Meet Kinjal Shah

We recently connected with Kinjal Shah and have shared our conversation below.

Kinjal, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from experiencing significant life challenges that made me go inward and rely on myself, my power, and my abilities to overcome those challenges and turn my life around – that is where resilience lives, not in a superficial thinking brain, but an inner wise and knowing brain. At a time in my life when I had just finally broken free from a very toxic relationship, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with severe and frequent flare ups. I would experience debilitating pain leaving me incapable of even performing basic tasks or routine. Western medicine has written off auto immune disorders as a mystery that cannot be solved or cured, but a condition to manage for the rest of one’s life with popping pills and managing symptoms. My family lived in India and I didn’t have any family-like close relationships then that I felt comfortable leaning on or reaching out for help. Initially it felt like my world imploded on me, my life crumbling down before it had even really begun. After a few months of taking extremely heavy medicine with strong and serious side effects, something inside me jolted me alive with a strong sense of power and courage, that was my resilience. This began an inward healing journey which ultimately led to healing and recovering from RA. Even though it wasn’t the first time I was resilient, it was definitely the first time I acknowledged and honored my resilience. It took me a little over three years to start shedding the rotten/sick layers, replace the shame, judgement, external expectations with love for myself, for others, forgiveness, self faith, healing and nourishing my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Now I work with others to help them connect with their inner wise self and begin the journey of healing.

We have somehow forced and convinced ourselves to disassociate and disconnect, filling our shelves with “quick fixes” drugs/medications to address symptoms and carry on living with chronic stress, pain, and sickness. I ask, for what!? This is how we pass on generational trauma or “hereditary” diseases and conditions. I strongly believe that when one group of our society is diseased, the entire society is diseased, and that leads to a diseased planet. When we heal ourselves, we heal our society, we heal our planet.

Where many see individual challenges, I see a broader ecosystem of healing. Our society has normalized chronic stress, often masking symptoms with temporary solutions rather than addressing root causes. I’ve learned that true resilience is about radical self-awareness and collective transformation.

My journey taught me that healing is never an isolated experience. Just as a single thread can impact an entire tapestry, our personal healing reverberates through our families, communities, and ultimately, our planet. The yogic principle of “Hari Om Tat Sat” beautifully encapsulates this philosophy – we are fundamentally interconnected.
I’ve chosen to view resilience not as personal survival, but as a collective responsibility. When I invest in my own healing, I’m contributing to a larger, more profound healing process. Each step towards personal wellness is a step towards societal wellness, challenging the normalized patterns of stress and disconnection.
This perspective transforms resilience from an individual trait to a collective power. It’s about recognizing that our personal transformation has the potential to create systemic change, healing not just ourselves, but the intricate web of relationships and systems we’re part of.
My resilience comes from understanding that we don’t heal in isolation – we heal together, we grow together, and ultimately, we thrive together.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My healing journey transformed my pain into purpose. The challenges I’ve overcome have been the catalyst for a profound mission: guiding individuals from a state of dis-ease to comprehensive wellness. As a wellness coach, I believe in a comprehensive approach that complements—not replaces—traditional medical care.
My practice is rooted in personal experience and evidence-based holistic methods. I don’t advocate abandoning prescribed treatments, but instead empower clients to take an active role in their healing. Through a personalized approach combining diet, movement, yoga, Ayurveda, and energy healing, I help individuals make meaningful lifestyle changes.

My unique methodology goes beyond surface-level interventions. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore and transform deeply rooted behavioral patterns. By breaking down overwhelming goals into actionable steps, I provide the tools, knowledge, and support needed to build confidence and self-esteem.
The core of my work is helping clients shift from merely surviving to genuinely thriving. I guide them to develop growth-oriented mindsets, recognize their inherent strengths, and become architects of their own transformation. This isn’t about short-term fixes, but facilitating sustainable, profound personal growth.
My invitation is simple: be honest with yourself, without judgment or shame. Your healing journey is yours to own, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

I grew up practicing yoga and my healing journey solidified my relationship with yoga and my desire to teach yoga to as many people as I can. The West has popularized just the physical/movement/asana aspect of yoga, but yoga is so much more than just a physical practice, it is a way of life. I offer a sophisticated, integrative approach that seamlessly complements traditional medical care while empowering clients to actively participate in their healing process.

I offer private/small group/corporate yoga (asana, meditation, breathwork), energy healing, and wellness coaching. I offer each of these either separately or in combination depending on the needs and goals of my clients.

My approach is a unique synthesis of evidence-based holistic practices and deeply personal insights. I specialize in a multi-dimensional wellness strategy that encompasses:

Comprehensive Wellness Methodology –

Personalized Yoga Instruction (300+ hours of advanced certification)
Customized Lifestyle Guidance
Intuitive Energy Healing (Reiki Healer)
Accountability Coaching
Holistic Mind-Body Transformation

Yoga: Beyond the Physical Practice
With a lifelong practice and over 300 hours of professional training, I offer a profound understanding of yoga that transcends mere physical exercise. My approach integrates:
Customized Asana (Physical Practice)
Comprehensive Meditation Techniques
Beginner and Advanced Pranayama (Breathwork)
Both in-person and virtual sessions
Corporate and private workshops

