I seek solace in Yoga.
Ever since I have been introduced to it in the gym two years ago and having tried out various other different forms of exercises there, nothing can beat the way I feel after every Yoga class. Yes, cardio workouts make your heart pump harder, you sweat profusely and enjoy the endorphin released thereafter for a feel-good effect. You also sometimes, at least for some of us, suffer the terrible achy tired feeling hours later.
More than an exercise, I believe Yoga is the only one that gives a body and mind connection. And even more recently I have learnt it also has spiritual and philosophical impact as well. For many of us thriving in this highly efficient society where we meet what life demands of us like clockwork (no, we try to beat the clock whenever possible!), it is heavenly to spend an hour or more just giving our tired muscles a good stretch, twist out the tension knots and balance our poses and priorities in life! What I enjoy most must be the last five or ten minutes when I get to lie very still and relax every muscle on my face and body, clear my mind of all wandering thoughts (I am still learning how to do that properly!) and rejuvenate my spirit.
Most amazingly it not only helps to ease my spinal conditions, increase my strength and flexibilty, I am now learning how beneficial each asana can be in tackling the problems our various internal organs may face and thus creating a healthier mind and body, both inside and out.
I embrace the many wise life philosophies Yoga teaches. It teaches us to see life as it is, and not be burdened by the daily stresses and problems. It teaches us to be pure, humble and contented, to treat others with honesty and respect. It teaches us to draw our senses inwards and relieve them of external distractions. As we sense, so we think, as we think, so we act. It teaches us to achieve a state of focused concentration, become one in body-breath-mind, hence leading to bliss.
In order to derive the full benefits, we should, as what my teacher says, "Do the Yoga Yoga", i.e., do it as what traditional yoga is meant to be, in a slow and relaxing manner, unlike the many modern hybrids found in the gyms which have been concocted into mere physical workout programmes. It is "no wonder" (another of my teacher's favourite phrase) that Yoga has thrived for thousands of years and is continued to be practised worldwide by people of different race, language and religion.
In my Yoga course, fellow students can stand on their head, bend like a wheel and pose like a pigeon. Well I'm an old student I must say, trying to learn the craft, but as the saying goes, it's better late than never! More than achieving advanced poses, what I want to acquire is the yogic state of mind. Perhaps when I do it right, I can one day live till 100 years old, like I was told true yogis can! Not really, I just want to be healthy into my old age. And have a peaceful mind.
Yes! I survived the first week of my Yoga Teacher Training Course!! And I believe my relationship with Yoga has only just begun ...
Julianne Lee
