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YogLek, Palghat (2025)

01/07/2025

WHEN THE HASHTAGS FADE...

Ten days have quietly slipped by since Yoga Day. The hashtags are fading from our feeds. The stage has been dismantled, and the banners folded away. Photoes have made their rounds – liked, loved and shared. The excitement that once filled parks, halls and virtual gatherings has softened into silence.

But one gentle question lingers in the stillness: What remains now? And the answer rises like breath through still air – Yoga remains😊.

Yoga day is beautiful in its power to unite, to spark curiosity and to offer a glimpse into a deeper way of living. Yet, for those who walk this path sincerely, there is an unspoken understanding that it is never about just one day. It is not performance or pageantry. It is 'presence'. Yoga lives in the quiet, daily choices we make.

At the Bihar School of Yoga, each year is guided by a theme that helps anchor this understanding. This year, the theme is especially resonant – “The Year of Positive Connection”.

And how softly those words land – positive connection not just with people, but with nature, with time, with situations, with life itself and most intimately, with oneself.

This theme draws us back to the roots of yogic life: the Yamas and Niyamas. These are not rules carved in stone. They are gentle principles, quiet companions shaping the way we think, speak and act.

Each year, BSY highlights one Yama and one Niyama for contemplation. This year, the spotlight is on Dharma and Samatvam.

DHARMA: Showing Up with Sincerity

Contrary to how it is often portrayed, Dharma is not a burdensome duty or a lofty ideal. It is simpler and softer. It is about showing up – for life, for others, for ourselves – with clarity, care and sincerity. Whether it is in the big responsibilities we shoulder or the unnoticed gestures of daily life, Dharma is about what needs to be done – fully and mindfully.

A verse from the Bhagavad Gita often lingers in my mind:

"śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ"
(Bhagavad Gita 3:35)
A gentle reminder to walk our path, even if imperfectly, rather than perfect someone else’s journey.

SAMATVAM: Finding Balance Within

Samatvam means Equanimity, inner balance, not just in how we move on the mat, but in how we navigate life. It is all about staying steady in the ebb and flow of praise and criticism, success and struggle.

The Gita sums it up in one timeless line:

“Samatvam Yoga Uchyate” Equanimity is Yoga. (2:48)

This kind of balance is not performative calmness. It is a deep-rooted steadiness. A choice to not be swept away by emotional highs or lows, but to hold space for it all, gracefully.

Of course, this is not always easy. Life today is fast, loud and often overwhelming. Distractions are many, and expectations are even more. Some days, living by these values feels natural. Other days, it is an uphill climb. But through it all, one truth has stayed with me – when there is a willingness to try, a door quietly opens. Support arrives – sometimes from within, sometimes from unexpected places.

Together, Dharma and Samatvam invite us into a deeper relationship with life. They remind us to slow down, to be present, and to let life unfold with patience and gentleness.

So, yes, the banners may be packed away. But the real Yoga? It quietly continues.

Every day, in every breath, in every moment we choose Presence over Pressure, Steadiness over Stress.

And in that sense—truly—every day is a Yoga Day!

21/06/2025

MY YOGA DAY REFLECTION

It was around this time, five years ago - just before the International Yoga Day 2020- that yoga began revealing itself to me not merely as a practice, but as a path.

Until then, yoga was something I quietly practised for myself. It was my personal space- my way to stay fit, flexible and balanced. Out of ignorance, or perhaps simply a lack of awareness, I hadn’t paused to reflect on its deeper, more holistic impact.

Yet, I consider myself fortunate - over the years, I have had the opportunity to learn from three ‘Acharyas’. They came into my life at different times - Two in my hometown where I live [Yoga Acharya Shri. Keshavankutty, Ottapalam & Warrier Mash, Pattambi] and One in my native place [Shri Vishwanathan Sir, Chaithanya Yoga, Ernakulam South]. And each of them, in their own unique way, laid the foundation- unknowingly preparing me for a turning point I didn’t see myself coming. I remember them with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude.

That turning point arrived during the stillness of the pandemic. The schools everywhere were closed and classes had been abruptly shut down. From June 17 to June 21 , 2020, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan teaming up with SPICMACAY had organised a five - day online YOG SHIVIR in celebration of International Yoga Day 2020 - an uplifting, intentional initiative to support physical well being and inner balance during a time of deep uncertainty. As part of this thoughtful effort, my daughters’ school [ Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ottappalam ] invited students to participate in the YOG SHIVIR online. I decided to join in alongside my daughters - simply wanting to see what it was all about.

