Deepika Rebel Rebel
Despite her extravagant appearance, party-girl reputation, and naturally rebellious nature, Deepika Mehta is deeply devoted and one of the most sincere practitioners we know.
In 1997, Deepika Mehta’s life was forever changed by a near-death rock climbing accident. Doctors told her she would never walk again. As someone with a love for dance and movement, she also had a deep trust in a higher power. While bedridden, she somehow found the book an Autobiography of a Yogi, which sparked her interest to begin delving into spiritual practices collectively called “yoga” and gave her a sense of hope, inspiration, and control over her rehabilitation.
Not one to allow obstacles to deter her spirit and enthusiasm for life, Deepika sought alternative approaches and methods of physical and emotional healing including meditation, pranayama, dance, and yoga. She began her yoga journey with Sivananda Yoga, which eventually led her to Ashtanga Yoga and her future Guru, Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois in 2002. Deepika told us that she saw Ashtanga Yoga for the first time in Kerala. An Isreali student was there doing the practice. We asked her “Did it look like Yoga to you? Or was it European gymnastics?” She said… For sure it was yoga. What she saw was concentration and flow. And, she knew immediately that it was something she wanted.
In today’s hilarious episode we spoke to Deepika about her genuine rebellion against traditional cultural gender roles as an Indian woman and the patriarchy in India.
During the episode she used Durga as an example of how to describe herself and we believe she is quite right. Durga’s rage at the demon Mahisha-Asura upsets the balance of the Universe, so much so that the male gods beg to soothe her, in attempts to calm her violent vibrations. Likewise, when Deepika is constrained in any way she is furious, enraged at her captivity, whether bedridden and broken as a young woman, or as a new mother at the age of 42, Deepika seeks freedom in all things, and quite like her daughter, howls at confinement and loves to move.
You’ll hear about her challenges in balancing all of the many obligations of maintaining her practice, being an attentive mother, daughter, wife, all while striving to sustain her career as a highly sought after yoga teacher… And how life requires you to make little compromises along the way.
As a well known yoga teacher and professional fitness expert, Deepika lived in Mumbai, India; but now has a home in Bali. She helps students from around the world achieve the ultimate mind and body experience through Ashtanga Yoga, diet, and lifestyle advice.
Deepika has taught some of India’s most famous celebrities. She was the master trainer on the T.V. show “The Biggest Loser” in India. She has been featured as one of the three women redefining the ideals of beauty in India in Vogue magazine 2014, and might very well be the most famous female Indian yoga teacher alive.
The Finding Harmony Podcast is hosted, edited and produced by Harmony Slater and co-hosted by Russell Case.
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Opening and closing music compliments of my dear friend teaching Ashtanga yoga in Eindhoven, Nick Evans, with his band “dawnSong” from the album “for Morgan.” Listen to the entire album on Spotify - Simply Click Here.
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