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For a tranquil existence
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A lot of youngsters today have taken to alternative ways of healing their minds and bodies in times of stress.
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DE-STRESSING: More and more young people are turning to meditation to deal with pressure.
HARMONY IS the quintessence of life. Unfortunately when we look around us we see that strife, struggle and pain are rampant in the guise of career goals, money matters and misunderstood relationships. The pressures of modern day existence are not only in the adult world but predominant in the younger generation as well. Unlike their predecessors, the younger lot of today have many a worry. The carefree life associated with youth is a thing of the past. ``I'm stressed out'' is a commonly used phrase today. However, as the rule of nature goes, when there is a malady, there is a cure .
To escape from the perils of stress, burden and tension -- the younger generation has almost naturally taken to the now famous alternative ways of healing - The Art of Living (AOL) course, Reiki, yoga, creative visualisation, Vipassana and so on . Unlike the 1970s `dum maro dum' hippie era, today's young mind is looking for clarity not intoxication. Calmness is sought in dealing with life and its ephemeral qualities.
Shwetambari, a B.Com IIIrd year student, did the Art of Living as a rejuvenation course. The AOL is a course, she says in which a person finds his or her inner self and learns to live a pure life.
The youth, it is evident, are on a journey of self-exploration. Why this sudden urge to combine the world of disco lights, rigorous CAT coaching with the serenity of sunrise yoga? Sharmila, a yoga teacher, believes it is a feel-good factor that leads the youngsters to do this course.
Yoga is the complete system of body and mind control. In this day and age there is an overload of information and young people are faced with an array of choices. So, while on the one hand, the opportunities are increasing, on the other, this plethora of choices in education and careers is
mind-boggling.
Sharmila believes that in such circumstances yoga is the natural stress buster. One with physical benefits as well. As the youth are becoming increasingly health-conscious, yoga suits them perfectly, the body is toned, metabolism rate increases and energy levels are boosted. This is then the perfect combination of mind and body development for those interested in fitness as well as relaxation.
Relaxation is imperative in this day and age where the ideals are to strive for excellence and achievement in all spheres be it sports, education or careers. As the competition to be the best has increased manifold over the past decade so has the pressure and consequently stress. The mind controls the body and just as a stressful mind can cause nervousness, headaches and neck pains so also can a calm mind heal, relax the body and cause relief.
A focussed yet peaceful mind works more effectively towards achieving a goal. Akshay just appeared for his IIT entrance and acknowledges the fact that meditation went a long way in helping him keep his cool during the tense days of preparation.
The popularity of these courses can be attributed to the media which has played an important part in spreading the word about these courses. Deepak Chopra, Rhea Pillai are all teachers that youngsters can associate with. The West also has a considerable influence with pop icons like Madonna taking to yoga in a big way, making these techniques hep as well. Consequently more and more youngsters take to these courses, some out of mere curiosity and some to learn. Adolescence, as it is, is a turbulent period for many, fear of exams, peer pressure all loom large on youngsters' minds. Reiki teacher Radhika adds, ``teenagers often feel that something is missing, these techniques help them feel complete and satisfied, they also become more adjustable to peers and adults as well."
Finding strength and solace in these methods comes as a relief for many as the outside world seems lost in its own flux of political upheavals, military action, and monetary scams. Says Amulya, a psychology student who practises Reiki "the world is in a chaotic state, these alternative methods are ways that help us sort things out in our heads."
Be it to understand this disruptive world, or ease the tension of the mind, the youth have found their succour in these alternative methods. Harmony now permeates through the stressful teenage life bringing with it good tidings of joy and happiness.
UZMA HYDER
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