Your Body. Your Mind. Your Life.
There are over 300 million yogis around the world. Each yogi has a story to tell. The different reasons why people turn to yoga are unique but what they have in common is that they are all inspiring and offer valuable life lessons.
Our next story that we want to share is that of beautiful yogini Mar Soraparu from Chicago. We met Mar in downtown Chicago & enjoyed her balanced, authentic self as well as her inspiring yoga journey. Mar found yoga when she was hard at work in finance and was on the fast track to a great career. After a working in corporate world, however, Mar realized while she was chasing a job title in a corporate setting, she wasn’t using her creativity. In other words, she didn’t feel balanced. She was stressed, and didn’t feel fulfilled. So instead, she decided to change that all of that. Which was a very brave decision.
The farther I travel, the closer I am to myself. -Andrew Mc.Carthy
Through her travels in Southeast Asia in Vietnam, Thailand, and Nepal, Mar took the time necessary to heal, reflect on her life and ultimately reconnected with herself. This journey was not only valuable and life-changing as she explored, and attended yoga retreats, but also because she learned more about the world and herself. This led her to the realization that her own journey lay outside of finance. In fact, she wanted to build her own yoga practice and business. Starting this yoga business was the best but most difficult decision she ever made. Mar has been teaching and running her business ‘yogawithmar’ — a lifestyle and yoga brand since January 2015. She works with an array of incredible private and corporate clients around the Chicago-land area in addition to teaching at two wonderful local studios. Mar is also one of the co-founders of VibeUp, a movement that promotes a higher vibe living through events, community and connection.
I taught a group of corporate clients starting early 5am to 10am. After the session I was ready to start my day. I didn’t realize that I actually worked the whole morning. That was the moment when it was clear to me that I did the right thing to become a coach and yoga teacher. And do something meaningful that feels authentic and brings joy. — Mar Soraparu
Yoga Instructor and Empowerment Coach.
Mar is a yoga instructor and empowerment coach. She also works in social media consulting, accounting and vacation rental management.
Most of her yoga work is diverse, and can consist of private classes to individuals and groups, to corporate settings and in studios across Chicago. Her classes tend to be flow-based and she customizes her one-on-one approach within her private lessons depending on her client’s needs. As an Empowerment Coach, she focuses on leading others through a program designed for high-functioning individuals who want to live mindfully with optimal energy for maximum performance.
We had such a great time meeting Mar and getting to know the Chicago yoga community. We’re even more excited to welcome Mar to our mindful community of yoganect and are looking forward to future yoga projects together!
Follow Mar’s inspiring journey on Instagram, Facebook or visit her website.
‘My philosophy is that yoga should entirely be focused around you and your specific needs. I strive to reinvigorate and heighten your energy and well-being by enriching the body, mind and heart to allow for growth and clarity. Any amount of time on your mat, is life changing.’ — Mar Soraparu
