Message Of Support
By Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP
President Of The Inkatha Freedom Party
I had the pleasure of participating in the first mass Yoga class held last year. As I attempted the Warrior Pose, I think I served as a good example that Yoga can indeed be enjoyed by people of all ages! It was wonderful to see school children embrace the demonstration and learn a discipline that strengthens both body and mind.
This morning, as we again celebrate the International Day of Yoga, I want to thank the Acting Consul General of the Indian Consulate in Durban, Mr SKS Rawat, for arranging this lecture and demonstration camp. We are fulfilling a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly to create a broader awareness of the benefits of Yoga. But we are also doing ourselves a great favour.
I know this, because since I first had a taste of Yoga last year, I have been mindful of the need to listen to my body. How often have you heard someone say they would love a good massage? I am now convinced that what they need is a good stretch. But knowing how to stretch the deeper muscles of our body, and knowing how to strengthen our core, is not something that comes naturally. We must learn these things, and then practice them.
In this way, we can relieve stress. We can restore equilibrium. We can fight disease. These are important gifts we can give to ourselves. But they are also gifts we give to our families, because when we are more centred, more peaceful and healthier, our families get to enjoy the best of us.
So today I am celebrating Fathers’ Day by giving myself and my family a present. I am relearning the techniques of Yoga. While I may never be able to do the Wounded Peacock Pose or even the Downward Dog, I know that I will derive benefit from practicing the art of bringing my mind and my body into harmony.
Being able to do that is a great blessing in the midst of my present schedule. As the IFP campaigns for Local Government Elections, I am travelling extensively to bring a message of hope to South Africa. It is sorely needed, for our country faces challenges and hardships that we never expected when we entered democracy. Yet I know that we can rise above them, for I have seen what South Africans are capable of.
That is the benefit of experience. It is easier to believe in the future when you have experienced victories in the past. I therefore urge every one of us to persevere, because every victory will claim now will encourage us towards greater victories in the future.
I think the same can be said about Yoga. We just need to try it, and every time we feel the benefit, we will be encouraged to do more.
This morning, as we learn more about this peaceful art, I wish us all strength and enduring good health.
