THE BEGINNING OF MY YOGA SOJOURN

                                     THE BEGINNING OF MY YOGA SOJOURN

MY CONFUSION

I’ve was introduced to Yoga (basically Yoga asanas) by my father in 1988, but I didn’t find it interesting enough, so I discontinued it. Yoga caught my attention again a few years ago, after I began struggling with the stress of the day to day happenings. Yoga seemed to be one of the most popular choices on Google for overcoming stress related issues. So, I tried enrolling for Yoga classes, near my house. I joined two or three such classes and started with a lot of enthusiasm. However, my enthusiasm was short lived because of lack of structure in these classes. These classes were extremely disjointed, because there was no explanation why we were doing, what we were doing, so on some days there would be Vinyasa yoga, which is fast paced and on other days there would be something else, which left me confused and disappointed.

However, after some time I realized that such classes were not to be faulted because they had to cater to the varied requirements of their subscribers, who were very important for their economic viability. The main focus of the majority of the subscribers was weight control or other health-related issues, hence coupled with the variations in age, health, etc of these subscribers, the classes were justifiably conducted to suit varied requirements. Hence, the scope of such yoga classes becomes very limited. They have certain health benefits, however, if one has to have a deeper understanding of Yoga, they serve limited or no purpose.

MY CONFUSION ENDS

It is said that when the yearning for something increases, that something presents itself in some form or another. It may have been present earlier also, but because it’s not a priority, it gets overlooked, despite being right in front of you. The realization that the same had happened with me as well, when I came across an advertisement for the Yoga TTC 200 Course, which was being conducted by Heartfulness Yoga Academy at Kanha Shanti Vanam at Hyderabad. The Heartfulness Yoga Academy had been there all along and regular courses were being conducted, but because it was not a priority for me, it never caught my attention. Now, that it was my priority, the advertisement was staring at me and beckoning me to come and attend the course.

The advertisement said that it was a eight-week course, which would be conducted six weeks online and two weeks onsite at the Heartfulness Yoga Academy at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad. Even though I was reasonably fit, I was skeptical initially as I hadn’t been practicing yoga. So, to clarify my doubts, I contacted the Heartfulness Yoga Academy and intimated them about my inhibitions. They gave me a patient hearing and told me not to worry, as the intensity of the yoga asanas would be increased gradually, which would give adequate time to my body to get conditioned. The only requirement was for me, to sincerely practice the yoga asanas during the online module. Convinced on being reassured by them, I took the plunge and registered for this adventure.

ONLINE MODULE

The online module of six weeks commenced in Nov 23. The structure was designed very systematically, where the intensity was increased every week, thereby giving the participants adequate time to condition their bodies. The structure of this module was as under

• A mentor was earmarked to guide all participants. The participants were divided equally into groups of six and placed under three mentors, who were responsible for daily interaction with the participants of their group.
• A Yoga flow was given with increasing intensity every week.
• The participants had to practice the given flow of yoga asanas every week on their own during the week.
• A two hour webinar was conducted every Sunday, where the progress of all participants was monitored by the lead trainers.
• In addition to the yoga asana flow, all participants had to attend online classes on Philosophy and Anatomy. They then had to give a weekly quiz test based on these online classes. It was mandatory to attain 80% in these quizzes.

The regular interaction with the mentors during weekdays and with lead trainers on Sundays are great morale boosters, helping one to remain motivated throughout.

ONSITE MODULE

I reached the Heartfulness Yoga Academy a day before the onsite module of the course was to commence. After being welcomed very warmly at the reception, I received my Yoga kit, which included the TTC 200 course book, a Yoga mat, a Heartfulness Yoga Academy T-shirt and stationery along with linen for the duration of my stay there.

I was one of the first ones to reach the dormitory. The other participants also started arriving and everyone with a few exceptions had reached by the same evening, there were 18 of us. Participants had come from all parts of India, there were three participants from Europe as well, making it a very diverse group. All participants were required to stay in the dormitories at the Heartfulness Yoga Academy. There are separate dormitories for ladies and gents. The dormitories are very spacious and comfortable, with individual lockers given to all participants. Our dormitory had a great view as well, I had a wonderful feeling and immediately felt at home, which I thought was very important, because, after all this was going to be my home for the next two weeks. The dormitories are on the third floor, the Yoga studio is on the first floor and the Wellness Restaurant is on the ground floor in the same building, making it very convenient for all of us to move around. After having an early dinner, I retired early to bed in anticipation for the next morning.

