Reset and Refocus: Wellness Yoga with Hindu Chaplain Priya Amaresh

Attending Hindu Chaplain Priya Amaresh’s Yoga class on a sunny Monday afternoon was one of Kusumji’s many ways of making Hindi class exciting and interactive. The session was a blend of the physical and mental aspects of yoga. The instructor, Priyaji, drew a lot of attention to the breath through various breathing exercises, pranayamas, such as Bhramari, Kapalbhati, Bhastrika and Anulom Vilom. These pranayamas served different purposes, with Bhramari’s bee-like vibrations calming the mind, Kapalbhati cleansing the lungs, Bhastrika energizing our bodies and Anulom Vilom helps regulate our breathing. We also practiced various physical poses, ranging from Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), to grounding poses such as the chair pose, cat-cows and tree pose, and finally sinking into much-appreciated child's pose. 

What struck me about the class was the reminder that yoga is more than the simple western interpretation we often are presented with in the United States. I grew up attending yoga classes with my mom at our local YMCA. Though those classes were a wonderful introduction to the practice, they failed to touch on the spiritual and long-term health benefits of yoga. I began to take yoga classes with my mom throughout COVID but failed to remain consistent throughout my practice. However, throughout these years, I learned about the spiritual importance of yoga; for example, Surya Namaskar encourages individuals to gain inspiration from the brilliance of the sun and imbibe such brilliance in their own lives. Additionally, I learned of the importance of Pranayamas and Asanas to maintain long-term health, whether it be strengthening lung function and flexibility or decreasing strength and anxiety. Priyaji’s explanations of the spiritual significance of various Asanas, paired with her thorough explanations about the benefits of yoga made this experience extremely enriching for myself and my peers.

Overall, the class proved to be an incredible introduction to yoga for many. We were reminded of the harmony between yoga’s countless physical, mental and spiritual benefits. 

More importantly, attending Priyaji’s yoga class was a reminder for us there is an outlet for us to release our countless emotions and worries as we navigate the immense responsibilities of our undergraduate career, whether it be preparing for midterms, applying for countless internships or painstakingly planning our academic careers. Yoga can serve as a simple but powerful opportunity to reset and refocus, reminding us that it is important to move with intention and prioritize balance. 

This event was supported by Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.