The World Yoga Day - A Personal Perspective

A month since soaking the whole experience of 'World Yoga Day'. In this reflective space, the assimilations happened & now for expression....

Being invited to participate 2 months ahead, was indicative of the significance of 21st June to people related to 'yoga'. A day to commemorate "YOGA" had to be celebrated! It was exciting to be invited to be part of what I sensed a tipping point for things to come.

Reflecting back, 3 distinct phases unfolded experiences & emotions of varied hues.

Stage I -  Pre 21st June: 

The International World Yoga Day Celebration  - 4 schools coming together in celebration immediately resonated. The various forms of yoga - classical to neo-classical, to contemporary; shared by guides/ teachers at a common platform cultivates a sense of community among teachers. One that is essential in maintaing this eco-system - we as teachers, should rely, support, learn & thrive through each other's capabilities.

And soon after; the first lesson came in by way of  knowing friends &  colleagues would be, but naturally, participating at their own events across the city. Acceptance & spreading goodwill towards others are tenants of 'yoga'. We have opportunities to practice yoga every moment, if we choose to stay open & be sensitive to these lessons coming our way.

The lead up to 21st June, saw me meet people outside my sphere of control & influence. 

As a single entity; Radhika Chaliha (Founder of Kiki's Yoga) & no studio, one had to rely on  a '1-woman team'. The joys of working hands-on in co-hosting a yoga-festival was thoroughly enjoyed  - all of it!  Ticket- sales, carries with it baggage- negative connotations. 4 years of sharing yoga, has seen me use marketing only through social media. This was new! The direct face-to-face , was surprisingly comfortable  & real. To engage people, in real-time was fresh. Sharing yoga is an extension of myself & perhaps in that came 'ease'. 

Alongside the newness of "sales",working on establishing a routine with a new 'acroyoga' partner was a journey itself of forging a relationship, trusting, surrendering... re-discovery... moving out of ones comfort zone  & all that comes with 'acroyoga'.

Stage II  - The International World Yoga Day 21st June 

Yoga

Friends

Music

Dance

Cheer

Rain

Smile

Food

Stalls

..... a celebration! 

Stage III - Post 21st June

A deep sense of "why are we doing what we are doing" felt. Perhaps akin to "post-natal depression" or "empty-nest" syndrome. Seeing pictures of celebrations around the world & at the festival allays some of the emptiness. 

One single day to commemorate yoga - A World Yoga Day, announced by UN on the diplomacy & tact of the current Prime Minister of India, paves the path of a 'new-yoga'.
It would be interesting to ponder & dialogue upon.... what next?

Do we go back to our comfort-zones?
Do we change & incorporate the changing times & economies?

Do we find the balance .... & how so?

Do we retire?

The questions are larger with wider implications. Within it's depth, lies latent possibilities - one that am keenly observing & recording.

Perhaps... the tipping point is in "Kiki's Life".
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