Meet Tanu Sehgal | Yoga Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanu Sehgal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanu, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in India watching my mother practice yoga and pranayam (breathwork) everyday. Yoga has been a part of my life for the last 20 years that includes practicing, learning and teaching. Yoga is not just a career for me. I have surrendered and dedicated myself to this ancient Indian because it is the way of life.
Yoga has changed my life ever since I was introduced to it. I’ve relied on my practice throughout my life and it has not only helped me grow as a person but also centers and grounds me.
Helping people improve the quality of their life through yoga gives me immense satisfaction. We’re rushing through life and have forgotten how to breath and let go. Using yoga as a tool to teach people to control their breath and minds is the biggest driving force behind choosing to step into the role of a yoga teacher for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I moved to Dallas from India in 2010. Teaching yoga wasn’t a plan for me for the longest time. I continued my practice at different studios and eventually completed a certified 200 hour Yoga teachers training in Dallas in 2017.
Once my kids were a little older, I started teaching yoga online, at different gyms, community centers etc. I also visited India and did another certified course to teach pre and post natal women. I currently work as a yoga instructor and pre/ post natal coach with Shala Yoga Loft, Plano.

I also teach after school yoga to kids at different elementary schools in Plano and Allen ISD.

I have hosted various yoga retreats in Dallas & India in these past few years. I also organize fun yoga events and plan to continue with these. Currently, I have 2 different yoga retreats planned in India. I am also training to get my sound healing and somatic certification from Rishikesh, India.

I consider myself lucky to have found like minded people and a great yoga community in Dallas. They have all been very welcoming.

I started my career a little late in life despite a long practice. I accepted everything the universe offered including the hurdles and challenges with open arms and let that experience shape me into a better version of me. I’ve had my fair share of life experiences and I direct and translate that energy into my work to help others in any way I can.
My aim and goal is to introduce people to a more traditional form of yoga and focus on Pranayam. I want to make yoga accessible to everyone irrespective of their age, gender and nationality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
DFW is an interesting mix of various cultures and activities. A long weekend trip with my friend will begin with giving them a tour of my neighborhood historic downtown Plano. After grabbing a coffe from 1418 coffee, I’d take them to Legacy west to show the other side of Plano. A quick bite at the legacy food hall, I’d move to grandscape for some live weekend music and a cold beer. Ending this day with some great tex mex food or tacos from Velvet Tacos.
Day 2 would be all about Dallas. From a bike ride or a run around the White Rock lake to a nice brunch and coffee at the Bishop arts district the first half of the day will be a mix of activities & leisure. I’d also take them around to Highland Village for a taste of luxury.
Greenville Avenue in the evening for an old fashioned at the Hide bar and some cool vibes and rooftop breeze, drinks and dinner at HG sply to conclude the day.
Day 3 would be the stockyards and ft worth downtown, Sundance square. Grab a burger and shake at Rodeo Goat for the best burgers ever.
I’d also introduce them to chik fil a for the addicting chicken nuggets.

A long weekend is a very small time to express the vast DFW meteoplex and so much more that it has to offer. But I’d still make them see it all to my best capacity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother is my inspiration and first yoga teacher. I grew up watching her practice Hatha Yoga everyday at 5 am. She taught me the traditional form of yoga with controlled breath. I still use her techniques and teachings in my classes.

At 60 she is as dedicated to her yoga routine as ever.
I wouldn’t be here today had it not been for my mother. Everything I have achieved is because of her. So big thank you and shoutout to Mom.

Instagram: Yogwithtanu

Image Credits
Lucy Thornton
Vaijayanti Varma