YOGA has, in the past few years, become increasingly popular and one Guyanese teen used this form of meditation as a coping mechanism for her physical and emotional distress.

Nineteen-year-old Shania Alliyah Wilson, a third-year student at the University of Guyana pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies, said she is not defined by the scars that she has, but in actuality, is defined by how she wears them.
A native of Bartica, Shania came to Georgetown in 2011 to further her studies. During her years away from home, Shania experienced quite a few unfortunate events which resulted in both physical and emotional scars.

Figuring out how to deal with these “scars” took quite a while, but Shania eventually found the answer in yoga, and is no longer saddened by her experiences, but has found peace of mind and a sense of acceptance to embrace her in every possible way.

“Yoga became my passion and my method of relaxation. It helped me to let go and accept,” Shania said. She added that apart from the physical benefits such as increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, weight reduction and improved athletic performance, yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.

Guyana is plagued with societal ills that affect many young people and Shania believes that she can be a voice to encourage young people to take up the challenge of yoga to help them cope with the many hurdles they may face, using her own testimonies.

“I aspire to be a person that can teach yoga. I aspire to be a person that can encourage young people to practice yoga. I believe that if more of our young people, or rather, people in general, practice yoga, our country and the world at large can be transformed to a more peaceful state. And of course, I also aspire to be an Environmental Consultant,” she said, smiling.

As a start to her aspirations, Shania has created a Facebook page and an Instagram account where she shares yoga videos to help young people. She also shares some of her experiences.

She admonishes young people to think of yoga as not just a repetition of a few postures, but as the exploration of subtle energies of life to find your inner peace, to find your way. She also urges them to be persistent, since, persistence is the key that will open doors to unthinkable opportunities.

Persons interested in following her journey can follow @Yoginia on both Facebook and Instagram.