Each morning, we would wake up early to attend the sessions. I found myself more enthusiastic than my girls! The sessions were led by Sn. Devanand Ji, a Karmasannyasi trained in the Bihar School of Yoga tradition. At the time, I didn’t realise how significant this would be - that it would become my first meaningful contact with the tradition.

Every day began with Mantra chanting- something I had always felt drawn to. The sound vibrations of the mantras set the tone for the session. From there, we moved through the different components of yoga at a calm, steady pace with clear and relaxed instructions - it all opened something meaningful in me.

By the end of those five days, a quiet connection had taken root. I found myself wanting to walk deeper into this path. I began searching online for courses under the Bihar School of Yoga. For a while, nothing came up - until about two weeks later, when I came across an ad for a fundamental course in Yogic Studies by Atma Darshan Yogashram, Bengaluru. I enrolled immediately, fingers crossed, not knowing what lay ahead.

To my surprise and absolute joy, on the very first day of the class, my teacher was none other than Sn.Devanand Ji. I had no idea he was a senior faculty member at ADY. It felt like more than coincidence. It felt like grace. What I thought would be just learning turned out to be an immersion into a living tradition. Since then, Sn. Devanandji has remained a mentor and a guiding presence in my journey.

Through Atma Darshan Yogashram, I have had the opportunity to learn from many inspiring teachers - Poorna Sannyasin- s, Karma Sannyasin- s, Jignasu- s - all committed initiates of the Satyananda Yoga tradition, walking different stages of the spiritual journey. Swami Dharmakeerthi Ji, Swami Yogmaya Ji, Sn. Krishna Roopam Ji, Sn. Devashree Ji - all shared their wisdom with deep sincerity and grace at ADY.

Ever since, I have remained closely associated with ADY - attending classes regularly , continuing my studies and eventually enrolling in the Teacher Training Course. This steady learning not only deepened my understanding but anchored me more firmly in the Satyananda Yoga tradition, [also known as the Bihar School of Yoga].

I feel immensely grateful to be even an ‘iota’ [a tiny part] of this living tradition - which traces its roots in Adi Shankaracharya’s Dashanami Parampara and follows the Guru- Shishya lineage of : Swami Sivananda Saraswathi of Rishikesh [Founder of the Divine Life Society, Swami Satyananda Saraswathi [founder of the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger and Swami Niranjanananda Saraswathi [Paramacharya of BSY and Successor of Swami Satyananda Saraswathi].

Five Years ago, I stepped into that five-day Yoga Shivir without knowing what awaited me. That simple decision turned out to be the doorway to a life- changing journey.

My humble endeavour now is to share Yoga as it was given to me - with love, clarity and devotion. Not diluted, Not modernised.Simply as a way of life.

On this Yoga Day, I bow to the path and the grace that led me here.

To walk this path is a blessing,
To share it is my offering,

Happy International Yoga Day 2025!

19/06/2025

Between one page and the next, there is a little space to be- A mindful pause, just like a breath in yoga.
Happy Reading Day!
📖🌿🧘‍♀️

07/06/2025

🧘‍♀️YOGA:FROM LIFESTYLE TO THERAPY🌿

In today’s wellness landscape, Yoga Therapy is rapidly gaining attention — as a healing practice, a stress-relief tool, and even as part of clinical protocols.

But this brings up an important reflection:
Was yoga ever meant to be a therapy?

To truly understand its depth, we must
revisit the essence of yoga.
Traditionally, yoga was never intended as a therapy in the medical sense.
It was — and still remains — a way of life.

Yet today, yoga’s therapeutic relevance is undeniable.Why?

Many modern ailments — stress, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, hypertension, autoimmune conditions — are no longer just physical imbalances. They are reflections of deeper inner disharmony, often rooted in an overworked mind and a disconnected life.

Interestingly, in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — the foundational text of classical yoga — there are only three sutras dedicated to asana, the physical postures. Just three!

The heart of yoga lies in the sutra:
"Chitta vritti nirodhah" — stilling the fluctuations of the mind.

