Beyond The Yoga Mat

“Oh, there’s a storm inside,” says Myra Khanna, betraying the calm in her voice. Whenever I write about something, I like to experience it firsthand on my own. You could say I was looking for inspiration when I booked a class with her or I was simply procrastinating actually sitting down to write (writer’s block is as unpredictable as my anxiety). Perhaps, this time I was looking for something to take my mind off of the countless rushing thoughts in my head - work deadlines, uncomfortable conversations to be had, where to find the best tiramisu in town - it goes on. Luckily for me, June comes with a gift - International Yoga Day.

A few minutes into the class, I found myself in a very uncomfortable position in more ways than one. Sweat dribbled down into my eyes, making a stop on its journey from my nose to the mat, drop by drop. My legs wobbled as I tried to hold the pose and I thought - “Why am I doing this to myself at 6 am on a Friday?” Every part of my body wanted me to give up - and yet, I didn't. I shifted my weight to the back of my heel, and exhaled slowly, through the nose, as instructed. I focused my drishti (vision) in between my eyebrows - and there it was! The balance. I found myself balancing my weight between my two legs, between my two hands, between my feet and my hands. I found my centre - but the thoughts started to rush in again. How is it that my mind wanders for a split second, and my legs give in immediately?

The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means "to join", or "to unite", symbolising the unity of mind and body and emphasising the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. It’s a journey that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities; meets you wherever you are and offers a path to growth, healing, and self-discovery. Yoga is so much more beyond the physical postures and breathing techniques - it seeps into our daily lives, reminding us to live with compassion, kindness, and gratitude.

At the end of the class, I found myself lying in my favourite pose - Savasana. I let everything I felt simply flow through me. My breathing was a lot calmer; my hands not fidgeting; my mind blissful and clear. There was nothing but the sound of my breathing.
This is why you do it.

I got in touch with some Yoga teachers and practitioners to understand what Yoga has done for them on and off the mat over the years. Let’s talk to them, shall we?

Sujay Reddy, Yoga Teacher Trainer

“Most people start their yoga journey with an intention to enhance their physical strength and performance, which is great on its own. It gets people moving and linking their breath with movement.” Sujay says. He believes that when yoga is seen as solely a physical activity, we’re only deriving a small amount of benefit you can from the practice.

Myra Khanna, Student Of Yoga & Teacher

Before finding Yoga in 2018, Myra was a scuba instructor in the Andamans. A couple of years into her life in the Andamans, she looked for a movement based practice - something she could do everyday since she couldn’t practise Kathak with her mom anymore like she did back in Delhi. Myra started her practice in Mysore with the intention of enhancing her strength and flexibility, but she started feeling the effects practising Yoga had on her mind a couple of months into learning with her teacher, Bharat Shetty.

To know more: https://nack.life/blogs/news/beyond-the-yoga-mat