Unlocking Spiritual Truth: Yoga and the Illusion of Maya |Yoga Expert Neha Shukla Breaks it down

Unlocking Spiritual Truth: Yoga and the Illusion of Maya |Yoga Expert Neha Shukla Breaks it down

Author Name:Classic Connect with Uday Kiran

Youtube Channel Url:https://www.youtube.com/@ClassicConnectWithUday

Youtube Video URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lz0sRYHsuc



Transcript:
(00:00) I sometimes combine the asanas [music] so that they are they do these asanas together. So we have our own thoughts. We have our own process. They develop that kind of understanding and they might fall in love again. Do you have any specific asanas or yoga exercises that couples can do together or alone just [music] to overcome this trauma or overcome this emotional imbalances? All the hip opening movements I [music] really recommend.
(00:33) Again shoulder opening. They can support each other's back also. So what happens into our body like when you practice yoga and when you practice pilates? Pilates [music] focuses on your core strength. You're practicing initially you will feel little bit of soreness around your core. Yoga brings in the mental and emotional [music] well-being part also.
(00:58) Connecting you to universe and spirituality part also. Yoga makes your body more aligned with the universe so the more aligned with you who are with the universe, your thoughts will come into existence very quickly. I see so many yoga teachers >> [music] >> nowadays who are pregnant, who are in their final trimester also and they [music] are doing headstands.
(01:19) They are doing your deep backbends. Hip opening is good for during pregnancy. So what do most people learn too late about their body? That they should be focusing [music] on their breath. They should stop chasing a higher and higher package. Um they should stop chasing money. >> [music] >> So money should be there but not as a priority.
(01:45) Hi Hi Neha, welcome to Classic Connect with Uday Kiran. Hi Uday. Yeah, how are you doing? All well all well, thanks. How are you? Yeah, I'm good. So I have recently gone through your profile. But there's something interesting that came up, right? You are an NIT then IIM and suddenly you have been to wellness teaching. So how this transition happened? So I was always focused towards health and wellness but I was following a normal path.
(02:12) I was just studying and you know it become it's a very generic path in our country to first become an engineer any college and then you feel like you need to study more so you go for management and MBA any college. Doesn't matter NIT IIM but it's a typical [laughter] path. But our passions always stay hidden within us.
(02:35) Uh so I wanted so before I turn 35, I wanted to uh start something of my own, follow my passion. Got it. And so that's how I took the step towards this and my major goal is to make sure that health and wellness is the priority in our community. Everything comes later. Health and wellness comes first. So I want this message to be very clear specially among professionals. Got it.
(03:08) Uh because I've seen many incidents in corporates where people always keep health secondary and their career growth and they stay in lot of mental pressure. You know they in fact they have associated their identity to the company. If I talk to someone hey how are you doing what are your goals? They will say my company has achieved this and this. And what about you? Yeah.
(03:35) So that's that's how. So that was my main mission. Okay. Now in this busy world, right? As you said like nowadays like people are more towards work ignoring their well-being physical or mental, right? If you could suggest an immediate breathing exercise for them, what it would be? So what I believe is whatever you eat Mhm.
(04:03) or whatever how many hours you work, if your sleep is good, if you're having a good quality of sleep everything everything falls in its place. Everything feels fine. So sleep quality has come down nowadays because of our exposure to a screen which is necessary also. So I would suggest brahmari pranayama. Okay.
(04:28) So it's it's making sound of a humming bee while you exhale. Mhm. >> inhale and you make sound of a humming bee like Oh. >> [singing] >> So if you do it few times, you will you will feel some change in your body where your systems your energies are getting aligned. Got it. And you will and I assure you'll get a better quality of sleep over time.
(04:54) I also used to face lot of insomnia insomnia related issues but now I fall asleep within 10 minutes. I do this pranayama. And it it has improved my overall sleep cycle and quality of sleep. So so I always emphasize on sleep over following any specific diet or even yoga or even exercise. So that is very important.
(05:18) Now coming to the sleep, right? You mentioned 8 hours sleep is basic necessity. Is it because nowadays doctors also saying that we need 8 hours of sleep. Is it really true? Uh if if doctors are saying it should be right but but usually the quantity doesn't matter. Got it. You know 7 8 6 5 it depends on body to body.
(05:43) The quality of sleep I'm talking about. Got it. The quality the depth of your >> [clears throat] >> sleep I'm talking about. How many times you're waking up in between and and how how much refreshed are you feeling after you're waking up? Okay. >> So in yoga there is something called as yoga nidra. Okay. So yoga nidra actually compensates of many hours of loss of sleep in a in a way.
(06:09) I would not say completely compensate but it makes you feel energized. Okay. >> there are certain practices which help in improving the sleep as well in yoga. So there are many tools. Now uh nowadays, right? People go to gym and they do exercise. Some people do regular exercise in terms of brisk walking or morning walk and all.
(06:31) And some other some people will do yoga yoga exercise. So could you just throw some light what is the difference between all these three? So first of all yoga is not an exercise. Yoga is a complete lifestyle. Okay. There are eight limbs in yoga which actually change our lifestyle in a way how we behave with others. Okay.
(06:56) How we empathize, how we behave with others, how we behave with ourselves. Mhm. Self love. Uh how we are able to create boundaries without hurting anyone. Mhm. How are we able to align ourselves to universe? How are we able to discover what's the real purpose in life rather than just running here and there. So it's not an exercise, it's a complete lifestyle where the asana part is the physical part >> Okay.
(07:20) which looks like an exercise but again it's it's a shortcut way I would say it's a tool to align your body to reach a meditative state where you understand yourself. And so yoga is not an exercise but there are other physical forms which are definitely required for our body. I appreciate all the physical forms of workout because they all help in building certain kind of consistency and discipline Mhm.
(07:47) which is very important because if you are disciplined, again that also falls under the domain of yoga. Got it. Following a discipline, consistency, everything is yoga. Got it. Now when it comes to yoga, right? I am hearing from many people like it can be done at any time. So is it is there any specific time for persons to do yoga or if they can do it anytime? Earlier so earlier I had a condition called as Barrett's esophagus Okay.
