Soul searching

Spiritual groups are providing the much-needed sense of community and acceptance in urban locales where people leading isolated lives are becoming easy pawns to stress or depression.

The surprising fact is that more and more youngsters are getting attracted to ancient practices such a yoga, reiki, meditation and energy healing.

“In our batch of 40 people, only three are above 60 years, the majority of them are in their 20s or 30s. ueled by competitive lifestyles, people are facing mid-life crisis and questioning the very purpose of life at a much earlier age,” says 21-year-old Anubha Gupta who belongs to a reiki group.

More than religion, for youngsters spirituality is emerging as a way of life.

“Two years back when my boyfriend left me and I was not able to hold on to my job, my self-esteem was at its lowest as I felt unwanted. Then my friend introduced me to a spiritual group and since then I have gotten my confidence back. Just being able to discuss my grief with a group that was willing to listen openly and not judge, helped me get back on my feet,” says Huma Kazmi, a media professional and adds, “My very nature has undergone transformation. I was shy and hesitant to put forth my views. But networking with my group made me realise that we all harbour the same fears and insecurities. Now, I am more willing to reach out to people and feel a sense of oneness with the world that I have never felt before.”

Ancient yoga and meditation practices that have become a rage across the world have proven to be effective stress busters. These tools are being used by the spiritual groups to bring healing into  the lives of many.

“I do breathing exercises every morning and that really helps me to remain calm and focused throughout the day. Also, I swear by Tibetian rites that is a set of exercise routines, which balances out the energy centres within me. I feel charged throughout the day and my productivity at work has increased manifold,” says Swapan Morande, an IT professor.

These spiritual groups are fast-emerging as platforms where youth are finding a balance between endlessly striving to get ahead in the rat race to the importance of sharing and being content. With a self-acceptance that is echoed in the group’s embrace, the endless questions about life are being replaced by a ready acceptance of life as the greatest teacher.