JEDDAH: Clothing company Lululemon hosted an event hosted by Karama Yoga founder and CEO Rana Naser at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jeddah ahead of International Yoga Day later this month.
Speaking about the ‘Yoga Flow with Live Music’, the Lululemon ambassador said: “With over 1,000 people registered for the day’s sessions, I am honored to be able to share my passion with the community. My goal is for everyone in Saudi Arabia to try yoga at least once and discover a more mindful way of living.”
Nazar’s signature class incorporates yogic breathing, meditation and dynamic movement, demonstrating that yoga can be fun and accessible, striking the perfect balance for practitioners at all levels.
She stressed the importance of incorporating modern life into her teachings while making yoga less intimidating for beginners.
Nazer thanked the Ministry of Sports for its efforts in promoting yoga and wellness in Saudi Arabia, noting that interest in the country is growing.
She said: “I believe Saudi Arabia will become a yoga hub in the future.”
“As awareness grows and more people embrace this lifestyle, there will be ample opportunity for education and referrals about holistic health.”
She added that people in the Kingdom, including working mothers, men, women and community leaders, are keen to adopt healthier habits, balance their lives and reduce stress.
She added: “We’ve made great progress but there’s still a long way to go, but I’m very optimistic.”
Talking about the importance of International Yoga Day, which falls on June 21, she said: “It’s a day to celebrate community, mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.”
“It’s a day to celebrate doing happy, healthy and compassionate things with the people you love. It’s also a day to celebrate how yoga has changed people’s lives and positively impacted communities.”
Renowned yoga and meditation instructor Khaled Nafawi led a guided meditation yoga journey using sound bowls, crystal balls and Tibetan voices.
He said: “The aim is to combine yoga, meditation and the therapeutic benefits of sound bowls to take people on a journey of relaxation.”
“In my workshops, we focus on sound, starting with a short yoga flow to prepare the mind and body for meditation. Yoga has changed my life and I would love to introduce it to others so that they can change their lives too.”
Nafawi stressed the importance of raising awareness through yoga and meditation, especially among young people.
He highlighted the transformative power of mindfulness practice in promoting overall wellness and mental clarity, adding: “As a yoga teacher, healer and meditation instructor, it is essential for me to raise awareness, especially among young people.”
Sara Hamed said she had attended Naser’s yoga sessions and that it had been “truly transformative,” adding: “Her approach to yoga was accessible and fun for a beginner like me. I left feeling energized and inspired to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine.”