The schedule for the onsite training looked very interesting, it was as follows

Time	Duration	Event
0515 h to 0615 h	1 hr	Meditation
0745 h to 0945 h	2 hr	Yoga asanas (TTC Flow)
0945 h to 1045 h	1 hr	Brunch
1045 h to 1115 h	30 min	Circle Time
1115 h to1145 h	30 min	Yoga Sutras
1145 h to 1200 h	15 min	Fruit Break
1200 h to 1400 h	2 hr	Theory Classes
1400 h to 1530 h	1 hr 30 min	Break
1530 h to 1800 h	2 hr 30 min	Teaching Practice
1800 h to 1900 h	1 hr	Karma Yoga
1900 h to 2000 h	1 hr	Dinner
2000 h to 2100 h	1 hr	Study Time

The onsite module commenced the next morning as scheduled. The first day was getting used to the new schedule. Apart from the physical aspects, I found the theory classes and the meal menu and timings to be revelatory.

The first yoga session was intense but thoroughly enjoyable, which surprised me, as I was unsure as to how my body would respond on the first day, but to my surprise it turned out to be an extremely enjoyable experience. The hard work put in during the six weeks online module was paying rich dividends. The feeling one got at the culmination of a Yoga session was a very fulfilling and satisfying, in one word it was euphoric, there was a deep sense of achievement after every session and it increased every day, so much so that I was looking forward to these yoga sessions every morning and afternoon with enthusiasm.

The feedback was almost instant, for example I was able to hold the vrksh asana almost for double the time than earlier, the body started responding in the most incredible manner. In addition, I observed improvement in asanas having twists, which was unthinkable only a few months ago. Doing the Pranayama before and after the yoga sessions had a very energizing and relaxing effect.

                                                              Vrksh Asana or The Tree Asana

Gomukh Asana or The Cow Face Asana

Though, there were many shortcomings, which were not possible to be addressed in these two weeks, but the improvement in some of the asanas, gave me confidence in my abilities.

Undergoing the asanas and the pranayamas enabled me to experience the the things I had heard and read first hand. We also experienced the cleansing techniques of Jal Neti and Sutra Neti during the first week itself.

The Teaching Practice of these yoga asanas was a revelation. I was unable to give even the most basic instructions on the first day, hence, the thought of giving instructions for the entire Yoga Flow which included three Pranayamas and 20 Yoga Asanas in one and a half hour, appeared to be a very daunting task. However, constant practice backed by the warmth and encouragement from the lead trainers and my mentor gave me enough confidence to conduct the whole flow with confidence on the final day. Consequently, I was satisfied with my performance on the final day and my joy knew no bounds, when my efforts were appreciated by my assessor, who was one of the lead trainers.  

The introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali and other subjects during the daily theory classes, gave us an insight into the profoundness of these topics because of their relevance even after thousands of years. It helped one in understanding that Yoga is much more than the physical form of exercise, as we have been made to understand and believe. The introduction to Astanga Yoga and its eight limbs was eye opening. While I was amazed at my ignorance about these subjects, deep inside I was thrilled to at least being introduced to these life transforming concepts.

Another aspect which was thoroughly enjoyable was the final quiz test, it took me back to the school days. Seeing the participants prepare for the final quiz test was indeed a very amusing sight. The quiz was based on all the combined classes of the online and onsite modules. Even though the quiz was relatively simple, it couldn’t be taken for granted because one had to secure 80% of the given questions.

We dined in the Wellness Restaurant for all our meals, it was a great opportunity for all participants to bond among themselves as well with the trainers and mentors. Another amazing thing I noticed was how most of the conversations between us were around Yoga and not the mundane stuff that one is so used to. Needless to say, I made lasting bonds of friendship in these two magical weeks.

Finally, the day dawned when we received our Yoga Instructor certificates from the Global guide of Heartfulness, also affectionately known as Daaji. It was one of the most joyous moments of my life, I don’t recollect experiencing that kind of joy in the past 25 years or even more. There was a deep sense of Gratitude, Accomplishment and Satisfaction.

