Itwas as though the world or at the least India needed attention on this and somehow AYS got to know it a little before. Maybe those who do yoga see what is needed much before others can!!
Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety — these are the topics that were talked about, by the most famous Bollywood personalities. The social media flooded with messages of people being ready to help and assurances confirming their availability to listen.
So, what did AYS talk about? Are you curious? Let us explore in this short write-up about the conversation AYS had with MS. Nandini Raman, a renowned psychologist, consultant counsellor corporate trainer, and a columnist at a leading daily, The Hindu.
(What audacity should I have to write about a session by a columnist !!! let me begin with an apology :-P)
THE QUESTIONS — A MAGIC
“To ask the ‘right’ question is far more important than to receive the answer. The solution of a problem lies in the understanding of the problem; the answer is not outside the problem, it is in the problem.”― Jiddu Krishnamurti, The Flight of the Eagle
The most important thing to understand anything is to ask the right question. What I loved about the session was, it began with a set of well-curated questions. This was acknowledged many times by Nandini herself. With the right and relevant questions asked, the session opened the doors of the storehouse of knowledge and experience which Nandini is.
THE ANSWERS — THE BEGINNING
I have observed that more one has lived what one has said, the better and simpler they can say it. While the ideologist finds abstracts words to express what only is an idea, the realist speaks with simple words from experience.
Nandini started the session with a sentence that captured my attention
If you are happy, everything around is easier.
So true is it not?
Nandini also went on to explain that the current perception of not attending to mental health and considering it a Taboo is a big VIPARYAYA (wrong understanding) that we have today
(References to Sanskrit words relating to Yoga are purely used to improve my familiarity with them 😉)
We all know when to go to a doctor when the body is in trouble, but we never attempt to reach out when the mind is troubled. Ironically when we can take time to see if the body cures itself (in most cases it does) for simple ailments we seem to rush immediately to the doctor. When it is something which is troubling our minds for a prolonged period we simply are careless to brush it under the carpet.
So, what is the ideal time to reach out? What are the mental issues of today’s young adults? Are you curious to know? All answered in the IGTV video 😊
WE NEVER HAD THIS IN OUR TIMES — WHY NOW!
A very interesting portion of the session came up when Nandini explored the answer to this much famous statement made by the elders or today’s parents. Understanding this would probably be the greatest attempt to realize the importance of reaching out to a professional when in need.
Not everybody’s capacity to deal with a similar problem is the same. In fact, in most cases what seems to be a similar problem is not similar at all.
YOGA AND MENTAL HEALTH
With the context set, now came the Psychologists’ perspective of Yoga.
Nandini referred to Yoga as an equalizer. She said Yoga brings in the balance as most of us in our daily lives use only one side i.e the logical side of the brain. The skew is too much 😊 Would you all not agree?
She also said that dedicated practice brings a change in the neuroplasticity of the brain! ( big word huh — for me too!) . It refers to new neural pathways created in the brain due to dedicated practice for long periods.
Tada!
Yoga Sutra Reference:
Tajjah samskarah anyasamakarapratibandhi!
“As this newly acquired quality of the mind gradually strengthens, it dominates the other mental tendencies that are based on misapprehensions”
– The Heart of Yoga — TKV Desikachar
Nandini also talked about the various tools — Asanas, yoga nidra, pranayama, and their appropriateness in treating high anxiety in adults, ADHD in children.
Nandini also brought to limelight the fact of how Yoga can help psychologists and counsellors. Yoga helps counsellors and therapists, and this is very important as their tasks are very demanding.
Being an ardent practitioner of Yoga, Nandini explained how much she enjoys her daily practice and expressed her admiration of our very own yoginis Sanjana Prasad and Joshna Ramakrishnan.
Mutual admiration! 😊 It is something which we all should do. Express our admiration and appreciation of the good work that we see others do. Sometimes I become too shy to do this. How about you?
Tada!
Yoga sutra says a stable mind displays the attitude of Mudita (appreciation) towards those who do Punya (good deeds)
“Whatever may be our usual attitude towards such people and their actions, if we can be …., Joyful with those doing praiseworthy things,…., our mind will be very tranquil.”
– The Heart of Yoga — TKV Desikachar
THE THREE TAKEAWAYS
Nandini gave us three things we should remember and of course, DO 😊
- Breathing is so powerful (as a tool). Hence focus on breathing right and deep. No shallow breathing
- Any form of Physical exercise is a must. as a professional who understands the human psyche better, she is biased towards Yoga because of the mind-body connection.
- If something is bothering — dare to talk about it and seek professional help. Mental health is as important as or is more important than physical health.
The session had some interesting questions answered.
Have you ever wondered why you dream? What do dreams indicate?
Are you having difficulty in understanding the ways of the senior citizens at home?
Do you want to help them, or rather do you want to help yourself by handling them in a better way?
The session has answers to these interesting questions.
So when you find time to watch the next movie in Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hotstar, I request you to find time to go to Instagram — Atma Yoga Shala — IGTV — AYS with Nandini Raman and watch, enjoy and reflect on this wonderful session 😊
Cheers
