Representative Image. / Pexels

Neel Kura, 17, The Academy of Science and Technology at the Woodlands TX.

In a world where it is nearly impossible to stay away from constantly buzzing short-form media and fast trends, it's becoming increasingly difficult to stay grounded, focused, and intentional in our day-to-day lives. Algorithms engineered to release the maximum amount of dopamine have caused endless doomscrolling and rapidly decreasing attention spans. For me, practicing Yoga has been an anchor and an art that has helped me live more purposefully and mindfully.

Yoga is oftentimes seen as just a physical activity, but in reality, it is much more. It is a discipline of the body, breath, and mind - a holistic approach teaching us how to be present in any moment. Combined with consistency Yoga can teach us how to slow down and act with intention. This mindfulness has helped me not just become calmer and more balanced, but also more productive and creative in everything I do.

Personally, Yoga was especially meaningful during my preparation for the SAT. Like many high school students across the world, my mind was racked with distraction, stress, and mental fatigue. Social media and short-form content constantly pulled at my attention, making it hard to truly focus for more than an hour. My mind would fog up when reading English passages that would have been easy to get through a couple of years ago. However, when I started to incorporate Yoga into my routine (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga), I noticed remarkable changes after two weeks. Dedicating just half an hour of my day to Yoga changed my concentration and even my lifestyle. I approached the test with a clear mindset and my stress levels dropped as well. I started to work out and be active more as well.

Yoga did not just help me academically; it transformed the way I approach challenges in this world. Sometimes taking a pause and a breath helped to reset when things got difficult.

In a fast-paced world like today, Yoga is more than just a wellness trend, it's essential for staying grounded and living with intention. It invites us to be present, aware, and engage deeply in our day-to-day activities. Whether it is just preparing for an exam to simply overcoming the challenge of navigating life, Yoga is essential in empowering us to be our best and most mindful selves.

Neel Kura / Courtesy Photo

Ranjan Veludandi, 25, employed at Accenture, Houston, TX

It’s been three years since I graduated college, and I often reflect on how I got through such a challenging time. What truly helped me was my steady practice of Yoga, which I began in high school. I thank myself for equipping myself with Yoga practice and Wisdom since my high school days.

My Yoga sadhana and wisdom taught me to take on many challenges like taking the lead positions in College Clubs and also Community activities like Houston Hindu Youth Campus. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna always advises Arjuna to do Yoga many times, I happened to understand one quote from BG 6.23 i.e ‘YOGAH ANIRVINNA CHETASA’ that means Yoga is pursued with an undepressed mind, with hope and perseverance. That always stayed in my mind and motivated to continue my Yoga sadhana without yielding to any stressful situations. 

Also, I love the Patanjali Yoga Sutra ‘HEYAM DUKHAM ANAGHATHM’. This advises individuals to be mindful and take preemptive measures to prevent future pain or suffering. This can involve making conscious choices in the present to avoid situations or actions that are likely to lead to negative experiences in the future. Thus, Yoga practice and wisdom have been continuously helping me stay focused and goal oriented. I recommend all fellow youth and future youth cultivate this yogic life.

Ranjana Veludandi / Courtesy Photo

Nitika Veludandi, 21, senior in college, A&M college station, TX

I started practicing Yoga at a young age to stay flexible and active. What began as a simple way to improve my physical fitness has grown into a key part of my lifestyle, especially as a student. Initially I thought it as another physical and mental fitness practice.

However, as I got deeper and deeper I realized that it is an essential wisdom system which guides how to live in every phase of life.
After high school graduation I have joined my college at College Station. Started my life with a great excitement, however I realized that it’s not a smooth ride with me alone, managing my everything (unlike at home) and chasing everything with respect to time.

Completely a dynamic life, initially it was like a rough ride but with gradual practice of pranayama, I was able to overcome the stress and mental pressure. Also, while revisiting my Yoga Guide from SVYASA and YouTube Bhagavad Gita podcasts I digested the facts that Life is all about balancing oneself (Samatvam Yoga Ucchyathe) through troughs and crests of my life journey. That is really making me stay poised and making me feel stress free. The more yogic wisdom I gain the more efficient I am becoming in my performance (Yoga Karmasu Kaushalam) thus showing good results year by year managing my academics and relationships with all kinds of friends and people.

Nitika Veludandi / Courtesy Photo