Since 2020, I’ve been involved with The Yoga Institute. I’ve completed my 500-hour Teacher Training Course (TTC), moved on to more advanced levels, and even had the opportunity to intern there. Recently, I have been re-reading the book The Yoga of Caring by Dr. Jaydev and Hansaji and one specific talk really spoke to me: Challenges and Blessings of Practicing Yoga. It’s a simple yet eye-opening look at the realities of walking the yogic path in today's world.
I wanted to share my personal reflections on this chapter, as it offers insights I believe many of us could benefit from—especially when we’re trying to make yoga a part of our daily lives.
Yoga is Discipline, Not Instant Gratification
The chapter kicks off with something that really hit home: "Yoga is a discipline." Whether it's about how we sit, what we eat, or how we think, yoga asks us to live with intention. But let’s be real—changing our habits isn’t easy. Most of us are so used to living a certain way that when something challenges that, we resist.
In today’s world, where we expect quick fixes and instant results, yoga asks us to slow down and do the opposite. It pushes us to challenge our old habits, like reacting too quickly when triggered or always reaching for what we want immediately. This isn’t just about physical discipline—it’s about rewiring the way we think and act. And trust me, that’s no small task.
Why Self-Discipline Matters
One point that stuck with me was the idea that the spiritual path isn’t for those looking for comfort. Let's face it, we’ve become a generation that avoids discomfort at all costs. We question, “Why should I change? Why should I deny myself what feels good?” And it’s a fair question.
But the chapter reminds us that there’s value in discomfort. That moment of unease when you hold a challenging pose is where the growth happens. By controlling the body, we begin to control the mind. It’s all connected, and when we start to see the mental benefits of this physical discipline, it suddenly makes a lot more sense.
Breaking the Habit of Reacting
One of the things I found most relatable was how yoga can help us break out of the habit of reacting impulsively. It’s so easy to snap at someone in the heat of the moment or to make a decision based on anger or frustration. How many times have we regretted those quick reactions, or seen people live in regret for their entire lives? The chapter talks about how yoga trains us to pause and reflect, rather than react immediately.
In a way, this is real freedom. We often think freedom means doing whatever we want, whenever we want, but all that leads to is confusion and a lack of control. Yoga flips that by showing us that true freedom comes from discipline—having the ability to choose how we respond to life instead of being a slave to our impulses.
Yoga’s Higher Goals
Yoga isn’t just about being able to touch your toes or feel less stressed (though those are great benefits). The goals of yoga are way higher. This chapter makes it clear that yoga is about self-mastery—controlling the mind and body to reach a deeper level of awareness. It’s about seeing life clearly and being more in tune with who you are.
Most of us are used to putting in minimal effort to get by day-to-day, but with yoga, the effort is much more intentional. And the rewards? Mental clarity, peace of mind, and ultimately, self-realization. It’s a long-term game, but the results are so worth it.
Reconnecting with Our Bodies
Something else the chapter touches on is how disconnected many of us are from our own bodies. We’re so distracted all the time that we don’t even notice the tension building up or how our lifestyle is affecting our health. Ever had a migraine or sinus issues that you couldn’t explain? Turns out, things like poor circulation or tension in our facial muscles—often caused by stress—are the culprits.
The chapter uses this great analogy: when we buy a new car, we take care of it, clean it, and make sure it gets regular servicing. But when it comes to our bodies—something far more valuable than any car—we often neglect them until something goes wrong. Yoga encourages us to reconnect, pay attention, and take better care of this amazing vehicle we’ve been given to navigate through this life.
Mind-Body Connection
One of the most important lessons from this chapter is the connection between our mind and body. It’s not just our conscious thoughts that affect how we feel—our deeper emotions and subconscious desires play a huge role, too. Old hurts, cravings, or unresolved feelings can cause stress and tension in the body, which leads to physical issues.
Yoga helps us get to the root of these problems. By practising awareness and mindfulness, we learn to manage our emotions and, in turn, create a healthier, more balanced body and mind.
The Blessings of Yoga
The blessings of yoga are pretty incredible, but they don’t come without effort. Yes, yoga can help you stay physically healthy and mentally clear, but its ultimate goal is something much bigger: understanding yourself on a deeper level. It’s not just about relaxation or avoiding illness. Yoga is about uncovering the purpose of your existence.
That said, the blessings don’t come free. You’ve got to put in the work. The chapter makes it clear: if you give a little, you’ll get a little. But if you’re willing to give more, yoga has the potential to completely change your life, and lead us to Self-Realisation.
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