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Special Content


Issue no 11, 15 - 21 June 2024

 

Yoga: Empowering Women Through

Mind, Body and Spirit

 

Alpa Tiwari

In a world where women often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of modern life, juggling careers, family, and personal aspirations, the pursuit of empowerment becomes crucial. Empowerment is not just about external achievements or breaking glass ceilings; it’s also about cultivating inner strength, confidence, and a deep sense of self-worth.

Yoga, an ancient practice with roots in mindfulness and physical health, offers a powerful pathway to this kind of holistic empowerment. Yoga offers women a sanctuary to cultivate mental resilience, emotional balance, and a profound sense of self-worth. By incorporating yoga into their daily routines, women can experience profound improvements in their overall well-being, both on and off the mat.

The Essence of Yoga and Inclination of women towards Yoga

Yoga is far more than a series of physical postures. It is a comprehensive practice that integrates the body, mind, and spirit. Through a combination of Asanas (physical poses), Pranayama (breathing exercises), and Dhyana (meditation), yoga encourages practitioners to connect with their inner selves, promoting both mental and physical harmony.

It encompasses a rich philosophical tradition that offers guidance on ethical living, self-discovery, and the nature of reality. By studying and integrating these teachings into their lives, women can deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them, leading to spiritual growth and self-realisation.

A survey by the Ministry of AYUSH in India, Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, found that around 72% of yoga practitioners are women in India and America. The survey highlighted that women across various age groups, especially those in the 25-45 age range, are actively participating in yoga.

The Indian Journal of Community Medicine published a study showing that women in urban areas are more inclined towards yoga for managing lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The study found that yoga is commonly practiced for its physical health benefits, stress relief, and mental well-being.

A report by ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) in 2019 highlighted that the wellness industry in India, which includes yoga, has been growing at a rate of 18-20% per annum and women are significant contributors to this growth.

Physical strength and confidence

Women are becoming more aware about their physical well-being these days. Yoga promotes physical strength, flexibility, and endurance, all of which are crucial for women navigating the demands of daily life. Regular practice of yoga can lead to improved posture, increased energy levels, and a greater sense of physical capability. As women gain strength and flexibility through yoga, they often experience a boost in confidence in every work they do. This physical empowerment is not just about fitness; it is about feeling strong and capable in one's own body, which can translate into greater confidence and self-assurance in all areas of life that helps enabling women to feel more capable and resilient.

Mental Resilience and Emotional Regulation

Yoga offers a safe space to explore and release stored emotions. Certain yoga poses can target areas of the body where emotions are commonly held, allowing women to process and let go of past traumas or emotional blockages. This emotional release can be transformative and pave the way for mental and emotional growth.

Mindfulness and meditation practices within yoga also help in developing mental clarity and emotional stability which also cultivate women inner strength and allowing them to manage stress and navigate challenges with calm and confidence.

Cultivating Inner Strength

Empowerment through yoga is deeply connected to the cultivation of inner strength. The discipline required to maintain a regular practice fosters determination and perseverance. Yoga teaches women to listen to their bodies and trust their instincts, reinforcing a sense of self-reliance and inner fortitude. This inner strength is not just about physical power but also about mental and emotional robustness. Yoga encourages self-reflection which empowers women to discover their inner wisdom and align with their true selves. This holistic approach nurtures an enduring inner strength that supports women in all aspects of their lives.

Leadership and Community Building

Yoga serves as a powerful catalyst for women to forge connections and find support within their communities. Through shared goals and non-competitive environments, women bond over their collective pursuit of health and wellness. Group classes, workshops, and retreats offer a supportive environment where women can share experiences and encourage one another. This sense of belonging and mutual support is invaluable, fostering connections that uplift and empower. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals can inspire women to pursue their goals and dreams, knowing they are not alone on their journey.

Women can also find leadership opportunities within yoga, mentoring others and leading by example. Ultimately, yoga not only nurtures individual well-being but also fosters a vibrant community where women uplift and empower each other on their journey to self-discovery and growth. Organising yoga classes, workshops, and retreats also requires strong organisational skills. Women who take on these roles develop and refine their ability to plan, coordinate, and execute events, which are valuable skills in any leadership context.

Spiritual Growth and Self-Realisation

At its core, yoga is a journey towards self-realisation. It offers a path to spiritual growth and self-realisation by fostering self-awareness, stress reduction, emotional healing, compassion, and a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Through the practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation, women can develop a deeper connection with themselves, understanding their thoughts, emotions, and inner workings more intimately beyond societal labels and expectations. This spiritual aspect of yoga can be incredibly liberating, helping women to define their identities on their own terms and pursue their goals with authenticity and passion.

