More than instructors: How Times Health+ built a yoga legacy with real mentors

Incepted in a digital world that waters down wellness to a mere Instagram hashtag and impersonal snippets, Times Health+ is a platform that garners depth and structure to yoga by curating its platforms around the expertise of real and certified yoga practitioners. The skeleton of the platform isn't an FYP magnet but a thoughtfully created group of professionals who have come together, bringing a distinctive teaching approach, philosophy, and sense of presence. These are dedicated mentors who reshape yoga into a personal experience for all.Among them is Shynee Narang , a certified yoga teacher, NLP coach, and sound healer with 15+ years in wellness, trained under the traditional Guru-shishya Parampara since 2008. She is known to combine ancient yogic practices with modern science to help people reconnect with their inner calm and energy. She has orchestrated sessions for top and renowned industry names like Airtel , TEDx, Cisco, and Delhi Police and has taught hundreds through her blends of kriyas, asana, pranayam, and sound therapy. She leaps into the yoga industry, changing lives with a wholesome motto, which is to bring yoga and well-being to 1 billion lives.Next to Shynee on the golden pedestal stands Apurva Tilwani , a certified Hatha yoga instructor from Rishikesh, having assimilated years of experience and having built a community of 500K followers. She stepped onto the pedestal while struggling from ailments that resulted in her being unfit and underweight; now she sits on the throne, strong and graceful. Apurva, with her expertise in dancing and calisthenics, aims to blend movement and mindfulness to help users build both physical and inner resilience.Wearing the diamond-encrusted crown, reflecting the position of the platform's Chief Spiritual Mentor, stands Yogacharya Surakshit Goswami , a renowned figure in yoga and spirituality known for his deep commitment to the practice since 1979. He is a gold medalist and an author of six insightful pieces of literature on yoga. He has devoted his life to spreading yogic wisdom and healing. Hailing from the sacred ghats of Haridwar, Dr. Goswami's journey began as young and innocent as 12 years old, earning him the title of 'Yoga Kumar.' Today he has an institution of his own, widely respected for his dedication to Yog Sadhna. He is known to be the first in India to have earned both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Yoga from Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar.Dr. Goswami has conducted over 6,200 workshops globally, covering yogic philosophy and sacred texts. He has published over 3,200 articles and translated the Bhagavad Gita into simplified Hindi for younger generations. Apart from that, he has also made appearances on numerous TV shows and radio programs since 1993, imparting his wisdom to millions.He is a mentor who has carved a pathway to harmonize the mind, the body, and the soul in today's rest-omitting world.By investing in expert-led content over automated or generic solutions, Times Health+ curates an environment where users can move forward at their pace and deepen their understanding. Times Health+ is creating a space that nurtures a relationship with one's body, breath, and overall well-being through the wisdom of teachers who lead with care and dedication.Through these actions, the platform has redefined the digital yoga experience, transforming online sessions into meaningful journeys filled with learning, reflection, and transformation, making luxury guidance accessible beyond borders or boundaries.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Why your mind wanders during meditation

Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra, The Yoga Institute cañcalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa pramāthi balavad dṛḍham tasyāhaṁ nigrahaṁ manye vāyor iva su-duṣkaram ~Bhagwat Gita 6.34 The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind; so, said Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a reality every meditator faces: no matter how earnestly you want to sit in silence, the mind wanders. Everything from the morning's conversations, to the grocery list, a past regret, a painful conversation or a future plan fill your mind the moment you sit down to meditate. And for many of you, this wandering feels like failure. But let me assure you, it is not. In fact, to observe the mind's wandering is a sign that meditation has begun. You are no longer lost in thought, but becoming aware of it. The Nature of the Mind: Restless, Moving, Alive In Indian philosophy, the mind (manas) is never described as a static organ. It is dynamic, subtle and ever in motion. Its primary function is to perceive, compare, recall, desire and judge: continuously. The ancient yogis classified the mind's fluctuations as vrittis or waves on the surface of consciousness. Meditation is not about eliminating these waves instantly, but about observing them with clarity and compassion. What Happens to the Mind in Meditation? When you begin meditating you expect instant calmness. But the mind in those early moments can feel quite the opposite. This happens because meditation alters brain activity. As you settle into meditation, the brain begins to move from a state of high-frequency beta waves (associated with active thinking, planning, or stress) to slower alpha and eventually theta waves, which are linked to deep relaxation and inward focus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But this shift doesn't happen instantly. The space between these waves, especially the transition from beta to alpha, is often where mental 'debris' starts to float up. And that is why your mind wanders, especially in the early stages of mediation. Why Does the Mind Wander During Meditation? So, when you sit to meditate, the world outside becomes quiet but the world within becomes loud. And that is also why your mind wanders. Here are a few other reasons why: 1. The Unprocessed Subconscious During the day, the mind absorbs countless impressions: what you see, hear, feel, and think. These impressions (samskaras) are not always consciously processed. Meditation, being a state of still awareness, allows these stored thoughts to rise to the surface. 2. Habitual Conditioning The modern mind is constantly stimulated by phones, conversations, deadlines and distractions. It becomes addicted to noise. So, when silence is introduced, it feels uncomfortable. The mind, out of habit, begins reaching outward again and you start replaying stories, seeking tasks or constructing imaginary scenarios. 3. Resistance to Change Yogic texts speak of tamasic inertia; the mind's resistance to moving into a higher state. Just as the body resists change, so does the mind. The moment you ask it to be still, it reacts. This is a natural stage of growth. Do not be alarmed. 4. Attachment and Desire Meditation often makes you aware of the attachments you have to people, identities or unfulfilled desires. That is why thoughts or emotions or feelings associated with them keep resurfacing as you begin to meditate. These actually reveal the deeper entanglements of the mind and are an encouragement to let go of them. How to Gently Guide the Wandering Mind 1. Choose a Simple Anchor Use the breath, a mantra or a gentle visualisation, like a diya flame or the rising sun. Let this become your point of focus. Every time your mind wanders, return to it. And don't judge your mind for wandering. Be kind to your mind. 2. Be the Observer, Not the Doer Do not wrestle with your thoughts. Become the sakshi, their silent witness. Observe the thought arise, remain and dissolve. This very witnessing begins to loosen its hold. 3. Short but Regular Practice It is far better to meditate sincerely for 10 minutes every day than to force a long session once in a while. The mind respects rhythm. Over time, this daily practice becomes a habit. Once you finish meditating, take a moment to journal or sit quietly. Often, the thoughts that came up carry emotional weight. Honouring them helps the mind feel heard and eases future restlessness. Do not fear the wandering of your mind. It is a part of the process. As the Yoga Sutras remind us: 'Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tan nirodhah'; through steady practice and gentle detachment, the fluctuations of the mind are quieted.

