Anuradha Sridharan

  As 2024 draws to a close, it is time to reflect, introspect, and pay gratitude to key moments of this year. This has been my regular year-end activity since 2005, as I love to document the highlights of each year in my blog. After completing my Yoga Instructor Course (YIC) at SVYASA last year, it was a natural progression to sign up for M.Sc Yoga (Distance program). Back-to-school mode from Jan'24. As someone who loves the role of a student, I find it an enriching learning experience so far. The syllabus gives good exposure to a range of subjects - Anatomy and physiology, basic Sanskrit, Vedas and Upanishads, Yoga philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and many more. Our faculty have been amazing , and they provide the required orientation for each subject at the beginning of every semester. It is then up to the motivation and efforts of the students to pursue the learning in the depth they want to.  Though the course is distance mode, w...

 The last 10 days have been an enriching learning experience as I completed the credits required for Yoga therapy field training at Arogyadhama, SVYASA. There were certain patterns that I observed: => More young people in the psychiatry dept with anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, and overthinking.  => More women in the 50s and 60s in the rheumatology dept with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  => More young and middle-aged men and women with spine-related issues - herniated disc, bulged disc, cervical spondylitis. During their 1- or 2-week stay at the campus, the participants undergo various therapies and treatments from Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and acupuncture, along with counseling and lectures. They feel better during discharge and also experience a positive change in some of the parameters due to proper diet, physical movement, being amidst nature, interaction with more people, and learning about their ailments and solutions for the sam...

  Why do projects/ideas that begin with good intentions, service, and a contribution mindset turn into profit-focused businesses with selfish motives?  What is the tipping point that triggers this change? What is that milestone when greed takes over? What are the factors that influence this change? Is it the admiration and validation? Is it the ego boost? Is it that point when one realizes they have found ways to earn quick bucks with minimal effort? Is it due to the pressure from investors or competition? Is it due to the relentless pursuit of growth? In Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna classifies action (karma) into three types based on the spiritual influence and growth: (1) Sattvika Karma - Selfless actions. Actions to help others, actions performed without ego or attachment, and actions where there are plenty of beneficiaries. (2) Rajasika Karma - Selfish actions. Actions performed for the fulfillment of personal desires and gains. Actions where the beneficiary is oneself or...