Decode Global Wellness: a book where mind finds its rhythm

By K.R. Nayar

This is about a book written by yoga master, Sanjeev Krishnan, whom I reverently address as Guruji, and who brought a rhythm to my life. My wife and I attended his Rhythm of Life course nearly a decade ago, and the rhythm he instilled in us continues to keep us going even today. 

His book, Decode Global Wellness, was launched last week by HE Dr Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai, at the Consulate General of India Auditorium, during a colourful ceremony. The auditorium was packed with people, most of whom had benefited from Guruji’s courses. 

He has now put his words into a book so that everyone can read them at leisure. The reason I say “at leisure” is that he clearly states in the book: “Readers are encouraged to read slowly, reflect deeply, pause often and apply gently.”

 HE Dr Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy,  Consul General of India, lights the lamp during the book launch function. 

In the earlier days, I was very apprehensive of attending yoga classes.  Why I continued was that Guruji’s sessions were always peppered with inspirational remarks and stories. I found myself carrying his words home, writing them down so that I could revisit them whenever I needed guidance or encouragement.

Guruji has a wonderful way of motivating people. His words do not command; they awaken. He does not impose his thoughts; he invites people to examine their own. He makes you think without making you feel that you are being lectured.

HE Dr Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India, addresses the gathering 

 
The wisdom in those remarks helped me immensely in overcoming obstacles and dealing with difficult situations during the Covid period, as well as some setbacks that followed. When circumstances tested my patience, his words often helped me look at problems differently. They reminded me that while we may not always control what happens to us, we can work on how we respond to it.

Yoga master Sanjeev Krishnan addresses the gathering

As Guruji says in this book: “Read it not to agree or disagree, but to understand in a simple, logical manner, to comprehend life each day.” That was precisely how he conducted his classes, too. He never wanted me to agree or disagree with him merely for the sake of it. He wanted me to understand life intelligently, question my assumptions and develop the ability to think clearly.

He explains in the book that “when every individual person becomes conscious, a family stabilises, a workplace becomes healthier, a society becomes kinder and the planet becomes safer.” This is what he taught in his classes, too: to be conscious of what we do and how we think. Families torn apart by conflict could discover greater understanding. Workplaces that have become dens of negativity and complaints could become centres of creativity and productivity. Societies divided by hatred could learn to respect differences.

Perhaps even some of the wars that are killing people and causing immense destruction could have been avoided. A peaceful world cannot be built by troubled minds that refuse to examine themselves.

Yoga master Sanjeev Krishnan lights the lamp during the book launch function.

Guruji also encourages readers to read slowly, reflect deeply, pause often and apply gently. That advice also captures how one should read an inspirational book and allow its message to influence one's life. In fact, he says, “Awareness is the first step to wellness.” One of the most impactful paragraphs in the book states: “Wellness is not something to be acquired. It is something to be realised. This book is not meant to convince, but to invite reflection. It does not impose beliefs, but encourages intelligent and logical inquiry.” In fact, these are the principles Guruji encourages everyone attending his Rhythm of Life course to follow.

A book becomes truly valuable when it does not merely give us answers but teaches us to ask better questions. One of Guruji’s most impactful observations is that “at birth, each human is given a name, parentage, a country where we are born, a nationality and culture. Our freedom lies in making the best of the opportunity to evolve in life and experience life as a lovely human being.” 

How right Guruji is! We do not choose our parents, our birthplace, our nationality or even the name given to us. These are the starting points of our lives. It is we who must make the best use of the opportunities life offers us to bring credibility to our names, make our parents proud and bring honour to our country.

Guruji reminds us that we are all guests in this world for a limited period, while the universe is the host that welcomes us. It is a beautiful way of looking at our existence. We arrive without bringing anything into the world, and eventually we must leave without taking our material possessions with us. What remains is the difference we have made, the kindness we have shown, the relationships we have nurtured and the memories we have left behind.

Guruji therefore stresses the importance of learning to think clearly. “Over time, habits shape our personality, behaviour, health and destiny. What we repeatedly think, we gradually become.” This is a powerful message about the importance of cultivating good habits and avoiding those that can harm us.

Guruji also reminds us that none of us can remain on this Earth beyond our allotted time, regardless of what we do. However, we can master the art of enjoying everything we do in our daily lives. It is in this context that he explains how to remain fit and healthy and how to age gracefully and healthily. One of his best messages is: “Health is not accidental. It is cultivated daily.” That sentence deserves to be remembered long after the book has been closed. It tells us that wellness is not a matter of luck alone. Our everyday decisions, however small they may appear, can contribute to our physical and mental well-being.

The book also explains that stretching is an instinctive action in animals and is equally important for human beings. At the launch, Punit MK Vasu, CEO of Indian High Group of Schools in Dubai, who was one of the speakers, aptly recalled an incident where Guruji had said: “If you do not stretch, you will be in a stretcher.”

I am happy that I continue doing those stretches even now. This practice has contributed to better physical functioning and a greater enjoyment of life. It is so true that “a healthy body gives us the freedom to move; a healthy mind gives us the courage to move forward”.

This book also sheds light on the importance of healthy eating, correct breathing, and how our thoughts and emotions shape our health and destiny. Guruji concludes by reminding us: “Global wellness begins with you.”

For me, Decode Global Wellness is more than a book written by a yoga master. It is a continuation of the lessons I began learning in his Rhythm of Life classes nearly a decade ago. It offers readers an opportunity to reflect on the choices they make every day.