My perception of yoga

I started yoga as an exercise just like most of us do. But soon enough I realized it was so much than just an exercise. Yoga is a science of mastering your mind. We are using our physical body as a tool to manage our thoughts. We use the body to bring us to the present moment. The present moment is always the happiest moment. For example, while practicing a balancing pose you got to get the focus on your body and breath. To get into that simple tree pose, you have to integrate the body and mind and be in now or you will be off balance. The yog sutras by Patanjali are the way of living. Patanjali describes physical aspect of yoga in just 3 words “ sthira-sukham asanam.” All he says is when you hold a pose it should be stable and joyful and rest of his teaching are about the mind.

Patanjali 2nd yog sutra " Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ." explains Yoga is the art of turning the rising waves of the mind into gentle ripples. When you're at the peak of your emotions, allowing that surge to soften and settle—that is yoga. The next step is to process and release those emotions. Holding on to them is what leads to many modern lifestyle disorders. Through yoga postures, pranayama, and meditation, we use proven techniques to let go of emotional buildup and purify both mind and body. I practise this philosophy while teaching all my classes, be it kids, adults or seniors.

Now if you only focus on the physical practice you will still get the benefits of strength and flexibility but I want you to look beyond the physical aspect. Yoga is as much on the mat as it is off the mat. This 5000 year old philosophy is so much relevant in today’s life.