Teacher Training Program, Day 5

- Compiled by Jyoti Honkote

Day 5

No of Participants= 20

Topic –Yoga, Relaxation and health of teachers and in turn of students

Trainer – Mrs. Hemangi Dani& her team

The Bhai Surve Hall had been arranged with huge mats all ready for the Yoga session. At the outset, Mrs. Hemangi Dani and her team, two volunteers from The Yoga Institute of Santacruz introduced themselves. Archana, one of the volunteers started the demonstration and Mrs. Dani explained the significance of each asana and how it was to be performed. The teachers followed suit. Each asana was repeated twice or thrice as per the need. Each participant was given individual attention to ensure that the asanas were performed correctly. The related medical benefit was imparted.

Among the yogasanas performed were Tadaasan, 2 types of Conasan, sitting Parvatasan, Bhujangasan, Yashtikasan, sleeping Tadaasan, Vajrasan, Pawanmuktasan and Shavasan. All the teachers realised the need for regular practice of yoga. They immediately felt more flexible and active.

Thereafter there was a short lunch break. In the second half, Mrs. Dani spoke about the following points –

1. The relevance of what, when and how much we eat. Eat only when really hungry. Avoid snacking. Chew thoroughly.

2. Importance of drinking adequate water to reduce acidity and digestive issues.

3. One must listen to ones body and do what it demands.

4. Importance of recreation and setting aside time for oneself to enjoy pursuit of a hobby, doing what makes one happy.

5. The difference between good stress that motivates one to act and bad stress that does harm and leads to various diseases. Stress is the inability to handle the situation or stress arises in a situation that seems to have no solution. One must let go and not try to change the world. We can never change others, only ourselves. Change the perception.

6. Surrender and abandon Ego. Control the mind & thoughts.

Teachers were then taken through a session of relaxation and deep breathing while soft, soothing music was played and one focussed on relaxing each part of the body. One forgot all worries, tensions and just let go. This was followed by a short prayer and chanting of ‘Om’.

Tharwal Madam thanked the Resource person and volunteers for their valuable guidance. The participant teachers also expressed their gratitude. It had indeed been a wonderful experience.