And perhaps that’s why yoga is so profoundly relevant today.
Not because yoga changed — but because our lives did.

With its tools of awareness — asana, pranayama, relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living — yoga invites us to listen to the body, observe the mind, and realign with our inner compass.

It helps us manage illness — but also shows us how not to fall ill in the first place.

So when we speak of Yoga Therapy, we’re not limiting yoga.We’re reclaiming its essence — and adapting it to the needs of our time.

Let us honour Yoga Therapy as a modern doorway to an ancient lifestyle —one that heals, uplifts, and transforms us from the inside out. 🌱💆‍♀️🧘‍♀️

01/06/2025

MUSINGS AROUND YOGA DAY

June is here, and there is a lot of excitement in the air.
The 21st – International Yoga Day– is just around the corner.
My social feed is full of yoga reels, challenges, retreat announcements, and enthusiastic countdowns.

Everywhere I look, there is movement. Momentum.
Mats are being rolled out. Hashtags are being curated.

It’s beautiful to see so many people showing up in the name of yoga. But amid all this buzz, I invite you to pause and reflect.

Is yoga becoming another date on the calendar? - Like a festival we prepare for with enthusiasm, celebrate with energy and then neatly pack away until next year?

Are we stopping at the surface?

If you are someone starting your yoga journey this June, here’s a gentle message: Start, Begin, Try, Stumble, Learn, Repeat.
But don’t let it stop with the event.
Let yoga gently flow into your everyday life — not in big poses or perfect frames, but in small, consistent ways.

Because true yoga doesn’t unfold under a spotlight.

Yoga is rooted in a deep tradition – thousands of years of wisdom, passed on through humble seekers, devoted teachers and generations of silent, sincere practice.

It has survived not because it was trendy but because it is timeless.
Let’s not reduce it to trends.
Let’s not forget the sacredness in the noise.

So this Yoga day, by all means – CELEBRATE.
Roll out your mat, join the collective energy,
Share the joy and light up the world with your presence.

But remember, the real celebration begins the next day and the days after that.
Let Yoga Day be your beginning, not your finish line.

30/05/2025

IS YOGA FOR EVERYONE?

People often ask me. “Is yoga for everyone?”

And my answer is: Yes...but also, not exactly.

There’s a phrase I love: “Yoga is for everyone, but not just for anyone.” It may sound contradictory, but it holds a beautiful truth.

Yoga welcomes all. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what shape your body is in, or whether you are flexible or stiff, calm or restless. You can arrive on the mat with joy or grief, energy or exhaustion. Yoga doesn’t judge—it simply invites. Its true power lies in how adaptable it is. In that sense, yes, yoga is truly for everyone.

Today, yoga is more accessible than ever—studios, online platforms, and wellness spaces have made it easy to roll out a mat and begin. And many do! People join with great enthusiasm, feeling lighter and brighter after a few sessions. But often, after a while, some drift away. They pause… or quietly stop showing up.

I used to wonder why.

And over time, I understood something important.

Yoga often begins with the body—but it doesn’t stop there. It gently nudges us inward. It asks for presence, self-discipline, and a willingness to pause and reflect. And in a world that is moving fast, that can be confronting.

The postures are approachable, but yoga isn’t about moving through shapes. It stirs something deeper—our thoughts, habits, emotions, and choices. For some, that’s a lot to take in. Especially when they come looking just for a workout.

And that’s okay.

Yoga never forces—it flows at your pace. It meets you where you are. For many who return after stepping away, the second journey is more grounded and more sincere. They no longer come chasing trends – they come to meet themselves, just as they are.

So yes, yoga is for everyone. But to truly walk the path, it takes more than a mat. It takes an open heart, a curious mind and the courage to stay.

28/05/2025

KEEP SHOWING UP

It has been raining for the past few days. Every morning, after my sadhana, I step outside and instinctively look up at the sky, hoping to see the sun. This has become a quiet ritual – a moment of connection that gives me a gentle push and a silent motivation to carry the energy of practice into the day.

But these days, all I can see are grey clouds.
No golden glow, no warm light on my face.
And yet, the day begins.

Even unseen, the presence of the sun is unmistakable – in the soft light that still pours through the sky, in the steady rhythm of the day that continues without fail.
The sun does not seek applause for rising each day, nor does it withhold its light when it goes unnoticed.
Its consistency is a quiet power – and in that, there is a great lesson.
This is the essence of yogic discipline.

