Reflections on Yoga and Self on International Yoga Day

In doing what I am doing, what am I really doing?

Today, 21st June is Sri TKV Desikachar's birthday.

Today is also the International Yoga Day. 

Sir, as they fondly called him, doesn't need any introduction. 

Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, he remains alive through the teachings of my mentors who learned, practiced and blossomed under his loving guidance. 

It is very inspiring to see my teachers in their fifties and seventies, committing their lives to practicing and embodying that which they directly received from their teacher, from Sir. 

I take this day to thank my teachers for keeping this ‘thread’ alive and it is this special ‘Teacher-Student’ relationship that stands out to me as the bedrock for a sustained practice.

Sometimes, I find myself in a very difficult spot teaching Yoga. It is much more difficult than what I thought! After all, all Yoga Trainers are meant to teach AsanAs, Pranayama, Relaxation and Meditative Techniques - isn’t it yet another skill that you can quickly learn and teach? 

I experience Yoga as a tool for inner transformation and when I hold this intention for my students, then the state of my mind, my ability to listen and hold the space, my awareness, what I am anchored in, how I establish the connection with my student - all become extremely important. 

And that is why it is a big responsibility! 

Teaching it digitally has made it all the more essential to deepen my practice. 

For avid Yoga Practitioners, each session with our students is a reminder of where we are located and how much we need to work with ourself to keep the ‘essence of Yoga’ alive.

If we are serious about transformation, (and not transaction), it starts from connecting to the self!

Happy Yoga Day!