The stage is set as 21 June dawns, marking International Yoga Day. Since its recognition by the United Nations, awareness of the benefits of Yoga has rapidly increased worldwide. In Goa too, people across the state take part in the observance through special sessions, workshops, and community programmes organised by schools, colleges, institutions, and Yoga groups.
Yoga promotes the balanced development of three areas: physical, mental, and spiritual. While the West is slowly becoming aware of this practice, for ancient Indians, it was a way of life. The word ‘Yoga’ means “to join or yoke together”. It is believed to bring the body and mind together for a harmonious experience. Thus, Yoga is a practice with historical origins in ancient Indian philosophy. In fact, experts believe practising just an hour of Yoga every day leads to a healthier lifestyle.
A LIFELONG JOURNEY
Shraddha Vora, Founder of Yoga Ved Shala and Co-founder of Angels for Animals, shares her insights. The definition of Yoga by sage Patanjali is ‘Yogaschittavritinirodaha,’ she mentions, adding further, “It has taken me a lifetime to simply understand and imbibe this.” Yoga has taught her to be in the moment and be equanimous. “The practice of Yoga has enabled me to go through life’s ups and downs with neutrality,” she observes.
For Sawani Sawaikar, a Physiotherapist and a Yoga Teacher, Yoga is her safe space. “I started practising at a young age, and now Yoga is a part of my lifestyle. I turn to Yoga on good and bad days as it calms my mind, bringing a sense of grounding,” she mentions. She believes that when Yoga is practised with proper alignment, longer holds, and appropriate intensity, it can help build strength, muscle endurance, and stability, along with flexibility. “People often think Yoga is just stretching; however, it is much more than that,” she mentions.
BENEFITS BEYOND FITNESS
The health benefits of Yoga are no surprise. Many of the health concerns seen in youngsters today are closely linked to lifestyle. Long hours of sitting, reduced physical activity, poor posture, stress, and irregular sleep patterns all result in unhealthy habits. “Yoga may not be a cure for every problem, but it can definitely be seen as a tool in managing and preventing many of these issues,” remarks Sawaikar. On a physical level, it helps improve strength, mobility, posture, and body awareness. On a mental level, it promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety, she notes. “Thus, a combination of all of this helps regulate the nervous system by reducing excessive sympathetic activity (our “fight-or-flight” response) and enhancing parasympathetic activity (our “rest-and-digest” response),” she explains. This, she believes, can help improve stress management, sleep quality, mood, and overall well-being.
FINDING CALM
In a fast-paced environment of constant stimulation and instant gratification, both Vora and Sawaikar believe that Yoga can help one pause and avoid getting trapped in this cycle. “The practice of Yoga teaches us to move inwards towards infinite patience and attain a sense of calm,” Vora remarks. Sawaikar also shares similar views. “We are constantly stimulated by work, social media, and the demands of everyday life, which contribute to rising levels of stress and lifestyle-related health concerns. In the midst of this chaos, Yoga offers an opportunity to slow down,” she states.
Regular practice of Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall physical and mental well-being. It creates a sense of balance, positivity, and calm that people can carry over into everyday life. “The best advice I can give to anyone, including beginners, is to just start!” Vora mentions. “Get on your mat without making any excuses,” she adds. She maintains that discipline is the key to life, and Yoga teaches that. “With discipline and determination, all falls into place,” she says. She recommends books such as Light on Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar and Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Svatmarama, where one can read and learn more about Yoga.
A TIMELESS PRACTICE
Thus, the day not only promotes Indian heritage globally but also reminds people to make healthy lifestyle choices. In a deadline-driven life, practising Yoga daily can help one pause and slow down while improving overall health. For some, International Yoga Day may just be a once-a-year observance, while for others, it could be the first step towards embracing Yoga as a regular part of their lives.