Intuitive Energy Healing
As an experienced energy healer, I provide both in-person and virtual Reiki sessions. My practice recognizes that healing is an energetic process, with the ability to channel and direct healing energy across any distance. My intuitive approach ensures targeted, personalized energy work that supports your holistic wellness journey.
Accountability Coaching: Your Path to Transformation
My coaching methodology is rooted in:
Deep, intentional listening
Personalized strategy development
Regular progress assessments
Empowerment-focused outcomes

This is how a typical wellness program of mine looks like –

Limited client intake to ensure personalized attention
Minimum 4-6 month commitment recommended
Initial discovery call to assess mutual compatibility
Customized wellness plans tailored to individual needs

Enrollment Opening
Exciting opportunity: Enrollment for my private yoga and wellness coaching program opens in January. Spaces are extremely limited, designed for individuals committed to profound personal transformation.
Next Steps
Interested in a life-changing wellness journey? Schedule a discovery call to explore how we can work together to unlock your full potential. Your transformation begins with a single, intentional step.

My website is – www.kinjalyoga.com
My email is – [email protected]

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Most Important Qualities/Skills in My Healing Journey:

Radical Self-Compassion –
The most transformative quality was learning radical self-compassion. Early in my healing journey, I was my own harshest critic, consumed by shame, guilt, and self-judgment. I realized that healing is not a linear process, and beating myself up was actually hindering my recovery. Self-compassion meant first and foremost accepting myself as I was wholeheartedly, without condemnation, listening to the signals my body was giving me, and treating myself with the same kindness I would offer a dear friend.

Advice for Others: Start by practicing gentle self-talk. When you catch yourself in negative internal dialogue, pause and ask yourself, “Would I speak to a loved one this way?” Develop a compassionate inner dialogue that supports rather than criticizes your healing process.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning –
Curiosity became my most powerful healing tool. Instead of feeling victimized by my condition, I became a dedicated student of my own health. I dove deep into understanding my body’s mechanisms, researching holistic approaches, scientific studies, and alternative healing modalities. This wasn’t about finding a quick fix, but about developing a comprehensive understanding of wellness.

Advice for Others: Approach your healing journey as a learning expedition. Maybe work with a coach or holistic healer, seek multiple opinions of healthcare professionals for medical diagnosis, and remain open to diverse perspectives. Develop a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for understanding, not obstacles.

The Power of Community in Healing –
Healing is not a solitary expedition, but a deeply interconnected journey. While the path of personal transformation can feel intensely individual, the profound truth is that we are never truly alone. Our healing is intrinsically woven into the fabric of our relationships and support systems.
I’ve learned that vulnerability is not weakness, but a courageous act of self-love. Reaching out for support requires immense strength—a strength that acknowledges our human need for connection and compassion. My own healing journey was profoundly shaped by the unwavering support of both my origin family and my chosen family, who stood beside me with love, patience, and understanding.
Key Insights on Community and Healing:
Embracing Vulnerability | Diverse Support Networks | Reciprocal Healing

Advice for Others:
Recognize that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness. Build a supportive network that understands and champions your healing. Explore support groups. Healing is not linear. Embrace the complexity of your journey.

My journey taught me that true healing transcends physical recovery. It’s about reclaiming agency, cultivating deep self-understanding, and recognizing that wellness is a holistic, ongoing process of mind, body, and spirit integration.
Remember that your worth is not determined by your health status.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My mother has been the most pivotal influence in my life, serving not just as a parent, but as my first and most influential mentor, healer, and source of inspiration. Her wisdom, resilience, and unconditional love have been the foundational pillars that shaped my understanding of strength, compassion, and personal transformation.
Growing up, I watched her navigate life’s most challenging landscapes with grace and determination. She was a teenager when she was married and had barely experienced life. From her father’s house to her husband’s house, before she knew it, she was raising three young kids and running a household. She didn’t just survive challenges; she transformed them into opportunities for growth and learning. Her approach to life was never about avoiding difficulties, but about developing the inner resources to move through them with dignity and purpose. Through her example, I learned that resilience isn’t about never falling, but about how you rise, rebuild, and continue moving forward. Her lessons were rarely delivered through lectures, but through lived experience. These experiences also taught me how to stand my ground, remain steadfast even when the one pushing back hard or questioning my thoughts, words, or actions is my mother. When I faced my own health challenges, her support transcended traditional caregiving. She was my advocate, my researcher, my emotional anchor. She would email me anything and everything she thought would help me. She never rested, she was my champion and cheerleader. She didn’t just help me heal; she taught me how to become an active participant in my own healing journey.

She instilled in me a deep understanding that our individual healing has collective implications. By healing ourselves, we create ripple effects of transformation that touch our families, communities, and ultimately, the world.

To anyone wondering about the most crucial skill in overcoming challenges, I would say: cultivate a relationship with someone – be it a parent, mentor, or guide – who sees your potential more clearly than you see it yourself. Someone who doesn’t just support you, but who empowers you to support yourself.
My mother wasn’t just helpful in my journey – she was the catalyst that transformed my understanding of what’s possible. I am truly grateful for her role in my life as a mother, teacher, mirror, confidant, and anchor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kinjalyoga.com
• Instagram: @kinjal.yoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kinjalyoga
• Other: You can also find me on Insight Timer – @Kinjalwellness