(08:16) in which the acid levels of stomach rise up in my food pipe. Okay. So I used to practice yoga with with very little food item. I used to keep certain gap. Okay. But then this condition got somewhat healed. Oh. So now I am in a place where I can do yoga anytime I want to. Mhm. But if stomach is bit light, then your food content will not come up your food pipe.
(08:44) But again I said yoga is a complete lifestyle so there is an asana which which can be done immediately after food. Okay. >> And it it completely depends varies from body to body. Okay. There is no such definition because everybody time is very beautiful and unique in their own way where other person cannot understand.
(09:06) Got it. Understood understood. They have their own power. They have their own positives and negatives. Okay. >> depending on their lifestyle, they can do it anytime. For many people it works even during late nights. For many people early morning suits. For many people afternoon suits. So there's no particular definition.
(09:26) It is when their body feels ready. Got it. So when you say that like you have taken certain diet, right? Now also there are certain exercises that we can do post eating. Could you just say about those exercises like what are those so that everyone can do it. I don't follow any diet Okay. as such. I keep changing my body type.
(09:49) Sometimes I lose weight, sometimes I gain weight. Okay. And it doesn't matter because ultimately this body will be turned into ashes. >> [laughter] >> Yeah yeah yeah. Eventually, yes, yeah. Eventually, yes, it will be turned into ashes. It is never constant. Body is never constant. It will change with age. What I'm looking right now will not I'll not look the same after some time. Yeah.
(10:09) So, diet I don't follow. I I have started eating what I feel like eating as per my hormonal cycles, as per my menstrual cycles, etc. So, diet part is that one thing. Mhm. The other The other thing is like you mentioned certain exercises that can be done post eating, right? >> Yeah, immediately post eating, we fold our legs, we sit in Vajrasana. Got it.
(10:35) And if we sit in that position for some time, it helps in easy digestion of food. But again, I would be very silly if I recommend everything in a generic way for everybody. For some people, this might not work. If I'm asking somebody to fold their legs who have knee injuries, Got it. I will be so silly. Yes.
(10:57) And that mean that so that shows how shallow is my practice. Got it. >> that's why it's very important to first consult. Mhm. I have to really read the body, understand understand their issues, and then only uh pass some statement for them and then only suggest some asanas. Got it. But it's it's a it's a generic way that Vajrasana may if you sit after food, the digestion improves.
(11:19) It's a very It's a common, but again, it varies from body to body. It's very much uh customizable. Sure. So, uh today morning, like uh when I was just walking on the roads, right? There were certain people who were doing yoga. So, when I was speaking with them, so there was a small question that arose. So, this is a common question, but everyone wants some clarity. Okay.
(11:41) So, some people are saying that I breathe by keeping my mouth closed. And I slowly exhale through my nose. And some people say, "I I breathe I take a deep breath through my nose, and I exhale through my mouth. So, which one is actually benefited or which one is actually correct, the way of doing?" Again, there's nothing correct or nothing incorrect in it.
(12:06) There are different techniques of breathing depending on season Okay. and depending on your requirement. If you immediately want to cool your body, then you exhale from mouth. Okay. >> And we also exhale with a ha sound. Ha. [sighs and gasps] Releasing all the toxins. So, it immediately relaxes and cools down your body. Got it.
(12:27) So, if you continue with breathing from your nose, your breath is in a controlled manner. It's a controlled breathing where you're kind of saving your energy, so it helps in the asana practice. Got it. In Pilates, I'm also certified in mat Pilates. In Pilates, we do lip breathing. Got it. In gym, we are made to I mean, many people they exhale from mouth, they inhale.
(12:47) So, it varies depending on your need and the season. >> Okay, even season plays an important role. Yeah, I mean, in winters, it's cold, so you need little bit of heat. So, kind of breathing and pranayams will be bit different. And during summers, if it's bit heated already, so body is already heated, so you want to cool down yourself.
(13:09) So, certain There are certain other sets of pranayams. Okay. So, it varies as per situation. So, it's So, if somebody claims this is only the correct way, even asana shape Yeah. the shape which I am making, that shape will not come in the other person's body as it is. So, that doesn't mean the other person is doing wrong.
(13:31) Oh. It is that body's adaptability to that asana, and I should appreciate it. Because that's a unique body in its own, and it is making its own shape in its own form and uh and own feeling. So, I need to appreciate that. So, there's nothing wrong or right as such, yeah. So, when it comes to uh breathing and all, right? I have a small question.
(13:59) I just want to understand. So, when we do this yoga, right? Eventually, what happens inside our body? So, could you just throw some light on that? So, when we practice yoga, Mhm. So, yoga is a complete lifestyle. So, even when I'm not in on my mat, I might still be doing yoga. Okay. Mentally. So, what happens basically is first of all, our blood circulation improves.
(14:24) Okay. >> energy flow, pran flow improves. Got it. There are certain uh stiffness or restrictions which we feel inside that improves. You will feel little bit light. Oh. You know? So, that means now your body is getting prepared. After you feel and uh in some situations, there's a lot of discomfort stored inside us.
(14:47) Uh unhealed emotions Mhm. or any kind of pain or anything any discomfort, that comes out first. Okay. So, that uneasiness comes out first, so people start feeling uneasy, uncomfortable. Many people then they quit. Mhm. But that is your inner uneasiness which is coming out, which which is stored inside. So, once that is out, Mhm.
(15:10) you will you will you will observe if you have seen in park also, after doing yoga, people are more active and more energetic. True. Because after their inner all these toxins and everything have released, now they are feeling very light. Got it. And after feeling light, after consistent practice, there comes a state where you reach a meditative state, Okay.
(15:34) which is a calm blank state, like how this universe is all blank. Mhm. Dark sky. When you close your eyes, you feel that blankness, right? This I believe is the same as the universe. So, you will feel like you're floating in the universe. This >> Got it. this feeling will come later, and you will feel more aligned. Your behavior will change by the way you uh empathize, the way you talk to people. Okay.
