Wednesday, June 21 is the International Day of Yoga: by www.southcoastherald.co.za

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP, President of the Inkatha Freedom Party, joins the Consul General of India, the Honourable Dr Vikram and the Founder of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, Ishwar Ramlutchman, in celebrating the event.

PRINCE Mangosuthu Buthelezi explained his involvement in yoga at a Father’s Day yoga demonstration: “I have had the privilege of participating in these yoga demonstrations since they first began, in 2015,” he said.“I must say, I was surprised to find that I was able to instruct my body to do the movements that were being demonstrated.

I had always thought that yoga was for the young, the flexible and the adventurous.

But I discovered that it is indeed for anyone, of any age, and any level of fitness. Its levels of complexity flow with the individual abilities of each person, allowing even someone like me to reap benefits.

“We struggle as a nation with lifestyle diseases, many of which have the side effect of chronic pain.

I myself have been a diabetic for many years and, while I am very careful about my diet, I am also cognisant that the demands of my work seldom leave enough time for rest.“It is therefore essential that I take time to focus on what my body is telling me.

Interestingly, when I do yoga, I find it much easier to listen to the signals of my body.

Usually, when I feel tightness in my muscles, or a twinge of pain, my automatic response is to push it aside and just keep going. After all, aren’t our bodies duty bound to do whatever we ask of them?“I’m afraid that is a misconception.

We actually have to look after our bodies, recognising and respecting their limitations, because we only get one body in which to live out this life. Every dream we want to fulfil, everything we want to achieve, depends on our bodies staying alive and well.“Medical science is clear that movement helps relieve chronic pain in the long-term.

So if you are suffering with pain in your back or your hip or your shoulders, why not try some Yoga? It’s gentle, and your body will thank you. The younger you are when you learn the value of exercise, the better off you will be.”

You need to lead by example. Because children learn far more from what they see you do, than from they hear you say.”He went on to encourage the youth to pursue emotional well-being.

“You may have heard the saying that your attitude determines your altitude. No matters what circumstances you face, if you keep a good attitude, doors will open. So look for things that help you to be positive.

You need a lifestyle that focuses on healthy, positive, beneficial practices. Things like prayer, forgiveness, building relationships, pursuing knowledge, eating healthy, and getting daily exercise.