Gunjan Singh
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Feeling lost in the crowd? Explore the power of self-connection and how it empowers you to build healthier relationships and a happier life. Unroll your yoga mat and embark on a journey inward – it’s time to find your True You!
Imagine scrolling through your life’s pictures – family, friends, celebrations. But what about your own face? Often, we get so caught up in playing our roles that we lose sight of who we truly are. Reconnecting with your ‘True You’ brings balance and frees your relationships to flourish. Let’s embark on this journey together.
If I asked you, which relationships in life you value greatly; Your answer would probably be your relationship with your spouse, child, parents, perhaps a very dear friend. visuals of times together, flashing on your inward eye like posts and reels on Instagram, what if we shift focus to a face that’s present in all those pictures; You.
Bringing forth the question…
Do you value your relationship to You?
If you are amongst the lucky few who do, you have my respect. Most of us though don’t, often it’s because we start defining ourselves by what others need. Trying to fit in with an image that has been created for us, striving to play our roles to perfection. Bravely being who we might not be. Losing sight of who we really are…our true self. My true self and I…why?
Connecting to our True Self or our Prakriti (natural intended state of being) is what helps bring back balance. It is not to be confused as an act of selfishness or gratification but of empowering recalibration. For if we are aware of and present in our true selves, we can break toxic patterns, which lead to anxiety, loneliness and depression. Taking control of our own happiness, leaving our relationships unburdened and free to grow.
Yoga and knowledge of self
The Taittiriya Upanishad discourses on the five layers of human individuality. Sometimes likened to an onion or a set of nesting dolls, these five sheaths /layers called koshas, flow from the gross to the subtlest elements of existence eventually revealing one’s True Self and bliss.
The first namely Annamaya kosha is the food or physical body consisting of bones, muscles, organs and other tangible body parts each corresponding to one of the five elements (panchbhutas), air, water, fire, earth and space. Nourished by the food we eat.
The second layer of consciousness, Pranayama kosha is so named as it consists of breath and Prana, subtle life force energy. Intangible and invisible. This life force energy flows in five directions; Apana flowing downwards, overlooks all lower body functions like defecation, menstruation, and reproduction. Prana responsible for breathing. Udana is an upward movement of energy. Samana responsible for proper digestion is a balancing force for Apana and Prana. Finally, Vyana circulates within the body governing the nervous and circulatory systems. A balanced panch (five) prana leads to a healthy body.
Manomaya kosha, the mental or emotional layer, is made up of our thoughts and feelings, love, like, hate, dislike, memories, ego. Usually, we remain stuck in the first three layers of our existence.
The fourth Vijananamaya kosha compromises of wisdom and that which lies beyond logic namely intuition.
Finally, Anandmaya kosha at the core of your being, where joy, love, peace, exist along with the feeling of oneness with the universe.
When practicing yoga keeping your awareness on the physical and subtle body, the five koshas in their entirety, we might experience the wholeness of our true identity.
Your mat your mate
When on your mat practising, let your breath and intuition lead you into a journey inward.
The physical body or Annamaya kosha is your initial point of access to the core of your being, begin your practice acknowledging the existence of the physical, stretch, strengthen, keeping in mind this is not your singular aim. While physical fitness is of great importance and is step one, our journey goes deeper.
Work with your breath. Inhaling, now move into your asanas with awareness, a fluid dance to the music of your breath, literally go with the flow, not manipulating, guided by your inhalation and exhalation. Letting prana take charge, experience the Pranamaya Kosha. Once the breath works its magic, you might experience a sense of lightness or you might feel weighed down. Here experience your Manomaya kosha, work through your stuck emotions (this does not happen overnight), and as we say in yoga class, go at your own pace.
Once you have found your peace, wisdom and truth will follow. Within the Vijnanamaya Kosha, the mind finds stillness and with it a greater understanding. Here begins the process of forgiveness and compassion. Both towards others and yourself. Be kind. Truth without compassion is cruelty. Ending your practice in meditation, experience the awareness of subtle changes, of looking within, sans any influence or judgement. Just happy to be alive, happy to be you (Anandmaya kosha).
Concluding our thoughts today
From one yogi to another…find the time to be you. Roll out those mats! Each day on your mat will be different, some days joyous others indifferent, but you will get there. If not today, then tomorrow, next week, next month or year.
One day at a time towards being the true you.
Kosha realising yoga practice
- Begin with
- A deep breath in Tad asana/Mountain pose
- Followed by: 4-5 rounds of Surya Namaskar/Sun Salutations (no manipulation of breath)
- Once your joints feel warmer and nimble move into
- Adhomukh Svanasana/Downward Dog
- Inhale; 5 long Ujjai breaths (if in your practice), if not simply take deep cleansing breaths
- Notice here your energy levels
- Once energy and breath are flowing move towards focus through balancing asanas
- Drishti focussed on a point take on
- Vrikshasana/Tree pose or virbhadrasana3/warrior3 (choice to choose any balancing poses in your practice)
- If you lose balance do not judge move forward with compassion, once your breath and mind is still, balance will follow
- Feet firmly on the ground, folding forward come to be seated, moving into
- Paschimottanasana/Seated Forward Fold; with every inhalation straightening your spine and with every exhalation deepening into your fold.
- Option to bend knees. Or rest your head on pillows
- Inhale straighten your spine
- Opening your legs as wide as you can
- Fold over into Upavistha Konasana/Seated straddle pose, option to rest your head on blocks or pillows
- Close your eyes deepening your awareness. Let go and relax
- Sit up in a comfortable position
- Followed by 7 rounds of Anulom Vilom/Alternate Nostril Breathing
- Eyes closed normalise breathing
- Meditate moving your awareness to the core of your being finding an energising stillness
- Observe for however small a moment true contentment
- End in Shavasana/Corpse pose