Since 42 Yoga was inspired by Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (42 being the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything), it’s only fitting that we muse on this on International Towel Day. (Bit weird I know). International Towel Day happens every year on 25th May as a tribute to the author of the book, Douglas Adams.
Yoga even scores a recommendation in the book…
So, here are five yoga lessons we can draw from the Hitchhiker’s Guide. Make yourself a cup of tea, pop on your dressing gown and make sure you have your towel with you.
1. You’ll need more than a towel on your yoga journey.
Yoga is not all about the sweat. Quite often in class we focus on being able to ‘do’ or conquer the poses. We might be thinking about losing weight or getting a workout or becoming more flexible. They might happen as a result of doing yoga, but these things are not the main focus. You’ll need to bring stillness to the mind and the body, you’ll need to breathe deeply, you’ll need to embrace the moment and you’ll need to relax.
2. Don’t panic!
If anything is anti-panic, it is yoga. All aspects of yoga work to generate calm. The deep diaphragmatic breathing and rhythmic movement, the mindfulness and focus on the present moment, and the meditation and relaxation.
3. “Just when you think life can’t possibly get any worse it suddenly does.”
I can guarantee you will experience hard times and challenges in life, because, well, that’s life. Yet yoga teaches us that happiness isn’t dependent on circumstance. It teaches us a deep underlying contentment that pervades despite circumstances. Isn’t that amazing?!
4. It is the questions, not the answers, that truly matter.
Yoga is all about the journey. It’s about learning to listen to our bodies. Just like asking it questions. The answers will change from day to day. Are you asking questions? What questions are you asking? And, more importantly, are you listening?
5. We’re not as special as we think we are.
With yoga we learn that we are all connected. We are all one. We are all the same.
Happy Towel Day everyone!