YOGA 😀

 Dear Reader

Today is celebrated as International Yoga Day. Passing over overtly political intentions and celebrity fashion, Yoga strengthens the body and the mind when practised under good guidance. 

        The contemporary world is complicated. One finds innumerable diverse opinions that question various stereotypes related to the body. The third gender is making their presence felt, feminists, assert their preferred choice in their apparel, 'plus size' women and men are celebrating breaking standardized notions of body and of course,  not leaving out kids' fashion clothing🙆. With all this, paradoxically, the conversation about hourglass figures for women, and six-pack abs for men is incessant. Little wonder that various forms of exercise like weight training, aerobics, the most recent zoomba, rope training etc have gained immense popularity.  

     Yet, it is not very surprising that the popularity of Yoga is on the rise too. Just as there is a desire to look fit n fab, to maintain a healthy mind has become a challenge. We have knocked on the doors of medicine (anti-depressants), psychology (anti-depressants, counselling), pop psychology, motivational/inspirational speeches, ted-talks et.al. At one level, for many, Yoga is like a package deal--fit body, fit mind- in form. Disclaimer: Proceed with caution! Simple as it may seem, both yogasana, breathing practice and relaxation techniques must be performed under trained yoga practitioners, paying attention to subtle aspects of the body and the mind. It is in this attention to subtle elements that Yoga is not a form of exercise like other forms of exercising.    

    Yoga, as envisioned by its ancient Sage Patanjali (though there are questions about whether it was Sage Patanjali of ancient India or a much later historical individual with the same name) is a form of practice to align physical-psychological-spiritual being of the individual. In fact, the Sanskrit word 'Yoga' means ' union', It is a practice that aligns the body, mind and spirit. This is why it warrants cautiousness to practice under a seasoned practitioner. 

    When followed meticulously, it is a beautiful experience. But, Yoga yields results extremely slowly-physically, psychologically and spiritually. And yet, Performing Yogasana is an experience in all three aspects for an individual. It is a path of discovering oneself--the expanse and the limits of the body, mind and spirit. This understanding roots the individual firmly in one's abilities boosting confidence while it encourages one to accept one's limits, one learns to enjoy improving and strengthening one's abilities even as it allows us an awareness of what to improve without making us feel small or inefficient. Perhaps this accounts for its recent international popularity in recent times. 

   Here's wishing you all a happy 'yoga day'. In this difficult time, it is indeed a blessing to be allowed to find good health--body, mind and spirit. Happy Health🙏

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