2020, 2021, and 2022 – when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and I, like millions of others, found myself fighting this invisible enemy, not once, not twice, but three times. My third battle with COVID-19 was particularly challenging, leaving me weak and wobbly, with joint pain and impaired digestion. However, through determination and a renewed dedication to yoga, I transformed my life and emerged from the darkness stronger and fitter than ever before. This is about my journey of recovery from a point when even taking a shower was exhausting like I had run a few kilometres, to successfully climbing the Shivagange hill (which has an incline of about 70◦ in some places)!
My journey began when I tested positive for COVID-19. The initial symptoms were mild, but the aftermath was brutal. I was left with extreme weakness, fatigue, and a persistent feeling of wobbliness in my body. It seemed like I was starting from scratch in rebuilding my health. Desperate to regain my strength, I rededicated myself to Yoga. My research in Yoga got an additional subject – ME! I embarked on this familiar path, unrolling my yoga mat and delving into a world I was hitherto only researching.
It started slowly withjust the basic stretches and poses that my weakened body could handle. Each day, I pushed my limits just a little bit further, guided by online yoga classes and expert advice. Over time, I developed a daily routine that included warm-up exercises, Surya namaskar, breathing exercises, a variety of yoga poses, and meditation.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I began to notice subtle changes in my body. My strength improved, and the wobbliness started to fade away. Simple tasks like walking and climbing stairs, which had once seemed insurmountable, became manageable.
Yoga wasn’t just transforming me physically; it was also healing my mind. It restored my natural resilience, cheerfulness, and never-say-die attitude. My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my online yoga community. Their encouragement and shared experiences kept me motivated, even on the toughest days.
As I continued my yoga practice, I reached a point where I felt not just physically fit but also emotionally and mentally rejuvenated. I had truly turned the page on my battle with COVID-19 and emerged on the other side with a new lease on life. To test this for myself, I went on a trek – a beginner’s, supposedly easy-level trek, but it proved to be challenging! I summoned up sufficient courage and kept up my enthusiasm by going on a shopping spree buying various articles for the trek, necessary and otherwise – shoes and, a trekking pole to begin with!
The next trek up Shivagange tested the limits of my lung power, strength, and will! And succeed I did with God’s grace and the support, encouragement, and motivation of my fellow-trekkers from Step-out!
I am sharing my story with the world, hoping to inspire others who are on a similar journey to recovery, or facing health challenges. Today, I continue to practice yoga, not just as a means of recovery but as a way of life. My journey from weak and wobbly to strong and fit has been nothing short of miraculous. It serves as a testament to the power of determination, the healing potential of yoga, and the resilience of the human spirit. My story is a testament to the incredible healing power that lies within each of us, waiting to be unlocked through dedication and a commitment to self-care.
