The Life-Transforming Spell called "Yoga"!

The term "Yoga" flashes many snapshots of seemingly unachievable poses- standing on our head, balancing on one hand and many such gymnastic postures in our mind. It is often perceived as a physical practice, a series of postures and stretches. But what if i say, how we regard yoga to be a stretching and flexibility exercise, is just a miniscule aspect of the profundity of the subject of "Yoga"?

Yes, I do agree that in the midst of the hustle of our life, when we step into the mat and put all our effort to keep up with the teacher's instruction, we sweat our stress out, the anxious mind seems to be releasing its entire strain away from the body. And then, we think, this is all Yoga can do to us! This is the case with most of us, the obvious reason why we decide to register for yoga classes. And yes! I am no exception to that. 5 years ago, when I enrolled for classes in a nearby yoga studio, my goal was to find some relief after long days at work.

Like me, for many, the journey begins on the mat, as we move through various poses connecting breath with movement and cultivating a deeper awareness of our body. If we introspect deeper, we come to realise that yoga is beyond just these physical postures, it is a holistic system working at all layers of our body, mind and spirit.

One of the most transformative aspect of yoga is it's ability to cultivate mindfulness. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in a never-ending cycle of thoughts and anxieties. Yoga teaches us, to slow down, breathe deeply and become present in the moment, carrying the same awareness to navigate challenges with grace and equanimity. Our practice 'on the mat' transforms to reflecting authenticity, integrity, patience and compassion 'off the mat'.

Furthermore, yoga has the power to ignite a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives. As we delve into the philosophical teachings of yoga through the ancient texts and chanting mantras, we are invited to contemplate life's big questions and explore our place in the Universe. Yoga opens us up to the vastness of the Universe and our interconnectedness with all beings. This introspective journey often leads to a deeper purpose, as we align our actions and intentions with our highest values and aspirations.

In essence, yoga is a journey of self-discovery, healing and growth. As we continue to deepen our practice, we not only transform ourselves but also ripple out positive change into the world around us.

Ending with the words of one of the most renowned and celebrated Yoga teacher.

"Yoga does not change the way see things, it transforms the person who sees."~ B.K.S Iyengar.