practicing yoga
Yoga has accompanied me for seven years now. I embarked on the journey inspired by my mom, and it became a shared movement practice, only about two years later, I caught an interest in the philosophical background. I read and practiced continuously, until my 200 hrs teacher training and my travels to India, where I dove head first into the culture and immersed myself in the homeland of yoga. It left me fascinated and with an understanding, that only experience can teach. While yoga as a movement practice is not even as popular in India as I had expected, especially not among younger folks, it was there to be felt in every touch I have shared with the land, it is to be found in the cracks of the walls in Bangalore, in the lines on the faces of elderly people in Kerala, in the glimmer of the sun above the national parks in Karnataka.
a personal exploration
In a world that whirls with the ceaseless dance of chaos, I found solace in the stillness of yoga. I understand yoga beyond its physical Asana practice as a poetic dance of breath, movement, and spirit.
In the tapestry of my daily life, yoga weaves a thread of continuity. As the sun tiptoes into the sky, I unfurl my mat, embracing the canvas of possibility. Each pose becomes a poem, written with the ink of breath, movement, and profound connection to my body.
As a wanderer traversing the kaleidoscope of unfamiliar lands, my yoga practice has been my steadfast companion. Amidst the ever-changing horizons, it has been my anchor. It is where I find stability when the ground beneath me shifts.
While providing me with steadiness, it paths the way to a journey of self-discovery, a voyage into the vast landscapes of my own being.
sharing yoga
I have completed a 200 hrs multi-style training at Ruhyoga in Agonda, Goa and spent a few weeks at Sharangati Yogahaus in Varkala, Kerala in autumn 2022.
This year I went on a large itinerary through the United States, Guatemala and Mexico from February till June. Among that time I volunteered at Aldea Pachamama, Puebla and Casa Om, Oaxaca.
Immersing myself in the realm of Bhakti, I attended a 20 hrs voice and sound journey training by Inspiritana in Mazunte, Oaxaca in May.
Nesting back into Berlin since September, I am looking forward to soon share yoga here.
On a scientific note
Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga embraces a holistic approach to well-being. The word 'yoga' itself, derived from Sanskrit, means union – a union of mind, body, and spirit. Its philosophical underpinnings lay the foundation for the profound benefits that science now confirms.
Scientifically proven, yoga is a profound catalyst for mental and physical health. According to a study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, regular yoga practice has been associated with a reduction in stress levels by modulating the body's stress response system (Smith et al., 2019). Moreover, research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology suggests that yoga interventions contribute significantly to alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression (Balasubramaniam et al., 2013). The benefits extend beyond mental well-being, a study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health establishes that yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and muscular strength (Hewett et al., 2019). These scientific revelations echo the wisdom of ancient yogic philosophy, affirming that the path to holistic well-being involves harmonizing the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
As I meet myself on my mat each day, I am not merely engaging in a series of physical postures, I am participating in a tradition that harmonizes the ancient and the contemporary, the philosophical and the scientific.
Yoga, with its profound roots and scientifically proven benefits, becomes a sacred journey where the wisdom of the past meets the evidence of the present.
Smith, C., Hancock, H., & Blake-Mortimer, J. (2019). The Impact of Yoga on Depressive Symptoms in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 29(1), 67–79.
Balusubramanian, M., Telles, S., & Doraiswamy, P. M. (2013). Yoga on Our Minds: A Systematic Review of Yoga for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(8), 864–876.
Hewett, Z. L., Pumpa, K. L., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Impact of Acute Yoga on Psychological Measures of Attention and Task Performance among University Students Practicing Yoga. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 16(8), 602–607.