(16:01) The you you will not be the sole you you anymore. You will not be in delusional state anymore. So, all these behavioral changes also happen apart from changes for your skin, hair. Got it. So, uh many people like many viewers are confused between yoga and Pilates. Could you just give the difference between those two? Yoga, as I said, it I believe it encompasses everything.
(16:28) This entire universe for me is within the yoga yoga domain. Okay. Uh Pilates uh is a recovery form which streb which completely focuses your core. Okay. It burns your core. So, core is your abdomen area. Got it. Your thighs, your hip area, your back, your buttocks. Okay. So, this every part is the core. I believe the the structure of our body which holds is the core.
(16:54) It's a healing and it's a strengthening movement, Okay. which focuses on your core only. Got it. Yeah. And when should a person do yoga and when should a person do Pilates? Um both can go parallel. In fact, a person can go to gym also, they can do a sport also. So, Pilates is also a form of exercise depending on what you like.
(17:19) If you like playing football, Yeah. you can do football, you can do you So, yoga is kind of a foundation. Okay. >> Yoga is a foundation where you do little bit breathing exercise, you follow certain set of asanas. You have opened your back, you have opened your hips, you have opened your shoulders, your mind is open, your fingers are open, your ankle joints all healthy.
(17:37) Now, you can do anything. You go on with your life. But yoga is the foundation. It is even the foundation for dancers Okay. or and singers Got it. as well, because it opens the throat. Got it. So, it has many such elements depending on what your lifestyle is, what you want to It also helps in building bit of confidence.
(17:59) And Mhm. Yeah, it has many uses. So, yoga is a foundation. Got it. You will If you talk to many singers and performers, if you ask them, they'll say from our childhood, we have been doing lot of yoga. Got it. To open their throat to improve their voice quality. Got it. So, you have been giving training to many people, right? Like So, could you ex uh tell us about any one real-time scenario where this yoga has turned up or completely transitioned in someone into better life? Yes, so there are many such examples.
(18:34) Okay. What I've observed, major change which I've seen is in couples. Got it. So, So, there were many couples who were not aligned with each other. There were many uh emotional blockages among them. And the relation with their kids and the entire family was not that great. And that could We could sense that the moment we enter the house. Oh.
(19:02) Yeah, it was so And I've seen and many couples, they feel difficulty uh in uh even uh even uh coming close to each other. They feel difficulty in expressing to your own partner. Got it. That is one part, and overall life quality, I believe, is not that great. Though they are earning well and career-wise settled. But after yoga, uh these blockages I I observed and they also told me that, "Neha, uh we have seen our sleep quality has improved. We feel more lighter.
(19:35) Uh we understand situation better. Our emotions are now more out. Mhm. Now, then I could feel the sense of lightness and aura and the change in their lives. They could process their emotions better. They could understand themselves more. They could set boundaries. They know when to say no, and they know what to expect and what not to expect.
(19:58) So, these were the changes. Another Another thing which I have you know, it's very funny that in kids Yeah. kids these changes are very much amplified because they are already quite open they open heart. They don't have anything stored in them. No emotion, nothing. So, effect on kids is they somehow become more focused. Oh. >> I I I would call them they become intelligent kids.
(20:25) They suddenly become wise. They know what questions to ask. They empathize. So, I have seen change in a 6-year-old girl. She has a sister who is 3-year-old. Earlier they used to obviously fight with each other. She said this this like Okay. But now the 6-year-old is practicing yoga with me. Oh. >> Kids yoga.
(20:46) So, [snorts] now she has become more empathetic towards her sister. Oh. >> Now if any her sister tells something or beats her or does something, she is more like, "Oh, she's my younger sister. She is younger and that's why she's behaving like that. She doesn't know Got it. So, that change was very heart-touching and shocking for me, frankly speaking, because then I realized in kids this is very much amplified.
(21:12) This comes out immediately. Got it. So, then I saw the real power of yoga. Then many more questions she started asking like who is Patanjali. And she became more curious about the world. She's asking and her performance in school also improved. Her rank also improved. She's the first rank holder in the class. She became >> [laughter] >> topper also.
(21:33) Yeah. So, if you could suggest any three yogic practices for kids to start, what are those? For kids, I would suggest they should learn any one pranayama which suits their body. Kids are very high energy. So, they should do bhastrika pranayama. What is that? >> And they should do nadi shodhana pranayama to balance their energies, balancing their inner stored energies, aligning them.
(22:08) They should learn a few prayers also of yoga because when they learn it, their voice clarity improves because yoga class starts with a prayer. They should actually learn. It is not related to any specific religion. It's for all humankind. It is a very generic prayer. I believe they should learn that. And then few surya namaskar Yeah.
(22:32) >> a very basic thing. They should learn surya namaskar. >> [clears throat] >> And yeah, they should prayers are very important. Surya namaskar and they should end with some cooling asanas to cool down their mind and body. Got it. Now, like the people right the youth they are more fond of getting abs. So, six pack, seven pack and all.
(22:54) So, for that we we used to go to gyms and we do some one hour two hours of exercise and all workouts and all. Can yoga also Can yoga be an alternative for gyms like if someone want to get abs? Is there any specific asana that people can do instead of going to gyms sitting at home? Yeah, so yoga encompasses everything.
(23:20) Gym is also included every form of workout and every behavior is included in the yoga world. For abs, so again I say this body is temporary. Got it. >> keeps changing. Many times keeping six packs and eight packs might not be actually healthy for you. Really? >> have seen so many models who have abs, but their body is so brittle and injury prone that even if they walk a little, their ankle will twist or their core is not actually strong. So, this is a myth.
(23:50) Having abs is not equivalent to a good core strength. Oh, so having an abs is not equivalent to a good core strength. Got it. >> Yeah, somebody has six pack abs or eight pack that doesn't mean the person's core strength is very high. No. It's just the fat percentage has gone below maybe dangerously very low level that they are able to sustain, but it's not a sustainable thing.
(24:16) I I won't suggest people to have abs all the time. If you're shooting, if you look If you want to look in a certain way for few months, it's good. Do that. You can do any form of core workout. I think for pilates works better. Okay. >> Mat pilates works better if you really want abs because it completely works down there.
