Yoga : A State of True Presence

The ‘International Yoga Day’ reminds us to move towards the state of ‘Yoga’ not just perform it. It’s not a matter of doing something on a particular day. This day helps us to start our journey again from where it gets stuck or from where we unknowingly shifted our focus into another direction. 

Most of the people doing Yogasana everyday feel pride and say ‘I do ‘Yoga’ everyday. Here I want you all to remind yourself of the difference in means and goal. Yogasanas are one of the ways told in ‘Ashtang Yoga’ by Maharshi PAtanjali. It’s not the whole concept of ‘Yoga’. In the same line all the ways or actions we see as ‘Yoga’ are not really ‘Yoga’ is about. They all are methods with the help of which we can reach that point when it (complete awareness of the oneness of body, mind & soul) happens through us. 

‘Yoga’ is not about doing things or merely practicing something that is useful in life. It is a state where harmony within these three i.e. body, mind & soul is experienced with great awareness. It can be experienced at any moment & for any time from a few seconds to some hours. This realization will make you more responsible to the awareness of your purpose in this life. 

Seriously it is doing anything regularly with your presence; not only physically but total presence in that moment. And you get to know if you were totally present there & there itself or you were wandering somewhere else. The state of ‘Yoga’ is the highest state of awareness of our nature - all three (body, mind & soul) in a line of complimenting each other to their fullest capability. We experience this state many times while doing things which are of our interest. i. e. An artist engrossed in artwork, a mother  / father caring for her / his child, children immersed in play etc. but still at the moment we lack awareness of that state. There comes the importance of practicing to manage involvement and awareness at the same time. 

Do just a little experiment. Any small thing, you decide. Just to be seated quietly with closed eyes everyday for a few minutes. Or doing any routine work (even if it is as small as brushing your teeth, getting ready for school or office etc) with the greatest concentration with all the senses. It will not be as easy as it seems. It needs practice to be fully aware of what you are doing or feeling / experiencing while doing it. It takes effort to be true to yourself for some years to experience ‘Yoga’ within us. 

Even if you experience ‘Yoga’ state just for a moment, you will be enriched by it automatically. It will guide you further on your path. The only condition is to be regular enough in practicing it in any way that suits you better. 

To experience ‘Yoga’ can be the reason in life to practice anything you want with discipline, dedication & intense trust in the process of life in itself. Even briefly, any action to be transformed in ‘Yoga’ is to be touched by your highest self. Let your experience guide your practice and let that practice lead your life.