Every now and then one keeps listening about Yoga, meditation, breathing practises and so on. This posts touches interesting aspects of yoga. So gear up to broaden your horizons! Whether you are a regular yoga follower, a total newbie, or have never known anything about this practise, this article and the special Q & A section is sure to appeal one and all.
I have been into practising Yoga and Meditation for over 8 years and, reaping the benefits from it. Hence, I wish to share this amazing practise that works wonders for many! And also, I love to see you all feel happy and benefit from the posts!
I had the opportunity to get on board Expert Yoga Instructor and my friend Meeta Sharma. Meeta began teaching yoga at the age of 15 and is currently pursuing Bachelor of Science in Yoga, a degree programme. She has been associated with the Art of Living foundation (INGO) for over 8 years and, has actively participated in various service projects. For the love of yoga, the beautiful young lady has been travelling across India to learn and gain in-depth knowledge about the subject.
Here is the special Q & A section for you! 🙂
- Why should anyone opt for Yoga?
A: Yoga has a very holistic approach; it not only has a positive effect on the body and mind but also brings emotional stability. It makes one completely stress free which I believe is the need of the hour with the kind of lifestyle we have.
- We all are aware that there are many benefits of Yoga, can you elaborate about how doing ‘Aasanas’ daily can help in healing physical and mental illnesses?
A: We accumulate so much stress throughout the day and do not know how to get rid of it. Yoga is the tool through which we can throw all the stress out, it makes our body disease free, and our mind stress free.
- If one is a total newbie to Yoga, what steps do you suggest them to start with their practise?
A: Find a teacher, a Guru! I was first introduced to yoga when I did the Art of Living’s basic workshop. I learnt simple yoga asaanas, pranayamas and a beautiful breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya, which I include in my daily practise. In all my years of travelling across India, I found that Art of Living has best approach for beginners.
- Can Yoga be combined with Meditation?
A: Yoga leads to meditation; if the body and mind are restless it is not possible to meditate. When practising yoga, it always starts from the gross body, for which we have asaanas, for the mind we have pranayama (breathing exercises) and then meditation is an effortless happening! So this is most important, after your yoga practice sit with eyes closed, body still for a few minutes and do nothing!
- How many minutes/hours in a day/week one should dedicate to the Yoga exercises?
A: Mahatma Gandhi would often say, “I have too much to do today, I can’t mediate for an hour, I will meditate for two hours.” The deeper the rest, the more efficient you are in any action you do, and yoga gives us that much needed rest. So one hour a day is essential, especially if you have a very hectic schedule.
- What is the ideal time?
A: 4 am! It’s the best time to do yoga! Morning time between 6-8, and if that is not possible then do it anytime of the day with a light stomach.
- Can a person of any age practise Yoga asanas and benefit from it?
A: Yes! Whatever the body allows, some stretching, breathing exercises. Get that blood circulation going! Increase your breath capacity, we only use 30% of our lung capacity, it has a direct link with our emotions. The breath is short and fast when we get angry, and it is heavy when we are tired, but when you are happy the breath is long and full. So breathe fully and be happy.
- Yoga is often linked to spirituality and also to religion, what is your take on it?
A: Yoga leads to meditation which is nothing but going beyond all identities, including your gender! It has nothing to do with religion. My Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “Religion is the banana skin, spirituality is the banana.”
- You have been teaching Yoga for years, can you share your experience with people?
A: I have seen lives transform! So much benefit people have reaped out of it, I have seen people come out of depression and get rid of cancer through yoga! When I teach, I rejoice seeing people sitting with their eyes closed, with a serene smile, deep in meditation. I have just one advice, don’t learn yoga just with an intention to lose weight or become flexible because those things will simply happen by the way.
- Which is your personal favourite Yoga Aasana?
A: This is a very tough question. I really enjoy hastpadasana (forward bend) and shirsh Asaana (head stand), I like the blood rush to my head. I basically enjoy all of it.
- Do you have anything to say to the “I am not the Yoga type” of people?
A: The mind and the parachute work best when they are open. You never know what you might love unless you have tried it.
To know more on the topic, do checkout my article on Benefits of Yoga, here!
Connect with me for regular doses of inspiration, happiness, and chic lifestyle articles: 🙂
- Subscribe: Get on to the email list and avail access to a lot more interesting bunch of things & Free Give Aways!
- If you wish you see your post here, you can write to me at writerscorner@sh101.global.temp.domains.
Also, THANK YOU all for your comments and subscriptions, I am so grateful. 🙂
Participate in the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2016! : For details click here!
Connect with me on twitter: @MeghanazExpress or you can write to me at writerscorner@sh101.global.temp.domains
You can checkout my previous Blogs:
Interesting things to do without Internet that can make you happy!
Office Yoga: Simple and effective yoga stretches to do at workplace
Things to be grateful for that can instantly make you happy!
superb!
Thanks Preeti 🙂
I will start doing Yoga everyday now. Thank you 😀
Good decision, Rajesh 😀
Nice