Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India and has gained worldwide popularity for its physical, mental and spiritual benefits. June 21 is celebrated annually as International Day of Yoga. The theme, this year, is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which emphasises on ‘One Earth, One Family, and One Future.’
Noted Konkani film director Swapnil Shetkar has given the Goan audience films like ‘Home Sweet Home,’ ‘Home Sweet Home 2’ and ‘Questao De Confusao’. He says his crew members used to describe him as short tempered when on set but now his attitude has changed, thanks to yoga. “I usually start yoga as soon as I get up in the morning. It might not be as early as other yoga practitioners but I spend at least 45 minutes to one hour for yoga. I have been thoroughly practicing yoga post the pandemic as it gave me time to focus on myself. I was also introduced to yoga through the Art of Living programme where I understood the importance of breathing and rhythmic breathing,” says Swapnil.
What are the changes that he sees in himself? “There are three major changes, physical, mental and the third that can’t be described in words. It is a blissful and soul calming feeling after practising yoga. I have built my stamina and I no longer experience joint pains or food aversions. My stress level has reduced and I also experience a much peaceful sleep pattern. Being on set and when things are not going your way, it can get stressful with negativity coming in the mind but now I am much calmer,” explains Swapnil.
Retired ex-principal of MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar, Vishwanath Swar has been associated with various organisations such as Ambika Yog Kutir and Peace and Bliss Association to create awareness about yoga and to conduct yoga camps focusing on children. He has been instrumental in organising various workshops on effective study techniques, yoga, meditation and personality development for the wholesome development of students in educational institutions across Goa. “Yoga is not a physical exercise. Yoga comes from the word, ‘yug’ which means the union of the mind and body. When we are doing yoga, the concentration power increases and we are in a position to focus well because of pranayama which involves breathing exercises and patterns. Students can benefit from this as they can concentrate well and achieve better marks in their examinations,” explains Vishwanath.
He further adds, “Most of the physical education teachers in Goa don’t have training of yoga. Yoga is a separate practise and one has to undergo proper training from institutes recognised by Ministry of Ayush. The yoga revolution gained momentum recently when June 21 was marked as International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.”
Practising yoga for more than 45 years, Vishwanath says that the practise builds the metabolism. He wakes up at 4 am followed by one and a half hour of yoga and brisk walking for half an hour. He retires early to bed too, the latest by 10 pm. “In a day, you have to give yourself at least an hour. Earlier, I experienced spondylitis problem but since I practised yoga, I dint feel any pain. My diet plan has also not changed for all these years. If you spend an hour on yoga, your body battery will be charged up for the next 22 hours. It relaxes the muscles, makes one flexible and even reduced aggression,” says Vishwanath, who will be conducting a session on three relaxation techniques at a retreat ‘Suyog with Nature’ on June 25 from 7 am to 5 pm at Vimleshwar Devasthan hall, Rivona.
Marathon runner, Dakshayani Murgod lives in Mapusa and took up yoga in her forties. The pandemic gave her the opportunity to focus on herself and she fell in love with yoga. “It is now a daily affair and yoga is totally out of this world. It is a moment when nothing comes in your mind and it is a very calm and peaceful experience. I started practising yoga by watching YouTube videos and the experience truly transformed me and now I have moved to the advanced level,” says Dakshayani, who regularly posts about her yoga on her social media accounts.
Yoga teacher Balkrishna Naik has been educating people from different walks of life about yoga for the past 12 years. “People are more cautious about their health. They adopt yoga and I have noticed that it is mostly women who continue with yoga and experience good health. It is encouraging to see women practise as there is a saying, ‘If you educate a woman, you educate a generation.’ They carry that knowledge back home to their family members. Yoga is meant to be practised on an empty stomach either early morning or late evening. All is required is a mat. There are various exercises that relax the muscles and veins. Surya Namaskar is the best yoga practise and yoga should be practised for at least one and a half hour with various pranayamas, asanas for meditation and concentration,” says Balkrishna. Through his classes in Bicholim, many participants share their experience. They feel happy with the change in themselves and it also helps build their confidence.
Margao-based Preyasee Chari was introduced to yoga by her elder son, Tejas, while her younger son, Rajas, took her to the world of marathon running. She is now teaching yoga for other women. “As yoga is taught in school, I was fascinated when my son started practising yoga at home. I also started practising with him and gradually started reading books about yoga and even completed a certified course for the same. Since I am a runner, yoga helps my body in flexibility as I can run freely and through different terrains. There is the fear of twisting my leg but through yoga, I have feel it is a lifelong practise that will keep me fit. After practising running, I cool down with an hour of yoga before starting my day all afresh,” says Preyasee.
Yoga is also beneficial for expecting mothers as prenatal yoga is an excellent low-impact exercise that helps strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. It focuses on gentle stretches, deep breathing, and body awareness, all of which can help alleviate common discomforts like back pain and swollen ankles.
