Have you ever wondered what truly defines the zenith of human development?
Many would point to external achievements—colonizing Mars, building advanced AI, human cloning, flying cars, or even time travel. But what if the pinnacle of our evolution isn’t about conquering the world outside, but about mastering the world within? Yoga offers a radically different perspective. It’s not just a form of exercise—it’s a profound science of the body, mind, and our deep interconnectedness with the cosmos. It teaches us that the breath is the bridge between our physical and mental worlds—a vital force that unites the seen and the unseen.
At its core, yoga is a journey from the gross to the subtle. Sage Patanjali defines it as “the control of the patterns of consciousness.”
How My Journey with Yoga Began
In 2019, I was unwell—physically weak, emotionally drained, and unable to perform even simple daily tasks. Multiple medical tests and doctor visits offered no clarity. After exhausting all conventional options, I turned to yoga. Within the very first month of practice, yoga gave me a powerful first lesson: how to breathe.
Deep abdominal breathing became my anchor to the present moment. It calmed my mind and opened a gateway to inner peace and healing. Gradually, I began to feel better—more connected, more alive.
Point of Introspection:
When you operate from a place of calm, how clearly can you see your problems—without the urgency to fix, resist, or escape them?
From Simplicity to Aliveness
Next came simple movements—stretching fingers, toes, neck, shoulders—each paired with mindful breath. These weren’t dramatic changes, but the impact was profound. I felt a renewed sense of vitality and vibrancy. This was my second learning: Even the smallest action, when done with intention, alignment, and presence, can create massive transformation. I also began to feel the undeniable truth of our interconnectedness—how our well-being is intricately tied to how we treat others and the world around us.
Point of Introspection:
What small, consistent action can you take today to spark inner transformation? To change the world, what change must begin within you?
Faith, Joy, and a Simpler Way of Living
Encouraged by my recovery, I immersed myself in yogic literature. I discovered the Yamas and Niyamas—ethical principles for living with integrity, simplicity, and inner clarity. Practicing these values brought a sense of purity, joy, and harmony into my life. This led to my third insight: A lifestyle rooted in values, faith, and joy has the power to transform not only your reality—but your very experience of life.
Point of Introspection:
What does your presence convey to the world? Is it aligned with your inner values? How are you cultivating authenticity and trust—in your life, and in your leadership?
Balance On and Off the Mat
As my practice evolved, I began exploring balancing asanas. That’s when a teacher shared a profound piece of wisdom: “One hour of yoga on the mat must be followed by 23 hours of yoga off the mat.” This shifted everything. I began to examine balance in all areas—how I eat, work, speak, listen, and even think. My fourth learning was this: Balance leads to clarity, independence, and a deeper sense of interdependence.
Point of Introspection:
How balanced are you within yourself? In times of stress or crisis, do calmness and clarity guide your actions?
Consciousness and Self-Awareness With daily practice came a heightened sense of awareness—of my thoughts, emotions, triggers, and behaviours. I began observing myself from a place of stillness and reflection.
This was my fifth and most profound learning:
Awareness is the key to self-mastery.
By simply witnessing my internal world, I began to free myself from unconscious patterns that once held me back.
Point of Introspection: What is the quality of your inner dialogue? How do your fears, judgments, and beliefs shape your reality—and what potential lies just beneath them, waiting to be awakened?
Beyond Asanas: The Many Paths of Yoga
I learned that yoga is more than just Hatha (physical) practice. It includes a spectrum of powerful paths:
• Raja Yoga – the yoga of the mind
• Karma Yoga – the path of selfless action and presence
• Bhakti Yoga – the yoga of love, compassion, and devotion
Each of these expands our consciousness and helps us rise above ego-driven goals, bringing us closer to our highest self.
The Essence of Yoga
Ultimately, yoga is about mastering the mind—learning to remain grounded in the impermanence of the external world, while anchoring ourselves in the quiet stillness within.
True bliss doesn’t lie outside of us. It lives within.
– Shalini A Sareen