Unlike the current trend all over the world to roll out yoga mats in parks and snapping that perfect sunrise posts on their Instagram Stories, Yoga has always been about the journey of self discovery and union with the divine. The modern take has limited this timeless art to physical postures and over expensive athleisure.
Yoga is considered as an ancient science which takes its roots from India. For a significantly long time during the Patanjali period, yoga had been a combination of various beliefs and ideas. Post Patanjali period, a system came into existence which created practices that rejuvenate the physical well being in a mindful way. Simply put, if the Vedas were knowledge then yoga was its practice. There is Yoga of Knowledge, Yoga of Devotion and Yoga of right action -together these interrelated paths provide one with self knowledge, love of the self and aligning our outer world with our inner principles.
While the yoga lovers all over the world are now gearing up for the eleventh International Yoga Day on June 21, 2025, this year is about reclaiming the grace of mindful wellness in a world that is focused on reps, pre-workout and the creatine craze. Strength lies in a bench press as well as a single exhale.
A 5,000 year old ancient art, Yoga speaks to modern culture about finding your truest self through peace. Scientific studies have begun to profusely study the long term impacts of the physical postures (asanas),, breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation. Yoga asanas improve flexibility, strength and balance. These studies have linked regular use of this practice to reduced cortisol levels, better sleep and the alleviation of clinical anxiety. Yoga is restorative, holistic and a whisper. And in this chaos drenched world, whispers are powerful.
The world has significantly developed and notched up its pace because the current generation of young adults and teenagers aka the GenZ have become body positive warriors as well as workaholics in gym clothes. The adrenal fatigue, body dysmorphia and hormonal imbalances are only a temporary pitstop in their no-days-off workout split. The current generation of politically conscious advocates are body positive but also deeply insecure of the hyper-curated, over-stimulated universe which is the gym culture. It’s beautifully complicated because people still shy away from posting about the clinical burnout and the high levels of fixation of looking fit on the outside.
In true GenZ fashion, I decided to sit down and unwind with Noida-based fitness lover and a yoga trainer, Ms. Rachna Raj who has made this practice resonate with a younger audience without breaking a sweat.
I started the interview by asking the obvious : How do you think yoga can be adapted to suit modern lifestyles and needs, while still honoring its ancient roots?
Her answer was equal parts grace and a sense of modernity, “We can preserve the essence of Yoga in modern day by making the class accessible for everyone using props. Also, we can simplify and break down complex poses to suit people with limited mobility and inflexible bodies. And, adding mantra chanting, meditation and Yognidra as a part of the class encourages presence.
It has been a widespread thought of deliberation, if yoga's therapeutic effects can be separated from its spiritual and philosophical aspects, or are they intertwined?
Rachna gently corrects, “It all depends on the preparedness of the partitioners.” She further states, “Yoga works on the physical body and breath initially. Once the body becomes healthy, it starts working on the mind. Yoga asanas help in developing focus, building strength and flexibility. This has a direct impact on the mind since the mind and the body are strongly connected.”
As a creator on instagram, Rachna also shared that yoga teachers and fitness enthusiasts engage the most with her reels which mainly delve into healthy diet approaches, yoga asanas and the importance of yoga in self discovery.
Yet, what blocks GenZ from embracing yoga? Is there any way yoga can help individuals develop greater self-acceptance in today’s social-media driven world?
“Yoga helps to slow down the mind which is usually filled with thousands of thoughts especially in this age of social media.” She mentions about GenZ ,” Students remain anxious and stressed due to the constant bombardment of advertisement and expectations. They are also highly conscious of their physical bodies and the way they look. Yoga can help them release their extreme attachment to the physical body which in turn can make them focus on more meaningful work. Yoga philosophy can help them be more free and liberated in their body and mind. This helps make them happier and more joyful.”
GenZ loves efficiency and results which come with a meaning and a purpose. Yoga is an art which finds its foundation in quiet strength. And with the right language, Yoga can communicate to the younger audience. Rachna Raj has found a way to bridge this gap through subtle innovation. She suggests using light, therapeutic music as it engages the younger generation. Leave behind complex jargon and Sanskrit words as these factors make the message disengaging for them. Incorporate a progressive approach where difficult poses are broken into smaller, achievable movements that build confidence. Adding Meditation in the class for stress management will help Gen Z students in their studies and work and hence benefit them immensely.
It’s not a competition between gym or yoga. While one pushes your limits, the other one is about learning your edge. Yoga is a serene pause button from a fast paced world which never stops moving. The conversation with Rachna Raj was eye opening because it helped establish yoga as a process to be present. It lets you sit with silence and meets you where you are.
Inner peace won’t give likes but once achieved, it glows within you.