(24:38) Yoga will help you make your breathing better and make your lifestyle better. And there are few asanas in yoga also. Okay. You should follow bit more intense practice then. There are few core holding asanas also. In fact Yeah, warrior warrior series warrior one, two, three. The balancing asanas completely engage your core.
(24:58) In fact, in any asana the way you engage your core, the asana becomes a body building workout also. But your fat percentage is in your hands. So, now coming to the uh hatha vinyasa Mhm. >> Okay. So, these are two different things, right? Hatha Hatha yoga and vinyasas. So, could you please explain a bit more about those two and when should we do that? So, hatha vinyasa Huh.
(25:28) is the sun and moon Sorry, hatha yoga Yeah. is the traditional form of yoga Okay. >> in which an asana is held for few minutes. Okay. >> which you hold the stance of the asana. It's the most traditional It's the traditional form of yoga. Yeah. >> And vinyasa is flowing from one asana to another to another to another. It's kind of modified because many people I told you that well while you practice yoga, the discomfort inside you comes out.
(25:58) Got it. >> happens to me also, everybody. So, many people they don't want to hold the asana. They want to move to next to next to next to next to make it more dynamic. So, vinyasa makes it more dynamic. You're moving from one and it also helps in building discipline. Got it. to another to another. So, vinyasa is the flow.
(26:17) So, vinyasa is a flow Yeah. and hatha Hatha is holding that asana for some time, feeling it, staying there and then taking a pause and then moving. Vinyasa is like a dance. So, these both are combined together or you say that we can combine these two or it's a >> can combine. Hatha is same asana. The set of asanas same. Got it.
(26:39) >> It's just that how you make a flow and sequence out of it depending on people's needs. So, in hatha yoga if somebody says I don't want vinyasa, I don't want to flow. So, the same asana they'll hold for some time. And then they'll take a pause, then they'll move to next set of asanas.
(26:57) In vinyasa, they will not hold for a very long time. They'll flow one asana to another. So, it looks like a dance flow. >> Okay. So, I like to combine this vinyasa flow with classical music as well. Okay. >> Tabla, sitar So, we can combine with Yeah, it depends on what kind of variety you're bringing, how you want to engage people.
(27:20) What's more important is is people are practicing, that's more important. Got it. In any form. Be it hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga any Iyengar, any any philosophy you follow, practice is very important. Can you just explain about those philosophies say anyone like like you mostly follow or My favorite I I like all the forms. I practice all the forms. Mhm.
(27:49) Hatha is something I like to practice. So, it everything depends on my cycle. Oh. >> My menstrual cycle. So, just before periods I practice hatha form. Then I'm staying in one asana for some time. I keep it less dynamic, less athletic. Mhm. And after my periods when my hormones are high, then I practice the vinyasa and ashtanga form making it more flowy and next to next.
(28:15) I keep it more intense. Okay. >> it depends on my menstrual cycle. And for my students also I change the dynamics as per their mood and as per their cycles or whatever their requirement is. Okay. So, this ashtanga form is also a vinyasa form, but it has a very set discipline. Mhm. It's more masculine. Okay. >> It's less feminine.
(28:38) Again, yin yoga is more feminine. Uh On the softer edge, but it's not easy. Okay. Nothing is easy in the world. Yeah, yeah. But it is more feminine. So, depending on your needs, your cycle, your needs. So, what happens into our body like when we practice yoga and when we practice pilates? So, in terms of nervous systems and what happens to the body inside the body? Could you please explain those terms as well? Okay.
(29:10) So, pilates focuses on your core strength. >> Okay. So, it engages your core. You will feel If you're practicing initially, you will feel little bit of soreness around your Okay. >> So, you are continuously engaging your core. It's a workout. It's It's also a recovery. Because it makes your body very strong, your joints stable. Mhm.
(29:33) So, pilates is that. Yoga [clears throat] Yoga brings in the mental and emotional well-being part also, connecting you to universe and spirituality part also. So, yoga brings in this extra element Apart from engaging your body, the it brings in this mental and emotional awareness in your body also. And that happens automatically uh in a person.
(30:01) So, can we achieve some supernatural powers? What I say like by practicing this yoga? Because I heard from many people that uh people who practice this Pilates and yoga, sometimes they they float. Mhm. Or they say that when they practice yoga and Pilates, uh they feel lighter, much more lighter than other bodies. So, is it true? Pilates, I believe it's a physical form of workout engages core.
(30:36) But yoga definitely, with yoga what I've realized is your intuition levels improve. Oh. You can sometimes guess. Because now your mind is clear, you're able to connect with the nature and universal elements more. And we all are nature. Mhm. So, we can connect with the other human more. So, you can sometimes imagine or understand what the other person might be thinking.
(31:06) Or might might uh their situation. Oh. So, your intuition improves. So, you will take decisions accordingly, controlling your emotions. Supernatural in the sense your manifestation powers also improve. Many times it happens that if you think of something that Akash mere sath ye hota, Akash ye hota, something then it happens suddenly.
(31:32) And it feels like oh oh my god, why why this has happened? This has happened to me multiple times. So, manifestation Yeah. >> comes through like it works through yoga. >> Yeah, it's like um yoga makes your body more aligned with the universe. So, the more aligned with you are with the universe, your thoughts will come into existence very quickly.
(31:54) If your mind is cluttered, obviously uh thoughts will take some time to come in front of you. It will come. Got it. >> So, if your mind is clear, um so it's not just it's it's with everyone, right? Sometimes you don't expect something and it happens to you. Got it. >> And it's like a wish being fulfilled or you say oh good luck, good fortune.
(32:16) With yoga, this luck factor, this fortune factor, this manifestation improves. But then you have to be really careful about what you're thinking. Oh. Cuz what you're thinking might come true. Okay. So, that might not be good also. Got it. >> So, you have to be really careful about mindful about what you think.
(32:35) So, yoga practice helps in improving your thinking quality also, I would say that you will not think very in a very wrong direction. Understood. It's kind of yeah, it can go a little bit from the on the other side also. Like I would say Ram Ravan. Got it. >> Ravan was also a gyani. Ravan was also well educated. Yes.
