The Essence Of My Life – Chaitanya Wellness

Every moment, every person and every action is as important or not important at all. There was a turning point in my life that opened my eyes to reality… to things I was seeing or hearing everyday but somehow could not get myself to live in the moment and experience it. It wasn’t the loss of my parents at the tender age of 9. It wasn’t even the fact that I had to really struggle to provide myself with basic necessities of life such as food, clothes and shelter. Nor was it the fact that the question of life’s purpose daunted me every single day as I struggled to keep myself motivated with job responsibilities of a telephone operator.

Today I can look back and feel grateful for everything that I had experienced, and for the zillion doubts in my head. Yoga taught me acceptance and this acceptance showed me who I really am.

“Awareness is like sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

It Only Takes A Moment

We are well aware, that it only takes a moment to smile, to be grateful, to appreciate, to apologise, and when things go wrong, we are aware that all we need to do is take a moment to breathe! But how often do we practice this? We are usually quick to find fault, complaint, or even argue or fight back. We may regret later but this does not stop us from repeating our mistake. This is because we are not aware. We are not in touch with our true self.  

 

I too was lost and it was this random act of kindness by a stranger that restored my faith in life. I was around 17 years old. It was a rainy day with loud thunder but this did not stop the schools and offices from functioning. As I was walking down the lane, I noticed a young school boy with an umbrella and a bag full of books on his way to school. A few moments later, the boy ran towards the beggar on the street – an old and puny fellow often seen around the area. No one but this school boy noticed that he was shivering. Just like that, the boy handed over his tiffin box, water bottle and his umbrella to the old man and continued on his way. On seeing this, my eyes filled with tears and a feeling of compassion swept over me. That moment I had promised myself that my goal is to not work for income alone but for the upliftment of the people and society at large.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi.

Yoga of Selfless Service 

When I started sharing my vision with friends and colleagues, someone suggested that I join Swami Vivekananda Kendra. Most of you must be aware that their mission statement is “Man-Making and Nation Building.”

I immediately started serving as a volunteer at their center. The atmosphere was apt for spiritual studies and practice of self-discipline and self-reflection. I understood and experienced that Yoga is the only way of life! Without the guidance of Yoga we are all just victims of ignorance. Daily yoga practice helped me get rid of the burden of doubts and helped me focus on how I can achieve my goal. Later I started taking yoga classes at home. The positive feedback from students encouraged me and inspired me to take-up yoga as a full time career. 

“Throw away all weakness. Tell your body that it is strong. Tell your mind that it is strong. And have unbounded faith and hope in yourself.” – Swami Vivekananda.

Don’t Wait – Create Opportunities

I now had the skills and the tools to achieve my goals. I had no excuse to skip my daily practice of meditation and yoga. This helped me get stronger both physically and emotionally. I moved to Bangalore and started working with an organisation which helped me equip myself with technical and organisational skills. I also completed Master’s degree and Doctorate in Naturopathy and Yoga and completed my 200 and 300 hours teacher training with Yoga Alliance and went on to launch Chaitanya Wellness, a yoga and wellness center for people of all ages and background.  

 

Teaching Yoga is the best profession I could be in. It gives me immense satisfaction and joy to know that through Chaitanya Wellness we have helped many people achieve optimal physical and mental health and re-discover happiness.

“You cannot help anyone’ you can only serve; serve the children of the Lord, serve the Lord Himself,  if you have the privilege.”  – Swami Vivekananda.

Sharing is Caring

As yoga teachers, we have the blessing and knowledge to share the joy and benefits of yoga with others. Apart from running regular yoga classes for our members and corporates, we also extend our support to the underprivileged and support local children’s organisations. We undertake activities such as free yoga classes, promote yoga is slum areas, conduct yoga for specially challenged kids, free workshops and seminars on women’s health, diet, and yoga awareness, etc.

Our team of teachers are well experienced with different forms of Yoga such as the traditional Hatha Yoga style, Vinyasa, Sivananda Yoga, Therapeutic and Corporate Yoga and even Yoga for Weight-Loss. Client’s come to us with different expectations and Yoga helps us give them the best suited solution. Yoga is the essence of my life and I am confident that if you allow Yoga to be your way of life, you too can live a more fulfilling and happier life.

Dr.Prasahant

Director, Chaitanya Wellness Yoga Academy

You can also follow him at

http://chaitanyawellness.com

Instagram: chaitanya_yogaclub

Twitter: @chaitanya_yoga