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Embracing Yoga: A Journey to Inner Peace
On my recent trip to the U.S. to visit my daughter, I met a woman while boarding the flight. She was friendly and soft-spoken, and we quickly struck up a conversation. To our delight, we ended up seated next to each other. Shortly after takeoff, the plane hit some turbulence. She looked terrified, while I remained calm and began my meditation practice. She was astonished by my composure.
“Didn’t you feel anything? That turbulence was intense!” she asked. I smiled and replied, “Not at all.” She then inquired, “How can you stay so calm?” I explained that it’s all about the knowledge of Yoga, where I learned how to remain calm in adverse situations.
She asked how ancient-age yogic knowledge is helpful in our Modern age world. I made her understand that people nowadays tend to overindulge in every aspect of life. From consuming excessive junk food to satisfy their taste buds, overspending on shopping to enhance their appearance, and even overdoing it at the gym to build a bulky physique, many are caught in a cycle of excess. Additionally, spending too much time on social media has become a common habit. This lifestyle takes a toll on us physically, psychologically, and socially. The solution, I told her, lies in yoga.
The Aim of Yoga
“Do you know how yoga can help?” I asked. She shook her head, eager to learn. I explained that yoga aims to achieve self-realization and harmony in body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is a science of self-development that purifies the mind and body, helps control the mind, and promotes a healthy lifestyle through nutritious food, physical activity, positive communication, and good social interactions. Ultimately, yoga helps us pursue health, happiness, and peace.
Balancing Spirituality and Materialism: Yoga also teaches the balance between spirituality and materialism, a lesson more crucial today than ever. Spirituality encourages us to aspire for a better life, be selfless, love everyone, and live in the present moment. In contrast, materialism drives the desire for wealth and possessions, fosters selfishness, and focuses on future aspirations and endless desires. While materialism may bring financial success, it cannot buy peace of mind.
Classical Yoga
I introduced her to classical yoga, particularly Ashtanga Yoga as outlined by Patanjali. This approach focuses on more than just physical fitness; it enhances balance, concentration, and a sense of detachment. It teaches self-direction, self-management, self-discipline, self-achievement, and self-confidence, leading to a complete lifestyle change.
Yoga introduces a healthy routine and helps us transform our daily habits. It promotes physical fitness through static and dynamic asanas and cleanses and heals the body. Breathing exercises channel vital energies and guide us on healthy eating habits—what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat. Yoga also helps in reshaping our mindset by directing our thoughts positively. Every aspect of life can be improved through yoga.
A Transformative Journey: As our conversation and flight ended. I felt glad that she had learned about the profound benefits of yoga. I hope she begins her yoga journey soon and experiences the transformation it brings.