Cultural and Spiritual Connection

Yoga cultivates cultural and spiritual connection, playing a crucial role in women's empowerment by linking them to ancient traditions and spiritual practices. Engaging in yoga allows women to explore and embrace diverse cultural philosophies and spiritual teachings, enriching their sense of identity and purpose. This deepened cultural awareness nurtures respect for different traditions and promotes inclusivity, creating a more harmonious community. Spiritually, yoga encourages self-reflection and inner growth, helping women to connect with their inner selves and the larger universe. This spiritual grounding empowers women with a sense of belonging, strength, and resilience, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace. By connecting culturally and spiritually, women can draw strength from ancient wisdom while contributing to a more inclusive and spiritually enriched society.

Economic empowerment

Yoga serves as a powerful tool for economic empowerment, offering women a range of career paths within the yoga industry. Whether through teaching, studio ownership, retreat hosting, or therapeutic applications, women have found fulfillment and economic independence by embracing yoga as both a practice and a profession.

Yoga is often seen as a flexible activity that can be incorporated into busy schedules, regardless of employment status, making it accessible to women from diverse backgrounds. There's been a rise in women entrepreneurs opening yoga studios and wellness centers across India. This entrepreneurial trend suggests that women are not only participating in yoga but also actively involved in promoting and teaching yoga to others, regardless of their employment status.

The Indian government also has launched various skill development and entrepreneurship schemes aimed at women, which might indirectly impact their participation in yoga-related businesses and employment opportunities within the wellness industry.

Pursuing advanced degrees such as bachelor's degrees, Master’s degrees or PhD in Yoga also provides excellent career opportunities within the field, offering pathways for in-depth study, research, and academic teaching roles.

Following are few inspiring and successful Yoga Teachers who have found economic independence through their involvement in yoga-related ventures.

Ola Elmasri

Ola is the practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda from Dubai, whose wisdom and guidance have transformed countless lives over the years. With a wealth of experience and deep understanding, she embodies the essence of holistic wellness, empowering individuals to thrive through her teachings and insights.

Q. How did you start practicing Yoga?

Ans. I have been practicing yoga since childhood, but it was only later that I truly realised its power. After experiencing multiple injuries, I turned to yoga as a means of healing, understanding that it could restore me from within. This journey has made yoga an indispensable part of my life, empowering me both physically and emotionally.

Q. What inspired you to make yoga as a career?

Ans. In 2019 when I realised that practicing yoga heightened my awareness of my body. This new found awareness quickly turned into a passion, and yoga has since become an essential part of my life, empowering me both physically and mentally.

Q. What steps did you take to become a yoga teacher?

Ans. I first immersed myself deeply in my own practice, dedicating time each day to learn and perfect various poses and techniques. Recognising the need for formal education, I enrolled in a comprehensive yoga teacher training programme, where I studied anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodologies under experienced instructors. Additionally, I sought mentorship from seasoned yoga teachers to gain insights and practical experience. I also attended workshops and yoga retreats to broaden my understanding and stay updated with the latest practices.

Q. How do you see the role of women in yoga evolving?

Ans. Women in yoga are increasingly becoming leaders and influencers, shaping the practice with inclusivity and diversity. Their nurturing qualities and deep understanding are transforming the global yoga community.

Q. What advice would you want to give to women wanting to enter the yoga Industry?

Ans. Embrace your unique voice and perspective in yoga, and trust in your ability to inspire and empower others. Stay committed to continuous learning, cultivate resilience, and never underestimate the impact of your presence in the yoga industry.

Lalita Thakur

Lalita is PhD Yoga Research Scholar from Madhya Pradesh. She has been teaching yoga for 7 years and has empowered many women through her practice.

Q. Can you share your journey into yoga and what led you to become a teacher?

Ans. I started practicing yoga in 2017 as a way to heal my physical body. What began as a quest for physical healing quickly transformed into a holistic journey, profoundly impacting every aspect of my life. Yoga has since become an integral part of my daily routine, empowering me not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Inspired by its transformative power, I pursued teaching to share its benefits and empower others on their own paths.

Q. What challenges did you face in your early days as a yoga teacher, and how did you overcome them?

Ans. I encountered initial struggles with balancing teaching responsibilities and personal commitments. Through self-care practices, time management strategies, and support from fellow teachers, I learned to navigate these challenges and cultivate a fulfilling career in yoga.

Q. How has yoga influenced your personal and professional life?

Ans. Yoga has cultivated peace and balance in my personal life, nurturing mental clarity and emotional well-being. Professionally, it has provided a platform for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and empowering others on their wellness journeys.

