and ideas
If I have time to myself… I’d learn more about painting and arts
My house is… safe and comfortable
My favourite holiday destination… is pretty much any yoga retreat anywhere in the world
My favorite weekend spot in Oman… There are so many, but if I have to select one, then it has to be the village of Wakan
I will not leave my house without… my mobile phone and car key
Things I like about Oman… respecting culture and it being a peaceful nation
A book that changed me… Power, Freedom, and Grace by Deepak Chopra
On top of my wish list is… Skydiving
My success mantra is… “Our deepest fears are like dragons, guarding our deepest treasure.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
In ten years’ time, I hope to be… more acknowledging of the universal consciousness