Enhancing Health Through Yoga Practice

-Sivaguru, Saranya, Vaishnavi,Ajay I, Meenatchi, Sri Bhavani, Poonguzhali, Preethi P, Abinaya and SandhiyaBala

Each Monday we have a session on self-awareness with Vipassana meditation. Recently we have been optionally meeting for an enriching outdoor yoga session focused on improving physical and mental well-being with yoga. The session was guided by Sanjeev and Muthukumari, who shared the knowledge and techniques he gained during his one-month wellness program at Mantena Satyanarayana Raju Arogyalayam, the largest naturopathy and wellness center in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

The session had five parts Sukshma Vyayama (subtle exercises), Surya Namaskar, Asanas, Pranayam, Closing with clapping and laughing therapy. The Sukshma Vyayam gently warms up the body and improves joint mobility. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) which activates the body, Asanas which help build flexibility, strength, balance, posture, and overall fitness. Pranayama (breathing exercises), allowing everyone to experience the mindful breathing and relaxation. We enjoyed clapping and laughter therapy, which filled the atmosphere with energy, positivity, and smiles. The outdoor setting made the experience even more refreshing and enjoyable.

The session was a wonderful opportunity for our teammates to learn practical wellness techniques, spend quality time together, and reinforce the importance of incorporating healthy habits into our daily lives. We sincerely thank Sanjeev for sharing his valuable learnings and guiding us through such a meaningful and rejuvenating session.

Following are the reflections from our teammates:

Saranya: The yoga session with Sanjeev Anna was a peaceful and refreshing experience. We practiced warm-up exercises, asanas, and pranayama, which helped me feel relaxed and calm. As I practiced, I realized that when I am calm, I become more patient, accepting, and connected with the people around me. It reminded me that inner peace helps me create a positive and joyful space for myself and others. I also noticed that slowing down and focusing on my breath brings clarity and balance to my thoughts. This session encouraged to carry this calmness into my relationships and everyday actions. I am grateful to Sanjeev Anna for sharing his learning with us in such a simple and thoughtful way.

Vaishnavi: Practicing yoga helps me feel my best. It increases my awareness of how my body moves and allows me to notice areas of stiffness, limited mobility, or joint discomfort before they become bigger concerns.

The collective practice of yoga brings a sense of joy, connection, and well-being. It reminds me to care for my own health while also cultivating compassion and presence for others. Through consistent practice, I experience greater physical ease, mental clarity, and a deeper appreciation for mindful self-care.

Sivaguru: The session inspired me to become more committed to practicing yoga regularly. Although I had only practiced yoga occasionally before, participating in a group session highlighted the value of collective strength, motivation, and support.

Everyone genuinely enjoyed the session and challenged themselves to stretch beyond their comfort zones. I also noticed that focusing on the breath while performing the yoga postures made the practice feel more natural and less physically demanding. Throughout the session, I consciously practiced the values I stand for.

The session left everyone feeling refreshed, energized, and mentally rejuvenated. It was a wonderful reminder of how yoga can positively influence both physical health and overall well-being.

Ajay: I notice when practicing yoga, it helps me become more aware of my body’s flexibility, strength, and physical well being. This session also taught me the importance of taking proper rest after each asana.

Meenatchi: The yoga session was very useful for both my body and mind. I felt that every part of my body received good movement and stretching during the practice. Whenever I felt tired during the session, Savasana helped me relax and reduce the tiredness, and after the session I felt tired for a while but gradually became refreshed and more energized. I realized that regular yoga can improve my overall physical and mental well-being.

Sri Bhavani: Extending our two-minute morning exercise into a one-hour yoga session helped me to refresh my yoga learning. As we used to do yoga as part of the Shifu program, this session reminded me of the support we received throughout our learning journey.

I deeply care about everyone’s well-being, I felt same in everyone’s presence. Doing Asana’a as a team gave me more energy and motivated me to practise daily. I acknowledge Sanjeev Anna for his care and generosity in organizing this session. I will use it in my life.

Poonguzhali: Participating in the yoga session was a good experience. I learned different yoga poses that made my body strong and flexible. I also learned breathing exercises that helped me feel calm and gave me more energy. During the session, I learned how to relax my mind, focus on the present moment, and feel peaceful.

Doing yoga at STEM Land was special because I was surrounded by nature. I enjoyed listening to the birds singing and feeling the cool breeze. It made me feel calm and connected to nature.

This yoga session helped me practice the values of care and awareness. I learned to take care of my body and mind. I became more aware of my thoughts and feelings. This experience reminded me that when I am calm and aware, I can do my work better.

Preethi: During the yoga session, I noticed that I felt calm, more focused, relaxed, and energetic. It helped me start my day with a peaceful and positive mind. Practicing yoga together brought joy and happiness to our bodies and created a sense of connection. It also helped me become more aware of my body and the sensations.

Abinaya: On Monday morning, we had a yoga session guided by Sanjeev anna. I really enjoyed the session, and it left me feeling refreshed, calm, and energized for the rest of the day. Being fully present in the practice helped me reconnect with myself and begin the week with greater clarity.

The session reminded me that when I take care of myself, I naturally show up with more patience, presence, and positive energy in the way I learn, work, and interact with others. A simple practice like yoga can create a ripple effect, bringing more balance within me and into the people around me.

Sandhiya Bala: When I practice yoga, I inspire my steward, Sanjeev Ranganathan, to take care of his health and wealth as well. Practicing yoga together motivates both of us to stay committed to our well-being. After completing my yoga session, I feel that my body muscles are relaxed, and my pain is reduced. Yoga gives me energy, peace of mind, and the courage to practice even challenging poses. Doing yoga together creates a positive atmosphere, encourages us to support one another, and helps us reach new heights in our health and personal growth.