(32:58) And worshiper of Lord Shiva. Yeah, yeah. Ram also Rameshwaram, Lord Shiva. Got it. Now, Ravan went in other direction, Ram went in another direction. Depends on their own thoughts. >> Thoughts, yeah. So, that that is very important because your thoughts might come true. Got it. That's So, next question is like uh you also deal with prenatal yoga, right? So, in simple terms, what is prenatal yoga? Prenatal um what I usually define is encompasses preparing a woman Mhm.
(33:32) It starts with garb sanskar. What is >> Preparing a woman to conceive a soul in her womb. Okay. Because from her womb a new human being, a new soul. Human beings are not like not like animals, right? We're not completely We are animals but not completely animals. We have some sense of consciousness inside us, which is not present in animals. Got it.
(33:55) I know I am also an animal lover, but we are humans and we are little bit plus plus animals, okay? So, that plus plus animal or conscious being will be inside that womb. So, that womb needs to be really prepared for that energy, that power. Got it. So, garb sanskar takes care of that and then the in the prenatal process, after the first trimester, a woman is being uh prepared mentally and emotionally and physically to hold the child in the most healthy way, so that mother's health and child's health is in its place. Because
(34:30) this is the time where hormones are at its peak. Got it. So, that needs to be really uh controlled and taken care of. You know, there are many things which happen. It's a very complex process which is going on. It's the process of creation which is going [clears throat] on. It is not very easy.
(34:50) So, that is the prenatal part. But is there any specific timing or is there any specific time that the pregnancy woman should perform yoga? I mean, is it after first month, second month, third month, like that? Do you have any specifics like that? Usually I go by gynecologist recommendation. >> Got it. Uh if if gynecologist uh has approved a woman that she can move this much or gynecologist has given a green signal that yeah, you can do all the forms of workout or this is not there, I follow gynecologist recommendation directly. I don't mess
(35:25) with this process of creation. Okay. >> Usually I teach only after first trimester because first trimester is the bonding phase where where the cell is being implanted. >> Got it. After first trimester, then if gynecologist give a green signal, then they are free to move, but it again depends on what the woman has been doing before getting pregnant.
(35:51) If before getting pregnant, she was very active and she was already doing all the asanas or she was already a sports person, Mhm. then gynecologist will definitely approve of her and she will be able to do all sorts of asanas even during her pregnancy. I see so many yoga teachers nowadays who are pregnant, who are in their final trimester also, and they are doing headstands.
(36:13) They are doing deep backbends. They are Hip opening is good for during pregnancy. Hip opening even during menstruation. But they're doing inversions, headstand, handstand. Oh. You Because they have been very active throughout their life. Now, if they don't do this, then they will feel bad. So, you see the beauty of the body, how it completely changes from one person to another. Got it.
(36:38) So, are there any specific asanas that you recommend for the pregnancy women to perform? So, uh goddess pose. Got it. >> Goddess pose. The name itself is goddess. Uh hip opening and in in third uh trimester, I recommend. And I don't recommend crunches etc. because it puts pressure in the stomach. Mhm. But all these recommendations side bending is good.
(37:06) Okay. >> Side bending is good. But all these recommendations go for a toss. Oh. Uh because I have seen so many varieties of human beings even during pregnancy, women uh it goes for a toss. As I said, many women are doing headstand is not actually recommended. Mhm. >> Handstand is not recommended. But their body is prepared, they want to do it.
(37:27) So, you have to go what your mind is telling you sometimes. You know, human body is so beautiful and changes. So, there's there's no recommendation as such. Got it. But uh nowadays, right? People are just seeing YouTube or watching videos and that performing the yoga, especially the pregnancy women. Mhm. >> So, do you recommend are they safe practices or do you recommend to have an instructor Mhm.
(37:56) and perform these asanas or yoga? I would recommend them to uh first go to their gynecologist Mhm. and show these movements to gynecologist. Oh. If gynae says yeah, it's fine, you can do because reports are with her. If gynae says yes, >> [clears throat] >> then she can feel free if she feels like she can follow those videos.
(38:21) But uh if if a coach or an instructor or a guide is not there with you, uh you have to be a bit more careful and conscious about yourself. Then you should be you should know what you're doing basically. You should be knowing those movements before getting pregnant also. Okay. >> basically you should know you are on your own. Mhm.
(38:41) So, you should know what you're doing because you are on your own. If you get a coach or instructor, so responsibility shifts to the coach as well. Responsibility shifts to the teacher as well. She might add her own sense. She might support you. She might guide you. >> it. So, that extra uh guide guidance comes. So, are there any yoga asanas that the pregnancy women should stop doing? No, I cannot recommend that.
(39:10) As you said, many yoga teachers themselves are doing headstands and handstands in their final trimester also. But Just 9 days before pregnancy before delivery also. Okay. But what happens in headstand like A headstand, you know, you are inverted. Oh. >> know. Got it. >> So, your value your plan is going to your head. Mhm.
(39:31) So, it's so it's not very much recommended, you know, health-wise. The baby Right. >> instead of going down, it's going this side. So, it disturbs the alignment. That's why it's not recommended. Even during menstruation it's not recommended to do inversions because the blood flow should go down and it's going up. It engages core.
(39:53) There's a lot of core engagement. There's a lot of balance. The chances of falling and injuries can be more. But again, if you if you have always doing head If you have always been doing headstand in your entire life and if you're not doing then then that could be a reverse impact. Got it. Depends on body to body again. Got it.
(40:17) When comes to the next one, the mind and emotions. Nowadays, right? Everyone is having this mental trauma. So, whenever we see the people saying they're having mental trauma kind of thing. So, does really yoga can cure those mental stress? Yes, I can confidently say, like you used the word cure. Yeah. I can confidently say because I've tried it on myself and I've seen it can cure mental trauma. It can cure Got it.
(40:46) the anxiety-related issues, the insomnia-related issues. It can cure. So, what is what are Can you suggest some exercises Mhm. that people can perform during this anxiety or any kind of this trauma that they're facing? Yeah, so when they're facing any anxiety, trauma, such kind of situation, it's very important to build a muscle memory so that they always follow a discipline.
