Yoga for holistic well-being

At a time when many people feel are stressed, or simply out of balance, Ananda Marga Jamaica is offering something simple and practical – free yoga and relaxation sessions open to the public.

The sessions, led by their yoga teachers, Acharya Giitisudhananda Avadhuta, principal of Ananda Marga Kinder-Prep School, and Didi Ananda Devaprana Avadhuta, principal of Ananda Marga Basic School, aim for both physical and mental well-being. Both teachers have spent years working with children and families and say the idea behind the programme to help people feel better in their everyday lives.

“We are not trying to make yoga complicated,” said Acharya Avadhuta. “We want people to come, relax, stretch a little, breathe properly and leave feeling lighter than when they arrived.”

Classes are held at the Ananda Marga Jamaica’s campuses at 12 Crieffe Road in Kingston 6 and at their Basic School off Mountain View Avenue in Kingston.

The two teachers informed that apart from regular classes, they also offer customized sessions at workplaces, schools, colleges and community groups. They also offer talks, demonstrations and guided relaxation sessions. All the sessions are free of charge.

“We see many parents who are stressed, many children who cannot focus, and many adults who are simply exhausted,” said Didi Ananda Avadhuta. “Yoga helps in a quiet way. It does not change your life overnight, but it helps you cope better day by day.”

LONG PRESENCE IN JAMAICA

Ananda Marga, which means “Path of Bliss”, was founded in 1955 and has a long and deep rooted association with Jamaica since 1979. Locally, the organisation is best known for its two schools, but it has also been involved in community support work over the years, especially during difficult times.

The decision to offer free public sessions came after working in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Volunteers noticed that people were not only struggling physically but also mentally.

“When we visited some of the communities, people told us they could not sleep and felt constantly tense,” said Acharya Avadhuta. “We realised that simple breathing and relaxation techniques could help more than we expected.”

WHY YOGA AND RELAXATION MATTER

The yoga sessions focus on basic stretching exercises, breathing techniques and short periods of guided relaxation. The teachers emphasise that the programme is not about complex poses or advanced practice. It is about small changes that can make daily life easier.

Regular stretching helps reduce back and neck pain, improves posture and makes the body feel less stiff. Relaxation techniques, especially breathing exercises, can help people sleep better and feel calmer during the day.

“Many people believe yoga is only for flexible people or for those who already practise it,” said Didi Ananda Avadhuta. “That is not true. The people who benefit the most are usually the ones who have never tried it before.”

Parents who have seen the programme in the schools say the difference is noticeable. Children who practise simple breathing and relaxation exercises tend to be calmer and more focused in class.

“One of the parents told me her child now sleeps much better and wakes up in a better mood,” Acharya Avadhuta said. “That is the kind of result that matters to us.”

The sessions are designed to be simple and welcoming. No experience is needed and there is no age limit. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing, carry a bottle of water and, if possible, bring a yoga mat. When mats are not available, one is provided to the participants.

The teachers said the aim is not to build a large following but to make the sessions accessible to as many people as possible.

“We are not doing this as a business,” Didi Ananda Avadhuta informed. “We are doing it because we believe people need practical ways to take care of their health, especially now.”

Ananda Marga Jamaica also organizes short sessions, for workplaces and community groups. These, they say, are beneficial particularly for people who spend long hours sitting or working under pressure.

“A 20-minute relaxation session can make a big difference,” said Acharya Avadhuta. “People return to work calmer and more focused. Sometimes that is all they need.”

“We want people to feel comfortable coming,” said Didi Ananda Avadhuta. “There is no pressure and no expectation. Just come and try it once.”

Ananda Marga Jamaica can be contacted via Instagram @ananda_marga_jamaica