“Exercises are like prose, whereas yoga is the poetry of movements. Once you understand the grammar of yoga; you can write your poetry of movements.” ― Amit Ray, Yoga and Vipassana: An Integrated Life Style

Derived from the Sanskrit word, yuj, yoga literally means the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. Much more than just a physical exercise, Yoga is a fascinating science of discovering the immortal potential of the mind and soul of the mortal human being. People twist, stretch, turn and breathe in complex ways, yes, but that is only the most superficial layer of yoga, beneath which lies an enormous body of knowledge. It is said that “You cannot do yoga. Yoga is your natural state. What you can do are yoga exercises, which may reveal to you where you are resisting your natural state.”

Despite its origins to pre-Vedic Indian traditions, the benefits of this 5000-year old science have never been more evident. In a world that is fraught with stress, miseries, pressures and constant mental and physical struggles, the human mind has become immune to an array of perilsboth mental and physical. In such a context, embracing yoga is like breathing fresh air into the prisons of one’s mind and body.

Its benefits are truly endless. All-round fitness, weight loss, stress relief, inner peace, improved immunity, living with greater awareness, more fulfilling relationships, increased productivity, are just some of the many advantages of practicing yoga. What is even more fascinating about this profound art is that it has the potential to improve one’s intuitive abilities. One effortlessly realizes what needs to be done, and is seamlessly able to meet their potential.

Despite all this and much more that it offers, the true purpose of yoga is to unite the body, mind and breath. When these three are in harmony, the journey through life is a more pleasurable, calmer and fulfilling one.

Simply reading or hearing about the magical effects of yoga, however, can make you somewhat incredulous. That’s why, to actually experience its magic, you need to do it yourself, and see yourself transform into a truly self-actualized human being. What one needs to remain cognizant of is that yoga, far from being a crash course for thinness, is a continuous process. The deeper you delve, the more satiated you’ll be.

You could be a homemaker, a sportsperson, an entrepreneur, a student or a domestic worker; all you need to allow yoga to unleash its celestial bliss on you, is the intent and will. You don’t need any expensive equipment or an air-conditioned room to practice yoga. A little space out in the open, a small yoga mat, and you’re set! So, for a truly healthy and fulfilling life, take to the divine way of life that yoga is, right away.