yoga

Yoga: A Miracle That Will Change You & Your Life For GOOD!

Yoga, as we know, is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration and deep breathing- which is nothing but physical, mental and spiritual practices. Practising it makes you not just fit, but also takes you on a spiritual path.

Let me share my experience! I was not like this before (on heavier side). Of late, due to lifestyle changes, stress and even laziness, I couldn’t even concentrate on my fitness. Also, I had suffered Chikungunya long back, and its after effects are still there. I had severe joints pain; I used to feel feverish. My immunity is down because of the past viral attack and due to this lockdown (due to the pandemic) was a big punishment. I somehow made sure that I am not attacked by another virus (if it had happened, I don’t know how I would have managed).

So, as I said, due to the previous viral attack, I suffered joints issue and when it became severe, I decided to consult doctor- I went for Allopathy as I felt Ayurveda is a slow process and it would take time. Since my pain was severe, I started taking medicines. The doctor, whom I consulted, said I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (though it was initial). She was good and she gave me limited medicines and doses too were less. She even asked me to work out and go for a walk. The medicines were working for a couple of months, but again when she decreased the dose and tablets, the pain recurred and I was in so much frustration. I was thinking that I was just popping pills, which is of no use and later in my old days, I might get into some other medical issues (my liver might get damaged).

Not just joints pain. Due to office and home stress, I started having anger issues, heavy mood swings and don’t know what! I started breaking things when I was angry, which scared and hurt my loved ones. It is then I decided to do something about it and decided to go for Yoga & Meditation.

Since I didn’t have any company initially, I forced one of my friends to join me, because I was bored to go alone. She being very humble, joined me. We practised Yoga at my native with guidance of yoga teacher. Let me tell you another important thing. In today’s world, everything is virtual. Online classes are available for anyone and they can practise yoga anytime, anywhere. However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend you to join the class at least for a month, so that you get used to it. Also, if you go wrong, your teacher will be there to guide you. Yoga should be done with proper guidance- proper breathing and movements are required, else things can go wrong or it may not even work.

Now, it has been a year that I have been practising Yoga. I have stopped taking medicines. I make sure that I am on a proper diet and don’t strain myself too much. I can now confidently say that my joints pain has reduced to almost 90%. I used to get sprains (especially during periods- and every month I used to suffer the pain), but now it has just vanished! I have also lost weight- Still a long way to go though. I’m not that flexible, but I’m getting there.

My anger issues have also reduced. I don’t worry unnecessarily now. Yoga & Meditation has made me calm and patient. I don’t get unnecessarily angry on anyone who irritates me. When I’m stressed, I just think over and do what is needed instead of worrying over it and wasting my energy. This has also made me a positive person.

Surya Namaskara

As it is said, “Yoga is not a work-out it is a work-in, and this is the point of spiritual practice to make us teachable to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.”

On this International Yoga Day, I urge everyone to practise Yoga to stay fit and calm. It is a miracle that will change your life for good, just like it did to me! Believe it and go for it!

Share your experience by commenting below.

Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru: Book Review

Looking for some peaceful space. Looking forward to a spiritual path- then this book- Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy is for you.

Inner Engineering by Sadhguru is an amazing eye-opener for everyone and is a must-read. Experiencing some of the practices that have been mentioned in the book will take you to completely different world, and don’t be surprised if it changes you to a new person!

For those who are not aware, Inner Engineering is a technology for well-being derived from the science of Yoga.

So why to read this book? What makes this book so special?

We live in a stressful environment, and every day is a drill for each person. Dealing with any difficult situations during the stressful times becomes major task! It is then that the practices and teachings of this book comes to your rescue. By reading and practicing, or by just following the guidance of Sadhguru- will help you learn how to be happy in any kind of situation. It guides you as to how to survive, and gives you purpose and hope.

Bonus in this book!!

Sadhguru’s journey and about Dhyanalinga is mentioned in this book.

The book not only talks about yoga and the science behind it, it also sheds light on lot of other things. Like, you get to read a lot of funny stories that will make you smile as you read on (may not also) and it has a lot of facts (like science behind digestion, what you need to eat and how much food is good for your health). Also, the science and a few logics behind few traditional practices are beautifully explained – like why do you fast during Ekadashi.

Ram Navami: What’s The Story Behind The Festival & How Is It Celebrated?

Lord Rama is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is considered to be an ideal human being and a symbol of truth, righteousness and virtue. He is known for his bravery, courage and devotion for his duty. He was free from greed, hatred and vices; defended the vulnerable and stood up for what was right against all odds, because of these qualities he was known as ‘Maryada Purushottam.’ Ram Navami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ram. Almost every festival has a story behind it and Ram Navami also has the same. The Hindu epic- Ramayana has a description of the festival.

History/Story Behind Ram Navami

King Dashratha had three queens – Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra, but they weren’t able to bear him an heir. On the advice of Rishi Vashishth, they performed Putra Kamesti Yagna. Lord of Yagna blessed the three queens and were given kheer. Soon after having the kheer, the queens conceived- on the ninth day of Chaitra month (Threta Yuga), Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Lord Rama, Sumitra gave birth to Lord Shatrughan and Lord Lakshaman, and Kaikeyi gave birth to Lord Bharat.

How Is Ram Navami Celebrated?

Ram Navami is celebrated as the conclusion of Chaitra Navratri. Devotees of Maa Durga organise havan at their homes and end the nine-day-long Navratri fast.

According to Drik Panchang, devotees are supposed to observe a one-day fast, during which they recite and listen to the epic Ramayana and celebrate the union of Lord Shri Ram and Lady Sita. They organise Ram Navami processions. They perform a havan before breaking the fast the next day.

During the puja, they offer kala chana, puri and halwa/kheer. They also prepare panka (juice with muskmelon), masala buttermilk, kosambari.

Although the festival is celebrated across India, it is celebrated in Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) in a grand way.

Happy Ram Navami to all! Jai Sri Ram.