International Yoga Day 2021_ Yoga, a solace in the times of the Pandemic By Palak Sardana (Wellness Coach & Yoga Teacher)

 

 

As covid continues to pursue human race relentlessly, yoga has emerged as a beacon of hope in these testing times for the entire world.

Yoga’s popularity has grown manifold during the pandemic as it is one of the unique disciplines’ that

assures physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

This was the second year in running when via virtual platforms, the international day of yoga was celebrated world-wide.

Year on year, the committed endeavour of Swaminarayan Temple (Powai) and Jalaja foundation has ensured that the benefit of yoga reaches wide and large. This year too the celebrations were carried out with gusto, following proper covid protocol. The program digitally touched thousands of lives, around the globe.

With the blessings of spiritual masters, Bharat bhai and Vashi Bhai (Swami Narayan Temple), the livestreaming of the program started at 6.30 am on 21st June. With the focus on managing anxiety & immune response, professional yoga teachers under the guidance of Acharya Deepak Parmar, demonstrated the relevant practices.

Bharat Bhai highlighted the perils of modern life & sedentary lifestyle leading to many diseases. He encouraged people to undertake a daily yoga practice, even as little as fifteen minutes, for overall wellbeing.

Vashi Bhai marvelled at the multi-dimensional nature of yoga right from being a medicine to a lifestyle. He shared the mind management technique of taking refuge in the transcended minds of saints to manage conflict in our own minds.

Mr. J.P Shetty from Jalaja foundation spoke about the power of mind to win over the body. He brought the focus on the breathing and stress management techniques of yoga that have helped

immensely during the pandemic. He spoke about Yoga’s widespread appeal and credibility that has

enabled it to cut across cultures, religions and faiths.

Acharya Deepak ji highlighted the need for a guru and cautioned people against practising by watching random videos. He emphasised on the benefits of practices based on the yogic shastras.

Sudha ji, an accomplished yoga teacher, guided the audience through the pranayama practices and shared the science behind the breathing techniques that have gained immense popularity during covid times.

The ending session emphasised on the need for taking yoga off the mat and utilising techniques like ‘chitta prasadanam’ to battle anxiety, boost immunity and tranquillizing of mind. The loving kindness meditation was guided by Palak Sardana, a holistic wellness coach and yoga teacher.

Never has the need to embrace yoga as a lifestyle been higher than now. The International Yoga Day comes as a reminder every year to encourage us to tap into our inner resources and take charge of our wellbeing.