YogMantra | Think Yoga is Not for You? It’s Time You Think Again

When well-meaning friends who have benefited from Yoga suggest she join a course, her polite though exasperated reply is, “I will, but after age 60 or even later, maybe!”

Jai Kirtikumar* heads an MNC. His frightening schedule and the stress and loneliness that come with being on the top show up in subtle ways like clenched fists, passive-aggressiveness, bursts of anger when the world is not watching, and a frown on his face when he’s not careful. He does not have time for much else other than his job.

Ask him if he would like to try Yoga to counter his stress, and he waves it off saying, “I work out at the gym, I run and I cycle; don’t think I need Yoga.” Press some more, and he uses humour to diss you with finality: “I am a Tamasic person, Yoga is not for me!”

Yoga-Phobia?

It appears that for some of us, the idea of Yoga creates anxiety. There are real instances of people who were coaxed and sent to Yoga classes; they did turn up at the venue — only to run away as quickly.

There are examples of Yoga benefitting even the seriously ill, and also those of senior doctors across the country whose day begins with Yoga. Yet, many among the educated, aware class are loathe to taking to it.

At best, people procrastinate; at worst, they believe Yoga will never be their cup of tea, given their “personality type”.

Is Yoga the preserve of a select few? And do other physical exercises give us the same results? Here are some insights from Dr Hansa ji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai.

Yoga or Running and Gym?

Yoga, as well as other forms of exercise, are beneficial physical activities, but the approaches are different.

If you’re looking for only physical fitness, strength, and endurance, go for cycling, running and to the gym.

Yoga’s very purpose is to bring the whole “body-mind complex” in harmony. The attention on breathing and its synchronisation with exercise helps to establish this body-mind relationship.

Also, some asanas like Utkatasana, Talasana, etc especially aid neuro-muscular coordination. The mind gets trained in the process.

This is why at the end of an Asana session, we come out relaxed in body and mind. In contrast, a session of ‘working out’ leaves both body and mind agitated and stressed.

Early Exposure to Yoga Helps

It is never too late to start practising Yoga. Still, taking it up sooner rather than later will yield benefits that are cumulative.

Yoga is a preventive science. When adopted early, not just physical health and mental well-being, but also our social life is richer for it.

We enjoy cumulative benefits over the years — of flexibility, emotional resilience and better conflict-resolution skills. This can lead to healthier social interactions and relationships.

This will lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life through the entire lifespan. Starting sooner can improve all areas of life in the years to come.

Yoga and Personality

The mindful breathing, gentle stretches and purification Kriyas can elevate anyone to higher states of mental balance and physical vitality. These are easily done by all and are anyone’s for the asking.

Beyond all of these are the effects of Yoga practice on the overall personality — and that is Yoga’s most important contribution to everyone who practises it.

One, practising Yoga helps develop self-acceptance, teaching us to embrace our strengths and limitations without judgment. This leads to a greater sense of self-worth.

Two, with this greater innate confidence, communication skills improve. We become better at expressing ourselves clearly and better listeners, too.

Three, emotional intelligence increases by practising the yogic technique of Reflection. As we get more in tune with our emotions, it makes us more empathetic and hence, better at interpersonal relationships.

Four, mental and emotional resilience is built up gradually. This results in a more adaptable and composed personality in the face of adversity.

Other than these, for some, Yoga is a spiritual practice that brings deeper connection within the self, resulting in deeper inner peace and contentment.

There is every reason to take to Yoga — and without procrastinating.

*Names changed to protect identity

The author is a journalist, cancer survivor and certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at [email protected].