Time of India

4 hours ago

• Time of India

Why matcha is trending everywhere: From boosting heart health to weight loss, this over 800-yr-old tea "surprisingly beats" coffee, chai in many ways

Everywhere you look on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok, that vibrant green swirl is the new hot trend, matcha. This finely ground Japanese green tea powder has roots going back around 800 years, but today it's capturing hearts (and hashtags) across the globe. Once the centrepiece of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now a favourite of health enthusiasts and people looking for a coffee alternative. Its picture-perfect colour and creamy flavour make it ideal for lattes, smoothie bowls, and desserts, and it brings real health benefits to the table too. From London cafés to Mumbai kitchens, influencers and café menus are embracing matcha, and social media trends are following quickly. Ancient Roots in Japanese Tea Culture Long before it became an Instagram sensation, matcha was a sacred part of Japanese culture. It is believed that in the early 1200s, a Zen Buddhist monk named Eisai brought powdered green tea from China to Japan. Over time, it became central to chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, which celebrates mindfulness, hospitality, and the art of finding beauty in simplicity (wabi-sabi). In these ceremonies, matcha is carefully whisked in a bowl and served with intention. In the 1500s, tea master Sen no Rikyu refined the preparation process, emphasising harmony and simplicity. Today, matcha drinkers still honour that legacy of calm and meditation. In short, when we enjoy a cup of matcha, we're also sipping a piece of Japan's rich cultural heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neuropathy is not from Low vitamin B. Meet the Real Enemy of Neuropathy (Stop Doing This) Health Insight Journal Learn More Undo Why Matcha Is So Good for You Matcha's modern fame isn't just about its colour, it's about its health benefits too. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and remove them, matcha is made by consuming the whole powdered leaf. That means you get more of the good stuff, like antioxidants. As per science reports, one cup of matcha can contain nearly three times more catechins (a powerful group of antioxidants) than a cup of regular green tea. These help protect the body from damage by neutralising harmful free radicals. Matcha is also believed to support heart health, improve blood pressure, and reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol. Live Events On top of that, matcha is a smart energy booster. It contains caffeine, but also L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. So instead of the jittery buzz you might get from coffee, matcha offers a smooth, sustained energy boost. Many people say it helps them stay alert without the crash or headaches that can follow a strong cup of coffee. Matcha may also support metabolism and detoxification. It's rich in chlorophyll, which is known to help remove toxins from the body and support liver function. This combination of antioxidants, caffeine, and natural detox properties is why so many matcha lovers say it helps them feel energetic and refreshed throughout the day. Matcha vs Other Morning Drinks Compared to regular green tea, matcha generally wins when it comes to nutrients. Since you consume the entire leaf, it provides more antioxidants and vitamins than a simple tea infusion. In fact, studies suggest it may contain up to three times more of the key antioxidant catechins. When compared to coffee, matcha's benefits are different. Coffee gives a strong caffeine jolt, but matcha provides a gentler lift that lasts longer. Many people say they feel more focused and balanced after drinking matcha, without the energy crash that can follow coffee. While matcha typically has less caffeine than a large coffee, it makes up for that with calming L-theanine and extra antioxidants, which coffee doesn't offer. Because of this, many people now see matcha as a 'healthier alternative to coffee', with a more stable, clean energy boost and added wellness benefits. Matcha Mania on Social Media Matcha's bright green look and frothy texture make it a natural star on social media. On Instagram alone, the #matcha hashtag has millions of posts. The drink's photogenic appearance, whether in a stylish latte or a vibrant smoothie bowl, makes it irresistible to influencers and cafés alike. Trendy cafés are now building entire menus around matcha. You'll find layered matcha lattes, colourful frappés, and iced blends that practically beg to be photographed. Seasonal flavours like strawberry matcha or matcha vanilla blends often go viral, and global chains have added matcha to their drink offerings. Online communities have even formed around it, from 'matcha morning rituals' to 'matcha girls' sharing tips, reviews, and DIY recipes. The craze isn't just limited to drinks. Matcha desserts, like green tea cookies, cakes, ice cream, and pancakes, are also exploding in popularity, especially as people recreate them for social media. Matcha in the Kitchen: Recipes and Products Matcha is incredibly versatile, which is part of its global appeal. The classic way to enjoy it is in a matcha latte, hot or cold, made with milk or milk alternatives. Matcha smoothies, banana blends, and iced cappuccinos are other easy favourites. Many also use matcha in recipes for energy balls, protein pancakes, and oatmeal. In desserts, matcha adds both colour and flavour. Green tea cheesecake, cupcakes, matcha mochi, and even matcha tiramisu are popular across cafés and online recipe videos. Some adventurous types even mix matcha into mocktails or soda-based drinks for a refreshing twist. When shopping for matcha, you'll usually see two main types: ceremonial and culinary grade. Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality, made from the youngest leaves and known for its sweet, smooth taste. It's best enjoyed on its own or in traditional lattes. Culinary-grade matcha comes from older leaves, has a stronger and slightly bitter flavour, and is ideal for recipes, baking, or mixing with sweeteners. There are also a growing number of matcha products in shops: ready-to-drink matcha lattes, sachets of instant matcha, matcha energy bars, chocolate, and even skincare items. Ceremonial matcha is ideal for purists, while culinary matcha is great for daily drinks and experimenting in the kitchen. Inputs from agencies

