Redefining the Yogi
Challenging Trends and Embracing Authenticity
June 21st is celebrated as International Yoga Day. Did you know this day was founded just less than 10 years back, and has its origins in India? It feels surreal to witness how the world has embraced IYD.
This year, the theme for International Yoga Day 2023 was 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' effectively encapsulating our collective aspiration for 'One Earth, One Family, and One Future.'
It almost feels like IYD is a reflection of where the world aspires to go (even for non yoga practitioners) - In a world of globalisation, as a startup founder, I see the cross border conversations gain momentum in almost every geography, be it Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UK, or US. This theme almost reflects global business aspirations, along with global integration.
Startups and Yoga: Founders and Yogis
I find an uncanny similarity between Yoga and Startups. I know - someone reading this would think I can only think startups! But I’ll share the subtle nuance here. Startups are today the sexy buzzword. Anyone who runs any kind of business - be it a tech company, a consulting company, a travel company, a yoga studio - observe closely and look at the linkedin profiles and we would see the label “Founder”. And “Founders” come with a tag that is unsaid - a tag of independence but also a tag of risk-taker, arrogance, and entitlement. India has been known to be a country of entrepreneurs. We are the jugaad nation - a country that has entrepreneurship and hustle ingrained in us. But when you repackage this, and give it a sexy title, we become more modern, more current and more relevant.
And this applies to Yoga too. I have met so many amazing yoga teachers, yoga practitioners globally. The new repackaging of a yoga teacher is being titled as “Yogi”. It is interesting - it is like a billboard on your forehead claiming you have conquered the self! Sounds Interesting? 1 out of 3 people I know proclaim they are a #yogi - more so from India. And it always irked me. I wondered why. Let me delve deeper into how this word evolved and how we perceive this today.
The most common misconception about being a yogi is that it solely revolves around mastering complex yoga poses. While physical postures (asanas) are an integral part of yoga, they represent only one of the eight limbs of this ancient practice. True yogis understand that yoga is a profound journey that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
Being a yogi means cultivating mindfulness, both on and off the mat. It involves developing a deep understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and striving for inner balance.
It is a lifelong learning of being able to master yourself. And imagine now putting a label to it! “YOGI”
Want to dive deeper?
For the more interested, the book “Autobiography of a Yogi” is the book to go to. In essence, this book offers a profound exploration of spirituality, self-realization, and the potential for divine communion. It has been the source of inspiration for world leaders and creative artists like Steve Jobs, and George Harrison, both of who were highly influenced by Eastern philosophy and meditation. Personally I have read it multiple times, and yet to fully understand the essence.
If you want to still delve deeper, then read the “Bhagavad Gita”. They say you don’t read the Gita - you can only experience it. And as we read and understand more, you realise how everyone is trying to get closer to being the “yogi”. In an era dominated by social media, it is easy to get caught up in the trend of being a yogi. However, being a true yogi is the journey of life, that never ends.
Titles are good. It helps say more with less. #Founder. #Yogi. But when the less becomes lesser, we lose the space for deep conversations. And then we feel entitlement. And we go back to the start of the circle. And Life continues on the path to a full circle!
