How yoga helps for your well-being – yoga as self care
- Rieko Umemura
- Jun 19, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23, 2020
This coming Sunday, June 21 is the international day of yoga, which aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Many studies show that there are physical as well as mental and emotional benefits in yoga. But today I would like to share my personal experience and why I practise yoga every day.
I found yoga 13 years ago by stepping into my first yoga class in the Philippines. I had no idea on what yoga was at the time. Ever since I have been grateful for the positive changes that yoga has given me.
Initially I observed many physical changes such as gaining muscles, strength, flexibility and increased energy. I no longer get seasonal illness like I used to.
Over time I also noticed some changes in emotions and attitudes and started enjoying yoga practice more and more. Now yoga has become a part of my life. Like brushing my teeth and taking shower I practice yoga, so that I can take good care of myself. As a professional health practitioner, I place a high priority to take care of myself so I can support others.
Self awareness
I relish ME time in yoga. There is a moment where I can find deep focus on my breath, body, mind, movement, and stillness. Then awareness arises, awareness of the breath, body parts, thinking mind, stuck or suppressed emotions. That is quite empowering to realise that I have them inside me.
Balance
That sense of balance is a gold: balance between doing and being, thinking and feeling, effort and surrender, movement and stillness. The balance holds simple wonder and joy of being alive. The practice of yoga is one of many ways to rediscover that balance. Yoga is a life-long process and practice. Life goes on, my mind continues to create thoughts and judgements, but through the practice of yoga I can continue to shed what is unnecessary and blossom into harmony between action and awareness.
Releasing and openness
The openness or space yoga can create within my body and mind allows me to be more free from trapped thoughts and egos, and allows me to shed the burden of judgement, so that I can speak and act with kindness and compassion to myself and others. If you feel sad, lonely or angry, try do yoga. You will feel some ease after releasing tensions and see things from different view. Things get a little easier and more manageable.
Felt-sense of “coming home.”
Yoga is the way back to ‘home’ deep within myself where all the wisdom I need about loving and living resides. Donna Farhi, a great yoga teacher expresses it as “coming home to the body through asana practice can be a joyous reunion.” We all have this home within us. Yoga is the way to connect to our own home and experience the wholeness of being. The body and mind functions in harmony alongside soul to experience optimal health.
It is never too late, too old or sick to start yoga practice. Yoga is for every BODY. You can start from where you are, the body you have today.
I would like to hear your experience of practicing yoga. Please feel free to leave comments. Also, let me know if you need any help to start your yoga journey.
Wish you all a very happy International Day of Yoga. There are some free events you can join from home to celebrate the day.
- Online yoga, pranayama and meditation class organized by High Commission of India Canberra and Vasdeva Kriya Yoga by Shri Rajendra Yenkannamoole
June 21, Sunday 2020 1:30-2:30pm (Adelaide time)
Zoom Meeting
- Online yoga sessions by different yoga experts across the world organized by Vasdeva Kriya Yoga and Asian Yoga Therapy Association
June 21, Sunday 2020 9:00-1:00pm (Adelaide time)
Zoom meeting
Zoom ID: 83399433632, Password: 462561
To see the program please visit
- Online event of music, yoga and meditation organized by The Heartfulness Institute and Ministry of AYUSH (Government body of Ayurveda and Yoga in India) and United Nations.
June 21, Sunday 2020 from 8:30am (Adelaide time) For details and registration: https://heartfulness.org/en/international-yoga-day/#acceptchallenge
- Online yoga class and meditation organized by Consulate General of India Melbourne in association with The University of Melbourne, The Art of Living and Heartfelt Institute.
June 21, Sunday 2020 from 8:30am to 11:00am (Adelaide time) For registration, please visit to the link: https://forms.gle/aGhPQcUEGHosij518
- Worldwide Bikram Yoga class (series of 26 hatha yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises) taught by certified teachers from all around the world.
June 21, Sunday 2020 from 1:30pm (Adelaide time) for 90 minutes
Zoom Meeting ID: 519 776 5210, No Password Required.
Gratitude to all the teachers who passed down yoga wisdom through generations.
Parama rishi bhyo namaha, parama guru bhyo namaha.
Rieko is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, professional member of Australasian Association of Ayurveda, and certified yoga teacher. Feel free to be in touch for your questions or how Ayurveda and Yoga can help achieving your health and well-being goals.
#Ayurveda #Yoga #InternationalDayofYoga2020 #YogaBenefits #wellbeing #Selfcare #Selfawareness #Balance #HarmonyWithin
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