Hindustan Times

4 hours ago

• Hindustan Times

Yoga as a mass campaign to build a healthier India

India, the birthplace of yoga, continues to uphold this ancient wisdom, not just as physical exercises but as a holistic philosophy for the nurturing of the human mind, body, and spirit. The phrase from the Bhagavad Gita, yogah karmasu kaushalam (yoga is skill in action), points to yoga's transformative potential, particularly in empowering women and nurturing children. Yoga has gained global recognition as a channel for wellness and social transformation. The UN's 2014 decision to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga was the world's recognition of India's great spiritual and civilisational heritage. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement — a jan andolan for health and wellness. (AP) This year's Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat, it is necessary to integrate yoga into the lives of women and children, who constitute two-thirds of the country's population and are more vulnerable and exposed to health issues than other sections. From improving mental health and hormonal balance to strengthening the muscular and skeletal system, yoga is uniquely suited to meet the health needs of women across age groups. Adopting yoga before and after pregnancy empowers women to effectively manage related health challenges. Prenatal yoga, with its targeted postures and meditative techniques, alleviates pregnancy discomforts, supports pain management, and boosts energy. It prepares expectant mothers for childbirth physically and emotionally. Postnatal yoga helps lactating mothers in their recovery, emotional well-being, enhancing breastfeeding, and strengthening the mother-child bond. We have leveraged the network of over 25 lakh anganwadi workers to inform, educate, and assist women and children in adopting yoga as a necessary habit in their daily lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constantly advocated for women-led development. The World Bank also argued that increased female labour force participation can boost the manufacturing output by 9% and help us achieve a high-income developed nation status by 2047. All this can only be achieved when we have a physically and emotionally healthy women workforce. Coming to children, lifestyle disorders, screen dependence, and academic pressures have all become major health afflictions. Yoga offers a response to these challenges, by enhancing concentration, memory, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and stress management. Through Mission Saksham, Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0, my ministry is embedding yoga into early childhood care and development, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness habits. The ministry houses various flagship programmes and schemes for the well-being, health, and nutrient intake of women and children. While delivering these benefits, anganwadi centres, one-stop centres, and child care institutions, among others, educate, influence, and facilitate beneficiaries in including specially designed yoga modules in their lives. From IT to space and from policymaking to strategic defence, women are the new frontline warriors. Hence, women must keep working towards unlocking their potential, with yoga playing a key role. By actively incorporating yoga into our women and child welfare policies, we are asserting our cultural sovereignty while simultaneously enhancing grassroots health and well-being. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement — a jan andolan for health and wellness. Let us unite in embracing yoga as a social and personal commitment to build a healthier India and reach new heights. Annpurna Devi is Union minister of women and child development. The views expressed are personal.