Yoga, Meditation Help People to Reconnect with the Outside World: Experts

KOMPAS.com – The Covid-19 pandemic has made people find their ways to survive, to maintain health, and to manage their stress levels.

While some have chosen to do exercises inside houses, been drawn to walk in nature, or just breathe in the fresh air of the outdoors, others have turned to practices like meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and shiatsu to calm their minds and decrease stress levels.

Seasoned practitioners believe these ancient traditions and techniques offer an opportunity to better deal with crises such as the coronavirus pandemic and environmental issues.

Also read: Indonesia to Implement Covid -19 Vaccine Shot in Stages: Health Ministry

"These practices help to bring us into the present moment and help to connect us to the reality of the situation," said Jenny White, a British shiatsu practitioner who has been meditating for over two decades.

Creating an awareness, one breath at a time

While White acknowledges that doesn't mean living in a constant state of bliss and harmony, she says it allows people to recognize why they might be feeling scared, overwhelmed, stressed, or lonely. It can also, she says, prevent them from running away from those emotions and seeking distraction in alcohol, Netflix, food, or spending sprees.

In short, White explains, traditions such as yoga and meditation help create an awareness of what is happening in our world and allow us to tackle difficult situations and our reactions to them.

"Our body response to big crisis situations, like climate change, and now the pandemic, is often to freeze, be numb, and to run away," she said.

"The more we can connect with our body responses, the more we can tune into our own personal and collective responsibility to a crisis, whether it's the pandemic or climate change, without going into that trauma response."

Overcoming crises

The coronavirus pandemic and climate change are two of the biggest issues facing humanity at this point in history. Whether it's the global quest for a Covid-19 vaccine or the world pulling together to slash greenhouse gas emissions, solutions to both require an effort from the international community.

This is where the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam comes in. Rooted in yoga, it means the world is one family and should act as such. Not least in times of crisis.

Also read: Covid-19 Travel Tips for Indonesian Travelers to Ensure a Safe Family Vacation

"Yogis believe that all life is connected, that we are all one and should live in harmony with each other," said Alexander Bütow, who runs a yoga and meditation studio in Berlin.