“We are disconnected from ourselves in today’s times. Therefore, yoga helps us in reconnecting with ourselves.” – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
The popular parable of the “Shallow Well” brings out the spiritual beauty of yoga.
In this parable, a man desires to dig a well. His initial enthusiasm would phase out after digging for some feet. Believing that the dug land was parched, he would move to another patch of land. In hope of finding water, he shifted to various fields. Even after toiling for a day, he was unable to find water.
In the story, our inner self is compared to the well. Ordinarily, we may not be able to think deeply. The practice of yoga inspires people to dig deep within their unique and present circumstances. This introspection has helped many to understand their deeper self and achieve a tranquil life state.
A calmer you
“Yoga is the way to know yourself, in this real world. For the afterlife, there is religion. Yoga is for the here and now.” – Shri Narendra Modi
Yoga is practiced actively all over the world. The International Day of Yoga acquainted many with this ancient tradition and is helping to reap the spiritual and health benefits of it.
“My journey with yoga started eight years back when I was diagnosed with PCOD and thyroid. Within a few months of practicing yoga, I was off medication. Soon after my journey as a yoga instructor started. My first student, my mother was able to manage her chronic slip disc pain and also, to keep her anger and irritability at bay.
Performing yoga asanas(postures) and pranayamas(breathing practices) have an innate effect of healing properties. Meditation helps in nurturing confidence and willpower. For me, yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is a bridge that has lead me and many others to spirituality. Yoga has helped me manifest a calm state of mind, even in the most turbulents times.” – Srishti Chopra, yoga instructor
While the yoga asanas (postures) help to be physically fit, adopting it as a lifestyle practice helps one be closer to their spiritual self. The practice of yoga helps to grow spiritually in these ways:
- Yoga helps to train the mind to live in present. Focusing on present enables one to tap the limitless higher self.
- The asanas provide techniques to unite the body, mind and breath and connect them to the inner core of our being.
- Being physically flexible leads to mental flexibility and vice versa.
- Yoga is known for to remove or mitigate mental stress.
- Helps in removing or warding off negativity, thus helping many feel relaxed and refreshed.
- Yoga is known to stimulate the energy centres of the body.
- Yoga has helped many elderly people to decrease their sense of loneliness.
Yoga is a way of life which has transformed the lives of countless individuals both spiritually and physically. In the routine lives where stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness is in abundance, yoga can be the ray of hope that illuminates the darkest corners of our lives.
Quick facts about Yoga:
- In December 2014, the United Nations declared 21st June to be observed as International Yoga Day. In 2015, International Yoga Day was celebrated on Rajpath where a record 34,895 people belonging to 84 nationalities performed yoga along with our Prime Minister.
- Any person regardless of their age, gender, flexibility or health condition can do yoga, with guidance.
- There are specific a asanas which are suited for specific body parts or diseases.
- Yoga helps in improving flexibility, balance, strength, muscle tone, immune function, endurance and vitality.
- Yoga helps in maintaining good circulatory health.
