An Unpretentious Guide On International Day Of Yoga By Tahira Kashyap

Writer-director-author Tahira Kashyap, who was recently diagnosed with cancer again, had shared some thoughts on social media recently, which is akin to the popular saying — ‘stop and smell the roses.’ In an Insta post, she had said: “You don’t need to be productive every day of your life. Some days could be just about looking at yourself in the mirror and telling yourself you’ve made it this far. How cool are you!! And being excited about what lies ahead. #NoRoomForAnxiety.”

An Unpretentious Guide On International Day Of Yoga By Tahira Kashyap

In an era where we’re bombarded with endless exotic holiday getaways and happening parties, giving us the impression that we’re always missing out on something, Tahira’s messages are a refreshing and important reminder. And these aren’t empty words copy-pasted from the internet which she shares — these are her lived experiences, as she announced her cancer relapse this year in April.

An Unpretentious Guide On International Day Of Yoga By Tahira Kashyap

Being a reluctant yogini

“So, very honestly, I was never a yoga fan — always resisted. All throughout my life, I never took to it, and whenever I did also, it was not with a sense of calm and learning. I have always had other forms of fitness — whether it was weight training, HIIT, cross training, running, jogging, and sprinting. But then, life is all about learning, and now, since about a month or two, I have taken to Ashtanga Yoga. And this time round, I know this is for good, as there is so much to it which I never understood before — like the breath work. And it’s exhausting — I really thought that yoga is for beginners and it doesn't burn enough calories.”

An Unpretentious Guide On International Day Of Yoga By Tahira Kashyap

Yoga changed my fitness outlook

“I'm slowly becoming a yoga fan. And it's something which has changed my way of looking at fitness. It has changed the way I look at exercise — which is not just like a physical workout, but there is sort of a balance that you want to achieve between your mental state and your physical state. And somehow, with yoga, you try to balance it all out, and there's a sort of synchronicity which you feel. And yes, I think I'm here to learn yoga for the rest of my life.”

An Unpretentious Guide On International Day Of Yoga By Tahira Kashyap

Guided yoga makes all difference

“You should always look for a mentor in yoga. I think it's very important to have someone teach you — someone who knows better. I am also learning under some guidance, and I really wish for everyone to have mentors in their lives. And I think that's the most important takeaway for me. This is something I want to share with other people also — rely on someone who has done it better, who has years of experience, instead of doing the poses yourself. My intention is to practice daily, but with travel or work, at times it becomes four to five times a week.”

An Unpretentious Guide On International Day Of Yoga By Tahira Kashyap

Nichiren Buddhism transformed my life

“Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism has always been a part of my life, and I think it will always continue to be so. It's really transformed the way I looked at life. Like I said in my earlier answer — it's very important to have mentors in life or someone to learn from. At least, that's my philosophy. I think life is to learn, and the more you learn, the more you still want to learn. So, the idea is to keep learning and keep evolving as a human being for the rest of your life.

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And yes, I have been into Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, and I really used to chant — it's somehow a part of my deep philosophy, and I have utmost gratitude for it. However, I have also explored more and new ways of bringing about the center in my life. It’s all about taking up an empowering philosophy that can help you do the same. So yes, Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism will always be a part of my life, and I'll always have utmost gratitude for it. And I'm also open to learning more.”