(41:14) So, if you have a discipline in your life, you know you have to wake up at this time, whatever situation in your life is. So, you get aligned with the life. It's It becomes very easy to forget your trauma. It becomes very easy to de-stress yourself. So, a certain anything, I would say just go for a walk also. And any set of Mostly, if you ask forward bends are recommended for a stress release.
(41:39) But again, many people have disc Okay. injuries, disc slips. So, for them forward bends won't be recommended. So, but forward bends are usually very anxiety cause anxiety relief. There are all these pranayams, these nadi shodhana which I was talking about, the sleep pranayam, the humming bee pranayam which I was talking about.
(41:59) This helps in relaxing your body. I'm bringing and coming and following a certain discipline and set of values and principles so that anything happens in your life, good or bad, you stay neutral. Got it. And one more thing is now everyone is doing the desk job. Right? So, what is that one thing that you suggest for any of the employee to do at least during their desk job? Yeah, so a desk job, I believe pranayam is a must anyways.
(42:37) But shoulder opening movements I really suggest to them because they're always sitting with They have this hunched Even my shoulder used to be very very tight. Even now it's not completely open. So, shoulder opening really So, if your shoulder is tight and your hips are tight, then your back also gets injured.
(42:57) People face a lot of back pain sitting for a long time. But that might be because your shoulders are tight and your hips are tight. So, many hip opening and shoulder opening movements release the tension on your lower back especially on your spine so that load gets shifted to other parts, then your body feels more relaxed and mobile.
(43:18) So, many There are many such movements. It can be done with a chair also. It can be done on wall also. There's no need of mat. So, we can do sitting on the same chair and perform certain activities? Like simple gomukhasana. Oh. Can do like this sitting in chair only, right? Yeah. And on wall also there are few stretches we do.
(43:39) There are few stretches for hip opening. Like if you fold your legs So, these things and few breathing pranayam you do and go for a walk little bit. So. That helps in That is really recommended. And coming to this chakra awakening and spiritual consciousness, right? So, could you just throw some light like can we really achieve those chakra awakening? And if yes, how do we get to know like like any of the chakra is getting awaken? So, there are seven chakras and each chakra has its own importance.
(44:15) When it activates, it has its own value. Got it. And you come to know like for example, the manipura chakra, the belly button is responsible for your digestion. It's responsible for your confidence level, how bold and courageous you are. Okay. So, you will feel that, right? When you feel like now you feel courageous enough, you feel bold enough to take certain decisions. Mhm.
(44:43) That means your chakra is healed here. There's a sacred chakra which is close to your genital area which is responsible for your creativity. Oh. Intuition. Sexual life as well. So, you will feel the difference. You will see the difference. Then there is root chakra, muladhara which is responsible for your stability, groundedness so that you don't feel shaky or confused all the time.
(45:10) So, you will feel that within yourself. This throat chakra where your voice is coming out very clearly without any blockage. You're able to speak Got [clears throat] it. well. There's no blockage. So, then that is open. The heart chakra, anahata chakra, which is emotion emotional center, heart center.
(45:30) If you don't feel any blockage here, your emotions are flowing, you're able to feel Got it. and you're able to express yourself. So, then and then third eye ajna chakra which is responsible for your intuition, reaching a meditative state. If you're able to reach that state and then the sahasrara, it's little bit above the body, above the It is at a different plane. Okay.
(45:53) So, yeah. That's the final stage. So, we can awaken all those things Yeah, we can activate Yeah. And we use the [clears throat] word yeah, activate all these chakras to build all these qualities within ourselves. But it's it's it happens with a consistent practice. Got it. And when comes to yoga, right? I have a this question.
(46:16) So, is practicing yoga really making us to >> [clears throat] >> what you say surpass the our mental issues or just it's making us to make sure that I can or I can just react to the particular situation at a particular time? It is both. It starts with the reaction Okay. because we are in our day-to-day life. We are in our daily life.
(46:43) So, we have to react in a certain way. Yeah. So, it starts with improving that quality of reactions. Mhm. Then it slowly slowly surpasses that level where you're where you're able to build greater understanding about your purpose, your existence, feeling of abundance. Mhm. Then both things happen >> [clears throat] >> together.
(47:07) Got it. Now, are there any signs that practicing yoga could say that okay, your body has this particular disorder or your body is healing from this particular disorder. So, does it upfront shows or gives some instincts by practicing yoga? And if yes, how do we get to know that? For example, you're saying if there's this particular disorder, if I'm claiming that this will be okay.
(47:36) So, what I mean is like I'm practicing yoga for 6-7 months and my body started reacting and so, will it upfront throw some uh cautious or cautions that okay, your body is healing? How do I observe that? Okay, I'll give my example only. I have a condition called as Barrett's esophagus. Okay. Medically proven, endoscopy, everything done at AIG Hospital.
(48:03) I have Barrett's esophagus. Okay. So, doctors could not make me understand that I'm not not at a stage where this can be surgically cured. They cannot operate me now because that that cell is not damaged so much. Okay. It's a slight damage, 2%. Understood. 2 2 mm or whatever they call it. Understood.
(48:28) Slight damage in the tissue. Now, this cannot be removed with surgery Got it. because that will cause some other level. I'm not suitable for that currently. Got it. So, doctors suggested me to do deep breathing. Okay. Written recommendation, deep breathing. Oh. Or you have these tablets for your anxiety relief. Have these tablets for better quality of sleep.
(48:55) There are certain tablets which come like Mhm. for you to fall asleep. >> Correct. For you to release your anxiety. Many people are having those tablets. Those tablets were recommended to me. So, you have two options, he said. You either do deep breathing or you have these tablets. Mhm. So, one two days I had those tablets and then I realized it is making me so drowsy and incapable to do anything in my life. Got it.
(49:20) Initially, many people they get addicted to it. Start with small dose, they will say. Mhm. And then initially then slowly they have to increase the dose. But if I don't want to go that way Yeah. because I'm in my early 30s. I don't want to go that way. Got it. So, then doctor said do deep breathing, yoga. It is the doctor It is doctor's recommendation. Oh.
