Yoga Day: Observe your breath and see tension melt away, says Baba Ramdev

So there I was watching Baba Ramdev demonstrate an array of exercises, swiftly moving from one asana to the next at a function organised by Parmarath Ashram in Rishikesh.

“This is easy... Pranayama ...Anuloma Viloma ....Kapalabhati” and the works.

Possibly amused at our perplexed expressions, he started with the most basic.

“Roll your eyes, that’s yoga. Rotate your head, even that is yoga...move your hands in a circular way. It’s all yoga,” Ramdev exhorted.

“Even if you are incapable of undertaking any physical exercise, do rhythmic breathing. Do deep breathing. Do something at least....it is all good for your health.”

The message of the Yoga Guru was simple: “Deep breathing is very necessary, as we live in highly polluted cities. More people are dying due to respiratory diseases than cancer. Deep breathing will cleanse your lungs and help them become strong.”

“And if you don’t want to do even this, just observe your breath and you will find tension melting away.”

“Have you observed, but we are always stressed,” he exhorted. “Watching your breathing pattern is the best antidote to stress. Moreover, it helps you to make a connection with your inner self and even God.”

“We either live in the past or in the future. Noticing your breath helps you realize that we are alive in the current moment. This awakening will help you surrender your desires and help you live in God’s will,” Ramdev said, revealing the mantra of gaining calm and quelling your internal unquiet.

Baba Ramdev also underscored the usefulness of the ancient exercise techniques to improve resistance and endurance power.

“I can assure you that those who are adept at yoga can bear searing heat at 40-50 degree Celsius and also do without warm clothing in -20 degrees.”

“I live in Haridwar and it can get very hot there in summers while in winters the temperature is normally at 2-3 degrees. I wear only this,” he said pointing to his dhoti and drape on top.

“Why does a couple say that they love each other, when they are in reality in love with beautiful models and glamorous Bollywood stars... that’s because of their well maintained bodies!”

We too can get beautiful bodies, if we give some time to exercise and do some yoga postures, he guaranteed.

The controversial Yoga Master also urged the audience to contribute towards making the environment clean, plant more trees and help in making the Ganges clean, as all these efforts would only help in making the planet greener and healthier.

In this context, Baba Ramdev lauded the work being done by Swami Chidananand Saraswati, who is the spiritual head of Parmarath Ashram, and Sadhavi Bhagawati.