In today’s world of quick fixes and instant results, it’s easy to expect the same from yoga. But yoga is not meant for those looking for a one-day wonder. It is not a performance, and it cannot be checked off like a task on a to-do list.

Yoga is a steady, loving commitment to oneself – a way of living both on and off the mat. Not just on the days when we feel deeply connected, but even more so on the days we don’t.

It is in the quiet consistency that strength is born – slowly, gently from the inside out.

Yoga, like the sun, doesn’t ask for perfection. Only presence.

Some days will be bright and full of light. Others will be cloudy, uncertain or quiet.
But whether the glow is visible or not, the light remains – steady and present – within us.

Keep showing up – with awareness, with effort and a calm commitment.

What is meant to unfold will do so, in its own quiet time.

26/05/2025

MY EVOLVING PATH WITH YOGA
The most recent milestone in my yogic journey has been my spiritual initiation — Mantra Deeksha. It’s difficult to put into words what that moment truly meant to me.
But how did I get here?
My love for yoga began at the age of 22, when I attended my first formal training. Even then, I felt a deep pull, a quiet knowing that yoga was something I was meant to explore. But I must admit, I wasn’t a consistent or disciplined practitioner. Life, with all its noise and responsibilities, took over. Still, something within me kept returning—again and again—to yoga. Whether I was actively practising or not, I kept reading, attending the occasional workshop or class, always exploring.
Have you ever felt a pull toward something – like you keep finding your way back to it.? For me yoga was like that.
Years later, quite unexpectedly, a sense of quiet clarity began to emerge. It felt like a turning point—things started aligning without any effort. New learnings, insights, and guidance came my way, as if it was all meant to be. I became more regular, more open, more curious. My practice was no longer just physical—it became a question, a search. What was I really looking for through yoga?
Then, in 2020, the world paused. For all its chaos and challenges, the pandemic became a chance to reconnect with what truly mattered. During this time, I was introduced to the teachings of the Bihar School of Yoga. I found myself not only learning, but also unlearning—shedding old patterns, expectations, and fixed ideas of what yoga was. This process opened me, refined me, and realigned me with the true essence of yogic life. While the world outside slowed down, the world within me awakened. And so began a new phase of my journey - a deeper way of experiencing yoga not just as a practice, but as a way of life – a path of sadhana, awareness, and surrender. A truly humbling and transformative journey!

24/05/2025

Surya Namaskar, Simply

Have you ever noticed how the sun shifts its path through the year?

From mid-January onwards, during Uttarayan, the sun begins its northward journey across the sky. Between January and June, the morning sun rises closer to the northeast. In my practice space, this celestial shift feels especially magical. The morning rays come directly through the doorway, lighting up the space where I begin my day.

Every morning, as I complete my sadhana, the golden sunlight pours in, bathing me in its warmth. Today, after finishing my Surya namaskar practice. I simply stood there- face lifted, eyes closed, letting the warmth touch my face, my skin, my heart - I found myself asking,

What is this quiet joy I feel?
Why did the ancients revere the Sun so deeply?
Was it just survival they were grateful for - or did they sense something more sacred?

Surya Namaskar is not just a sequence of postures. It is much more than that; it is a way of showing respect and gratitude to the Sun, the source of energy and life on Earth.When done with awareness, the breath and the body move in harmony, creating a flow that brings calmness and focus.

But do you know we have an inner sun too?
In yoga, we call it the Manipura Chakra, the energy centre located at the solar plexus.
This is the seat of our inner fire - our willpower, confidence, and vitality.

And so I ask myself:
Am I honouring that inner sun each day?
Am I tending it through my breath, my awareness, my discipline?

Yes, when we do Surya Namaskar, we are not just saluting the Sun in the sky - we are also awakening that steady glowing power within!

May 1. 2025

03/05/2025

HARI OM & Welcome!
I am a Yog Sadhak walking the path of self - discovery through the timeless wisdom of Yoga. This space is where I share my journey, reflections and insights inspired by my daily sadhana and the teachings that guide me.
Whether you are a fellow seeker or simply curious about yoga, I hope you find some inspiration, insight and a sense of connection in this space.
Thank you for being here!

YogLek

01/07/2025

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