‘I am so glad that yoga is a source of celebration’: Jacqueline Fernandez on World Yoga Day 2019
22/06/2019
Jacqueline Fernandez is an ardent follower of yoga. The actress discovered this spiritual and physical form of exercise a decade ago when she came to India. On International Yoga Day, the lissome lass shares how this unique workout is the perfect stressbuster for her and why people should make it a part of their workout regime. Excerpts from a chat with her...
What are your thoughts on having a particular day to celebrate yoga?
I am so glad that yoga has become a source of celebration. You should commemorate it by taking a buddy along with you or get a group, a little community to do yoga while listening to some nice yogic music.
When did you start practising it?
Yoga was actually one of the first exercises that I did after coming to India. I used to go to the Western Railway Colony on Carter Road and practise yoga in a group, outdoors. This was 10 years ago, and I have continued ever since. Though I don’t do it consistently, it’s one exercise I turn to when I need a little bit of peace and calm in my life. At the same time, it strengthens and heals my body.
Is there a certain kind of yoga that you follow?
The good thing about yoga is that there are different types of it. When I need to calm down and concentrate more on a balanced mind, I do a certain type of yoga. When I feel like raising my energy levels a bit, I do Ashtanga Yoga. For me, it’s not just about the kind of yoga you are practising, it’s actually about how well you are connecting yourself to your body.
How has it changed your life?
Yoga has had a huge influence on me. For me, it was the first realisation of what I could do with my body. I felt that I was gaining flexibility and strength from it. All of a sudden, it made me understand that our body is really a product of what we push it to do. That’s a cool and an optimum realisation to have for any person. Because it goes beyond what your body can do, it is also about your mind.
Is there any asana you prefer doing?
The headstand, for sure.
Is there any particular asana which you aspire to do?
The scorpion asana. That’s extremely difficult, but I am working on it. You have to first do the handstand and for that, your back needs to be extremely flexible.
Is yoga a part of your daily routine?
It’s not a part of my routine per se, but it’s a part of my regime, which consists of many things. I do strength training, cardio, dance, and yoga is also a part of it. So, it varies I might do it once a week or throughout the week depending on what type of exercises I feel like doing.
What would you advise people who want to start doing yoga?
I would say it will be the most fulfilling journey you undertake for yourself. Firstly, don’t look at it as an exercise. Understand the benefits that come with the different kinds of workout. Secondly, it’s a process, so be patient with it.
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