War against Inertia

by Sudhir

There are multiple reasons that one may want to practice Yoga postures, but aspirants achieve varying degree of success over a period of time. Some practice Yoga with metronomic regularity while many alternate and have in-and-out relationship. A few give up too soon, without even getting started… The chief determinant in physical and mental repair and transformation is right effort and the spirit of perseverance. It is natural for us to continue in a set-habit pattern – that means to remain enmeshed in the set-old ways of eating, thinking and being; getting leaner or fitter, stronger and flexible demands that we make reasonable effort to go against the stream, and needs spirited resolve, right technique and daily effort. Regular and intense effort to deepen the practice of Yogasana awakens and clarifies our mind and consciousness.

The different balance postures brings in focus and harmonizes our thought process; holding any asana for a prolonged period develops endurance and resolve and the flexibility training releases stress and soothes our irritated nervous system. The focus and resolve thus achieved spontaneously steals into all our endeavors, translating into efficiency and success. The acquired harmony and endurance subtly modifies our behavior and makes us more empathetic and effective man manager. Each practice session is activating our chakras, massaging the glands, aligning the skeletal structure, elongating the muscles, thereby chiseling our body and restoring the fount of youth.

We need leadership, not just in the field of business, politics and religion, but each individual needs to wage a war against set habit patterns, and this is best measured and demonstrated with physical prowess and fitness. We need a greener world, agreed, but to some extent an abstract and distant idea for which we may not feel fully responsible. However we can certainly take charge and own our bodies and wage a war against inertia. Ironically, the biggest curse of 21st century is monotony – even with all the entertainment available, and daily deep asana practice will bring a sense of intimacy and fulfillment.