This is a continuation of the stories presented by Col Ravindra Dixit (Retd). In this next article he discusses how yoga was his choice of exercise for recovery from his injuries. If you missed his last two articles they can be viewed by following the links below.
A Story of Courage, Will and Determination
and
A Story of Courage, Will and Determination continued
When I left the hospital it was with many disabilities; my knees, ankles and hip joints had limited flexion, and extension. My left leg was shorter than the right and the left foot suffered from partial palsy, normally called foot drop. To further complicate issues, I had severe callous formations on both heels, these were very painful and I lived with them for over thirty years. Consequently I suffered from a severe limp, my walk was slow and labored, and I had trouble negotiating inclined planes and flights of steps.
With so many physical problems I had no business in the Army, but such is fate, I was retained, I had no choice but to try and live up to expectations in a difficult world. Life in a hospital is highly protected but the environment is harsh and cruel, only those who are physically and mentally challenged can realize this truth. The world puts up a show, but does not wait for those who are wanting.
I knew I had to get fit and get fit fast. Immediately on leaving the hospital I took to long walks, cycling, swimming and some exercises. There was improvement, but nowhere near anything acceptable to an army, deployed in some of the harshest terrains in the world. Though I worked hard, I failed to see the desired effect. I had to adopt a system which would be gentle, yet get me up to the desired level of physical fitness. All systems targeted the required muscles and joints which needed to be treated and excluded the rest. I knew that it was just not the legs or the heart or some individual portion of the body but the entire persona which had to be treated. I knew that it the very core was in need of rejuvenation. I suffered from severe bouts of depression and often thought of suicide as a good option.
I knew the answer lay in yoga; I was hesitant as my many disabilities did not permit me to perform many yogic postures and exercises. Then I did not have a qualified teacher or anyone who could teach me. I had some knowledge of Hatha Yoga, the yoga of determination. I studied a few books and selected a few exercises which I could perform, and slowly moved on to some which were more difficult. Many schools of yoga advocate against doing very difficult yogic postures and exercises as similar benefits are had from easier ones. A person can always attempt the more advanced exercises as one gains confidence.
In 1982 I met Balyogi Swami Premvarni, an accomplished Yogi from Hrishikesh in Northern India. I visited his ashram on the banks of the Ganges for over a period of two years and learnt many yogic exercises at his feet. From him I learnt yogic cleaning exercises, breathing exercises called pranayamas and many yogic asanas or postures.
Hatha Yoga is a composite system but it can broadly be divided into four exercise systems as under:
- Yogic Sukshma Vyayama or subtle yogic exercises.
- Yoga Asanas or yogic postures.
- Bandhas or locks.
- Pranayamas or science of yogic breathing.
- Shat Kriyas or yogic exercises for cleaning the physical body.
Yogic Sukshma Vyayama or Subtle Yogic Exercises. This system comprises of simple exercises which lay focus on each part of the body, from the head to the toes. These exercises are similar to the warm up exercises done by athletes and sportspersons, yet they are very different. The difference lies in that the exercises are performed with coordinated breathing and awareness of the body part being moved. In these yogic exercises it is ensured that each muscle and joint of the body is exercised, fresh blood carrying precious oxygen and nutrients is circulated and toxins are removed. With regular practice the body gains strength, flexibility and becomes beautiful.
Yogic Asanas or Yogic Postures. The science of yoga consists of eight steps, in which asanas form the third step. When we mention yoga most people refer to the system of yogic asanas. Yoga asanas can be divided into the meditation postures which are postures in which a person can sit for long in comfort, these postures are useful in meditation and breathing exercises, these asanas are like the padmasana or the lotus pose etc. Then there are asanas which are cultural asanas which focus on lending health and strength to the various systems of the body like the muscular, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems. They focus on lending flexibility and strength to the spine, and strengthening specific muscle groups and organs. These asanas are like the Shirshasana or the head stand and the Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand.
Initially I propose to focus on the above two and as the dialogue progresses we shall endeavor to learn about the beautiful science of yoga.
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Tags: bodyweight exercises, convalescence, courage, determination, faith, hospitalization, inspirational story, patience, perseverance, recovering from injuries, Sai Baba, will, yoga
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