Never back down

Never back down, that's my motto! I'm not sharing this to boast, but in the hope that my journey might inspire someone else's practice. I find myself in Rishikesh, learning Aerial yoga, a discipline that brings decompression to the spine and strength to the arms. And yet, my journey here is not without its trials. I carry with me the battle scars of childhood recklessness, and the stiffness and injuries that only became apparent years later. Notably, grade 3 & 4 meniscus tears in both knees. Thankfully, the verdict from the orthopedic was no surgery needed, an option I would have refused anyway.

Stuti, my pillar of support, has been guiding me, her knowledge and experience as a physical therapist a beacon in this journey. Our focus has been on strengthening my quadriceps, hamstrings, inner thighs, and calf muscles with weights. However, it seems the stretching from my aerial practice might have caused a temporary setback, a knee lock while attempting to sit cross-legged, bringing with it a night of pain. But we did not back down. With ice packs and knee taping, we managed the situation.

The setback, however, is not the end of the story. My course still has a week to go. Watching my peers flipping and posing, I couldn't resist but get back on the hammock. It's in my nature, my Rajasic personality, always high on energy. And when I'm not, I've cultivated ways to bring my spirit back to the mat. Everyone should have something that motivates them to be physically active. Our bodies are degenerating day by day, and movement, strength training is the key to healthy aging.

Group classes are my haven. I don't compete. Instead, I soak in the collective energy, lifting myself up. Those 60 to 90 minutes, I am untouchable, untouched by the world outside. And when the practice ends, it leaves me with a heightened awareness of the world around me. I love my practice, and there is no room for 'what if' fears about further injury. I know I need to do this, for if I don't, the alternative is a life filled with illnesses and guilt.

The magic of today's practice is unexplainable. I felt no pain, and my knees did not give me any trouble. In just 7 days, I was able to do the advanced flows, leaving me on cloud nine. Life is truly beautiful!

To all practitioners out there, more power to you all. Keep going, keep growing, and never back down. 

The Illusion of Perfection: Reclaiming Real-Life

Today, I find myself reflecting on the world around us. It seems that everyone is constantly on the move, their minds racing faster than their feet can carry them. I watch as people put immense pressure on themselves to portray a picture-perfect life on social media, forgetting to breathe and live in the moment. 🤳😊 

As a yoga practitioner, I can tell you that this isn't the path to true happiness or peace. I've observed a disturbing trend where familial relationships and real-life interactions are sidelined for virtual ones. We've become so engrossed in the digital world that we're forgetting the value of genuine human connection. 📲💔 

Remember, family and loved ones are not merely characters in the backdrop of your life, but the ones who will stand by you through thick and thin. Never let your relationships with them become a casualty of your pursuit for digital validation. They deserve respect, love, and, most importantly, your time. After all, you can never replace the warmth of a loved one's hug with a 'like' on social media. 🤗💕 

Yoga teaches us balance; it guides us to harmonise our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. While many associate yoga with physical practice alone, it is, in fact, a lifestyle. The most integral part of yoga is MINDFULNESS, which brings clarity of thought and helps focus on things that truly matter. 🧘‍♀️🍃 

So, let's put a pause on our hurried lives. Let's turn off the noise, close our eyes, take a deep breath, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. Because at the end of the day, a life well-lived is not about perfect pictures but about perfect moments spent with those who matter the most. 

Stay mindful, stay present, and stay blessed. 🙏💖

Embracing the Infinite Journey of Learning: My Path to Growth Through Yoga

Reflecting on my journey, I can't help but marvel at the breadth of learning that continues to unfurl before me. 🌱

I find myself nestled in the heart of Rishikesh, a place that vibrates with an aura of peace and tranquillity. The surroundings are a blend of magnificent mountains and lush greenery, the air filled with the hum of compassionate souls and the distant echoes of yoga chants. 