(49:41) He said gastroenterologist recommendation, do deep breathing yoga. Deep breathing is don't breathe till your lungs till your heart center. Breathe till your abdomen. Mhm. Damage is here. Prana level energy should reach here. Got it. Because then this tissue will be able to, you know, heal. Obviously, if any cell the breath or the prana doesn't flow Got it.
(50:05) this will be dead. Correct. So, for example, this is a scratch here. Mhm. So, this scratch So, here the prana level might be blocked. If this is a big This cannot be operated. If prana starts flowing, blood starts flowing, it will be healed and become like normal. Mhm. So, that's what the science is. Basically, it's just improving [clears throat] of yourself.
(50:27) It's like an irrigation system. Every joint from your fingers to your toes. So, that's what the difference from gym also. In gym >> Mhm. >> many joints are bypassed. You know, external rotation Yeah. is bypassed. Your wrist movement Many people mind their fingers. Which exercise is there in gym for fingers? Not at all. >> exercise is there in gym for the tip of your toes? Or here, the head. Mhm.
(50:54) Or your any other mental situation. So, Got it. So, everything can be complimentary. Mhm. But science-wise, doctors recommend this. It's just to improve your breathing and your this thing. Now, coming to this relationships, right? So, many of nowadays we see many people argue. I mean, the arguments happen between wife and husband or lovers or friends.
(51:17) So, do you really think that doing certain breathing exercises can really make sure these arguments or these emotional arguments get uh end? Mhm. Or if yes, like what type of exercises they can do? Yeah, the the chakra which we were talking about. >> Yeah. So, these chakra activation movements are really recommend for couples. Okay. Or for friends.
(51:42) They can do it together also. Okay. >> I sometimes combine the asanas such that they they do these asanas together. Awesome. So, they also get that healing touch of each other so that they understand that we both are ultimately human beings. So, we have our own thoughts. We have our own process.
(51:59) So, they develop that kind of understanding. And they might fall in love again. Uh Fall in love not just with each other. They can fall in love with nature, with themselves. For the first stage is self-love. Mhm. First, you have to fall in love with yourself. The couples or the really in relations in which the fight is happening, the the problem is within.
(52:20) Mhm. The person within is suffering because of something else. Got it. Your own energies are not balanced. This the sense of self-love has gone for a toss. Exactly. Because it's a use and throw world, I can say. So, the sense of self-love has gone for a toss. They are in conflict with their own thoughts. Mhm.
(52:41) Like what I'm thinking and what I'm doing is entirely different. I want to do this, but no, I have to do this because my boss has said. Got it. So, that needs to be cured and aligned. Mhm. Once you're satisfied within you Mhm. Like many people ask me about what is masculine feminine energy, marriage. I say I'm married inside. Okay.
(53:02) I mean, I try to get married inside where my masculine feminine energies are united. Got it. When I am aligned, I am filled with love. Then only I'll be able to love others. Understood. >> If I'm not filled myself, how will I be able to love others? Got it. So, that yoga helps in healing this specific So, do you have any specific asanas or yoga exercises that couples can do uh together or alone or just to overcome this trauma or overcome these emotional imbalances? So, every chakra is associated with certain set of asanas.
(53:38) That will be a very huge topic. Every chakra, seven chakras are there. Every chakra has its own set of asanas. Any four, five or three, four specific exercises or yogic asanas that they can do? Malasana. Mhm. I would say. Like how we used to sit in Indian Indian toilet style, which many people are not able to do correctly because of the Western standard of toilet.
(54:00) >> Got it. So, malasana I would really recommend. Mhm. Uh one All the hip opening movements I really recommend. Again, shoulder opening. They can support each other's back also. Uh with guidance of a course, they can support each other's back and push a little bit. And uh there are few twisting movements in which they are again supporting each other's back.
(54:24) There are again set of movements. Basically, uh focusing on one chakra a day, maybe. Got it. Now, here comes another question. So, does meditation actually fixing our problem or it's just creating us to tolerate to that problem? So, previously I used to tolerate I don't have a tolerance level, but now doing the meditation, it has increased my tolerance level, but the problem has not fixed.
(54:52) Or does it really fix? Meditation actually makes you capable to take decisions. Mhm. Bold decisions, right decisions, decisions which you might be delaying Mhm. and getting scared that what if I do this? What if I say this? Uh I should have said this, but I could not. Mhm. >> that's suppression. Meditation helps you become more aligned with the universe.
(55:18) Then you realize that I can surrender myself to this uh earth and to the sky. Even if nobody is there in my life, nature is still there protecting me. I am in the womb of nature. Still there protecting me. So, even if I free fall Uh still nothing will happen to me. So, meditation is a state of I would say free fall. Can we say it as a it is an illusion? Can It's not an illusion.
(55:43) It's a feeling. It's a feeling of freedom. Uh got it. It's a feeling of freedom where you feel so free from inside that you take decisions which are aligned to yourself and aligned to your own well-being. Uh Your own health. Got it. For example, in office, you want to say something or you want to talk something to somebody or you want to execute a project in a certain way, Yes.
(56:10) but your manager is not aligned or your uh your colleagues are not aligned. Got it. So, how to how to bring everyone on the same page or what do we say, take their buying? Mhm. >> How do we take their buying? How do you understand them? You have to bring everyone on the same page to your vision. Or I'm removing So, taking right decisions.
(56:30) It helps in taking right decisions at the right time because your nervous system is controlled. Got it. >> Many people they have this shivering issue, >> Uh So, that gets controlled. A lot of suppression is there inside. So, if all that clears up they'll be able to align themselves in their surroundings more. So, that helps.
(56:51) So, meditation and yoga helps in enabling you to perform your day-to-day activities better. Enabling you. So, you solve the problem because there's nobody else. You know what the solution is. It's just that there is inaction. You're not You're not doing it. You know what the solution is. You sit for a blank state in a meditative state for some time, you will automatically know what the solution is.