Q. Can you describe a particularly memorable experience or milestone in your yoga teaching career?

Ans. One particularly memorable milestone in my yoga teaching career was witnessing a student overcome chronic pain through consistent practice and mindfulness techniques. Seeing her transformation reinforced my belief in yoga's healing power and reaffirmed my dedication to guiding others towards their own wellness goals.

Amiro Maitri

Amiro is a globally celebrated yoga teacher from United Kingdom dedicated to transforming lives through her unique approach to yoga. Her teachings emphasise the connection between mind, body, and spirit, helping individuals heal and grow. Her deep knowledge of yoga anatomy and precise alignment empower individuals to achieve correct postures, promoting physical health and overall well-being.

Q. How did you start your yoga journey?

Ans. I started practicing yoga during my university years when my mental health deteriorated, leading to strong antidepressant prescriptions. Seeking a gentler form of activity, I turned to yoga, initially drawn to its simplicity. Sitting on my mat for the first time, I experienced a profound shift; tears flowed, and a weight lifted. Yoga became my sanctuary, offering solace and healing, prompting me to spend increasing amounts of time on my mat, moving my body intuitively.

Q. What was your inspiration to become a yoga teacher?

Ans. My journey to making yoga my career wasn't intentional. Initially, I sought training for personal healing. As I delved deeper, uncovering the intricate connection between body and mind, I felt compelled to share my discoveries. Witnessing the transformative effects of my integrated approach on students, I embraced teaching as a means to spread healing and understanding, driven by the belief that when you possess something beautiful, sharing becomes a universal obligation.

Q. Why did you start your own yoga studio/ business?

Ans. In the beginning I mostly had private clients and I was teaching in festivals, universities and offices. I realised that I was helping people through these sessions but I wanted to train people into this method so that they could heal themselves and heal others. There’s only so much one person can do, but if you train 20 people those 20 people can help hundreds more! I started my yoga trainings so that I could reach through my students to even more people and that those I do not know can have the same glow in their eyes as well as the tools to heal themselves rather than needing another person.

Q. What are your future goals as a Yoga Teacher?

Ans. I wish to always remain a student, to keep refining and evolving this sacred knowledge. And with that to help more and more people. I wish to hear as much laughter, as much silence, and see as much joy as I can. I will continue to do trainings and workshops wherever I am needed. I do hope to create studios in the future around the world with the most beautiful teachers, with the same desire to serve, with the same childlike curiosity, full of laughter, awareness, intelligence and playfulness so that we may make as many hearts full of love, as many bodies free of disease and as many eyes sparkle with bliss.

Shivangi Sharma

Shivangi, a renowned Yoga Therapist and lifestyle disorder specialist hailing from Ujjain, has garnered acclaim for her profound knowledge and wisdom in holistic healing. With her expertise, she has successfully healed approximately 5000 students, embodying a commitment to restoring well-being and vitality through her transformative practices.

Q. How has yoga contributed to your mental well-being?

Ans. Definitely Yoga's incorporation of meditation and breathing improved my mental well-being. Regular yoga practice gave me mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness and reduced my stress. And it works for the same for all.

Q. In what ways do you integrate yoga into your daily life beyond teaching?

Ans. I tailor my yoga practice and teaching to align seamlessly with my daily timetable, from waking up to winding down. This intentional integration allows me to prioritise self-care while effectively guiding others on their wellness journeys, fostering harmony and balance in both my personal and professional life.

Q. Can you share an example of how yoga has helped you build a sense of community?

Ans. Interesting Group Yoga classes is the best way to build a sense of community. Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support.

*Learn people's names.

*Invite new students to introduce themselves to you.

*Have people introduce themselves to each other and add one fun fact.

*Connect students to others with similar interests in or experiences.

Q. How do you use yoga to address specific issues faced by women?

Ans. Every month, many women dread the painful cramps their period can bring. If this is a problem for you, certain yoga poses can provide relief by improving circulation to your abdominal muscles. Additionally, the meditative practice of yoga serves to soothe the mind, providing a welcome distraction and promoting inner calm during this time.

Q. What are the most rewarding aspects of teaching yoga to women?

Ans. The most rewarding aspects of teaching yoga to women are witnessing their empowerment as they embrace their strength and inner peace, and experiencing the profound transformation as yoga nurtures self-love, resilience, and a deep connection to their true selves.

In conclusion, a world that often seeks to define and limit women, yoga offers a path to self-discovery and empowerment, enabling women to navigate their journeys with grace, strength, and confidence. The practice connects them to ancient wisdom and promotes cultural inclusivity, enriching their sense of identity and purpose. By empowering women on multiple levels, yoga not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to creating a more harmonious and empowered society.

(The author is yoga scholar and mentor. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.