INISDE JOB - 6 MIN READ
“If you can get the inside right, the outside will fall into place” - Ekhart Toll
Author: Datin Eileen Unwin - “Intention is more than wishful thinking; it’s wilful direction”
In my last article, I urged you to see from the outside what is happening on the inside. Elaborating on this, let me explain what I mean about self discovery through a passion of mine...yoga.
What yoga often gets mistaken for is a series of poses, a sequence that flows and can look ‘pretty’, lyrical even when spectated. What is not seen from the outside is what is happening on the inside. The poses or asanas (as they are referred to in the yogi world) are not the essence, but the process of what assists the internal journey on the mat. It is a fundamental secret sense you are able to hold within yourself that can only be described as sheer joy. Think of it as conducting a personal therapy session, working on internal emotions, anxiety, stress levels all by simply focusing on a series of “asanas” using the tool of living.. the breath. Every minute on the mat, is an investment in mental health. Yoga is the greatest teacher and exposes your true self. There is no hiding behind a mask; it’s unveiling results in the removal of the ego, delving deep within so as to recognise yourself from the inside out.
It may be difficult to navigate the varying styles of yoga when embarking upon your journey or even believe the misperceptions that looks and flexibility should be pre-requisite concerns. Indeed, it may be glamourised by social media platforms, or misperceived as a hippie hobby that has no place in the ‘real’ world but stripped bare and acknowledged for it’s transformation purposes, it is for everyone. Yes, everyone. Yan Ong & Manuel Ferreira, founders of Mysore Room in Kuala Lumpur (www.mysoreroom.com) bring their values and philosophies, derived from decades of their teaching and practicing experience, to introduce the traditional method of Mysore Ashtanga yoga. They tell us that “students of any physical capability or health condition are taught, the only requirement is the desire to learn. Our approach is long term and the sole purpose is to gift the 8 limb practice of Ashtanga Yoga as a tool for personal transformation from the inside to those seeking the meaning of yoga”.
This journey is a lifestyle, a commitment and a promise to yourself. The results manifest in your ultimate health and wellbeing. They put a perspective on stress, anxiety and medical concerns so the internal work you are conducting is above and beyond anything that can be done through medication. Taking charge of your self from the inside out is liberating, empowering and ultimately the elixir to life. You may view me as biased, but being in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years has given me an insight into the quality of advice and teachings available to the population. “Health” in the more general sense does not lie in the gym or even on your dinner plate. Yoga is neither a sport nor an act of achievement. It’s benefits sadly lie dormant until you ‘choose’ to awaken the vast ocean of internal capacity you have available to address your mind, body and soul. Once the layers are peeled back, the true beauty of yoga will unfold. As Yan and Manuel remind their students, “the asanas are a bi-product of yoga, a tool to focus, breathe and ultimately teach.” The peripheral elements evolve as the practice evolves and mental strength develops. The challenges you face in the outside world are dealt with in a peaceful manner both during and after your practice.
It goes without saying that there is a meditative method in the movement of yoga. The poses are traditionally designed not only to strengthen and improve body structure but also to act as internal, holistic medicine. They assist in the detoxification and flow of the blood, support bone health as well as the cell renewal of vital organs resulting in better digestion, lower blood pressure, hormonal balance and most importantly, the prevention of disease.
Life is an equation of what you put in, you get out. With this in mind, having the freedom to add yoga into the rich tapestry of your existence can only result in a positive outcome.
Tea Bird Tea's offer a range of unique organic, herbal teas that are blended to individually support health, wellbeing and a holistic lifestyle. Consumed daily The Liver Detox can assist yoga in the detoxification and digestion of your internal organs. Using organic ginger, burdock, liquorice and dandelion roots combined with organic nettle leaf will encourage your liver to purge fats, remove cholesterol deposits, clean blood and other toxic intestinal waste. Take time to find your favourite blends that help you feel the best version of yourself and support your daily intentions.
https://www.lemesole.com/yoga-en/
https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/what-type-yoga-best-you