I am here to discover a new facet of yoga - aerial yoga. A new skill to add to my already brimming storehouse of experiences. Often, before my journey into the world of yoga, I had thought that there was a finite end to learning; a set limit to knowledge one could acquire. 🤔

But yoga has proven me wrong, time and time again. There is so much depth and breadth to this ancient practice that it seems like a lifetime would be insufficient to understand all its aspects. I bow down in respect to the sages and gurus who had such divine wisdom. 🙏

In this modern age of technology, it's incredible how, despite having information readily available at our fingertips, it still isn't enough. It's a humble reminder that to truly gain knowledge, one needs to be patient, open-minded, and free of ego. 

As I embark on this journey to learn a new skill, I am looking forward to how it will continue to ground me, challenge me, and make space for more growth. 

To all the learners out there, remember, we are the achievers. We have trod the path of knowledge, continuously seeking and exploring. Those who do not seek to learn, risk stagnation, and ultimate destruction. 

Condition your mind, open your heart, and let your soul yearn for what it truly wants. As for me, I am embracing this journey of continuous learning, with open arms and an open heart. 🕉️

Here's to more learning, more growth, and more self-discovery! 🌟

Overcoming Rajas: A Yogi's Tale

There's a saying that floats around, 'things will work out, just relax and do what you need to do.' It's absolutelyThere's a saying that floats around, 'things will work out, just relax and do what you need to do.' It's absolutely true, one that I've had to learn the hard way. As someone who is impatient by nature, I used to let panic take the wheel whenever I encountered a challenging situation. In the realm of yoga, this would categorize me as a Rajasic person - prone to restlessness, agitation, and anxiousness. While a bit of this Rajas is needed, if it overtakes your mind, it's a signal to pause and reassess. 

This is why having a mentor, guide, or guru in life is crucial. We can't possibly have all the answers. For example, Google will tell you what to do when you drop your new iPhone in the toilet (an unfortunate incident of mine), but it won't tell you how to handle the emotional turmoil that follows. 

During such moments, instead of expressing gratitude for the things I do have, I used to dwell on the struggle behind achieving them. It's easy to fortify ourselves within walls and magnify our accomplishments over others. But remember, the universe is always listening. It will hear your words of 'it always happens to me' and 'I have to struggle' and deliver exactly that. The power of thought and words are tremendous. So be mindful of what you say and the energy you put out into the world. 

Yoga was transformative for me, but I have my wife Stuti to thank for introducing me to it. Our bond extends beyond marriage - we are friends, motivators, and confidants. At first, adjusting to her perspective on life was a challenge, but over time, I realized that her unique upbringing brought a different, valuable outlook to the table. We thrive on each other's opinions, support, and love.

In conclusion, everything has a way of falling into place. Faith indeed creates what doubt destroys. So, keep the faith and remember to breathe, relax, and do what you need to do. The universe has your back. Peace and love ✌️. true, one that I've had to learn the hard way. As someone who is impatient by nature, I used to let panic take the wheel whenever I encountered a challenging situation. In the realm of yoga, this would categorize me as a Rajasic person - prone to restlessness, agitation, and anxiousness. While a bit of this Rajas is needed, if it overtakes your mind, it's a signal to pause and reassess. 

This is why having a mentor, guide, or guru in life is crucial. We can't possibly have all the answers. For example, Google will tell you what to do when you drop your new iPhone in the toilet (an unfortunate incident of mine), but it won't tell you how to handle the emotional turmoil that follows. 

During such moments, instead of expressing gratitude for the things I do have, I used to dwell on the struggle behind achieving them. It's easy to fortify ourselves within walls and magnify our accomplishments over others. But remember, the universe is always listening. It will hear your words of 'it always happens to me' and 'I have to struggle' and deliver exactly that. The power of thought and words are tremendous. So be mindful of what you say and the energy you put out into the world. 

Yoga was transformative for me, but I have my wife Stuti to thank for introducing me to it. Our bond extends beyond marriage - we are friends, motivators, and confidants. At first, adjusting to her perspective on life was a challenge, but over time, I realized that her unique upbringing brought a different, valuable outlook to the table. We thrive on each other's opinions, support, and love.

In conclusion, everything has a way of falling into place. Faith indeed creates what doubt destroys. So, keep the faith and remember to breathe, relax, and do what you need to do. The universe has your back. Peace and love ✌️.