Yoga as a Tool for a Better Society

The image that the word ‘yoga’ arises in the minds of most people is one of mysterious hippies contorting their bodies into impossible postures, while reciting some unintelligible hymns. However, it is high time that we understood that yoga is not a religion, or a cult, but instead, is a mere way of life, and a very beautiful one at that. Yoga simply means the union of the mind, body and soul, which is a wonderful thing to experience, for everyone, irrespective of their age, nationality or religion. The significance of yoga as a practice to empower youngsters and decrease the crime rate among juvenile delinquents deserves special consideration.

The Federal Government spends millions on preventive programs and policies for the youth each year. A recent example of this is ‘STRYVE – Striving to Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere’, a program launched by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to create a healthy environment for youngsters across the country and reduce bullying. The efficiency of the program is yet to be established. With the funding for youth-related programs being as high as $251 million in 2012, it is evident that the problem is a grave one.

This funding is distributed over various primary concerns, including alcohol-abuse prevention, gang and youth violence prevention, community-based violence prevention, and grants. Ironically, despite the repetitive establishment of the efficacy of yoga as a rejuvenating practice, the government does not allocate any funds to yoga programs. Yoga has been accepted as an efficient preventive program by wellness centres, the juvenile justice system, and even schools. It helps youngsters to cope with stress, develop a positive mental attitude and shun unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Many teenagers who practiced yoga for anger management reported a significant change in their behaviour, saying that it helped them remain peaceful and have control over their emotions. The practice has also been found to improve concentration and memory, resulting in better academic performances. The lifestyle promoted by yoga is one that discourages lying, violence, drug abuse, and other negative habits that raise concern among youths. It encourages self-acceptance, responsible sexual behaviour, self discipline, integrity and other positive lifestyle choices. If the government sees all this and funds yoga as a unifying policy reform, the effect will be visible- not just on the youth, but on each one of us!

Source:- Oregonlive.com