I’m 31 – and every year, I take time from managing my offline business to explore cultures, create lifelong memories, and rediscover myself. My most recent one took me to Rishikesh, the world’s yoga capital, where I planned to finally get my 200-hours YTT certification. My 2-year old offline business stopped me for almost half a decade to do this but I was at last able to get away for a month.
I have been practising yoga for almost seven years, but I always thought I lacked the finesse of professional yoga trainers and practitioners. That’s what I came looking for in Rishikesh. Also, being able to do twists like these:
Yoga lured me to Rishikesh, but it was not the only thing that left me awestruck. The natural beauty of Rishikesh is phenomenal. So much greenery and purity. There is something in the air of Rishikesh that humbles you. Rishikesh is almost holy.
I believe entrepreneurs should take time from their busy schedules to explore the world. It not only gives a much-needed break but also makes space for new ideas.
Yoga has helped me a lot in staying focused at my business goals and handling challenges with the right attitude. Looking back at my 20-year-old dynamite self, I could only smile. With that persona, I’m not sure if I would have come this far.
I practised yoga with a small batch of students at a yoga school called Ekattva Yogshala. Our days began at 5 AM and ended at 9 PM. Every single day bought new yoga lessons, spiritual insights, and tons of fun. I must say I learnt more in these 29 days than I had done in the last two years. The teachers were really supportive and they made sure that I practised yoga the right way.
We had time on Sunday – and I spent it exploring the local market, yoga ashrams, and tourist attractions. Rishikesh has something for everyone out there. If yoga doesn’t appeal to you, the place is also a popular destination for adventure seekers.
Personally, I particularly grew fond of attending spiritual gatherings where life lessons were served with local melodies. I derived much peace and calm from such sessions. I personally feel that giving your best in work requires a balanced state of mind. To be honest, this is exactly what attracted me to yoga.
The 29 days in Rishikesh brought me closer to mother nature, ancient Indian culture and my true self. The city taught me to be kind and considerate of everyone around me. As one of my teachers put it, kindness is the easiest way to bring change. With my 200-hour teacher training certification, I became a certified yoga teacher. Yay!
Perhaps, I will start a yoga studio in my locality after practising it for a year or two. Too soon to make a commitment, but the thought is lingering!
Something tells me that the friends I made and the lessons I learnt in Rishikesh will always come to my rescue. They will guide my path and mould me into a better entrepreneur and human being. As an entrepreneur, I think I have made quite a profit!
Even if you are not into yoga, I would still insist on visiting Rishikesh, just for the love of nature, culture, and everything pure. In fact, visit any country, city or village at any corner of the world. I’m sure it will be worthwhile.
And if you don’t believe me, here is what Mark Twain had to say:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”