Yoga as we know it- the various physical postures and
breathing exercises. However, going back in time Yogasutra written 2500 years
ago by Patanjali defines yoga as the ‘stilling of mind’. It is an attempt to
empty the mind. Yog is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’- which is the
practice of connecting the ‘atma’ and the ‘paramatma’( the soul and the Supreme
Being) Rightfully, it is beyond the postures and stretching and breathing- it
is finding yourself and being comfortable in who you are, it is looking for
that person lost in the din and the bustle of this mundane world. It is to
connect, to balance and to be in harmony
with the self.
Yoga is a mind process- it is a state of mind. Getting
centred through the awareness of the physicality- the postures and breathing
that help us navigate towards the peace and quiet the mind has to offer.
Awareness of the body brings us to the present
moment and keeps us in the here and now. In the ‘Now’ we are free from
the past and the future. This is when we experience bliss and completeness. Learning to let go
and freeing ourselves of all the worries and stress – even if it is for a short
while( hopefully with practice, I should be able to hold on to it for longer)
The mind – body synchronization brings about relaxation,
ease and profound peace. Physical discomfort and stress is replaced by a
supple and pain free body and a tired
confused mind sees clarity and meaning in life.
For me Yoga has been a medium through which I manage my life
and keep myself centred. The one hour I
spend in the morning practicing yoga is the best gift I could give myself. The
early morning walk to the studio, the ever
calm and collected Dr. Mani- my
yoga guru, the soothing music, the like minded fellow practitioners and
friends, the suryanamaskars, the asanas, the mudras, the pranayamas, mind and body in sync-I am at peace with
myself. I am calm and connected and physically-
leaner, stronger and healthier. Suppleness, grace and confidence I bring home
everyday. The conscious breathing is something that I enjoy – keeps me
connected to myself even when I go through my busy days. The dullness is
replaced by zeal to work well ,willingness for self- improvement and new
learnings, to follow my dreams and to be a better ‘me’. In an attempt to empty
my mind I found everything I was looking
for.
I seeked good health, peace, harmony and balance in my
life- and Yoga gave me all and more.
Claudia Joshi
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