From Mind Full to Mindful!

Ever held one arm out in front of you with your palm facing up, like someone is about to hand you a slice of pizza, and with your other hand, grabbed your fingertips and pulled them down? Or maybe you've twisted your wrist and stretched a little after sitting for long hours in front of your laptop? Surprise! You just did some yoga in the middle of your day.

Yep, yoga isn’t just about bending over and touching your toes or the complicated asanas you see influencers doing on Instagram. It's also that simple stretch after a shower or on your quick walk to get coffee.

Flashback to November 2019: Like many girls with a little extra weight here and there, I started yoga to lose a few kilograms. What I didn't expect was the magic that unfolded over the next 3 to 4 months. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t just successfully shedding some kilograms.

I had never been the workout type, and for 25 years of my existence, the thought of exercising had never crossed my mind. Enter my mom’s friend—my first yoga mentor. Picture a gentle yet strict mother figure guiding you through each pose. It was exactly what I needed.

From mind full, I was finally on my way to being mindful. I was surprised at how my body learned and unlearned so much in such little time. And you know what my biggest takeaway was? More than anything, I felt empowered.

Then, along came COVID-19 to disrupt our flow and our lives, of course. From November ’19 to March ’20, everything had been perfect. But the pandemic hit, and our daily sessions came to a screeching halt.

We resumed online in July ’20, but it wasn’t the same without our post-yoga green tea and gossip sessions. Yoga wasn’t just about the poses; it was the camaraderie and the laughs we shared along the way.

Fast forward to 2024 (with a two-year breakup with my most rewarding habit in between, thanks to a hectic work schedule), and I finally patched up with my love, a.k.a. resumed my yoga sessions in March this year with a new mentor who introduced techniques my body needs at this moment. I had to learn and unlearn things all over again. But moving again felt like reuniting with an old friend.

As I brainstormed what to write about on Yoga Day, I discovered that the theme for 2024 by the United Nations is "Yoga for Women’s Empowerment." But what does that even mean? Yoga is for everyone; it’s gender-neutral, isn't it?

Is it because women need stress management the most in India or globally? Or is it a way to keep women quiet for an hour? (Just kidding! If you visit any yoga community group in our parks, you’ll find they’re making the most noise, chattering, and laughing through the asanas.)

In a world where women juggle a thousand roles, yoga offers a much-needed respite. Yoga as stress management? Absolutely. It’s a space where we can breathe, stretch, and let go of the day's worries. And let’s not forget the social aspect. Those yoga groups/classes are less about perfecting poses and more about building connections. Yoga has this amazing way of bringing women together, fostering a sense of community. I have personally seen such a group in my neighborhood park, and trust me, they are a delight to watch when their yoga suddenly becomes zumba or a dance party in the middle of the park.

Yoga has empowered me in ways I never imagined. It’s not just about flexibility or strength; it’s about feeling in control, confident, and connected. Whether it's managing stress, finding a moment of peace, or simply having a laugh with my mentor, yoga has been a game-changer.

As we celebrate Yoga Day 2024 with the theme of women's empowerment, I encourage you to explore yoga for yourself. Trust me, it’s more than just a workout—it’s a journey to empowerment and stress relief. 

Some Tips for Beginners: 

Start Small: Begin with simple stretches. Don’t stress about nailing complicated poses.

Find Your Tribe or Vibe: Join a local yoga group or an online community. The support and camaraderie make a huge difference.

Be Consistent: Try to stick with it! (This one is for me too)

So, kids, once you get to know how easy it is in life to lose those inches and gain some confidence, you will roll out that mat and start your journey ASAP. (HIMYM reference again)

Namaste!