Yoga in the context of changing times: with hectic lifestyles, mounting stress, and increased concern over the Earth’s wellbeing, one mindful choice that has gained popularity is yoga, which distinguishes itself as a subtle yet potent path that nurtures both the individual and the environment.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar – Author, Columnist, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa shares the role of yoga in sustainable living and personal wellbeing.
Yoga is an ancient practice rooted in harmony between mind and body. It instantly connects one to living in the present. On its gentle wings, it teaches patience and calmness and promotes deep breathing and flowing with the natural rhythm of life. Through this low-key influence, yoga starts casting its great impact over eating habits, consumption, mode of transport, and almost everything else.
Balance is the foundation of the yogic tradition. Constructed around simple calming breathing techniques and postures, it brings on calmness and balance amidst the body and mind. And as one matures and nurtures the inner peace, this same peace seeks calmness outside. From selecting healthier foods or using fewer resources to simply spending time in nature, a myriad of smaller choices brings gentle nudges toward a sustainable way of life-one small step at a time.
Yoga also teaches about awareness of our thoughts, habits, and surroundings. With awareness comes clarity in daily decision-making. We might feel called to use less plastic, walk instead of drive, or buy directly from farmers and artisans. These decisions are made without force or pressure but come from a place of care and understanding. There is growing responsibility toward one’s own health and that of Mother Earth through these decisions.
Among other benefits, yoga can also improve the qualities of sleeping, energy, and stress rhythmically when practiced regularly. There are many benefits for a focused mind and a lighter heart. The renewed sense of wellbeing many people experience will allow them to find joy in simple things such as sunlight on their skin, birdsong, or stretching quietly in the morning. This deep awareness of the present often brings a sense of gratitude—helping us witness kindness both within and around us.
Yoga can become a familial or community activity. Implemented even for a few minutes, practicing together for a short while creates stronger bonds among members and builds up a peaceful atmosphere within the home. Children who get yoga exposure at an early age typically become better focused, emotionally balanced, and confident. Adults grow to see the discipline as a basis on which to stand calmly and clearly in the face of challenges.
Yoga also supports mindful consumption. As we become more attuned to our bodies, we usually opt for food that nourishes us rather than simply fills us in. This realization leads to less food waste, diminished use of chemical-based products, and progressively more interest in natural and plant-based alternatives.
Yoga, in essence, rises above personal practice—it is a silent movement for change. It teaches us that the very definition of well-being encompasses the world around us. By consciously walking down this thoughtful path, we nurture ourselves as well as our Mother Earth.
A few minutes of yoga done every day can bring transformation. Step by step, the small things count: breathing, stretching, meditating, or just sitting with awareness. A few small steps set the groundwork for a lifestyle that is healthy, compassionate, and in tune with nature.