Dr. Anju Sahgal Gupta – Former Professor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) New Delhi, India
My thirty-year-old journey with yoga began as a practical decision to stay fit. Like many, I was looking for a way to keep my body active and healthy, but I wasn’t keen on high-intensity exercises like aerobics, which were fashionable those days, or on going to a crowded gym. I got myself a yoga teacher and thus began my sojourn. So, in a way, my initiation into yoga was a clear whim, without a specific goal, and more as a gentle introduction to something that simply made me feel good. From the start, it gave me a deep sense of well-being. I felt a quiet vibrancy and life-force that was unexpected – something that went beyond physical flexibility or fitness. It felt more like a tuning of the mind and the body. I hadn’t expected it to become a cornerstone of my life, transforming not only my physical health but also my mental and emotional well-being.
As life threw challenges my way, yoga became more than a workout. I struggled with anxiety and depression, which often left me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. My trainer suggested incorporating meditation and Yoga Nidra, a guided relaxation practice. At first, I was skeptical—could lying down and listening to instructions really help? But after a few sessions, I was amazed. Yoga Nidra’s deep relaxation technique calmed me down, and meditation helped me process emotions with sanity. Over time, these practices became my anchor, reducing my anxiety and lifting the fog of depression. I felt lighter, more present, and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs.
Over the years, yoga became a silent companion through many phases of life. As I grew older, it wasn’t just about health maintenance; it became a healing force. I’ve faced a range of health issues – major ones at times – like asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, IBS and persistent bloating. Treatments helped, but it was yoga that seemed to address the root. Each time, yoga brought me back into balance, restoring not just physical comfort but inner calm.
In my most distressed moments, Yoga Nidra and meditation were my lifelines. Whether it was emotional overwhelm or sheer physical exhaustion, these practices offered deep rest and clarity. During the isolating days of COVID, my yoga teacher transitioned online, and that simple continuity saved me from the ravages of those times. Even when the world felt upside down, I had a space to breathe, to move, to be still.
More recently, I’ve found a teacher who brings a fresh understanding of the human body—especially the muscular system, as muscles grow weak as we grow older. It is a different kind of engagement now. She teaches with precision, care, and respect for each part of the body, and that has opened up a new layer of awareness for me. Under her guidance, yoga feels both disciplined and joyful. It’s like learning a new language through a familiar rhythm.
After three decades, yoga still brings me great joy. From three sessions per week, I have transitioned to daily practice with my trainer. Reflecting on my journey, yoga has been transformative. It’s given me physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. From a whimsical beginner to a dedicated practitioner, I’ve discovered that yoga is not just about flexibility—it’s about growth, balance, and finding peace within. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful. And no matter what changes life brings, I know I can return to the mat, to myself, and find home.