 

Receiving the TTC 200 Certificate from Daaji

CHANGES IN PERCEPTION

This Yoga course led to the removal or at least forced me to challenge some deeply ingrained perceptions. Some of them are listed below

• As the days progressed the key to enjoying yoga sessions became clear, the secret was to focus on doing the asanas without comparing to anybody else and within one's own limitations, something which the instructors reiterated regularly. It’s important to do the practice joyfully and competition takes away the joy of doing the asanas. So, it’s the attitude with which one practices that’s most important. Moreover, in the course the participants were evaluated holistically, i.e. factors like attitude, enthusiasm and participation were given equal emphasis. As it happens in a group, everyone is unique with their own set of strengths and challenges, hence this approach encourages everyone to overcome their inhibitions. 

•  Another thing which I discovered, while at the Heartfulness Yoga Academy was that Yoga was not just about the physical aspects i.e. the asanas and pranayama. Like most of the people, my impression was that yoga asanas and pranayama was yoga.  However, this fallacy was dispelled during our introduction to the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, wherein it was clarified that as per Maharishi Patanjali Yoga was the union with the ultimate in eight chronological steps, of which the asanas and Pranayama were an integral part, but were inconsequential on their own. Which is to say that doing the Asanas and the Pranayama without following the first two steps of Yama and Niyama were mere acrobatics and would serve only a limited purpose.

• We got a glimpse of the Gurukul way of teaching, which lays emphasis on learning through sharing and discussions. The attitude of the teachers is also very important in motivating the students, the same was on display during the onsite module where the approach of the trainers and mentors was very warm and loving, it acted as a magnet, encouraging us to drop all inhibitions and participate wholeheartedly without the fear of making mistakes and getting embarrassed. When there is no fear, the learning is joyful and lasting.

• Another deeply ingrained idea, which was challenged during the onsite module was the way in which we consume our meals. What one realised here was that it was more important to focus on quality rather than quantity. We were having two meals, which were sufficient, despite doing Yoga asanas for three hours every day. The food we had was rich in nutrition and sufficient to sustain us throughout the day. In fact, I have never felt this energetic before. Moreover, I noticed that my digestion has never been so good, as it was during the two weeks of the Onsite module.

• Age is not a hindrance to learning and that breaking one's Comfort Zone to learn new skills, not only enhances learning but contributes to the overall well-being of a person. We benefit both Physically and Mentally. While the physical effects are tangible and noticeable instantly, the benefits of mental well-being become evident gradually, in the form of one’s state of mind. One can feel the mind and body aligning and complementing each other. 

 BENEFITS

There were numerous benefits which I noticed during the TTC 200 Course as well as after the course. Some of them are

• A Joyous state of mind - I experienced deep gratitude towards Daaji and the whole Yoga team, which helped me understand that Gratitude results in a joyous state of mind. Anything done joyously will give deep satisfaction.  

• Introduction to the depth of Yoga. The collective importance of all the eight steps of the Ashtanga Yoga, is something which left a mark on me. It left me in awe of the wisdom which is relevant even today after thousands of years.

• Enhanced effect on Meditation - Practice of Asanas and Pranayama has helped me in deepening meditation. Doing Brahmari Pranayama before meditation, has helped me to experience deeper meditations.

• Alignment of Mind and Body - Yoga asanas have helped in aligning my Mind and Body. It has helped me feel more energetic. Regular practice has helped me develop discipline and willpower.  

• Overall wellbeing - Yoga practice has had a very positive impact on my overall wellbeing in terms of mental and physical health. The combined practice of Asanas, Pranayama and meditation has enabled me to achieve better balance within me. It has helped me becoming calmer within. Doing the practice regularly has improved my sleep quality and digestion.

•  Teaching Practice - The Teaching Practice during the Course, helped me deepen my understanding of the Asanas and the Pranayamas., which enhances the effect of the practice.

 CONCLUSION

The Divine environment of Kanha Shanti Vanam is tailor-made for doing Yoga. The peace and calm one feels, while at Kanha helps in experiencing the meditative state. In addition, one gets to attend many group meditation sessions, in the Main Meditation Hall, which can accommodate thousands of meditators at one time. Staying in such a place for two weeks and undergoing the Yoga course, is something I'll cherish forever.   

The collective impact of Yoga asanas, Pranayama and meditation on me was surreal. I experienced such gratitude and joy, while undergoing this course at Kanha Shanti Vanam, that I don't have enough words to express the same.

In conclusion, I’ll only say that doing the TTC 200 at Heartfulness Yoga Academy was one of THE BEST decisions I have taken till now, as these two weeks have brought about a transformation in me, which I never imagined was possible.