CS Miano is right: Here is why you should regularly practice yoga
The goal during yoga practice is to challenge yourself physically, but not to feel overwhelmed
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano recently ignited social media when she posted pictures of her practicing yoga at her home.
The CS in her caption on X, said a consistent yoga practice brings clarity to the mind and strength to the body.
“Every day is a step toward mindful leadership and holistic well-being,” she added.
However, as it has become typical of Kenyans, the reactions were mixed with some saying she should focus on her main task of running the critical sector citing an incident where tourists were delayed for hours at Nairobi National Park due to the chaos that have bedeviled the queuing system that was introduced early this year for pre-paid visitors’ entry tickets.
Then there are those who accused her of being insensitive to Kenyans who are grappling with hunger and other economic challenges and thus cannot engage in such things as yoga practice.
Other comments were sexist with some comparing her to former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, who is known to post racy photos on social media. Others said there should be rules on use of social media by Cabinet secretaries while some compared her to how colleagues in countries such as Rwanda present themselves.
Many advantages
Despite the criticism, the CS was, however, on the many advantages that come with regular yoga practice.
According to Harvard Health, yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society. For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives.
“This is true whether you’re practicing downward facing dog posture on a mat in your bedroom, in an ashram in India, or even in New York’s Times Square. Yoga provides many other mental and physical benefits. Some of these extend to the kitchen table,” it says.
Types of yoga
There are many types of yoga. Hatha (a combination of many styles) is one of the most popular styles. It is a more physical type of yoga rather than a still, meditative form. Hatha yoga focuses on pranayamas (breath-controlled exercises). These are followed by a series of asanas (yoga postures), which end with savasana (a resting period).
The goal during yoga practice is to challenge yourself physically, but not to feel overwhelmed. At this “edge,” the focus is on your breath while your mind is accepting and calm.
A better body image
Yoga develops inner awareness. It focuses your attention on your body’s abilities at the present moment. It helps develop breath and strength of mind and body. It’s not about physical appearance.
“Yoga studios typically don’t have mirrors. This is so people can focus their awareness inward rather than how a pose — or the people around them — looks. Surveys have found that those who practiced yoga were more aware of their bodies than people who didn’t practice yoga. They were also more satisfied with and less critical of their bodies. For these reasons, yoga has become an integral part in the treatment of eating disorders and programmes that promote positive body image and self-esteem,” says Harvard Health Publishing.
