In a village, people typically wake up early in the morning, freshen up, and head to their cowsheds to perform morning chores. These activities include cleaning up cow dung with their bare hands, milking cows, feeding them, and fetching grass from fields or jungles. These tasks require immense focus and are physically intensive, leading to a union of consciousness and physical well-being, which is essentially what yoga is. Villagers unknowingly practice yoga daily.
When a farmer is milking a cow, they must be fully aware of their surroundings to avoid being kicked by the cow into the "Malkhadi" (a heap of cow dung) along with their "Balti" (bucket of milk). The cow's constant movement and the occasional swat of its tail against the farmer's face serve as reminders to stay conscious and focused. This constant need for awareness naturally builds consciousness in the farmer's life.
Consider the task of fetching grass (Rukh-Ghas) from trees. The farmer must climb the tree with a sickle (Hasiya). Climbing a tree is a physically demanding activity that no gym can replicate. Each step, each grip, and the placement of feet on the branches require full attention, focus, and consciousness. While cutting a branch, the farmer must focus on gripping the sickle correctly, applying the right amount of force, and simultaneously maintaining balance. This synchronization of mind and body is crucial. If you miss an inch of this synchronization, you could fall directly to the ground (KALLA MUNI) from the 100 feet high tree, which may lead to serious injury if you are not lucky.These activities highlight the natural synchronization of body, mind, and energy in the villagers' daily lives, reminding them to stay fully conscious and focused at all times. This inherent practice of yoga in their routines brings physical health and mental clarity, illustrating the profound connection between daily chores and the principles of yoga.
When a farmer splits firewood with an axe, they must be immensely focused. Similarly, a daily labourer who hammers rocks into pieces requires a synchronization of mind, body, and energy. Whether a farmer or a labourer, these activities naturally demand full consciousness. Each day is a yoga day for them. They may not be aware of International Yoga Day, but mere awareness of this day doesn't matter much. What truly matters is imbibing the culture of yoga within us, just as the farmer does. Wishing you all a very happy International Yoga Day.
