Learning Iyengar Yoga from the legendary master BKS Iyengar was an unforgettable experience for Sunaina Suneja, who recalls how frightened she was by his reputation for being a tough teacher.
“His book ‘Light on Yoga’ attracted me to his classes,” says boutique owner and garment designer Sunaina Suneja, recalling her yoga lessons with the renowned BKS Iyengar, in the mid-1980s.
Still, her attraction to Iyengar yoga and admiration for her Guruji, didn’t stop her from feeling nervous before a class. “He had a reputation for being a tough teacher, and the BKS in his name was believed to be ‘beating, kicking and shouting’ as part of his sessions!” she says, with a laugh.
The props eased her fear
“I enjoyed the props used for some asanas, the ones I had a hard time doing,” she recalls. Moving from simple postures to more complicated ones helped to lengthen and strengthen her muscles.
“There are many benefits listed in Guruji’s book Light on Yoga, from decreased blood pressure to increased balance and wellbeing,” she enthuses.
Drew a parallel between body alignment and design
Sunaina says that Iyengar Yoga introduced the concept of body alignment to her. “I saw this ran parallel to my design work with garments. It took me a while to figure it out, but it was a wonderful revelation,” she muses.
Sunaina’s interest in design runs deep. Being an avid Mahatma Gandhi follower, she is passionate about khadi and indigo, and even operates the charkha! In addition to her own work, she is affiliated with an NGO in Punjab working to revive Phulkari embroidery.
It all began with Surya Namaskar
Sunaina (pic above) says her first exposure to yoga came through an American teacher, when she was in Grade 9, in the American school in Delhi. At this time, she started doing the Surya Namaskar.
Today, she attends classes at the Iyengar Yoga Centre, and also practices yoga by herself. “Guruji (BKS Iyengar) said Hatha yoga is the basis of all yoga, which may have different names. As I age, in my practice I have learned to do specific asanas which my body needs. It’s a constant, joyful process of discovery.”
Walking outdoors adds pleasure
The day Sunaina doesn’t do yoga, she goes for a walk instead. “My walks began giving me more pleasure as I got older,” she says. Her appreciation of trees, flowers and changing seasons, during her walks in the park.
Every morning, Sunaina enjoys a special cup of South Indian brewed coffee. “I go to sleep at night in anticipation of my morning cup of coffee!” she declares.
Light meals are the norm
Eating light is a familiar concept for Sunaina. The early death of her father and illnesses in the family led to some serious reflection on diets and nutrition. “ Our meals were very light, and healthy,” says Sunaina.
Today, too, Sunaina relies on dietary principles of moderation and balance. “In the summer, I will eat one mango a day, and then cut down on something else.” Her daily meals include oats, ramdana/amaranth, dried fruits, nuts and seeds and coconut water.
Small nutritious meals keep her energy up
Over the past two decades, Sunaina says she’s cut back on her servings of food, and snacks. Small, nutritious meals are a preference. “No reaching out for bags of chips,” she says.
Healthy eating comes naturally to her, and she instinctively knows when the next bite isn’t good for her. Since being on a full stomach slows her down, she makes sure she eats just enough to sustain her energy, during the working week.
Anita Anand has a deep interest in physical and mental health issues with a focus on aging, fitness and nutrition. She is the author of several books and articles.