Yog, or commonly known as yoga, is a spiritual journey within. The external world is a mere conception of our inner being. So, recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on my old time love of rediscovering yoga for myself. I learned that the library on campus here has tons of books on yoga, alternative therapy, public health, community medicine, etc. Since I am not a student here, I could not check them out, BUT sunny side up - as it is India- I sat in the library in did my own abhyas (studying) of yoga. There was this brilliantly written book on Yoga called Yoga and Rehabilitation. It taught me so much more than I ever knew about yoga. Yoga is a spiritual practice, mind-body-soul connection, but often the yoga displayed in public is very superficial in its manifestation. At such times, it is up to the student of yoga, or life long learning, to find their own meaning and connection. After all, that connection cannot be taught; it can only be felt. The day, very well spent at the library, did teach me many other things about yoga though such as meaning behind OM, what different types of yoga represent and symbolize. I really enjoyed that book, and besides the chicken soup series books I am fond of, this book really caught my attention. To add cherry to the cake or shall I say Palak to the Paneer, I got to participate in the newly started yoga class on campus. A fellow volunteer had invited me to join, and I could not pass a offer to experience yoga class. I got to practice in the evening the theory that I had taught myself in the library all day thanks to that wonderful book. All the sore muscles and pain right now is only making me want to do yoga again. Hopefully, during my brief time left here, I will get to attend more classes. It felt so liberating. I was challenging myself, my body, my mental concentration, balance, and stamina. The poses, mudras and asanas are only aimed towards the physique or physical body until one understands and employs the meanings and benefits that arise from them. Yoga is a journey-eternal journey that does not start or stop at the doors of a classroom or gym, but rather, it is started when you have realized it.
That is just my interpretation.
After the yoga class, I headed back. The chagda ride home again, felt so liberating. The wind in my face, at cliche as it sounds, the cool breeze of winter in Gujarat was more than welcome after the hour long session. The environment so serene and peaceful, my mind totally relaxed-I loved it! One of my favorite things about the yoga class was the meditation-Dhyan. Now, that I knew and fully understood the meaning of OM, I thoroughly enjoyed our session.
Someone once said, we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience.
Today, we went around the city-from the open markets in the city to Crosswords bookstore, to lunch. It was great. I love showing the city to others-the city I am so passionate about. It truly felt amazing at the bookstore. So many books ( I wanted to read every single Chicken Soup series books)-so little time. Nonetheless, no problemo! I will go back for more later, but for now, I am letting life be a book I am trying to read and interpret. It is amazing that despite not being a student here, I am like a student. I am learning for fun, for life. I got to attend lectures on psychiatry, do my own abhyas at the library on topics that interest me, eat at the cafeteria (that shaas and tea was amazing!), participate in yoga class. I feel like I have been able to explore a side of me that was hidden in every day "on your feet" lifestyle on today's life. I got to slow down here and literally smell the flowers and the dust alike! For some reason, I found fragrance even in yoga class with no AC or fan. I really hope to visit places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun though! I don't know when or how-I just know I will.
Next month, I will try to remain free from internet. If I am going to living by Gandhiji's principals, I need to be able to embrace the simple life. My life thus far made me attached to technology, but it is a bond I do not need to peace. I will replace that with writing and reading, with yoga and so forth.. I will try. Failure is not falling down; it is staying down.
Remember, your greatest strengths grow from your weaknesses.
My once shy and reserved nature is my new explore life attitude in which some hidden talkative version of me has stretched myself to be outgoing. Life is but a series of experiments as Gandhiji said in his autobiography, it is what you make it.
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