If you take a yoga class, the concept of ‘shauch’ is unlikely to have cropped up. However, since my idea of how to teach a yoga class encompasses a holistic lifestyle aimed at inner and outer wellbeing, I like to touch on any and all aspects connected to yoga, even if indirectly so. Shauch means purity or the state of cleanliness. When we speak about this purity or cleanliness, we speak of inner and outer cleanliness. Today let us examine how this cleanliness has a bearing on health and wellbeing.
What is inner cleanliness?
Inner cleanliness has to do with a sound and fit mind as well as a fit and disease free body. To that end, we all strive to eat healthy in a way that the body gets all the nutrients it requires and has a well developed immune system to fight infection and disease. Inner cleanliness also has to do with a digestive system that works properly. It may be something that many of us are squeamish in talking about, but regular and proper evacuation of the bowel is a great indicator of good health. Eating sufficient roughage, drinking plenty of water and getting enough physical activity can help to ensure that you have a healthy, well functioning digestive tract.
What is outer cleanliness?
Outer cleanliness has to do with personal hygiene; but perhaps more importantly (because personal hygiene is something all of us are aware of and take good care of) the cleanliness of our surroundings. And again, when I speak of surroundings, I am not talking about our own house or immediate surroundings. We all tend to keep our own houses spotless, but when it comes to the environment we either don’t care enough or don’t have the wherewithal to do much to improve the situation. Remember though, cleanliness of our surroundings is not just something desirable; it our also our responsibility.
Here are some simple thumb rules that we can try to live by:
- No littering. If there isn’t a garbage bin within reach, carry your rubbish home for proper disposal.
- Refuse the plastic bag that the bania/sabziwala gives you. Carry your own. In other words give a thought to each bit of non-biodegradable garbage that you and your family produce and try to limit your garbage generation.
- Live by the 3 Rs: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. Buy less stuff. Separate want from need; you may be surprised at how little we actually need. The less we have the less clutter there is. Donate or recycle or repurpose what you don’t need any more.
- If there is garbage collecting around your home, remember this is also your problem. Improper garbage disposal is not just an eyesore; disease, harmful bacteria and mosquitoes breed in unsanitary spaces. You can organise a neighbourhood cleanliness drive, call up your corporator or other civic authority to have the garbage cleared. Remember it starts with you; don’t wait for others in the colony or building to take the first step.
- Use public transport when possible to get fewer vehicles on the road and to lower pollution and traffic congestion. When you do take out your own vehicle, ensure that your vehicle contributes as little as possible to air pollution by inflating tyres and tuning the engine optimally.
- Plant trees. You can do this anywhere in your neighbourhood, a close by park or elsewhere. Trees not only help keep the air cleaner, they help to beautify a place and keep the environs cool by adding shade too.
Cleaner surroundings are healthier for you, aesthetically more pleasing and more in harmony with nature.