Here's why Fareena Farid quit modelling and found her calling in yoga and meditation

If there is one thing that yoga instructor Fareena Farid would wish, it would be that people just don't practice yoga for an hour or two daily, they follow the principles of yoga in everyday life. "Yoga is not just about being flexible and fit, it teaches us to be more aware of ourselves and to be compassionate towards everyone," says Farid, whose classes are quite sought-after in the city of Hyderabad. She urges people to follow yamas and niyamas (restraint and disciplines) of yoga in her classes too by conducting simple activities, "If you lie, how will you meditate? We all have a consciousness which we need to be true to. Not only this, if mentally you are in a state of chaos, even the basic postures will seem difficult." 

Fareena suggests that one should decide to follow one yama for a month, say satya (truthfulness), and make a conscious effort to not lie. It will be difficult in the beginning but soon, it will become second nature     

Farid quit the toxic world of modeling which left her depressed and found her calling in yoga. It was in 2010 when she enrolled herself in the Bihar School of Yoga. "It changed my life and made me understand my true potential. That's why I want to share yoga with everyone else as well," she says.

At peace: Fareena's yoga classes are quite sought-after in Hyderabad | (Pic: Fareena Farid)

"We need to understand the value of yoga, the physical postures are important, but it is also about being aware in every moment," explains Farid and wishes that the International Day of Yoga should be a national holiday. "Why not? Instead of doing yoga only in the morning and rushing off to work, one can attend different classes, spend time with oneself and truly understand yoga," she suggests. "The biggest problem today is social media and how it has fueled this culture of comparison with others. This is the biggest source of depression. My gurus used to tell me that 90% of yoga is about mental health. Regular practice and following yoga will really help us become more aware of ourselves and our issues. Also, yoga, like spirituality is not a phase, it needs to come from within and you need to be committed to it. Practice yoga with more awareness and continue it as a lifestyle to combat your issues," she says.

Farid urges us to live in the present and be grateful for everything that we have and take the help of yoga to be a better person.