Green Business
Shachi Rao is a devoted practitioner of yoga and a qualified meditation guide
Q: What made you choose meditation and yoga as a profession?
Yoga means union, a joining of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. It is the harmony of our inner selves, a deeper connection of individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, a divine alignment that brings deep well-being and inner peace. As a devoted practitioner of yoga and a qualified meditation guide, I have had the privilege of leading numerous meditation sessions for varied groups. A common misconception I often encounter is that meditation means emptying the mind completely of all thoughts, sitting motionless and rigid in a posture or concentrating deeply like yogis in Himalayas; therefore, people are hesitant to try meditation. In fact, meditation is not a religious ritual, nor is it about forcing silence, struggling with thoughts, or adopting a rigid posture. At its heart, meditation is simply an art of being fully present. It means becoming aware of our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations without resistance or judgement and accepting ourselves, as we are. It is about observing, letting go, not battling with our thoughts and emotions, or a need to change everything. In short, it is a space of quiet acceptance, not inner struggle
Q: It is not easy to get into a true meditation mode for most. How do you manage to teach your pupils that?
When I teach meditation, I always adapt it to the needs of the group and tailor the experience to suit them. For example, with teenagers, I focus on a practice that enhances concentration, focus and clarity - tools that help them with their studies and navigate their stronger emotions. I use friendly and playful language and imaginative activities, and introduce meditation as something fun and comforting. For most age groups, we explore how simple breathing can calm the mind, how certain movements can release worries, and how stillness can be enjoyable. For most beginners, breathing exercises, guided visualisation and mindful movements are simple and effective tools that connect them to present moments and reveal the calming benefits of meditation
Q: Is there a relationship between meditation and nature?
The connection between nature and meditation is ancient and profound. One of the most enriching ways to experience meditation is in nature, which offers the most powerful setting for meditation. The natural world is inherently calming. It offers multi-sensory experiences that effortlessly draw us into the present- the rustling of leaves, the scent of earth and flowers, the gurgling of flowing water, the chirping of birds, the feel of breeze on our skin, and many more sensory delights. These gentle, organic stimuli create a soothing atmosphere and help anchor the mind and body to the present moment. They invite calming thoughts, reduce stress and open us to stillness in a way that no room or building can. Then we have numerous meditation methods that connect us to natural elements like the earth, river, trees, sun, moon, and more.
Q: How does connecting with nature help us lead a more focused life?
The nature deepens our connection with life itself. I often recall a book I read a long time ago- ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ by James Redfield. It explores the idea of spiritual awakening and how nature plays a vital role in this journey. One idea which stayed with me is this - disconnect with nature, humans often feel emotionally and energetically depleted. This inner void leads to irritability, ego-driven behaviour and aggression towards others. But nature is a wellspring of energy, rivers, trees, forests and many other elements of nature can quietly nourish and restore us. When we align with them, our inner turbulence softens and we return to a state of calm vitality. Simple but mindful daily activities like gardening, walking in a park, lying on grass, gazing at stars and moon, can uplift the mood, ground the mind, feed the spirit and increase physical well-being. A walk in the forest, or just sitting under a tree quietly but mindfully, will leave you refreshed, recharged and more in tune with yourself. Meditation and nature are natural allies. Together, they soothe the nervous system, regulate emotions, improve focus and uplift the spirit. So step outside, breathe, listen and Meditate. Let nature guide you home to yourself- THE JOURNEY BEGINS IN THIS VERY MOMENT!
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