(57:15) Got it. Now, you started with Breathe and Tone, right? So, what does it actually mean? So, why you came up with that name? So, breathe I realized when doctor told me you have to do go for deep breathing, it was bit shocking for me initially because I was like, "No, give me some medicine." Okay. >> me some Tell anything. Cure it right now.
(57:36) Then I realized you have to do deep breathing. And then I realized breathe is breathing is so important. I was completely ignoring it when I was in conflict. It was like nothing for me. I was focusing on many things, but I was not focusing on my own breath. As I said, the breath when it passes the tissue, then it gets healed.
(57:56) It is alive. So, if if here there is a blockage breath is not So, this is dead. Mhm. That's causing me pain. So, I wanted breathe to be there in my brand name. Tone again, toning is not I'm not advocating a specific shape or size. Got it. Understood. >> used to be very thin. Now, I have gained. Again, I might lose.
(58:17) Don't know what will happen. >> [laughter] >> But tone is not for a specific shape. Toning is aligning again. Uh got it. Uh in a in a good shape, in a good healthy state, well well-cured state of your body and mind both. And N is for Neha. Oh. >> [laughter] >> I got it. Got it. Nice. So, here's one question. If Breathe and Tone was a person what it would Mhm.
(58:50) Breathe and Tone I think it will be like a fairy. Okay. I always use that smiley on WhatsApp also. A >> [laughter] >> green A green colored fairy who is just uh with a wand stick Uh and going everywhere and passing happiness and peace and wellness to everybody. Got it. Like that fairy. That fairy can gain weight also.
(59:15) >> [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Not in a specific shape or size fairy, but a fairy, an angel. So, where do you want to see Breathe and Tone in next 5 years? Okay. I want to go for I want to improve my reach as much as possible so that first of all it's not just about wellness also I believe it will inspire many people to follow their passion irrespective of their past background or not carrying their baggage of past baggage and following their passion entrepreneurs artists to do whatever
(1:00:00) they they want to do in their life so they when they see me okay this girl is following her passion her past background is this and still she's doing this and she's living her life in a certain way why can't we also do that because we also have our own dreams we have been and we have capability also so that build that has built courage in many people especially younger women to start their own brand to start their own business and even in a even better way so that is that I want to see even more wherever the reach can be ultimately I
(1:00:44) want to reach a state where I can where I where I don't have to charge for my services and you know where I can do the service even more freely but currently I'm in a state where I have to charge for my services I want to have more corporate tie-ups institutional tie-ups to build my reach because because I was also in those corporate offices few years ago and I want I know these people are there and they want some kind of engagement activity or such kind of activity to release their stress anxiety and to make them feel
(1:01:27) more more focused and relaxed to perform their duties in life also really well so that I want and I want to collaborate with different artists also especially I'm interested in the classical forms of India I want to collaborate with them and to create a very healing very well soothing and entertaining wellness theme for everyone Sure so here's a one rapid fire questions kind of thing so it's what we say is if I know this earlier so what do most people learn too late about their body that they should be focusing on their
(1:02:14) breath Oh so it is so it is so simple but rarely we focus on our breath Second one is like what should listeners stop chasing What what should listeners stop chasing listeners so people who listen to the podcast currently right so what should they stop chasing They should stop chasing a higher and higher package They should stop chasing money so money should be there but not as a priority Your money should be there but you should always try to go back to your
(1:02:59) homes and take a breath and realize that is it affecting my health is it at the cost of my mental peace how much do I actually need now is it just my ego Where is the end of it so mental peace is also an important part equal with money earning money right learn to give up some money to get your peace got it is hard work overrated No no hard work is even in yoga sessions which I do anything I I work really hard your hard work is very hard work in Bhagavad Gita it's it's also written that you don't have to quit the world
(1:03:39) worldly affairs you just have to stay detached hard work is hard work is very important but not at the cost of your health for sure you have to build a discipline sleep on time wake up on time build a routine build a discipline then you'll be working hard also and you'll be fit and fine also you'll be 90% fit and fine Got it another question is many people say that everything you need is already inside you How do you support this statement 100 200% I support this statement because in ancient times yoga origin of yoga itself has started
(1:04:15) they wanted to understand stars and moons and sky and beyond and beyond and they did not have any fancy instruments so what to do so then they closed their eyes and sat and from there the asanas came they observed animals and then from there the asanas came then they realized if they understand within they understand the universe and everything is just within it's just illusion Your perception is different from my perception your reality is different from my reality so what's the real reality got it so burnout a warning or a failure
(1:04:49) Burnout is It's it's not a failure for sure it's a warning It's it's a trigger that take a pause life is more than what you're doing right now so rest guilt or growth growth Rest is growth rest is guilt or growth growth definitely to recharge yourself rejuvenate yourself you look few couple of years younger you will you'll have more energy to do things So do you think that wellness industries are playing with our insecurities Not industry overall industry
(1:05:38) encompasses many things it's not playing with the insecurities but the way they are communicating might can be changed they might be talking about so many negative things to make somebody feel especially about body shape size Like 36 24 36 and this kind of might so what's one one wellness thing that social media don't show to people The social media doesn't show to people what is one wellness thing that social media doesn't show to people at all what is the reality
(1:06:23) About the industry as a teacher yes That the person who might be a coach and teaching they might also be in their own healing stage so their body shape their size their mind will mature with time and they are also human beings like many people they comment on my body very much that earlier you were thin now you have gained what happened this happened so they are also human beings and they are learning but they are in the path of they want to do something in the domain they are learning So lastly what certifications do you suggest for
(1:07:04) the young people who want to pursue the career in this wellness yoga asanas In yoga there are there's a typical RYT 200 certification for which many yoga schools are there then there comes RYT 300 also depending on RYT 200 is a basic good certification then every wellness form you want to teach you can get certified in that because certification teaches you how to teach And rest everything depends on self practice and how your own self journey is how you are meeting people etc like a degree like we get a degree
(1:07:41) but when we come to corporate world you learn so with this we'll close our podcast so thanks for coming and giving us the knowledge of what is yogic what is asanas and all and we are looking forward for many more sessions with you Thank you thank you so much thank you