As part of the Satvic Intense Yoga program, we learned about the 5 elements / Panchamahabhootas last week. While on the topic of Jal, the nature of water was discussed - flowing, non-stagnant, transparent, adaptable, flexible, and clear. The Suryanamaskar practice following the discussion was also gentle and flowing in nature, which I absolutely loved.
The rising number of people diagnosed with diabetes and obesity is attributed to an imbalance in Kapha dosha, as per Ayurveda. Kapha dosha is comprised of Earth and Water elements.
Given that our body is comprised of 70% water, it is natural for us to be flowing, moving, and non-stagnant. Our bodies are designed for movement. Because of our sedentary lifestyles and desk jobs, the water component in our body isn't in alignment with its natural state.
This stagnation is fuelled even further in urban lifestyle, thanks to convenience and technology - food ordering, 10-min instant grocery, OTT platforms with never-ending entertainment, social media, Youtube, etc.
The voice command-driven devices have even made taking a few steps inside our home unnecessary (Switch on the TV, Play this song, Set an alarm). Yesterday, while cooking lunch, I suddenly felt like listening to ARR's soulful "Newyork Nagaram" song. Instead of walking a few steps to get my phone, all I needed to do was to ask Google Home to play the song without taking a single step forward🙂
No doubt, technology has made our lives easier in so many ways. It's also worth pondering how much we have deviated from the natural rhythm of our bodies.
Movement isn't only about taking 10K steps a day or working out in the gym for an hour.
Are we moving enough throughout the day?
Are all our body parts flexible and moving freely without any discomfort, ache or pain?
Are we flowing freely like water, not just in our bodies but also in our minds?
Is there stagnation anywhere? What about our curiosity, learning, exploration, new experiences, old thought patterns, and ingrained habits?