Yoga is not like an ordinary physical-exercise routine that you practise for one or two hours a day. To derive complete benefit from yoga, one has to practise purity as well as physical and mental discipline. Along with taking medicines, someone with a chronic health problem needs to follow a strict diet, rest and sleep routine. Similarly, for yoga to bear the desired result, one has to follow a disciplined and value-based lifestyle.
Society’s physical and mental problems arise from the tendency of people to follow the wrong lifestyle. In today’s world, all physical comforts are at our fingertips. Lying in the comfort of bed, you can turn on the TV, switch on and off the air-conditioning, book your train or flight tickets, and order your favourite food from restaurants. As comforts increase, our body does not get the exercise needed to remain fit. The mind is constantly racing, filled with hundreds of thoughts. There is not a moment when people are stress free. As much as the body needs exercise, the mind needs to be still to keep fit and healthy.
Yoga rejuvenates and tones the body. At the same time, it reduces stress and paves the way for the mind to become calm and efficient. Yoga teaches us that the ultimate source of happiness and peace is in our own self. Yoga enables us to bring changes in our eating habits and lifestyle, as well as our behaviour and attitude.
Those who wish to progress in yoga should adhere to a sattvic diet, consuming pure and wholesome foods. Yoga opens the door to a healthy, stress-free life, full of happiness and contentment.
DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.
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