A very warm Hello to you.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
How very fortunate and blessed I am for being afforded that first step to experience the divinity of this ancient yet timeless practice of Yoga.
The beautiful journey started some three years ago when my wife and daughters, already regular attendees, encouraged me to try Yoga with our esteemed and selfless Guru. The family had perhaps noticed the stresses and strains modern life and pursuit of material wealth was having on me.
That first Tuesday evening session for men-only arrived, a little apprehensive but excited nonetheless, I trundled to her abode and was welcomed with open arms. Having never practiced before, I had some preconceived ideas about Yoga being primarily about Asanas (body postures). Sure enough, the session started with stretches including Surya Namashkar (Sun salutations) and Super Brain Yoga. What followed after, and has ever since, were three additional gems that literally took my breathe away (pun intended):
- Breathing Techniques including Kapalbhatti (forceful breathing out) and Anulom Vilom Pranayam (alternate nostril breathing) followed the stretches and calmed the body into a state of bliss.
- Meditation including Shav Asana (dead body state) and Chakra (seven-centers meditation) followed, calming the mind into a state of oneness.
- Stories of compassion, faith, charity and selflessness was woven like a beautiful tapestry throughout the session, uplifting us on the spiritual path too.
What a genuinely positive experience for a non-practioner. Words are failing me to articulate how Yoga with our revered Guru has benefitted not only me personally but also people around me. I have never looked back since that first session.
Compassion, detachment, patience and oneness are only a few of the qualities we continue to develop through this spiritual Yoga journey. However, if there was one over-arching word that I would use to sum-up what Yoga has brought to my family and I, it is Acceptance.
Thank you all for reading this testimonial.
As our Guru would say, Love and Light.
Regards,
Nimish