My learnings from Yoga

Yoga, the literally translated meaning of this word is Union. So the obvious next question that arises is Union with what? So if you’ve read some books on Yoga, you will know that the standard answer is to your Self. I found this to be a bit dumb. Because that opens up another Pandora’s Box. Read till the end to know what it is.

So as with any beginner of any practice, I bought a book and a mat. A book on Hatha Yoga by B K S Iyengar. It was the thickest one I found. It has a very detailed, step by step instruction on how to do it. A mat to practice on. I also read a number of blogs on how to start, which asanas to practice when to practice by many Yoga teachers. HERE I would like to tell you that first take a good look at the schedule, your day and the activities that fill it. See when you’re free, where you can adjust and take time out for yourself of about 60-70 minutes.

The day arrived and started my practice. I’d time in the morning, so I started with the stretching which Mr. Iyengar recommends for beginners. My first reaction was, God how awfully stiff I am. I could not touch my feet without bending my knees. At the end, I gave up in 20 minutes with my back aching and my nostrils flared up. However, I did not cave in. Next day I started again with the stretches and found the same pain. I decided to push on. I completed 3 sets of stretches and called it a day.

The next day I began with my first asana the Surya Namaskaras ( Sun Salutations). I have no idea about the weird names till date. They are a set of 12 positions to be done in a fluid motion. I could do only 6.

So post that I tried Sarvanagasana. It was dealt with and the next one was Paschimottanasana (Forward Bend). Till date, this is the most difficult one that I had to do. I was afraid that I would not be able to touch my forehead to my knees. I had butterflies in my stomach. Somehow, half-heartedly I tried and was inches away when I caved in. I stopped the practice for that day there and then. I was ashamed that I caved into a simple stretch. I felt bad throughout the day. That day I decided that I will not let myself down in such manner. The next few days were the same. Pushing my body for long stretches and not caving in. It took me 30 days of daily practice to touch my head for 3 seconds. IT WAS WORTH IT.

I have made it a point to practice asanas, meditate on a daily basis. If I don’t have time I do Surya Namaskaras without fail. Now the benefits are plenty. The physical ones are plenty.

I am going to give my insights about the benefits I gained:

I am able to take control of situations where normally I would cave in.
I am able to hold my focus for longer periods of time.
I am able to handle my failures, mine and others too (I am a competitive freak)
I plan my day very well and am able to be the workaholic that I am. No shame in that
I am able to remain calm. This one has had an exponential effect on my well being.
I smile a lot more.

Certain tips I would like to give you about Yoga:

Plan your time as per your schedule, not the other way around.
Plan what you’re going to do, which asanas, meditation, stretching etc.
Keep a diary, helps you to deal with laziness.
You just need a mat, no special clothes, pants or tops.
Learn meditation a few days after you start with the physical stretches. (worked for me)

So for me, Yoga has become Integration. A union of my mind and my heart. Of my ambitions, desires, values, and conscience.

I find it as an effective tool to still my mind and direct my complete focus wherever I want it to be. Remember it is a tool, the agenda behind it is in your hands. The inventors of these techniques did it so as to become one with God. But in the 21st century, we do not have time for that too. However, it is the easiest, DIY way to push your limits, in a physical and mental plane.